Cute and cuddly, the charming tiny snowball that is a Bichon Frise has become quite a popular and rare breed. It’s no wonder why they’re so highly sought after, though! Their medium-length curly fur alongside their adorably short stature make them the top pick of pup for many modern families. But, what do Bichon Frise prices look like in 2024? It turns out, their costs can take quite a pretty penny.
In this article, we’ll not only delve into the upfront costs of attaining your new furry friend, but we’ll also entail all of the lifelong, recurring costs of this particular dog breed. Whether you’ve just found yourself with a new addition to the family, or you’re still considering bringing home a Bichon Frise, here is a breakdown of the various Bichon Frise prices in 2024.
How Much Does a Bichon Frise Puppy Cost?
If you’ve set your sights on a Bichon Frise, the first cost that you’ll face is the actual acquisition of the puppy. The cost of a Bichon Frise puppy is one that varies quite depending on your adoption source. Here are the two most common ways people acquire this breed, as well as the costs that come with each.
Buying From a Breeder
As popular as this breed is, don’t be surprised if you have to go to a breeder to adopt one. As with the adoption of any animal, be sure to properly vet the breeder of your choice for legitimacy prior to your purchase. Sometimes, puppy mills may try to persuade you to support their business by offering an unusually low adoption cost. Once you’ve found a trustworthy breeder, don’t be surprised if the costs are fairly significant.
These prices vary, but the lower end of the price bracket is in the $1,000-$1,200 range. In some instances, the price of a purebred Bichon Frise from a breeder can be as high as $2,500. A hefty number, but one that some households believe to be well worth the new family addition.
Adopting From a Shelter
Though it is rare for this sought-after breed to be in a shelter or rescue for an extended period of time, it is not unheard of. There are advantages and disadvantages to adoption. An advantage is, of course, giving an animal a second chance at a happy life. The main disadvantage is that there is a chance the dog you adopt will require a special amount of care, whether that be emotional or medical. If you and your household do not feel prepared to give this kind of specialized care, then it is incredibly important to understand your adopted dog’s history prior to adoption.
Each rescue and shelter has a different fee amount. In some cases, the cost of a Bichon Frise in 2024 from a shelter can be as low as $50, but it could also be as high as $300. That being said, even a high-range shelter will never be as expensive as buying a puppy from a breeder.
Other Factors that Influence the Price of a Bichon Frise
Some additional factors can influence the price of your new Bichon Frise. These are things that are specific to the breed that might go over the heads of some. It’s important, though, to fully understand the intricacies of the breed before adopting that pet. In particular, two factors require additional consideration before settling on the breed:
1. The Lineage of the Dog
The lineage of a Bichon Frise puppy can significantly impact its cost due to several factors. Firstly, a puppy with a prestigious lineage, boasting champion show dogs or renowned bloodlines is likely to have desirable traits such as excellent conformation and health, making it a more sought-after and valuable pet.
In addition, reputable breeders invest time and resources in carefully planning and executing matings to maintain and improve the breed’s quality. The assurance of a well-documented and reliable lineage provides potential buyers with confidence in the puppy’s authenticity and potential, further influencing its price in the market.
2. The Breed’s Grooming Requirements
Bichon Frises are known for their luxurious, hypoallergenic coats, which demand frequent grooming to keep them in top condition. The maintenance includes regular brushing, trimming, and professional grooming sessions, which can be time-consuming and require the expertise of skilled groomers.
Breeders or sellers often factor in these grooming expenses when determining the puppy’s price, with a well-groomed Bichon Frise going for a much higher cost. On the other hand, puppies that have not been adequately groomed or lack proper coat care might be offered at a lower cost to compensate for the additional grooming efforts required by the new owner.
Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Bichon Frise
A veterinary budget is essential for anyone who is a pet owner. Even those who are covered with pet insurance still need to pay out of pocket for most visits. With your Bichon Frise, the price is no different. Below, we’ll break down the most common and essential medical costs for the breed.
With that in mind, it is imperative you also consider that medical costs can vary greatly based on a variety of factors. Your location, your personal vet, and the severity/urgency of the appointments can all play a role in the final cost. This is meant to consist of a mere guideline and should be used as an approximation instead of a guarantee.
Vaccinations
There is a set of specific vaccinations that your Bichon Frise absolutely needs in order to keep it as safe and healthy as possible. This list of vaccinations includes distemper, Adenovirus types 1 and 2, parvovirus, and rabies. These vaccinations will run you roughly $200, and this is without the other voluntary vaccinations. Equally as useful but nonessential, those vaccines might cost up to an additional $150.
Veterinary Visits
The yearly cost of veterinarian visits will definitely vary depending on how many times you stop by. For example, let’s work under the assumption that you see the vet 2-4 times a year for checkups. With that number of visits in mind, the cost would be somewhere around $600-$900 per year.
Spay/Neuter Costs
There are a lot of benefits to getting your Bichon Frise spayed or neutered, and it is advisable to do so if you have no intention of breeding. It can improve your animal’s temperament, increase their lifespan, and prevent them from developing certain reproductive-related conditions. The cost to do so ranges from $200-$300, but there are also plenty of programs designed to help you save money on the procedure.
Common Conditions
Unfortunately, like most dog breeds, there are certain conditions that the Bichon Frise is pre-disposed to develop. That is not to say that having one of these dogs guarantees these conditions developing. However, it is certainly something that owners should be both aware of and prepared for. These conditions include:
- Hereditary Cataracts: A genetic predisposition to sight problems and potential blindness, the cost of care for this condition can be as great as a hefty $3,000.
- Hip Dysplasia: A joint condition that develops with age, the treatment cost for hip dysplasia can lie between $2,000-$2,500.
- Teeth and Gum Issues: The Bichon Frise is a breed of dog that is prone to a variety of dental problems. Throughout the dog’s life, the costs of dental care can reach nearly $1,000.
Cost of Food and Supplies for Bichon Frise
The average cost of food for a Bichon Frise typically amounts to around $300 to $500 per year. Being a small dog breed, Bichon Frises generally have moderate appetites, requiring a balanced diet to maintain their health and energy levels. High-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs is essential to support their active lifestyle and keep them in optimal condition. The cost of food can vary based on factors such as the brand, type of food (dry or wet), and individual dietary requirements.
It is advisable to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet plan for a Bichon Frise. You must ensure they receive the necessary nutrients while also managing the budget effectively. Regularly providing nutritious meals contributes significantly to the well-being of these companions.
When it comes to other supplies, this can be entirely up to you as the owner. Though some like to splurge on things like treats and toys, some families prefer to keep things more frugal. No matter the preference of your family, the only other supplies you truly need for your Bichon Frise is an abundance of love.
How Much Does it Cost to Insure a Bichon Frise?
The costs of your pet insurance plan depend entirely on who your provider is. It is advisable to do as much thorough research as possible before selecting a provider for pet insurance. The reason for this is that most emergency conditions are unpredictable. The broad range of insurance costs for a Bichon Frise would fall between $40-$120 per month.
This might seem like an unnecessary expense to some, but it is important to consider emergencies. It will be much easier on both the well-being of your Bichon Frise and your wallet to have the safeguard of insurance. As the breed is also prone to certain health conditions, it is wise to take a “better safe than sorry” approach.
How Much Does it Cost to Train a Bichon Frise?
Dog training is something that some pet owners deem essential, yet others prefer to do it themselves. In the end, it all depends on the needs of your particular household. For example, if you and the other people in your homework full-time and otherwise don’t have the free time to dedicate to training, it might be wise to hire some outside help. If you are a stay-at-home pet parent, however, then you might care to train them on your own. However, dogs who are professionally trained are much less likely to exhibit behaviors like barking, jumping, and refusing to follow commands.
The exact cost of professional training is difficult to determine. However, you can expect it to run you at least a few hundred dollars. In some cases, training could cost you up to $1,000. This depends on location, the dog’s age, and whether or not the training is personalized.
Ready to discover the top 10 cutest dog breeds in the entire world?
How about the fastest dogs, the largest dogs and those that are -- quite frankly -- just the kindest dogs on the planet? Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. And the best part? It's FREE. Join today by entering your email below.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.