Bichon Frise Personality and What to Expect if You’re Getting One
The Bichon Frise has a reputation for being adorable, gentle, and fun to have around. But like every breed, there are things you need to understand before bringing one home. Some Bichons are calm and relaxed. Others can be surprisingly hyper depending on the breeder, the lineage, and how the dog was raised. If you are asking yourself if you should get a Bichon Frise, it helps to know the type of personality you might get.
Before diving into the details, here is a quick summary you can skim.
TLDR
The Bichon Frise is known for an upbeat and affectionate personality.
Energy levels can vary a lot depending on the breeder and lineage.
Some Bichons are calm while others are unusually hyper, which is not typical for the breed.
Bichons are often mixed with other breeds like Shih Tzus.
Understanding the traits of both breeds helps you choose the right match for your home.
If you need structure or support, a Board and Train program can help set the foundation.
Not All Bichon Frise Dogs Are Created Equal
Some Bichon Frise dogs can be extremely hyper. This is not considered normal for the breed. When a Bichon shows unusually high energy or constant restlessness, it often points back to breeding.
Some breeders focus on appearance instead of stable temperament. When that happens, you might get a dog that looks like a Bichon but doesn’t behave like one. This is exactly why researching breeders is so important. A good breeder cares about producing dogs with steady personalities and predictable behavior.
If you already have a Bichon Frise and feel unsure how to manage the energy or structure they need, The Collar Club Academy offers a Board and Train program that gives dogs consistent direction every day.
Why Breeding Plays a Huge Role in Temperament
The Bichon Frise is often described as cheerful and easygoing. This personality is usually the result of breeding choices that prioritize temperament. When a breeder focuses only on looks or popularity, the temperament becomes unpredictable.
Dogs from unstable lines may have traits that surprise owners, such as:
Higher energy than expected
More difficulty settling down
Trouble understanding boundaries
A tendency to test routines
This doesn’t make the dog bad. It simply means the dog needs more structure and clear expectations. With the right approach, you can guide a Bichon back into a balanced routine. If you feel lost on where to start, a Board and Train program is a strong option for shaping consistent habits.
Why People Mix the Bichon Frise With Other Breeds
The Bichon Frise is commonly mixed with other breeds, especially Shih Tzus. These mixes became trendy because they blend two small companion breeds with similar looks.
But here is the part many people overlook. When a Bichon is mixed with another breed, you take on the traits of both. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should get a Bichon Frise mix instead of a purebred, it’s important to know what the secondary breed adds to the equation.
A Shih Tzu mix, for example, may carry traits such as:
A strong desire to be held or stay on someone’s lap
A tendency to guard personal space
Quirks that come from their history as small palace dogs
Shih Tzus were bred to sit in laps and protect royalty. Because of that, they can be possessive at times and show behaviors that aren’t ideal in a home with young kids. This doesn’t apply to every dog, but it shows why mixing breeds changes what you might expect.
Energy Levels and Daily Life With a Bichon Frise
Many people choose the Bichon Frise because they expect a calm and gentle companion. For the most part, that expectation is accurate. The breed was designed to be a cheerful presence in the home, not a high drive working dog.
But as mentioned earlier, not all Bichons match the typical description. When a Bichon is unusually hyper, owners may feel confused or overwhelmed. This is where structured training becomes important. A dog with higher energy needs clear daily routines so it knows what to expect.
Here are a few things you can expect from a typical Bichon:
Moderate energy that fits well with most households
A playful but manageable personality
A strong desire to be near people
A laid back approach to household routines
If your Bichon falls outside that range, it’s a sign they may need more guidance or came from a line where temperament wasn’t prioritized. You can always explore training options, including the Board and Train program, to help reset the foundation.
Should You Get a Bichon Frise? Here’s How to Decide
Choosing the right dog for your home is a big decision. When considering whether to get a Bichon Frise, it helps to look at the facts rather than just appearance.
You might be a good match for a Bichon Frise if:
You want a small dog with a cheerful personality
You prefer a companion who enjoys being around people
You don’t mind a dog that needs grooming and regular upkeep
You appreciate a dog that fits well in most home environments
Great for people who have allergies and want a dog as they are hypoallergenic
You might need to think again if:
You expect the dog to entertain itself for long periods
You don’t have time to provide structure
You assume all Bichons behave the same
The best step you can take is understanding the individual dog you’re considering. A free evaluation helps you get a clearer picture before committing to training or long-term habits.
What About Bichon Frise Puppies or Rescue Dogs?
The same principle applies to any dog you bring home. Look at temperament first. A dog’s early experiences and lineage shape how they respond to everyday life.
Some Bichons come from uncertain backgrounds. Others come from strong lines with predictable behavior. Your job is to figure out which one you are dealing with and give the dog the structure needed to settle into your home.
If you ever feel unsure about the dog’s traits or how to support them, The Collar Club Academy can help you build a plan that makes life easier.
Need Further Help?
The Bichon Frise can be a wonderful companion when you understand the breed’s personality and what shapes it. Asking you should get a Bichon Frise is a smart step because it helps you choose a dog that fits your lifestyle instead of one that surprises you later.
