Bichon Frise

Feeding your Bichon Frise properly is crucial for maintaining their health and preventing obesity, which these little dogs can be prone to. In Australia, you'll find excellent high-quality commercial dog foods that meet nutritional standards, and these work brilliantly for Bichons.

Choose age-appropriate food - puppy formula for young Bichons, adult food for mature dogs, and senior formulas for older companions. Small breed formulas are particularly beneficial as they're designed for smaller mouths and higher metabolic needs. Some Australian pet stores even stock Bichon-specific foods if you prefer breed-targeted nutrition.

Portion control is essential. Follow the manufacturer's feeding guidelines on the packaging, but remember these are starting points. Your Australian vet can provide personalised advice based on your dog's weight, body condition, and activity level - particularly important given our varied climate conditions from tropical Darwin to cooler Melbourne winters.

Adult Bichons typically do well with two meals daily, while puppies need three to five smaller meals to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Because Bichons are intelligent and love mental stimulation, consider using puzzle feeders, lick mats, or snuffle mats instead of regular bowls. This makes mealtime more engaging and helps prevent gulping.

If your Bichon develops bladder stones, your vet will likely recommend a prescription diet. Australian veterinary clinics are well-equipped to provide these specialised foods and ongoing dietary management.

Treats should comprise no more than 10% of daily calories. Given Bichons' dental predisposition, look for dental chews approved by veterinary oral health councils. Always ensure fresh water is available, especially during our hot Australian summers when these fluffy dogs can overheat more easily than you might expect.

Here's where Bichon ownership gets real - these gorgeous dogs require serious grooming commitment. Their double coat of curly white hair is their crowning glory, but it demands daily attention to prevent matting and keep your Bichon looking their fluffy best.

Daily brushing is non-negotiable. You'll need a quality slicker brush and a metal comb with wide-spaced teeth. The slicker brush removes dead undercoat hair and straightens the curls, while the comb ensures you've caught every tangle. Many Australian Bichon owners swear by grooming sprays that prevent matting and make brushing easier.

Monthly baths are essential, using high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner. In Australia's dusty conditions, you might find you need to bathe more frequently, especially after beach visits or bushland walks. The bathing process is quite involved - wet thoroughly, lather with shampoo, rinse completely, apply conditioner, then rinse again. After towel drying, use a blow dryer while brushing to achieve that signature fluffy look.

Professional grooming every four to six weeks is virtually mandatory. Australian groomers are skilled at the traditional Bichon cut - rounded head, neat body trim, and that distinctive teddy bear appearance. Budget for this ongoing expense as it's not optional with this breed.

Eye care is particularly important as these white dogs show tear staining easily. Clean around the eyes daily with dog-safe wipes or solutions. Regular ear cleaning monthly prevents infections, especially important given their floppy, hair-filled ears.

Don't forget nail trims every 2-3 weeks and daily teeth brushing. While this sounds overwhelming, most Australian Bichon owners find the routine becomes second nature, and the reward is having one of the most beautiful, sweet-smelling companions you'll ever meet.

Bichons are brilliant little students who genuinely want to please you, making them surprisingly easy to train despite their small size. They're intelligent, eager learners who respond beautifully to positive reinforcement methods - harsh training simply doesn't work with these sensitive souls.

Start socialisation and basic training early. Puppy classes are widely available across Australian cities and are perfect for Bichons. They'll quickly master basics like "sit," "stay," and "come," and they absolutely love learning tricks. Many Australian owners are amazed at how quickly their Bichons pick up entertaining behaviours that delight family and friends.

The one training challenge many Australian owners face is housebreaking. Bichons can be a bit stubborn about toilet training, but consistency and patience pay off. Many successfully use indoor toilet training with puppy pads or litter boxes, which works well in Australian apartments or during extreme weather.

Exercise needs are moderate but important. These dogs have bursts of high energy followed by calm periods - perfect for our lifestyle. A couple of short walks daily, some backyard playtime, or indoor games usually satisfy their needs. They're surprisingly fast little runners, so always use a lead or ensure your yard is securely fenced.

Bichons love interactive play - tug-of-war, fetch with small toys, and puzzle games keep them mentally stimulated. They're also excellent apartment dogs for urban Australian living, as they can burn energy indoors when needed.

The key is preventing boredom. A lonely, unstimulated Bichon may bark excessively or develop destructive habits. But give them attention, training, and moderate exercise, and you'll have a well-behaved companion who's equally happy exploring Melbourne's laneways or relaxing during Perth's hot afternoons.