How much does a Bichon Frise cost per year?

After the first year, a Bichon Frise costs approximately $2,400 per year on average, covering food ($415), vet care ($490), grooming ($715), and insurance ($540).

smalldog14 yr lifespan

How Much Does a Bichon Frise Cost?

Q: Is a Bichon Frise expensive to own?

Bichon Frises have a lifetime ownership cost of approximately $35,230 over 14 years. Annual running costs average $2,400/yr, putting them in the mid-range for annual ownership costs.

The Bichon Frise is a small-sized dog whose ownership costs reflect its size, coat, and energy level. Expect to budget for frequent grooming sessions to keep their coat healthy and free of mats. Routine preventive care — vaccinations, parasite control, and annual check-ups — makes up most of the ongoing vet budget. Day-to-day costs are driven mainly by food, routine vet care, and basic supplies.

Get My Personalised Estimate

$4,030

First Year Total

inc. one-time setup

$2,400

Annual Ongoing

per year from year 2

$35,230

Lifetime Estimate

over 14 years

What these figures assume: US national average pricing, own home (no pet deposit), standard food, grooming at the breed's typical frequency, insurance and professional training included, no daycare, routine dental care only. See how this is calculated or change these assumptions.

First Year Costs (inc. setup)

Purchase / Adoption Fee

Varies by breeder vs rescue

$325

Initial Vet Visit & Vaccinations

Spay/neuter, microchip, health check

$490

Starter Supplies

Bed, crate, collar, bowls, toys

$555

Training Classes

Basic obedience recommended

$260

First Year Food

$415

First Year Vet Care

$490

First Year Grooming

$715

First Year Insurance

$540

Total$4,030

Annual Ongoing Costs (Year 2+)

Food

$415

Vet Care

$490

Grooming

$715

Pet Insurance

$540

Supplies & Toys

$165

Total$2,400

Budget for emergencies

We recommend keeping $2,000 in a dedicated emergency fund for unexpected vet bills.

About the Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small-sized dog breed with an average lifespan of 14 years. First-year ownership costs typically run around $4,030, which includes the purchase or adoption fee, initial vet visits, vaccinations, starter supplies, and the first year of food, grooming, and insurance.

From year two onwards, ongoing costs average $2,400 per year. The largest recurring expense is vet care at $490/year, followed by food at $415/year. Grooming is a significant cost for this breed at $715/year, reflecting their coat maintenance requirements.

Over a 14-year lifespan, the total estimated cost of owning a Bichon Frise is approximately $35,230. These figures are US national averages — your actual costs will vary based on your city, lifestyle, and whether you use a breeder or rescue organisation. Use our calculator above to get a personalised estimate.

What drives Bichon Frise costs

The Bichon's white, curly, low-shedding coat is its defining cost: a professional groom every 4–6 weeks adds up to ~$715/year, and the coat mats without it. The low-shedding quality is also why the breed is popular with allergy-sensitive owners.

Medically, Bichons are prone to allergic skin disease (atopic dermatitis), which can mean ongoing vet visits and medicated care, plus dental disease, luxating patellas and bladder stones. Insurance and good dental/skin routines are the sensible budget priorities for this breed.

Written by Darren Newland. Health information here summarises published veterinary and breed-health sources for cost-planning purposes and is not clinical advice — we do not have a veterinarian on staff. Talk to your vet about your own animal.

How to save on Bichon Frise costs

→Learn to maintain the coat yourself. At $715 a year, grooming is one of this breed's largest running costs. Booking a professional groom quarterly instead of monthly, and brushing and bathing at home in between, is the single biggest saving available on a Bichon Frise — typically $286–$358 a year.
→Insure early, before anything is pre-existing. At $540 a year, insurance is one of the larger predictable costs — but Bichon Frises insured as puppies see lower premiums and, more importantly, no pre-existing-condition exclusions. Every condition that appears before cover starts is excluded for life, which is why waiting is the expensive option.
→Adopt rather than buy. Rescue organisations typically charge $150–$400, against $325+ from a breeder — a difference of about $50. Adult dogs from shelters usually arrive vaccinated and desexed, which also removes part of the $490 initial vet bill.
→Do not over-buy on food. Food is a modest $415 a year for this breed. Bulk buying saves little at this volume and risks the bag going stale, so buying a quality food in sensible quantities beats chasing bulk discounts.
→Build an emergency fund. We suggest $2,000 in a dedicated pet savings account for a small breed. A single emergency surgery runs $3,000–$8,000 without insurance, and four in five owners face an unexpected veterinary bill at some point.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bichon Frise cost?

A Bichon Frise typically costs $4,030 in the first year, including the purchase or adoption fee ($325), initial vet visits ($490), supplies ($555), and the first year of food, grooming, and insurance. Annual ongoing costs from year two are approximately $2,400/year.

How much does a Bichon Frise cost per month?

After the first year, a Bichon Frise costs approximately $200/month on average. This covers food ($35/month), vet care ($41/month), grooming ($60/month), and insurance ($45/month).

Is a Bichon Frise expensive to own?

Bichon Frises cost approximately $2,400/year to maintain — in the mid-range for annual dog ownership costs. Over their 14-year lifespan, total costs come to around $35,230.

How much does a Bichon Frise puppy cost?

A Bichon Frise puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs $325. Rescue or shelter adoption fees are usually $150–$400 and often include initial vaccinations and desexing. Remember the purchase price is just one part of the first-year cost of $4,030.