Bichon Frise is among the more popular dog breeds. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1972 as part of the Miscellaneous class. The full breed recognition in the non-sporting group came in April 1973. Since then, the Bichon Frise has been a popular puppy appearing in dog shows. But how much is a Bichon fries? What are some of the prices for adopting, buying, and more?
Well, that is what we are here to discuss. Today, we will take a look at the initial cost, but also the ongoing costs of owning a Bichon Frise puppy.
Get To Know The Breed
First, we have to talk about the Bichon Frise breed information. This small dog is famous for its fluffy coat, friendly personality, and lively nature. Now, are you considering bringing one home?
Well, we want to educate you on the origin, history, and temperament of the Bichon Frise breed.
Speaking about the origin, we can trace it back to the Mediterranean region. There, young Bichon Frises were favored by sailors and traders.
They found themselves aboard ships, serving as companions. At one point, the Bichon Frise puppy was used as a performer in circuses and fairs across Europe. It was all due to their endearing looks and affable nature.
During the Renaissance, nobility in Europe loved them even more and made them among the most sought-after pets. Sadly, there came a period when the Bichon was close to extinction.
But thanks to Bichon Frise breeder efforts, the dog breed was restored to its full beauty. Over the years, they have always served as companionship and entertaining puppies.
The Initial Cost of Ownership
Now let’s talk about how much is a Bichon Frise. If you look at the original cost, you might think it is not much.
The initial cost depends on whether you want to adopt one from a local shelter or buy from a reputable breeder. It will cost you money upfront to adopt one, and even more if you want to buy from a breeder.
The price for adoption is between $50 and $500. Now, we have to mention that the chances of finding a Bichon Frise puppy in a shelter are slim. Usually, only very old Bichons end up in shelters. This loving and affectionate puppy is rarely thrown into shelters.
Considered a designer breed, many animal rescue groups scoop them out of shelters before they can be adopted. And then, these rescue groups charge as much as $500 for an adoption fee.
That is still a smaller price compared to the regular cost you get from a reputable breeder. Breeders charge between $1,000 and $2,000. Yet, in certain regions, these prices can go even higher. At the upper bend, a good Bichon Frise can cost up to $5,000, depending on the breeding stock.
What Is The Ongoing Cost Of Owning A Bichon Frise?
The initial cost of getting a Bichon Frise as a pet is high, but that is nothing compared to proper ownership of this breed. Bichon Firses are moderately expensive to keep per month. Some of the larger expenses include healthcare, grooming, and food.
- Health care can cost between $110 and $300 per month, including vet visits, food, and medications. If you want to keep your dog healthy and thriving, this is something you have to pay attention to
- You might think food is not a big factor. After all, this is a small dog that doesn’t eat a lot of dog food. The problem is, that you have to get a higher quality food because these puppies often have a sensitive stomach. And allergy-free food is much more expensive
- Now onto grooming, which can cost you between $25 and $100 per month. These dogs are recognized because of their fluffy white coat, and that costs money to look amazing. To keep your Bichon Frise looking its best, you need to brush it daily, and make regular visits to the groomer to get your puppy bathed, groomed and trimmed
Why Do People Love Bichon Frise?
If you can get past the price of owning a Bichon Frise, let’s talk about why people love these dogs so much. Renowned for their friendly and affectionate nature, Bichons thrive on human companionship. They do form a strong bond with their owner. Ask Bichon Frise owners, and they will tell you these are amazing family pets. They can get along with children and other animals in the household.
Their lively and playful personality will add a touch of joy and entertainment to any home. They have a knack for entertaining their parents with silly antics and a love for attention.
Training is easy because these designer dogs tend to listen to their owner. Yes, they can be a bit stubborn, but nothing on the level of a terrier, for example. With positive reinforcement, you can achieve quite a lot.
How To Get The Best Possible Price?
Given that most prospective Bichon Frise owners want to get the best possible price, we want to let you know a couple of secrets.
First, do your research online. Nowadays, anyone can create a good-looking website so make sure to pay extra attention.
The most secure way is to check The American Kennel Club website and line up with some breeders in your neighborhood. Whenever you check a website, always look for valuable information about the breeding stock.
But the best way to get a decent price is to talk with other owners. If you have met any dog owners, you will know this. Pet parents love to chat about their dogs. You can easily get some ideas of where that Bichon was bought and how much it cost. Just try not to be too assertive and pushy.
What About The Lineage Factor?
Lineage plays a role in any dog breed, no matter if you are trying to get a Bichon Frise or anything else. The lineage can significantly impact the cost. A puppy with a prestigious lineage, for example, a champion show dog or renowned bloodline, often has desirable traits. Those include health and looks, making the offspring a more sought-after pet.
Reputable breeders invest time and resources in planning and executing mating between dogs. They want to improve the breed’s quality and their own dog. These prices can go higher than the average price of owning a Bichon, which is between $1,000 and $2,000.
What About Pet Sitting?
When you consider purchasing a Bichon Frise dog breed, you also have to take into account expenses like pet sitting. If you like to travel, you might not be able to bring your puppy everywhere with you.
Pet sitting costs can vary depending on the season and who watches over your pet. Professional boarding facilities can charge up to $100 per night. And remember, prices always spike during busy seasons like holidays and special weekends.
But the good news is that Bichon Frise puppies are travel-friendly. They travel well and even fit into most airlines’ rules for traveling.
