Temperment Of The Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a vivacious, affectionate companion dog.  As  companion dogs, they are highly sociable and are happiest when they are a part of a family that includes them in their activities and excursions. The Bichon Frise needs to be with people and is not well suited for families that spend most of their time away from home, leaving their dog home alone.

The gentle, friendly nature of the Bichon Frise makes it an excellent dog for children as well as for senior citizens.  They also do well in the company of other dogs and pets.

Because of its high sociability factor, and its typically self-assured, happy temperament,  the Bichon Frise has earned an excellent reputation as a therapy dog.  As such, many of them enjoy regularly scheduled visits to retirement homes and children's hospitals.  In such settings, their bright outgoing personalities bring a much needed dose of pleasure into the lives of others.

Being small, the Bichon Frise is able to enjoy a high level of indoor activity.  This factor makes them well suited for apartments.  However, they do enjoy and benefit from daily walks or romps in open areas.

Intelligent, this breed learns quickly.  Their sensitive nature coupled with a somewhat independent spirit requires gentle, positive, and consistent training methods. Given such a favorable environment, the Bichon Frise proves an eager-to-please little student and companion, capable of learning many things.

The history of the Bichon Frise includes an era of popularity as circus performers and organ grinders' dogs in France.  It is not surprising then, that this breed still loves to be the center of attention.  They are able to easily learn a variety of tricks to charm and delight their human family members.

The Bichon Frise is neither a yapper nor a "high strung" companion.  However, they receive high ratings as "watch dogs," barking to alert their humans to the approach of strangers or friends.  While excellent at "sounding the alarm" to announce new arrivals, their gentle temperament is not suited for the role of "guard dog."

A true companion dog, the Bichon Frise is able to maintain a perky disposition well into its senior years as long as it lives in the company of its human family members.