Does A Bichon Frise Get Along With Other Dogs? -

Yes, A Bichon Frise is likely to get along with most other dogs. The Bichon breed loves inviting other dogs to play with them.

The Bichon Frise is a jolly clown of a dog, as well as a fluffy teddy bear, with one of the softest coats a canine can possibly have.

The Bichon Frise also loves to show off for anyone and everyone, and when they are done showing off, this fluffball still likes to spend time chilling out by the side of their favorite people.

They hate spending long periods alone and need someone to be with them as much as possible. So considering this need for companionship, do Bichon Frise get along with other dogs?

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What’s the history of the Bichon Frise?

The history and origin of this fluffball breed are not well known and are somewhat disputed.

However, most people think that the Bichon Frise was originally a French or Spanish dog who showed off its tricks in the circus and entertained sailors on long journeys. The breed has even appeared in many paintings!

And today, the Bichon Frise retains this desire to show off and impress the people around them, though they are not needy – the breed is good at finding ways to keep themselves entertained, too.

Is the Bichon Frise prone to separation anxiety?

So, the Bichon Frise breed is a well-established show-off dog with an independent streak.

They are assertive and good at showing people exactly what they need or want. They also like to spend time alone, chewing on a treat, or playing with a squeaky toy. They enjoy spending time with people, but the Bichon Frise is not going to be your shadow.

So, do many dogs of this breed, that loves being the center of attention, get separation anxiety?

Somewhat surprisingly, yes – when they go out for a long time and leave their Bichon Frise at home by themselves, many owners are shocked to find that their Bichon Frise has completely ruined toilet rolls, rubbish, and other objects while they’ve been out!

This major trait means that many Bichon Frise owners stay home when they can, and often even house other dogs along with their Bichon Frise so that they can have company.

Do you need to socialize a Bichon Frise?

With their long history as an obedient entertainer dog, surely the cheerful Bichon Frise just naturally gets along with other dogs and people, right?

Well yes, this is true to a certain extent. Many Bichon Frise dogs inherit that classic, notoriously cheerful, show-off Bichon Frise temperament.

But either way, you still need to properly socialize your Bichon Frise when they’re young if you want them to have a good grasp on how to get along well with other dogs.

So, how do you properly socialize a Bichon Frise? Well, what you basically do is try to expose your young Bichon Frise to as many different sights and sounds as possible – cars, bikes, trucks, children, parades, and other dogs. Especially other dogs.

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Does the Bichon Frise need a companion?

As we previously mentioned, the Bichon Frise is fairly prone to developing separation anxiety, a condition that can have incredibly negative consequences.

Typically manifesting as the pooch tearing up everything in their sight as a result of the anxiety they feel at being home alone. Because of this tendency, does a Bichon Frise need a canine brother or sister?

Well, if your Bichon Frise is old enough and you find yourself needing to leave your Bichon at home by themselves for longer than the pooch can stand, it’s definitely worth considering adopting another dog to keep your Bichon Frise company.

However, if your Bichon Frise is already exhibiting signs of separation anxiety, be aware that this is not going to be a quick fix. As well as this, two dogs are always going to be extra work.

Does a Bichon Frise walk well On A Lead?

Some dogs just pull on the lead in all directions despite extensive training measures, while other dogs seem to have been born with the ability to heel! But is the Bichon Frise more like the first dog mentioned, or the latter?

In general, with very little training, a Bichon Frise should typically behave quite well on the leash. Obviously, as a small dog, the Bichon Frise has limited strength with which to drag you around, even if they wanted to.

But the Bichon Frise has very little tendency to pull towards or bark at that dog on the other side of the street.

The Bichon Frise also shows surprising stamina when out for a walk. The breed is even up for a hike! You will rarely see your Bichon Frise lie down when out for a walk. The breed really only requires very little exercise, however.

If another dog frightens them during a walk, the Bichon Frise may let out an offended squeal and scurry back to you. A dog of this breed may even nip the other dog if the other dog is persistent. But a Bichon Frise will never show full aggression towards another dog during a walk.

Does the Bichon Frise play well in the park?

Some dogs will immediately bolt off or pick a fight with another dog when allowed off the lead in the park, while other dogs are calmer. But does a Bichon Frise typically play well in a park?

Well, you may find that your Bichon Frise immediately starts to sprint around when off the lead, especially when young. But with training and time, your Bichon Frise will soon be calmly staying by your side.

You may find that, even if another dog invites them to, your Bichon Frise is not very interested in chasing other dogs around. However, one game that your Bichon Frise is guaranteed to love playing in the park with other dogs is fetching or catching.

Simply throw a ball or two for your Bichon Frise and any other dogs to retrieve, dashing straight back to you. This behavior is almost instinctive for a Bichon Frise, and you may even find them interrupting other’s ball games at the park!

Or, your Bichon Frise may prefer playing tug of war with other dogs in the park. This uses some of the same skills as fetch. Whether with a stick or with a dedicated tug toy, your Bichon Frise and another dog may naturally start a game.

But if not, if you grab an end of the object, this can prompt your Bichon Frise and the other dog to begin carrying out this centuries-old behavior. But be wary about allowing your dog to play this with strange dogs, in case they get injured.

So, do Bichon Frise get along with other dogs?

In conclusion, is your Bichon Frise likely to get along well with other dogs?

Yes, the Bichon Frise is pretty likely to get along great with most other dogs. The Bichon breed even has some common favorite games that a Bichon loves inviting other dogs to play with them, so a Bichon Frise has a lot of fun with other dogs.

The Bichon breed is also very unlikely to show aggression towards other dogs, meaning that whether a Bichon is playing with other dogs at the park or in the street, or living with a companion dog, both the dogs should be safe around each other.

For more about Bichon Frise see my other articles below

By Michelle McDaid