The Bichon Frise is a little, fluffy, people-oriented pooch that can sometimes struggle with longer walks or sustained periods of playing. They need plenty of rest every day. So, they will always be happy to snuggle up with you for a nap! How much sleep does a Bichon Frise need? Where should they sleep? That’s what we are going to discuss in the following article.
Do Bichons like to cuddle?
Yes, the fluffy, friendly Bichon Frise loves snuggling up with its owner. My Bichon Frise likes to cuddle beside me on the couch, by my feet at the computer, and at the foot of my bed (when he’s able to jump up!). Your Bichon Frise should be happy to cuddle up with you, up to a point. Just be careful your Bichon Frise doesn’t overheat with their downy coat!
However, Bichons can also be independent. They can take themselves off to bed whenever they feel like time out or go get their toy when they fancy playing.
How much sleep does a Bichon puppy need?
Any puppy is a boisterous bundle of hyperactive energy, and Bichon Frise puppies are no different. However, invariably, after those hyperactive zoomies comes an extended nap time!
A Bichon Frise puppy generally sleeps twice as long as an adult Bichon every day – 18 to 20 hours. Your Bichon Frise puppy needs loads of sleep until they are one year old, so don’t worry about your Bichon pup sleeping too long.
They may sleep longer if they’ve had plenty of exercise that day or a little less if the weather has kept them indoors. As your Bichon Frise puppy gets older, they will start sleeping slightly less, forming a sleeping routine that matches yours. By the time your Bichon Frise is an adult, they should be sleeping for just 18 to 20 hours, though less is okay if they’re working or participating in sport.
Are Bichon Frise lazy dogs?
Is the Bichon Frise a lazy dog with its small size, low stamina, and how much they like to sleep?
You couldn’t call my Bichon Frise a lazy dog when he’s sitting, lying down, and rolling over for his treat. He’s also pretty frenetic when someone comes to the door. He walks well, too. I’d say my Bichon Frise is a reasonably active dog.
But only up to a point. Then, when we play fetch, I can only throw the ball around ten times before he flops down on the spot for a little while, before getting up and going to his bowl for a drink of water. After this drink, Kevin is generally out of action for the next hour.
But don’t just take my word for it – a recent study actually pronounced the Bichon Frise one of the laziest breeds ever! Carried out by Viovet, this study aimed to help people find the right dog for their lifestyle.
The Bichon Frise was not the laziest dog in Viovet’s study – this honor goes to the Chow Chow. However, the Bichon Frise was found to “not require excessive exercise”. They also make “good companions for older people who cannot participate in more strenuous activity”.
Can a Bichon Frise be left alone for 6 hours?
Yes. Provided they are properly trained and have no health conditions, a full-grown adult Bichon Frise should be comfortable sleeping at home by themselves for 6 or even 8 hours. That being said, many Bichon Frises develop separation anxiety due to their friendly, people-oriented nature.
This is why it’s crucial to socialize and start getting your Bichon Frise used to spending time by themselves from an early age, even if you can currently spend all day with them. If your Bichon Frise does show any signs of separation anxiety, consult a local dog trainer or behaviourist.
Try gradually building up to leaving your Bichon Frise by themselves for this period. You could begin by just spending a little while in another room before progressing to going for a long walk around the block by yourself, then stretching this to an hour or two.
If your Bichon Frise doesn’t relax and sleep when they’re at home alone, you could try making sure to tire them out before you leave with some play or a short walk. You could even provide enrichment toys for them to play with when they’re by themselves.
Where should my Bichon Frise sleep?
With their unrivalled fluffiness, the Bichon Frise doesn’t strictly need much in the way of creature comforts. But, this doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with providing some!
If you’re looking for a plush bed or basket for your Bichon Frise, remember that many Bichons like a perch to rest their chin on and survey their surroundings. The bed will also need a low entry for the short Bichon to gain entry easily. Don’t fork out too much, though – your Bichon Frise will probably get warm during the night and stretch out on the floor anyway!
FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed
This bed from FurHaven is perfect for a Bichon – plenty of space to stretch out and keep cool, but also bolstered, with somewhere to rest the chin!
If you plan on leaving your Bichon Frise at home alone during the day, putting them in a crate will keep them from accessing anything dangerous when unsupervised. Lay down a pet cooling mat to keep them at a comfortable temperature, and consider using a hanging crate bowl to give them access to water.
Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Gel Dog Crate Mat
This self-cooling mat from Arf Pets is a good option. The gel provides a little support for resting, while the mat doesn’t need electricity or refrigeration, keeping costs down. It’s excellent for keeping your Bichon cool and can be used anywhere. You may even like to borrow it yourself!
Another cooling sleep option for your Bichon Frise is an elevated bed. Though they’re not very plush, these beds allow air to circulate the base of your Bichon’s body. This keeps your Bichon efficiently cool.
Coolaroo Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed
This elevated dog bed from Coolaroo is available in various colors and sizes, perfect for Bichon Frises. Your Bichon may struggle to get up onto it at first. But when they figure it out, they’re sure to be rewarded with the best night’s sleep they’ve ever had.
And, of course, it’s also okay for your Bichon Frise to curl up on the couch next to you!
