How Much Does a Bichon Frise Cost

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At first glance, it’s easy to assume that the gorgeous bichon frise will set you back an arm and a leg. However, bichons frises are not always expensive and their price can depend on a variety of factors.

To really understand how much one costs, let’s delve into all the costs you might incur.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bichon Frise?

The price of a bichon frise can vary, but a good breeder will generally sell for at least $800. The prices also vary with the popularity of the Bichon Frise, which fluctuates from year to year. Some backyard-bred bichons frises may go for very low prices, such as $300, however, this is usually a red flag concerning the potential health or breeding practices involved.

On the other hand, AKC registered bichon frises, or dogs that come from a show background can cost up to around $3,000. Meanwhile, adopting a bichon frise from a shelter should only cost a nominal adoption fee.

Assuming you are buying a puppy, the main factors determining the price of a bichon frise puppy are as follows:

Pedigree

Breeding is more than just the health of the parent dogs. In the world of dog breeding, it is a status associated with a certified pedigree. The pedigree is registered with a recognized national kennel club and documents important information regarding the dog’s lineage.

There are also a lot of claims that a purebred bichon frise with a certified pedigree will be healthier. That is debatable. The practices involved in breeding ‘purebred’ dogs can lead to a far smaller shared gene pool, leading to genetic abnormalities. Some breeders may breed purebred, unregistered “teacup” bichons, that can sell for exorbitant prices, even if the dogs themselves are extremely unhealthy.

However, breeders that do screen for health will include this in their prices, so a pedigree dog from a healthy line will cost more in the short term. You can expect to pay around $2,000. Non-registered dogs that have no affiliation with any organization will be much cheaper.

Breeding Dogs vs. Pets

Bichon frise males and females are pretty similar in size, looks, and temperament. Still, their gender can make a difference. Registered dogs that could be potential show dogs or that are breeding material will be more expensive than pet quality dogs. Often the breeder will ask that owners sign a contract not to breed pet quality bichons frises.

Choosing the Right Bichon Frise Breeder

Reputation means a lot when it comes to breeders. There are a couple of factors that you will need to consider when choosing a breeder when buying a bichon frise pup. The following list will help you determine whether a breeder is right for you.

Meet Them in Person

Meeting a breeder in person can help you gauge a lot about how they operate. Look for professionalism above friendliness. An overeager breeder is never a good sign. Be sure to meet them where they breed their dogs. This way, you can get an idea of the breeding dogs’ living standards. Also, note how the dogs respond to the breeder.

Pay attention to the breeding dogs. Do they look well-fed? Are they kept in small enclosures? If anything stands out as a bit off or makes you feel uncomfortable, this is not the right breeder to work with.

Ask As Many Questions As You Can

No rule says a top-notch dog breeder needs to be a people person. Many aren’t, but as part of the professional service they offer, a good breeder should be willing to answer all questions you may have.

Ask to See the Pup’s Parents

This is not an unreasonable request, and a confident breeder will be more than happy to show off the puppy’s parents. If the parents are healthy, happy dogs, it bodes well for their pups. The parents are also a good indicator of what to expect in terms of size and appearance.

Ask for a Medical History

A good breeder will happily provide proof of health screenings. These include things like CERF certificates.

Shop Around

The biggest mistake first-time buyers make is going out intending to buy a puppy on the first day. Good breeders usually have a waiting list. Having puppies immediately available is sometimes a sign of a puppy mill. So take your time finding dogs that are worth waiting for. Alternatively, you can look for rescues that focus on finding homes for bichons frises.

That time is best put to use shopping around and meeting different breeders. Don’t let a breeder pressure you into committing. That by itself is a red flag. Take your time, find the best possible breeder and puppy for you.

Adopting a Bichon Frise

Adopting is a great option for getting a bichon frise. Unfortunately, many people shy away from adopting, especially when their hearts are set on a specific breed. Purebred bichon frise puppies are a rare find when adopting. Still, there are a lot of bichon frise crosses looking for a safe and loving home and there are organizations such as Bichon Frises of Orange County that can help you find your perfect companion.

Things to Keep in Mind When Adopting

While adopting is a great option, there are a few peculiarities attached with this method of getting a bichon frise:

• You need to be prepared for potential behavioral problems. Many dogs that end up in shelters have experienced trauma which can lead to various behavioral abnormalities.
• There is no way of predicting the dog’s future health. Without records of lineage, there is only so much you can do to determine potential health risks. Adopted dogs might cost more in vet bills, and it is best to be prepared.
• They aren’t always bichons frises. Aside from bichon crosses, many shelters will label any small fluffy white dog like a bichon. It is most likely not done to deceive anyway. It is more likely an honest mistake.

How Much Does It Cost to Keep a Bichon Frise?

When it comes to pets, the cost of purchasing them is usually only the beginning of a list of expenses that you need to be prepared for. These range from food to vet bills. Let’s look at some of the basic costs that you may need to cover:

Food

Your bichon frise will always need to eat. Their diet may change as they get older, but they don’t eat very much food as a smaller breed. That said, a proper dietary plan for a bichon can cost you between $85 and $100 per month.

Implements

There are basic items that your bichon frise will need. These are things like food and water bowls which cost anywhere from $10 to $250, depending on brand and features. Then you need a dog bed. Cheap dog beds start at around $50, with ridiculously priced designer beds costing thousands of dollars. A decent small dog bed will set you back around $150

You will need a leash and collar for walks. Designer versions top out at incredible prices, but you can pick up a decent set for around $20. You might want to check my list of the best collars for bichon frise.

Another basic essential is a dog crate. You don’t need a very large one; bichons are small dogs. You can find a decent crate online for between $50 and $130.You will also need poop-scoopers at $10 and chew toys costing anything from $5 to $50 each. You may also need extra blankets for around $10 each.

Grooming Gear

You can find all kinds of grooming sets and utensils available for purchase online. A decent, reasonably priced kit costs between $40 and $60. More expensive kits can go for as much as $150. The fancy, albeit very optional add-ons and fur vacuums systems, can cost hundreds of dollars extra.

The high-quality doggy shampoo a bichon needs will set you back another $15 to $20.

If you are not comfortable grooming your bichon frise yourself, you will need to budget for frequent visits to the doggy parlor. These groomers usually ask extra for bichons, as they require extra care. Prices range between $60 and $90.

Vets Bills and Health Insurance

Even the healthiest dog will need to go to the vet for an occasional checkup. Such visits can cost upwards of $200. Emergencies, particularly those requiring medical intervention, can set you back thousands of dollars.

For this reason, you should consider pet health insurance. As is the case with health insurance for humans, you get what you pay for. The cheaper plans will set you back about $240 per year. With these plans, you can expect a lot of co-payments. Comprehensive insurance costs anything from $1,300 to $1,800 per year but fully covers any medical costs.

Total Cost of Owning a Bichon Frise

It is impossible to give an exact number. Your bichon frise’s health, needs, and longevity all make a big difference. Based on the numbers we have used here, a generally healthy bichon that reaches the age of 12 will have cost you between $30,000 and $40,000 (without adjusting for inflation) over the course of its lifetime.

Summary

Bichons frises are adorable little fluffy dogs that look like they cost a fortune to buy and keep. While some factors set bichons apart from other breeds, such as their grooming requirements, they don’t really cost much more to buy and care for than most similar small breeds.