The price of a Bichon Frise is among the most expensive in the market. This dog’s tiny stature and medium-curly white hair make them quite in demand by pet lovers worldwide.
However, their only disadvantage is that they are rare, which explains why the Bichon Frise price is often out of reach for aspiring pet owners.
In addition, the monthly maintenance can be quite costly, especially if they suffer health issues.
In this article, I’ll explain the important specifics of the breed’s price and expenses to know whether they fit your budget or not. So without further ado, let’s begin!
The Average Cost of a Bichon Frise Puppy
The Bichon Frise cost ranges between $1,000 and $2,000. However, it can go up to $3,500 depending on the puppy’s quality and appearance. Those with veterinary papers and appropriate health testing are also expected to be pricier.
The average cost of a Bichon Frise pup can be expensive due to its rare nature. With this being said, expect the prices of the pup to increase a little further depending on the breeder’s reputation and the quality of the Bichon Frise puppy.
You also have to bear in mind the maintenance expenses, including grooming, healthcare, and nutrition.
Owning and maintaining a healthy Bichon Frise can be quite expensive. However, the warmth and companionship it can provide are very rewarding for dog lovers.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Bichon Frise Puppy
Bichon Frise breeders don’t just designate random price tags for their puppies. They actually follow a set of standards based on several factors that determine the Bichon Frise price.
These factors generally comprise the dog’s age, the breeders’ reputation, and health papers such as proof of vaccination and deworming.
To better understand this matter, I have listed some of the factors you have to consider if you are interested in owning Bichon puppies:
Age: The younger the Bichon Frise is, the more expensive it becomes. If you’re not willing to spend tons of money on a dog, then you may have to opt for older pups. However, investing in younger pups is very rewarding, and it will definitely pay off eventually.
Appearance: The most in-demand and most common variation of this breed is the white Bichon Frise. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) also recognizes other Bichon Frise colors such as white and apricot, white and buff, and white and cream. The average cost of these rarer color variations is much higher than the standard white color.
Breeders’ Accreditation: The price of purebred dogs can be costly if you are buying from a reputable breeder accredited by the AKC. You are looking at an amount of at least $3,500 per puppy from such breeders.
Registration Papers: Bichon Frise puppies with complete registration documents issued by kennel clubs such as the United Kennel Club (UKC), American Kennel Club (AKC), and other organizations are often priced higher.
Health Documents: A huge factor in determining the puppy’s price is its health condition. Once the screening identifies that the puppy is healthy and has no inherited defects, then expect the breed to be expensive.
Size: Even as adults, a full-grown Bichon Frise is quite small. However, smaller variations like the teacup Bichon Frise are likely more expensive due to the specific methods a breeder uses to produce this variety.
Gender: Getting a male or female Bichon Frise is also a factor in determining the breed’s final price. Females are often priced higher due to their breeding potential.
Training and Socialization: Bichon Frises tend to bark a lot that’s why breeders often conduct private training to control this tendency. You should expect the price to be a little higher for puppies that received proper training before being sold.
The list of considerations above may seem overwhelming at first, but you have to remember that they are essential in ensuring a healthy breed of high quality.
If you’re still unsure if a Bichon Frise is worth the price, watch this video to learn more about the breed:
Bichon Frise Breed Information: Temperament, Lifespan & more | Petplan<a href="https://youtu.be/iyljFQOK0A8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FiyljFQOK0A8%2F0.jpg" alt="Bichon Frise Breed Information: Temperament, Lifespan &amp; more | Petplan" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Bichon Frise From a Rescue?
Most of the time, rescued dogs are already in their adult years, which means that the cost of adopting a Bichon Frise can be relatively low. Most animal shelters and rescues only require an adoption fee of $150 to $600.
However, the adoption fees for rescued Bichon Frise may vary depending on the vaccination, spaying/neutering, and grooming that was performed on the canine. The rescue’s reputation can also play a role in the final adoption price.
Also, some of the factors mentioned previously still apply to the Bichon Frise adoption cost, which includes the size, availability of registration documents, and any training given to this small dog.
Initial Cost of Bichon Frise Ownership
Finding the best Bichon Frise dog that fits your preferences is only the first step. You also have to be a responsible owner by preparing a budget for its maintenance.
This includes essentials such as food, toys, grooming, and other necessities to keep their overall well-being.
To provide the best for your beloved four-legged companion, I have listed the most important things you need to properly care for a Bichon Frise:
Food and Treats: Puppy food and treats are the most vital necessity you should spend on. You should expect to spend between $50 and $80 initially for small dog breeds like the Bichon Frise. Make sure to ask your vet for dog food brand recommendations.
Food and Water Bowls: Feeding and water bowls are usually affordable. However, it’s important to be conscious of the materials used in producing these items. To be safe, it’s advisable to stick to non-GMO products or those made from stainless steel. The approximate cost of these essentials ranges between $10 and $25.
Bed: Another important thing you have to consider is the bed of your little puppy. It has to be proportionate to the size of your pup to bring utmost comfort. You may also need to adjust the size of the bed as they grow older. The average budget you have to prepare for this item is about $30 to $150.
Crate: Whenever you’re traveling or commuting to the veterinarians’ clinic, it would be appropriate at times to put them in a crate. This would enable them to ease stress as they move from one place to another. The prices of crates vary depending on the quality, but it would normally cost you about $30 to $200.
Leashes and Collars: These items are also essential if you’re going to take your dog for a walk or during training. To avoid pressure on the neck, you can also buy a harness. Good quality leashes and collars normally cost $15 to $50.
Toys: Bichons love playtime. To keep your dogs entertained, you may need to find the best set of toys like chew toys to make them happy. The price of these depends on the brand. Typically, the cost ranges from $20 to $30.
Grooming Essentials: Although the Bichon Frise’s shedding is considered minimal, they still need proper cleaning and grooming due to their daily activities. Some of the essentials you may need include dog shampoos, grooming wipes, clippers, toothbrushes and toothpastes, and flea and tick powder. These grooming essentials are likely to cost you around $30 to $150.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Part of maintaining your dog’s health is to regularly check for parasites and eradicate them. This can be done by visiting your local vet or by purchasing over-the-counter medicines. If you decide to do it at home, you should have vet-approved deworming kits and anti-tick and flea medications. These normally range from $50 to $200.
Initial Vet Visit: In addition to the previously mentioned maintenance, you also have to consider the vital initial checkup, such as health screenings. On top of the medical expenses, you also have to set aside an initial veterinarian’s fee amounting to between $100 and $300.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Before you take the puppy home, they have to receive their initial vaccination shots. This process ensures that the puppy is in tip-top condition. Normally, the price of the shots amounts to $75 to $200.
Neutering or Spaying: This process is optional. If you don’t want unwanted puppies born in your household, you may consider spaying or neutering your Bichon Frise. In most cases, the surgery price ranges from around $50 to $550.
Dog License: Getting your pup a dog license also incurs additional costs. This is important to have in order to identify the owner whenever accidents occur. For dog registration, you have to prepare a budget of approximately $10 to $20.
Microchip: You may consider using a microchip to easily find your Bichon Frise puppy if they happen to get lost. The microchip contains your pup’s information along with your contact details. The procedure for implanting a microchip costs between $40 and $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: There are other items worth considering as well, such as poop scooper, urine cleaner, and poop bags. These are essential, especially if you are out walking your dog in public areas. These typically cost around $15 to $30 from pet stores.
Below is a quick overview of the initial cost of Bichon Frise ownership:
As you can see, becoming a dog owner requires financial responsibility. It can get quite expensive, especially when you’re just about to take your new Bichon Frise puppy home.
If you’re serious about owning a Bichon Frise but want to save on initial costs, you can check for store promos through your local shop or online.
Annual Cost of Owning a Bichon Frise
Now, let’s talk about the yearly recurring expenses that you will encounter throughout your dog’s lifetime.
However, the figures below are only rough estimates that can only serve as your reference once you decide to become a Bichon Frise owner.
To give you a much a better understanding of this breed’s annual requirements, check out the table below:
From the table above, you can see that routine veterinary care takes a chunk of the Bichon’s Frise’s annual expenses. The estimated yearly total cost for the vet visits alone is around $200 to $400.
The Bichon Frise is a relatively healthy breed. Their typical lifespan is about 12 to 14 years. However, as they grow older, they become more at risk for diseases that can shorten their average lifespan.
Like other dogs, Bichon Frises are prone to bone conditions like patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia, according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
As they become more vulnerable to these conditions, getting them insured becomes a necessity. Pet insurance prices usually range between $500 and $600.
However, you have to be mindful of the type of pet insurance you will get. Make sure to choose one that covers emergency medical treatment, surgeries, and other major medical expenses.
Other Potential Expenses
The initial, annual, and monthly costs discussed in the previous sections are just the tip of the iceberg. You also have to prepare a budget for medical emergencies or other necessities that would improve your Bichon Frise’s life.
Additional measures and expenses arise when taking care of Bichon Frise dogs, especially when you’re away.
Some of the potential expenses of owning a Bichon Frise are listed below:
Pet Sitter: If you’re not comfortable leaving them at daycare centers, a good alternative is to hire a pet sitter or dog walker. A huge advantage of sitters is that they are well-equipped with the expertise and skills to take care of your pet. If you end up choosing their services, prepare at least an $18 to $25 budget.
Pet Boarding: If you’re going out of town and can’t bring your dog with you, you can pay for pet boarding services. Aside from a comfy place to sleep, these places offer activities that your Bichon Frise can enjoy to lessen the separation anxiety they feel. The typical rate for pet hotels usually ranges from $40 to $60 per night.
Grooming Services: You may need the services of a grooming professional if your Bichon Frise’s coat becomes difficult to manage. If this is the case, you may need to prepare a budget of at least $30 to $60 per session.
Kennel Club Certification: Registering your Bichon Frise with major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club requires membership fees of around $40 to a maximum of $100. It’s not necessary, but you may need them if you’re planning to join dog shows and competitions.
Emergency Medical Costs: Accidents may happen from time to time that would require medical attention. The prices for emergency treatment may vary depending on the injury or health condition like ear infections, gum disease, bladder stones, and hip dysplasia. To give you a rough estimate, it would cost you about $1,000 to $5,000.
As mentioned, some of the items are not a necessity, while others are inevitable during an emergency. You may find cheaper alternatives, especially if you are under a tight budget.
However, medical treatment and hygiene should always be prioritized. As an owner, you need to pay attention to these immediate needs.
Places to Find Bichon Frise Puppies for Sale and Adoption
As discussed earlier, it could be challenging to find a Bichon Frise puppy due to its rarity.
You may find sites on the internet claiming that they’re certified, but most of them are just backyard breeders, and their credibility can’t be verified.
If this is your concern, I have listed some of the top Bichon Frise breeders and rescue centers you can do business with.
First, let’s talk about the best places to buy a Bichon Frise puppy:
White River Bichons – This Arkansas-based breeder specializes in producing Bichon Frise puppies with show-quality bloodlines. All of their dogs are fed with non-grain dog food to ensure optimum health conditions.
Bijou Bichon – This is a Bichon Frise breeder that is very knowledgeable on the proper management of their breeding stock. They are accredited by the AKC and have been in business for over ten years. Thus, if you’re looking for a credible breeder in the marketplace, then you have to check out Bijou Bichon.
Legend Bichons – This reputable breeder specifically offers Bichon Frise puppies that have champion bloodlines. If you’re the type of owner specifically looking for a Bichon that you can sign up for dog shows and events, then Legend Bichons is the place to go.
If all the puppies are reserved from these places, you can check out our top 10 best Bichon Frise breeders to find the perfect pet.
For risk-free transactions, check out our puppy buying guide. This includes tips on how to identify reputable breeders online and avoid scams.
On the other hand, here are some of the best Bichon Frise shelters or rescues where you can find adopt either a puppy or adult dog:
Bichon Rescue of Orange County – This rescue site is a branch of the organization called Bichon Frise Club of America that’s especially dedicated to Bichon Frise dogs. They have offices all around the United States that you can come in contact with if you are planning to rescue a Bichon.
Small Paws Rescue Shelter – This is a prominent, non-profit agency that rescues abandoned or maltreated Bichon Frise across America. The organization is very active in searching for foster and permanent homes for rescued Bichon Frises.
Bichon Rescue Tennessee – This group focuses on the extensive rehabilitation of rescued Bichon Frise dogs and making sure that they are in good health condition before posting the dog for adoption. With this being said — you can expect that the dog is in its tip-top condition when they arrive at your home.
You can refer to our article on the top 10 best Bichon Frise rescues if you need more options for adoption.
To get your application approved instantly by a rescue organization, follow the tips included in our dog adoption guide article.
Backyard breeders and puppy mills may not be the best option if you’re looking for a healthy dog. It’s highly suggested to stick with reputable breeders or rescue groups to get a Bichon Frise.
Money-Saving Tips for Bichon Frise Owners
The puppy price and maintenance of a Bichon Frise can be a little pricey, but this shouldn’t hinder you if you really want to be a proud owner of this beautiful breed.
Below are some of the money-saving tips you can employ without compromising the pleasure that comes with having this breed as a pet:
Ensure regular checkups. Prevention is always better than cure, as they always say. A regular visit to the vet not only maintains the health of your pup but also allows you to save money by preventing expenses for treatment and other medical procedures.
Practice home grooming. Among the most expensive aspects of owning a dog are hygiene and grooming. Although a visit to the grooming salon is essential, it can easily be done at home using the proper tools. Aside from being a cheaper alternative, this also allows you to bond with your pet.
Make homemade dog foods or treats. If possible, you can even make or cook puppy food for your beloved canine friend instead of buying them. By doing so, you can increase your budget and spend them on the other needs of your pet.
Invest in high-quality dog essentials. Spending money on cheaper items may seem like a steal. But in reality, it contains low-quality materials that may even put your pups’ health at risk. Investing in high-quality, durable products prevents frequent item replacement.
Becoming an owner of Bichon Frise doesn’t have to be expensive. These money hacks should help you enjoy your time with your pet without having to worry about your budget.
If you find other ways to save money, feel free to follow them as you wish. However, always bear in mind never to compromise your pet’s health when cutting on expenses.
Final Thoughts
Bichon Frises are small dogs that make good pets. They are ideal house companions that can keep you warm and cozy.
However, a highly-trainable and sociable canine like the Bichon Frise can be expensive and may not be suited to those who are under a tight budget.
Nevertheless, becoming an owner of Bichon Frise can be very rewarding. Its playful and affectionate nature can surely ease the tensions of a day’s work and bring a smile to family members.
With this information, you can determine whether the Bichon Frise price and expenses suit your financial capability.
Are you ready to become a Bichon Frise owner? Let us know in the comment section below!
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