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Pet Insurance for Bichon Frises

Find out all about Bichon Frises and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500–$3,000

Height

23cm - 28cm (standard size)

Weight

5kg - 8.2kg (standard size)

Personality

Playful, curious, cheerful

Coat length

Short, curly, hypoallergenic

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

13 - 15 years

Bichon Frise

Overview

The Bichon Frise originated from the Mediterranean area, possibly from the island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. It is an ancient dog breed that was popular with European Royalty in the 13th and 14th Centuries. Its name comes from the French word bichon, meaning ‘small dog.’ It is a cheerful and fluffy small breed known for its charming happy-go-lucky personality and love of human company.  They have a curly, dense hypoallergenic coat that requires regular grooming and clipping.

Bichon Frises are affectionate, social, and great with children, even young children. They also get on well with other dogs and cats. They are highly intelligent and very easy to train, making them adaptable to various lifestyles. They can be active companion dogs or are also suitable as lap dogs for the elderly. They thrive on companionship and are suitable for all owners who can provide them with constant companionship and daily grooming. A toy version of the Bichon Frise is also available, known either as a Poochon or as a Teacup Bichon Frise, although this is not officially a recognised breed, but more a cross between a toy poodle and a small Bichon.  

Common diseases and conditions of Bichon Frises

  • Skin allergies: Bichon Frises are prone to skin allergies, often triggered by environmental factors or food sensitivities. 
  • Ear infections: Their fluffy little ears make them susceptible to ear infections, so they need regular ear cleaning. 
  • Dental decay: They are prone to gum infections, so they should have regular teeth brushing to avoid tooth loss. 

Breed-specific issues:  

They are highly prone to separation anxiety and should not be left alone for extended periods. Their fluffy coat can mat if not regularly brushed, so they need regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition. 

How much does pet insurance cost for a Bichon Frise?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Bichon Frise, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Bichon Frises

Are Bichon Frises suitable for apartment living?

Yes, Bichon Frises adapt particularly well to apartment living, provided they receive some daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Their non-shedding coats, low body odour and enjoyment of being lap-dogs make them very suitable for apartment living.  

Are Bichon Frises known for any unique behaviours?

Bichon Frises are known for their playful and comical character. They love to make people laugh. They are also known for their so-called ‘Bichon Blitz’ behaviour, characterised by amusing bursts of excitement running around the house and jumping on furniture. However, after this short burst of energy, the dog will lie down and want to sleep or cuddle up quietly. 

Do Bichon Frises bark a lot?

Bichon Frises are generally known to be alert and may bark occasionally in response to various stimuli, such as visitors at the door or unfamiliar sounds. However, they are not typically considered excessive barkers or yappy dogs compared to some other breeds. It's important to provide them with mental stimulation and companionship to help minimise any potential for excessive barking. 

Are Bichon Frises suitable for first-time dog owners?

Yes, Bichon Frises can be a good choice for first-time dog owners due to their friendly and adaptable nature. However, it is essential to invest time in training and socialisation and learn how to keep them groomed, as their coats do require a lot of attention regularly.

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Bichon Frise

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