Bichon Frises are popular dogs that win people over with their adorable appearances and loyal personalities. These dogs are fun, friendly, and energetic. There are few dogs as entertaining and loving as a Bichon Frise.

If you want to get a new Bichon Frise, there are costs to consider. There are one-time upfront costs that need to be paid, there are recurring monthly costs that need to be considered, and then there are one-off costs that could crop up down the line. A Bichon Frise will generally cost $50–$500 when you’re looking to adopt or $1,000–$2,000 if you buy one from a reputable breeder. You can expect to pay $115–$370 per month to care for a Bichon Frise.

Here is everything you need to know about the cost of owning a Bichon Frise this year.

Bringing Home a New Bichon Frise: One-Time Costs

When you decide that you want to adopt a Bichon Frise, there are some one-time costs that you will have to consider. The dog will cost money to adopt up front, and then you will have to consider the set-up costs for getting your house ready for a new dog.

Free

• $0

If you are lucky enough to find a free Bichon Frise, you will not have to pay anything for your adoption. You might find friends, family, or neighbors that need to rehome their dog for free, but this is the least likely way to find a healthy Bichon Frise.

Adoption

• $50–$500

It is unlikely that you will find a Bichon Frise in the shelter unless it is very old. Since Bichon Frises are considered to be a designer breed, many animal rescue groups scoop them out of the shelter before they can be adopted. These rescue groups can charge as much as $500 for an adoption fee for a Bichon Frise. But rescue groups are still a good way to find a healthy Bichon Frise and save on breeder costs.

Breeder

• $1,000–$2,000

Breeders will charge the most money for a new Bichon Frise. The average cost of a Bichon Frise puppy from a reputable breeder can run anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000. However, in certain regions, these prices can be higher. At the upper end, Bichon Frises can cost as much as $4,500 or even $5,000, depending on the breeding stock.

Initial Setup and Supplies

• $50–$250

Initial setup costs can vary considerably depending on whether this is your first dog. If you already have the basic supplies like bowls, leashes, collars, and a crate, you can save a ton of money. If this is your first dog, it can cost a lot more money to get yourself off the ground. If you need to invest in everything, you are going to have to pay a considerable amount.

List of Bichon Frise Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Bichon Frise Cost Per Month?

• $115–$370 per month

Bichon Frises are moderately expensive to keep per month. The largest expenses are healthcare, grooming, and food. These are recurring costs that cannot be ignored and it is ill-advised to cut corners. Luckily, outside of these major costs, Bichon Frises do not come with very many cost surprises.

Health Care

• $115–$290 per month

Healthcare includes everything that you need to do per month to keep your dog healthy and thriving. Healthcare costs include things like vet visits, food, grooming, and medications. These are some of the most important costs and the ones that you cannot avoid paying.

Food

• $40–$100 per month

Bichon Frises are small dogs that do not eat a lot of food. That means that single purchases can last a long time. The cost per month for food can vary depending on whether you get affordable food or choose to invest in more expensive natural foods or prescription foods.

Grooming

• $25–$100 per month

Bichon Frises need regular grooming care to keep them looking and feeling their best. The AKC recommends brushing your Bichon Frise daily. They will also likely need regular trips to the groomer to get their coats washed and trimmed. Grooming costs can add up if you go to a professional on a regular basis.

Medications and Vet Visits

• $40–$250 per month

For young and healthy dogs, medical costs can be very manageable. Dogs will only need to go to the vet once yearly and might need some basic preventive medications such as flea, tick, or heartworm medications. Older dogs with health issues might need more advanced medical care, such as regular dental care, quarterly vet visits, or specific medications. That can make the monthly healthcare costs considerably higher.

Generally, the costs of medications and vet care will increase as your Bichon Frise ages.

Pet Insurance

• $10–$40 per month

If you lock in pet insurance while your dog is a puppy, the cost can be negligible. Pet insurance can be as little as $10 per month, depending on your exact policy. If you get a more advanced policy or try to buy in when your dog is older, the cost can be closer to $50 per month.

Environment Maintenance

• $0–$30 per month

Bichon Frises are very small and generally calm. They do not destroy things like other dogs can. They rarely damage your yard, and they rarely wreck things inside the house. There are a few things that Bichon Frises might need that other breeds do not, including puppy pads for when they are young. Some people also like to put bows or clothes on their dog, which can cost a marginal amount per month to upkeep.

Entertainment

• $0–$50 per month

Bichon Frises can be energetic, but they usually enjoy going on adventures with their people. They don’t typically need a lot in the way of entertainment. Many Bichon Frises will be fine with a few simple toys that can be picked up for a couple of dollars a pop. Other people might want to invest in a monthly toy box or buy more expensive toys to keep their dog happy.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Bichon Frise

• $115–$370 per month

The average cost of owning a Bichon Frise can vary depending on the age of your dog, the overall health of your dog, and whether you need to provide entertainment or environmental costs on a regular basis. Young and healthy Bichon Frises are typically much cheaper to own than aging or unhealthy Bichon Frises.

Additional Costs to Factor In

Pet Sitting

• $25–$100 per night

Pet sitting costs are something you need to keep in mind, especially if you like to travel. Pet sitting costs will vary depending on who watches your pet and the season. Friends or family members are usually cheaper than professional boarding facilities, for example. Pet sitting prices can also spike during busy seasons like the Fourth of July weekend or the Christmas holidays. The good news is that Bichon Frises travel very well, so you can always bring them with you on most trips.

Emergency Vet Care

• $500–$10,000+

Emergency vet costs are some of the scariest and largest bills you can get as a dog owner. Emergency vet costs can vary wildly depending on the severity of the injury or condition. Some things like trauma from being hit by a car or foreign body surgery can cost thousands. Other things that are more minor, like poison control or an emergency examination, can cost less. It is always a good idea to have some extra money set aside in case of emergency so that you can pay for life-saving care for your precious Bichon Frise if necessary.

Owning a Bichon Frise on a Budget

If these numbers look discouraging, don’t worry. There are ways to save money on owning a Bichon Frise. You can learn to groom your own dog, buy pet insurance when your dog is young and healthy, or sign up for specific food programs that can save you money over time. With a little research and a bit of know-how, you can save thousands of dollars over the life of your dog.

Saving Money on Bichon Frise Care

There are a few ways to save money on the cost of owning a Bichon Frise. One way to save money is to invest in grooming equipment and learn how to groom your dog yourself. That will save you a considerable amount per month. You can also look into applying for auto-ship for things like dog food. Many websites now have membership programs and recurring shipping options that will save you anywhere from 10% to 40% on recurring purchases. That can add up quickly over the life of your Bichon Frise.

Summary

Bichon Frises have the potential to be lifelong companions. They can live for up to 15 years or more. That is great but it can also incur some serious costs. The older your dog gets, the more expensive they will become to maintain. Young Bichon Frises can cost as little as $115 to $150 per month to keep while older dogs can cost as much as $300 or $400 per month depending on their exact medical needs. Make sure you are prepared to shoulder the financial burden of owning a dog before you go all in on a new Bichon Frise.

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Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock