At a glance
- Bichon Frises are naturally social, affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long
- These energetic dogs need 20-30 minutes of daily exercise plus mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviours
- Their intelligence makes them highly trainable with positive reinforcement, though house training often requires extra patience
- Regular grooming every 4-6 weeks is essential not just for their hypoallergenic coat, but for their overall comfort and temperament
You might notice your Bichon following you from room to room, always wanting to be part of whatever you're doing. This isn'Bichon's behaviour, it's simply how these dogs are wired. Understanding your Bichon's temperament helps you work with their natural tendencies rather than against them, creating a happier home for everyone.
The playful energy that defines the breed
Many Bichon owners are familiar with what's affectionately called the "Bichon Blitz." One moment your dog is calmly sitting beside you, the next they're racing around the house in pure joy. This burst of energy isn't hyperactivity, it's a natural expression of their lively temperament.
These dogs genuinely enjoy interactive games like fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek. Research shows that Bichons need regular daily exercise, typically 20-30 minutes of walking combined with play sessions, to maintain their mental and physical health. Without adequate stimulation, you might see destructive behaviours emerge.
The key is channelling this energy productively. Interactive toys like the KONG Classic or Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel (ranging from $10-25) can keep your dog mentally engaged when you're busy. Training sessions also serve double duty, providing mental stimulation while reinforcing good behaviour.
Their deep need for companionship
When it comes to affection in Bichons, context matters. These aren't dogs that simply tolerate human company, they actively seek it out. You'll often find your dog wanting cuddle time or positioning themselves where they can observe family activities.
This strong attachment makes them excellent therapy dogs due to their naturally comforting presence. However, it also means they're particularly vulnerable to separation anxiety. Many Bichon owners worry when they notice destructive behaviours like chewing furniture, excessive whining, or inappropriate toileting that occurs only when the dog is left alone.
The solution lies in gradual conditioning. Start with very short absences, perhaps just stepping outside for a few minutes, then slowly increase the duration. Providing interactive toys or treat-dispensing puzzles during alone time helps create positive associations with your departure.
Social butterflies with everyone they meet
Have you wondered why your Bichon seems to treat every stranger as a potential friend? This happy-go-lucky attitude is deeply ingrained in their temperament. They're generally friendly with children, other pets, and newcomers, though they'll still alert you to visitors with their natural watchfulness.
Early socialisation is crucial for developing this confident, well-rounded personality. Puppy classes, regular outings, and controlled interactions with different people and animals help reinforce their naturally social tendencies. Without proper socialisation, even friendly breeds can become anxious or overly cautious.
Their alertness makes them good watchdogs, but without aggression. They'll let you know someone's at the door, but they're more likely to greet the visitor with enthusiasm than suspicion.
Intelligence that works for and against you
Bichons are smart and eager to please, which makes training generally straightforward when you use positive reinforcement methods. They learn quickly and often enjoy performing tricks, responding well to treats, praise, and play as rewards.
However, this intelligence sometimes works against house training efforts. Many owners find that while their dog masters commands and tricks easily, toilet training takes considerably longer than expected. This isn't stubbornness, it's often related to their sensitive nature and need for consistent routines.
Small, soft treats like Zuke's Mini Naturals ($10-15 per bag) work well for frequent positive reinforcement during training sessions. The key is consistency rather than intensity. Short, five-minute sessions twice daily typically produce better results than longer, less frequent training periods.
Managing separation anxiety effectively
Sometimes the reasons for destructive behaviour are medical, sometimes behavioural, but with Bichons, separation anxiety is often the culprit. Their strong need for companionship means extended periods alone can trigger genuine distress.
Crate training can help, providing a safe space that feels secure rather than confining. A properly sized crate like the MidWest iCrate ($50-100) gives your dog a den-like environment. However, crating should be part of a broader strategy, not the entire solution.
Gradual desensitisation works best. Practice leaving for very short periods, returning before your dog becomes anxious. Increase the duration slowly over several weeks. If anxiety is severe despite consistent training efforts, consulting a veterinary behaviourist or certified dog trainer can provide tailored solutions specific to your dog's needs.
Grooming's role in temperament
Regular grooming isn't just about appearance, it directly affects your Bichon's comfort and behaviour. Their hypoallergenic, curly coat requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting, which can cause discomfort and irritability.
Between professional sessions, daily brushing with quality tools like the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush helps maintain their coat and provides bonding time. Professional grooming typically costs $40-90 per session, but it's an investment in your dog's overall wellbeing.
A comfortable, well-groomed dog is generally a happier, more relaxed dog. Matted or uncomfortable coats can lead to increased irritability and behavioural changes that owners might mistake for temperament issues.
When professional help makes sense
Most Bichon temperament challenges respond well to consistent, patient training. However, some situations benefit from professional guidance. If separation anxiety leads to severe destructive behaviour or obvious distress despite your training efforts, a veterinary behaviourist can assess whether medication might help alongside behavioural modification.
Similarly, if house training stalls completely or behavioural issues escalate rather than improve, professional trainers can identify specific triggers or techniques that work better for your individual dog. Every dog is different, and sometimes what works for most Bichons needs adjustment for your particular situation.
Understanding your dog's temperament means recognising both their wonderful qualities and their potential challenges. With proper exercise, socialisation, training, and attention to their grooming needs, these naturally social, intelligent dogs make exceptional companions for families, singles, and seniors alike.
