DogsLifeBreed profile
Bichon Frise: size, sleep, exercise and care
A small, merry companion with a white, curly coat that keeps growing. Bichons are people-focused, playful and happiest close to their family.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Adult weight
- 5.5–8 kg
- Height at the shoulder
- 24–29 cm
- Life expectancy
- 14–15 years
- Exercise needs
- Low · 30 min per day
Sleep needs
Typical total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
| Puppy | Adult | Senior |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 h | 12–14 h | 12–15 h |
These are general life-stage ranges for dogs from the AKC and Hill's; no study gives a separate figure for the Bichon Frise. Individual dogs vary, and a sudden change in how much your dog sleeps is worth mentioning to your vet.
Exercise needs
Both PDSA and The Royal Kennel Club put the Bichon's needs at around 30 minutes a day. A short walk plus indoor games is enough for most, but many Bichons happily do more if you build up slowly. Short training sessions and sniffing games keep the mind busy too.
Potty training
Small dogs have small bladders, and toy-sized puppies may need to go out more often than larger puppies of the same age. Expect frequent trips at first and reward every success outside.
Bichons are often described as a breed that takes extra patience to house-train, so keep the routine consistent for longer and limit free roaming indoors until accidents have stopped. In cold or wet weather, a covered toilet spot close to the door helps a reluctant small dog go quickly.
Puppy potty schedule calculator →
Feeding
Feed a complete food for small breeds in small, measured portions; with a dog this size a few extra treats make a big difference to body weight. Young puppies need three to four meals a day, adults usually two.
Very small puppies can run low on blood sugar if they go too long without food, so do not skip meals in the first months. Wipe the face after meals if food stains the white coat around the mouth.
Frequently asked questions
How much exercise does a Bichon Frise need?
Around 30 minutes a day according to PDSA and The Royal Kennel Club, plus play and training at home.
How often does a Bichon puppy need to pee?
Often. Small puppies may need to go out every hour or two while awake and always after sleep, meals and play. See how often a puppy needs to pee.
Sources
- Bichon Frise dog breed information — American Kennel Club
- Bichon Frise: breed information and exercise — The Royal Kennel Club
- Bichon Frise breed guide — PDSA
- How much do puppies sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How much should my dog sleep per day? — Hill's Pet Nutrition
- Can senior dogs sleep too much? — American Kennel Club