13 Things to Know about the Teacup Bichon Frise

Think small, think fluffy, and then think super cute. The Teacup Bichon Frise is a miniature version of their sister pups, the Bichon Frise. These adorable designer dogs may be small but they come with enormous personalities.

They’re known as the bichon à poil frisé in France, meaning curly-haired lap dog. These sweet small dogs are known for their high level of intelligence, tiny statures, and lovely personalities.

Weighing a mere four pounds or less as a full-grown Teacup Bichon Frise, this beautiful dog breed makes the best cuddle partners and is an excellent companion. Expect them to wiggle into your heart with their large saucy black eyes, button noses, baby-doll faces, and fluffy, cotton-like white fur.

And if their soft gaze and toy-like physique aren’t already pulling at your heartstrings, then read on to find out more about these adorable marshmallow-like mini Bichon Frise doggies.

Psst… if you’re interested in a larger fluffy dog friend, read this big white fluffy dog breeds guide to find out more.

13 Things to Know About the Teacup Bichon Frise

1.   Origin of the Mini Bichon Frise

The Teacup Bichon Frise is a relatively new trend for specialty breeders, and therefore the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize these dogs. And because of this, there isn’t much history about these tiny pups. However, their parent breed, the Bichon, is an ancient breed with a noble lineage.

The exact origin of the Bichon Frise is uncertain. But, it is believed that these dogs arose from Spain’s water dogs, Barbet – specifically speaking, the poodle types.

These dogs were later bred into a variety of lapdogs by the French. Modern Bichons can be divided into four categories: the Bichon Frise, the Maltese, the Havanese, and the Bolognese. These dogs were miniaturized to create our adorable Teacup varieties. Although you might hear people calling them the “Toy Bichon Frise”, the Teacup Bichon Frise is not classified as a toy breed by the AKC.

2.   Physical Characteristics and Appearance

Depending on the breeder’s method to create their tiny Teacup Bichon Frise, the dog’s weight, height, and appearance can vary.

They have a lovely soft, white-colored fluffy coat and black, round eyes – making them look like little poofy teddy bears. They feature a double coat, with the topcoat curling and the undercoat thick and silky.

2.1. Size & Weight of the Tea Cup Bichon Frise

The Teacup Bichon is a tiny dog that weighs 7-12 pounds and measures 9-12 inches tall at the shoulders (withers). They have a rounded head and a short muzzle. Their tails are often long and curly.

If a dwarf gene was introduced, or the dogs were deliberately bred smaller over other successive generations, these pups can weigh no more than 4 pounds. And this is considerably smaller than the normal Bichon Frise, which typically weighs between 12 and 18 pounds.

Read more about the tallest dog breeds and why dogs shake their heads.

2.2. Coat Colors of the Teacup Bichon Frise

Their coats come in a variety of shades but white is the most common. The Bichon Frise’s standard colors recognized by the AKC include:

• White
• White and buff
• White and apricot
• White and cream

You can also get an apricot, gray, or brown Teacup Bichon Frise puppy. However, the AKC does not consider these as the breed’s standard colors.

3. The Teacup Bichon Frise’s Intense Grooming Needs

The Teacup Bichon Frise comes as a double-coated, white ball of fluff. Their coats have a powder-puff appearance. With its dense undercoat and outer coat, it combines to create a lovely, super soft texture.

This smaller breed is high-maintenance, and you should set aside time for their grooming needs. Although Bichon pups have a reputation for not shedding much hair, you should brush them at least twice a week.

You can remove any dead hair or tangles by using a dog comb or brush. You’ll also need to give them a bath with dog shampoo to keep their coats clean.

From time to time, check your Bichon’s ears and make sure no hair grows into the ear canal. You should also ensure your doggos face is kept clean. You should clean the area regularly if there is any mucus or discharge around their eyes due to the hair that grows around them. Tearstains are also common due to food allergies and eye problems and can be cleaned.

For good oral hygiene, you can brush your Bichons teeth using a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste at least two to three times a week to remove any tartar buildup and bacteria.Most Bichon owners take their fur babies to a professional dog groomer every four to six weeks to get a haircut, a nail trim, their ears cleaned, a bath, and a brush.

3.1 Teacup Bichon Frise Grooming Styles

One thing that makes the Teacup Bichon Frise extra cute is the array of adorable grooming styles. These different cuts add to their lovable personalities.

The styles of cut depend on the preferences of the owner, but some popular cuts include:

The Show Cut

Miniature Bichon Frise dogs make the perfect show dogs and are fun to dress up. The show cut is considered the most popular style for these pups and is a rather luxurious look.

The style aims to have a cotton-ball-like look, with the undercoat left puffy while the outer coat is curly. To maintain this style, owners must groom the dog every month and ensure plenty of brushing daily.

The Puppy Cut

The puppy cut – also called the lamb cut – is much easier to maintain compared to the show cut. The hair is only trimmed a couple of inches off the coat, leaving the hair on the head and tail longer.

This look is achieved using only clippers or scissors, and you’d need to brush these fur babies several times a week to avoid any tangles.

The Utility Cut

The utility cut is probably the simplest cut for these doggos. It’s a great style for pooches who enjoy playing outside and are very energetic. It doesn’t have a poofy and fluffy appearance as the coat is cut close to the skin.

The Panda Cut

The panda cut is another style that is less complex than the other styles, giving the dog a laid-back appearance. It doesn’t require constant brushing, and the shaggy look is desirable.

4.   Teacup Bichon Frise Temperament

The Teacup Bichon Frise has a cheerful attitude. These little pups love to be loved and enjoy being the center of attention. They are good with friends, family, neighbors, groomers, and even the veterinarian.

They also have a playful, independent streak. However, this does not mean these pups like to be alone. In fact, and maybe a downside is that this breed commonly suffers from separation anxiety. As payment for being alone for long hours, your miniature Bichon may become destructive, tearing up or chewing on anything in sight – shoes on a shelf, check.

These dogs are highly intelligent and thrive in doggie school. Moreover, they should be taught canine manners and obedience training as puppies. Teacup Bichon Frise dogs are quick learners who love to please their owners.

As puppies, these dogs have lovely temperaments. They are curious and playful – whether that be the one hiding in the corner, the middle-of-the-road pup, or the one who’s beating up their littermates.

Read more about why puppies whine so much and the Toy Poodle Temperament.

5.   Potential Health Concerns for Teacups

Bichons are a generally healthy breed of dog, but like all breeds, they may be prone to some health conditions. So, being aware of possible health issues is important if you’re considering getting this breed.

If you’re buying a puppy, you should find a breeder that can show you health clearances for both your fur babies’ parents. These prove that the dog has been cleared of a particular condition, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, Cushing’s disease, von Willebrand’s disease, and hypothyroidism.

Other health concerns you need to be aware of include:

• Bladder problems
• Allergies
• Cataracts and other eye diseases
• Patellar Luxation
• Vaccination sensitivity, including facial swelling, soreness, and lethargy
• Juvenile Cataracts
• Hip Dysplasia

6. Dietary Requirements for Teacup Bichon Frise Dogs

To keep your Bichon in good condition and shape, you should measure the food and feed them twice a day, rather than leaving food out for them 24/7. The recommended daily amount for these pups should be around: 0.5 to 1.5 cups of premium dry food.

How much your adult Bichon eats will depend on their size, age, activity level, and build. It’s important to note that dogs are individuals, just like us, and they won’t all eat the same amount of food. Food intake is largely dependent on the age of your Bichon.

Like many other small dog breeds, Bichons are prone to stones in the urinary tract (urolithiasis). Therefore, diet is an important part of managing and treating this condition.

7. Veterinary Care for Your Bichon Frise Teacup Dog

Teacup Bichon Frise dogs require extra attention when it comes to veterinary care and their health. These dogs can easily be injured, from jumping off couches and climbing steep stairs to roughly playing with their larger brothers and sisters.

As mentioned above, this breed is prone to various health issues. So, visiting the vet at least 2-3 times a year for checkups is important.

8. The Lifespan of the Bichon Teacup Dog

Provided the Teacup Bichon Frise has been bred using ethical breeding standards, its lifespan should be around 12 to 15 years. For teacup pups, this may vary depending on the care they receive from their owners.

Moreover, it is believed that smaller dogs tend to live longer than bigger dog breeds. Teacups are able to reach a long and fulfilling life if all their needs are met.

9. Housing Requirements for a Happy Teacup Bichon Frise Puppy

Bichons are lively, active little dogs. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t adore your apartment. And to prevent any destructive dog behavior, as I’ve said before, don’t leave your fur baby alone for long periods.

The Teacup Bichon Frise is not really an outside dog. These pups were bred to be the ideal lap companions. As such, they are mostly found on the couch right next to their owners, preferably curled up on a lap. Moreover, these dogs’ sizes allow them to live comfortably in small apartments, making them the ultimate roommates.

You should be aware of your pup’s housing standards, as falls from high furniture or stairs can easily injure these little dogs. Contrarily, children or bigger dogs can also accidentally hurt them too.

10. Exercise Needs and Playtime

According to the AKC, the Bichon Frise is listed as a somewhat active dog breed, as is the teacup. While these pups are playful and lively, the mini Bichon requires minimal exercise; this could mostly be because of its size. So, short walks, visits to the park, or a little playtime inside should be adequate. Another dog can be a great additional exercise companion too.

Their exercise requirements also make these lovely little creatures adaptable to apartments or smaller homes. If you’re going to head out for a stroll with your Teacup, an extra small harness would be ideal for preventing any strain on your puppy’s neck.

The advisable time allocated for a Teacup dog’s exercise should be around 20-30 minutes per day. Keep in mind these dogs have smaller organs and bones, and it isn’t good for them to get exhausted.

Some fun exercises and games you can engage with them include:

• Walking Bichon Pups: Walking is an excellent exercise for a small dog, as it won’t take up much of their energy.
  
• Tug of War: Tug of war allows your dog to recognize that they can be comfortable around you, and it creates a bond between you and your pet. You should invest in a few tug-rope dog toys that offer some teething features.
  
• Playing Fetch: Playing fetch does not only serve as an excellent cardio exercise for your dog, but it can also stimulate them mentally. It could also create a bond between you and your little Bichon.

11. Training a Teacup Bichon Frise

Teacup Bichon Frise pooches are an intelligent breed. They are willing to learn and love to receive attention from their beloved owners. You can start puppy training them from around three months old to reduce common Bichon problems, including slow house training and excessive barking.

With this breed, you should utilize positive training methods, be consistent, and have patience. Early socialization and obedience training will assist in guaranteeing that your dog is well-rounded and happy.

Teacup Bichon Frise puppies are notorious for being difficult to housebreak. It’s recommended that their training begins as soon as they arrive at their new home. You should try and set a toilet routine, maybe every 2-3 hours. Some trainers recommend crate training to help here too.

Note: Small dog syndrome can occur due to incorrect socialization and training. If this is the case, behaviors such as chewing, aggression, and barking could become the norm. You should introduce your pups to a neutral location like the dog park and ensure they receive obedience training

Read more about when puppies get easier.

12. Teacup Bichon Frise Price

If you plan on purchasing a Teacup Bichon Frise, you can expect to pay around $250 to $2500. Keep in mind the Teacup Bichon Frise cost may depend on the area and demand for these pups in your city. Make sure you work with a reputable breeder.

Other factors that may affect the cost of this dog breed include their purebred status, gender, and parental history.

13. Bichon Frise Mixed Breeds

We love these sweet Bichon dogs; they are velvety, fluffy, and hypoallergenic – need I say more?

If the idea of having a Bichon cross works best for you, then these sweethearts can be even sweeter when mixed with another adorable pup. Moreover, Bichon crosses are growing in popularity with some other popular small dog breeds.

Some popular crosses with the Bichon Frise include:

The Zuchon Dogs

Zuchon dogs, known as Shichons, are popular designer dogs. Both their parent breeds, the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu, are small-sized loveable dogs. As such, the pups are likely to be playful, affectionate, and petite.

Imagine adorable little teddy bears that make lovely companions for families or anyone looking for a cuddle partner. They may have a coat coloration that Shih Tzu dogs display but with their Bichon’s fluffy coats.

The Bichon Poodle

The Bichon Poodle, as the name suggests, is a Bichon Frise with Poodle mix. These dogs are small, cute, and super smart. The parent poodle should be a toy or miniature variety to achieve a small size. The Poochon, also known as a Bich Poo, will have a curly coat that is favored for minimal shedding.

The Maltichon

The Maltichon is a hybrid of the Maltese and the Chichon Frise. These dogs are popular because of their pristine appearance and lovely temperaments. They often come small in size between the two parents – around 8 to 13 pounds and shorter than 11.5 inches.

Fun Facts About the Teacup Bichon Frise

Take a look at some fun and interesting facts about our beloved Teacup Bichon Frise pups here:

• Francisco Goya, a renowned Spanish painter, featured many Bichons in his paintings during the 18th century. One of the most famous works he completed in 1795 is titled The White Duchess.
  
• These dogs grew in popularity in the late 1500s, when they became the favored bread in the court of Henry III.
  
• Because they rarely shed, Bichons are considered hypoallergenic.
  
• The Bichon Frise belongs to the same family of dogs as the Havanese, Bolognese, Coton de Tulear, and the Maltese. However, they differ because they are the only ones with a double coat.
  
• A Bichon puppy’s first few weeks of life will spend around 90% of their day sleeping and are blind until they are about 12 days old.
  
• There is a famous Bichon Frise named Tori – AKA Barbie Dog – living in South Korea. She has over 300,000 Instagram followers, her own wardrobe, and a mini Mercedes Benz convertible.

Read more about why puppies lick their paws.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mini Bichon Frise

A Footnote on the Teacup Bichon Frise

The Teacup Bichon Frise is a cheerful, small dog breed with loads of love to give. They love a good snuggle and are very social. Their friendly temperaments make these dogs amazing companions for people who want a pet to cuddle and play with.

From their sweet black eyes and fluffy white coats, these dogs are the ultimate little lap dogs that are ready to shadow your every move. So, now that we’ve uncovered fascinating facts about the Teacup Bichon Frise, what’s your favorite thing about this breed? Please share your thoughts below; I’d love to hear them.

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