Are Bichon Frises hard to potty train?

Yes, they are notoriously difficult to house train. Small bladder capacity and a stubborn streak mean many owners report accidents well into adulthood. Expect 6-12 months to be fully reliable, compared to 3-4 months for most breeds.

How much does Bichon Frise grooming cost?

Professional grooming costs $50-100 every 4-6 weeks, totaling $650-1,200 annually. Their hair grows continuously and mats easily - skipping grooming leads to painful matting that requires shaving down.

Can Bichon Frises be left alone?

Not for long. They were bred for centuries to be constant companions and suffer severe separation anxiety. Maximum alone time is 2-4 hours. If you work 8 hours away from home, this breed is NOT suitable without daycare.

Are Bichon Frises good apartment dogs?

Excellent apartment dogs. They're small (5-8 kg), require moderate exercise that can be done indoors, and are generally polite in shared spaces. However, nuisance barking must be trained out early for apartment living.

Do Bichon Frises shed?

Minimally - near zero visible shedding. Loose hair is trapped in their curly undercoat, making them hypoallergenic. However, this dead hair MUST be brushed out, or it forms painful, felt-like mats against the skin.

What health problems do Bichon Frises have?

Top issues are periodontal disease (#1 - daily teeth brushing required), patellar luxation (knee issues), allergies (skin and food), bladder stones (may need prescription diet), and cataracts (can appear before age 6).

Are Bichon Frises good with cats?

Yes, excellent! They have very low prey drive and generally coexist peacefully with cats and other small pets. They're more likely to want to play with a cat than chase it.

How much exercise does a Bichon Frise need?

About 45-60 minutes daily, split between two brisk 15-20 minute walks and indoor play/trick training. They don't need long-distance running but must burn off energy to prevent nuisance barking.

Is a Bichon Frise good for first-time owners?

Yes, IF prepared for the challenges. They're forgiving of training mistakes and have a lovely temperament. However, the grooming requirement ($1,000+/year) and 6-12 month house-training period shock many first-time owners.

Are Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers good family dogs?

Wheaten Terriers are affectionate family dogs but may do better with older children due to their exuberant jumping greeting (the 'Wheaten Greetin'). They bond intensely with family members and are generally good-natured, but their bouncy energy can be too much for small children or elderly family members.

How much exercise does a Wheaten Terrier need?

Wheaten Terriers need 60-90 minutes of exercise daily. This includes a 30-40 minute brisk walk plus 20 minutes of high-intensity play like fetch or tug. They also need 20 minutes of mental stimulation through puzzle feeders or scent work to prevent destructive boredom.

Do Wheaten Terriers shed a lot?

No, Wheaten Terriers are low-shedding dogs. Their hair falls out like human hair (in a brush) rather than shedding onto furniture. However, they require daily combing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to prevent severe matting.

Are Wheaten Terriers easy to train?

Wheaten Terriers are intelligent but moderately challenging to train. They are 'soft terriers' who respond well to positive reinforcement but shut down with harsh corrections. They bore easily and won't drill commands repeatedly - keep sessions short and fun.

What health problems do Wheaten Terriers have?

The most significant concerns are the 'protein-losing' conditions: Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN) affecting kidneys and Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE) affecting the gut. Annual urine testing is mandatory. They're also prone to Addison's Disease and allergies.

How long do Wheaten Terriers live?

Wheaten Terriers typically live 12-14 years. Regular health screening, particularly annual urinalysis for early detection of protein-losing conditions, is essential for maximizing their lifespan.

Are Wheaten Terriers good with cats?

Only if raised together from puppyhood. Despite their soft looks, Wheaten Terriers have significant prey drive. A running cat will trigger a chase response, and outdoor cats are viewed as prey. They are generally unsafe with small mammals like rabbits or hamsters.

How much does a Wheaten Terrier cost?

Puppies from reputable breeders cost $1,500-3,000. Monthly costs run $200-350 due to mandatory professional grooming ($100-150 every 4-6 weeks) plus food and insurance. Annual grooming alone is $1,200+, making this a high-maintenance breed financially.

Do Wheaten Terriers bark a lot?

Wheaten Terriers have medium barking tendency. They are alert barkers who bark at arrivals, doorbells, and strange noises, but are not nuisance barkers if properly exercised. In apartments, alert barking at hallway noises must be managed early.

Are Wheaten Terriers hypoallergenic?

Yes, Wheaten Terriers are considered hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding single coat. They are often tolerated by allergy sufferers. However, no dog is 100% allergen-free - dander and saliva still exist.

Bichon Frise vs Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Q: Do Bichon Frises bark a lot?

Yes, Bichon Frises are alert barkers and will announce every visitor or delivery. They also vocalize (howl, whine) when left alone due to separation anxiety. Early training can reduce nuisance barking.

A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.

Non-SportingCompanion

Bichon Frise

Also known as: Bichon à poil frisé, Bichon Tenerife

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The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog breed known for its fluffy white coat and playful, affectionate nature. Originally bred as a companion dog, it is highly sociable and adaptable, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike.

Size

Small

Energy

Medium

Lifespan

12-15 yrs

Height

24-29 cm

Weight

5-8 kg

Terrier

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Also known as: Wheaten, Wheatie, Irish Wheaten, SCWT

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The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an exuberant, people-loving terrier with a distinctive silky wheaten coat. Known for their enthusiastic 'Wheaten Greetin' - jumping to greet you at face level - they require 60-90 minutes of daily exercise and significant grooming commitment. Originally bred as all-purpose farm dogs in Ireland, they are hypoallergenic, adaptable to apartment living, and bond intensely with their families.

Size

Medium

Energy

High

Lifespan

12-14 yrs

Height

43-48 cm

Quick Comparison

Trait	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Energy
Trainability
Grooming Needs
Family Friendly
Independence

Key Characteristics

Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Good with Cats
Hypoallergenic
Apartment Friendly
First-Time Owner OK

Detail	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Size	Small	Medium
Energy Level	Medium	High
Grooming	High	High
Trainability	Easy	Moderate
Barking Level	High	Medium
Shedding Level	Low	Low
Chew strength	Light	Moderate
Housing	Apartment	Apartment

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

Trait	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Experience Level	Beginner	Intermediate
First-Time Owner
Ideal Owner	Retirees, work-from-home professionals, or families with older children who want a constant companion and can commit to grooming.	Dedicated owner willing to pay for professional grooming and attend obedience classes. Active individual or family who can manage the exuberant greeting behavior. Tolerant of daily grooming and beard maintenance.

Bichon Frise Dealbreakers

Work full-time away from home without daycare
Want a 'wash and wear' dog
Cannot afford $1,000+/year in grooming
Zero tolerance for potty accidents

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dealbreakers

Want a dog that can be washed once a month and ignored
Fastidious about a clean house (mud/debris in coat)
Want an off-leash dog for unfenced areas
Have small children or elderly relatives (jumping risk)

Surrender Risk

Factor	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Risk Level	Medium	Medium
Primary Reasons	House soiling - owners give up after 6 months of accidents, Separation anxiety - neighbors complain about barking, Grooming neglect - cannot afford; dog gets matted; surrender out of shame	Grooming neglect - owner couldn't handle the matting, Energy mismatch - bounce and jumping too much for families with small kids, Allergies - owner didn't realize hypoallergenic doesn't mean allergen-free

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

Trait	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

Trait	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Barking Level	High	Medium
Howling Tendency
Whining Tendency	High	Medium
Separation Vocalization

Bichon Frise bark triggers

Doorbell/visitorsSeparationExcitement

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bark triggers

DoorbellArrivalsStrange noisesHallway sounds (in apartments)

Safety & Reliability

Trait	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Escape Artist
Dog Park Suitable
Off-Leash Reliable
Small Animal Safe
Leash Reactivity
Resource Guarding Risk	Low	Low

Bichon Frise Social Traits

Velcro Dog

One Person Dog

Handling ToleranceHigh

Stranger Wariness

None

With Other Dogs

Loves all dogs - generally not prone to same-sex aggression

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Social Traits

Velcro Dog

One Person Dog

Handling ToleranceHigh

Stranger Wariness

None

With Other Dogs

Generally good with other dogs, unlike many terriers. Unneutered males may have same-sex aggression issues at ~18 months.

Training

Bichon Frise

MethodPositive reinforcement ONLY

Repetitions to Learn5-15

Challenges

House training takes 6-12 months due to small bladder and stubborn streakSensitive to harsh corrections - will shut down or urinate submissively'Small Dog Syndrome' - owners tolerate bad behavior because they're cute

Tips

They learn tricks quickly but need massive repetition for house training
Never scold for accidents - increases anxiety and makes it worse
Highly food motivated - use treats but watch calories
Crate training essential but introduce carefully to avoid panic

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

MethodPositive reinforcement with high-value treats

Repetitions to Learn15-25

Challenges

Will not drill same command 20 times - needs noveltyThe Wheaten Greetin' jumping takes months to manageRecalls unreliable when prey visible

Tips

Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun
Use high-value treats - they are food motivated
Four on the floor: no one pets unless feet are grounded
Never use harsh correction - causes shutdown or defensive behavior

Bichon Frise Considerations

dealbreakerSevere Separation Anxiety

Bred for centuries solely to be companions - genetically wired to be with humans constantly. Cannot tolerate being alone for more than 2-4 hours. Isolation causes destructive chewing, self-mutilation (licking paws raw), and relentless barking.

dealbreakerHousebreaking Nightmare

Notoriously difficult to house train - small bladder and stubborn streak. Many owners report accidents well into adulthood. Expect 6-12 months to be reliable, compared to 3-4 months for most breeds.

dealbreakerGrooming Costs Non-Negotiable

Professional grooming required every 4-6 weeks at $50-100 per visit ($650-1,200 annually). Hair grows continuously and mats easily. Skipping leads to painful matting requiring shave-down.

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Considerations

dealbreakerThe Wheaten Greetin' (Jumping)

A genetic predisposition to launch themselves vertically at faces to say hello. This is hardwired, dopamine-fueled behavior that takes months of consistent training to manage and can be dangerous for small children or elderly relatives.

dealbreakerSignificant Prey Drive

Despite their soft looks, they are vermin hunters by heritage. A Wheaten that is an angel in the living room may become deaf to commands the moment a squirrel, cat, or rabbit bolts. Off-leash reliability is exceptionally low.

challengeHigh Grooming Demands

Professional grooming ($100-150) every 4-6 weeks is non-negotiable unless you learn professional scissoring skills. Neglecting this leads to severe matting requiring a traumatic shave down.

challengeCoat Change Matting (7-24 months)

During coat transition from puppy to adult, severe overnight matting occurs even with brushing. Many owners surrender dogs during this phase due to grooming inability.

Multi-Species Compatibility

Species	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
With Cats	Excellent - generally safe and often playful with cats	Only if raised together from puppyhood. Running cat will trigger chase response. Outdoor cats viewed as prey.
Small Mammals	Safe with rabbits/guinea pigs - more likely to be bullied by a rabbit than hurt it	Unsafe - rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs are viewed as prey
Birds / Reptiles	Safe - lacks terrier 'snap' reflex; generally safe around caged pets	Unsafe - terrier instinct causes fixation on cages

Advanced Behavior

Trait	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Predatory Sequence Risk	None/Arrested	Arrested to Full
Biddability	High	Medium
Noise Sensitivity	Medium	Low
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset	N/A	18 months

Bichon Frise: They want to please you (unlike Terriers or Shiba Inus). Learn tricks very fast but can manipulate owners with 'cute' behaviors to get treats.

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Displays Eye → Stalk → Chase → Grab sequence. Kill bite less common than working terriers but chase drive fully intact. Will harass small animals relentlessly. Soft terrier - harsh correction causes shutdown.

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

Challenge	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase	6-12	6-18
House Training	Challenging	Medium
Crate Training	Moderate	Medium
Adolescent Regression

Bichon Frise: The combination of difficult housebreaking and separation anxiety makes the first year harder than with most breeds. Coat change at 6-12 months creates 'nightmare grooming' phase.

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Combination of terrier stubbornness, potty training delays, and the dreaded coat change (7-24 months) makes first year challenging. Many owners surrender during grooming-intensive coat transition.

Life Stages Timeline

Stage	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Puppy Phase	10 months	12 months
Adolescence	10-18	12-36
Adult Years	2-8	3-8
Senior Onset	~9 years	~9 years
Peak Energy Age	1-3 years	1-3 years

Size & Physical Characteristics

Physical Stats

Measurement	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Height	24-29 cm	43-48 cm
Weight	Not enough data yet	Not enough data yet
Size Category	Small	Medium
Lifespan	12–15 years	12–14 years
Litter Size	4-6	5-6

Bichon Frise Coat

Type double

Length Medium

Texture curly

Colors

WhiteWhite & ApricotWhite & BuffWhite & Cream

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Coat

Type single

Length Medium

Texture silky

Colors

Wheaten (pale gold)Born dark brown/reddish - fades to wheaten by 2-3 years

Lineage & Origin

Detail	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Original Purpose	Companion dog for French/Spanish nobility - bred exclusively for human companionship, not work	All-purpose farm dog: herding sheep, guarding homestead, hunting vermin (badgers, otters, rats)
Origin	Mediterranean/France, 16th century	Ireland, 200+ years ago

Breeding Details

Detail	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
C-Section Rate	5-15%	Low
Whelping Difficulty	Low	Easy
Puppy Mortality Rate	Low	Low

Physical Risks

Risk	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Bloat / GDV Risk	Low	Low
Slippery Floor Risk	High	Low
Min Fence Height	1m	1.5m
Dig / Escape Risk	Low	High

Health & Common Conditions

Bichon Frise Health Issues

Periodontal DiseaseVery High - #1 issue

Patellar Luxation#3 issue in breed

Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)Common

Bladder StonesGenetically predisposed

Cataracts#5 issue, can appear <6 years

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Issues

Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN)2-15%

Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE)Moderate

Addison's DiseaseModerate

Renal Dysplasia (RD)Rare

AllergiesCommon

Bichon Frise Suggested Tests

OFA Patella Evaluation
Ophthalmologist Evaluation (Annual)
OFA Hip Evaluation
Cardiac Exam

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Suggested Tests

PLN Variant Gene Test
Annual urine test (urinalysis/UPC ratio)
OFA hips/eyes

Health Risk Overview

Risk Factor	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Cancer Risk	Medium	Low
Cardiac Risk	Low	Low
Neurological Risk	Low	Low
CCL/ACL Tear Risk	Medium	Low
Vet Burden Tier	Medium	High

Sensitivities & Allergies

Sensitivity	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach Sensitivity	Moderate	High
Food Allergies	Chicken, Beef, Dairy	High-fat diets (PLE risk), Novel proteins (may trigger IBD-like symptoms)

Health Maintenance

Care Item	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Nail Growth Rate	Normal	Normal
Eye Care Needs	Daily (tear stains)	High
Anal Gland Issues	Common	Rare

Senior Care & Aging

Bichon Frise Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

Cataracts
Arthritis
Kidney disease
Dental decay

Mobility Aid LikelihoodLow

QoL Decline Age~13 years

End of Life ComplexityMedium

Physical issues (teeth, knees, eyes) usually precede mental decline. Ramps may be needed for furniture to protect aging knees.

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

Kidney function decline (PLN risk increases)
Arthritis
Incontinence (older spayed females)

Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium

QoL Decline Age~11 years

End of Life ComplexityMedium

Geriatric Wheatens often maintain puppy-like demeanor longer than other breeds, but mobility issues and kidney function are primary concerns.

Grooming & Care

Bichon Frise

high maintenance

Coat Typedouble

Coat Lengthmedium

Coat Texturecurly

Shedding LevelLow

Seasonal SheddingLow

Ear Cleaningweekly

Dental RiskVery High

Obesity Prone

Winter Gear Needed

Summer Restrictions

Paw Protection

Odor LevelLow - very little dander and oil, almost no 'doggy smell'

Tactile FeelSoft/Cotton-ball - feels like a plush toy, very soothing

Colors

WhiteWhite & ApricotWhite & BuffWhite & Cream

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

high maintenance

Coat Typesingle

Coat Lengthmedium

Coat Texturesilky

Shedding LevelLow

Seasonal SheddingLow

Ear Cleaningweekly

Dental RiskMedium

Obesity Prone

Winter Gear Needed

Summer Restrictions

Paw Protection

Odor LevelLow

Tactile FeelSilky/Soft - feels like human hair, very pleasant to touch

Colors

Wheaten (pale gold)Born dark brown/reddish - fades to wheaten by 2-3 years

Lifestyle Compatibility

Bichon Frise Daily Life

Exercise Needs45-60 min/day

Alone TimeUp to 2h

Mental StimulationMedium

ApartmentExcellent - small, moderate exercise, polite indoors (if barking trained out)

Work from HomeExcellent - the ultimate WFH office mate, will sleep under your desk

Weekend WarriorNot suitable - cannot tolerate long periods alone

HousingApartment

Barking LevelHigh

First-Time Owner

Exercise Types

WalksFetchTrick trainingIndoor playtime

NighttimeSleeps through the night, often prefers owner's bed

Food MotivationHigh

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day

Alone TimeUp to 5h

Mental StimulationHigh

ApartmentSuitable - compact and polite indoors, but alert barking at hallway noises must be managed

Work from HomeExcellent - quiet indoors if exercised, loves sleeping under your desk

Weekend WarriorSuitable - can handle quieter weekdays with big hikes on weekends if daily walks provided

HousingApartment

Barking LevelMedium

First-Time Owner

Exercise Types

Games (fetch, flirt pole, tag)Brisk walksZoomies in yardScent work

NighttimeSleeps soundly, prefers to be in same room as family

Food MotivationHigh

Housing & Legal Restrictions

Restriction	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight Category	Under 25lbs	25-50lbs

Climate Tolerance

Climate	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water Affinity	Low	Medium

Travel Compatibility

Activity	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Car Travel	Good	Excellent
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

Role	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Service Dog	Medium	Low
Therapy Dog	High	Medium
Deep Pressure Therapy
Canicross / Bikejoring
Apartment Adaptable
Tactile / Sensory Friendly
Livestock Guardian
Medical Alert	Medium	Low

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

Cost	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Purchase Price	$1,000-2,500	$1,500-3,000
Initial Cost Range	$1,000–$2,500	$1,500–$3,000
Cost Tier

Ongoing Costs

Cost	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Monthly Range	$150–$250	$200–$350
Yearly Range	$2,000–$3,000	$2,400–$4,200
Food / Month	$25-40	$50-75
Insurance / Month	$40-70	$50-80
Grooming / Session	$50-100	$100-150
Vet Routine / Year	$400-600	$500-800
Monthly Cost Tier

Bichon Frise Lifetime Cost

$25,000-40,000

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lifetime Cost

$30,000-55,000

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

Quirk	Bichon Frise	Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Snoring
Flatulence	Occasional	Occasional
Slobber Level	None	None
Smell When Wet	Low	Mild
Zoomies Frequency	Daily	Daily
Counter Surfing
Digging Tendency	Low	High

Bichon Frise Quirks

The Bichon Blitz

Sudden, manic running in circles (FRAP) usually in the evening. Hilarious but can knock over toddlers or elderly.

Tear Staining

Red/brown staining under eyes caused by porphyrins in tears. Requires daily wiping and filtered water to manage.

Shadow Following

Will follow you to the bathroom. True Velcro dogs that need to be in the same room as you at all times.

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Quirks

The Wheaten Greetin'

Signature enthusiastic welcome involving jumping, spinning, and kissing faces

The Wheaten Spin

When excited, they spin in circles

The Beard Sponge

The beard acts as a sponge - after drinking, they will drip water on your lap. After eating, food particles remain. Beard hygiene is a daily task.

Snowballs

In winter, snow clumps to leg hair forming heavy ice balls that can be painful

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bichon Frises are alert barkers and will announce every visitor or delivery. They also vocalize (howl, whine) when left alone due to separation anxiety. Early training can reduce nuisance barking.

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Compare with Other Breeds

Compare Bichon Frise with:

Compare Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier with:

Akita

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

Alaskan Malamute

American Eskimo Dog

American Foxhound

American Staffordshire Terrier

Based on comprehensive breed research data.

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