Are you considering a suitable pet for your apartment? Then, a Bichon Frise may be a good choice. Bichon Frise Dogs, also known as “Bichons” originates from the US and have been widely re-branded as a perfect traveling companion for you. They have a thick, double coat of fur, usually white, although they can also be found in other colors.
These dogs are brilliant, self-assured, and active, so they are beloved by everyone. Bichons are known to have a voracious appetite for attention. Bichon Frise was developed as a lapdog that would provide love and affection to its owner. Bichons do not have the same popularity and acclaim in India as dogs like German Shepherds and Labradors.
However, interest in this breed is gradually increasing in the nation. This breed can be a perfect fit for many Indian dog enthusiasts and prospective pet owners. So, In this article, we will go over the market cost of Bichon Frise in different areas of India and the things that you should bear in mind so that you make an informed decision and don’t regret it later.
So, let’s get started.
How Much Does Bichon Frise Cost in India?
Bichons can be found in India at a range of prices. But, the average price across different states you can expect to pay for your Bichon Frise is INR 25,000 – 30,000.
Factors That Affect the Buying Price for Bichon Frise in India
Age of Bichon Frise
The allure of a cute little ball of fluff is hard to resist, and puppies can be costlier than adult dogs. A 6-month-old puppy, for example, might be less expensive than an 8-week-old puppy.
It is because puppies require more care and attention than adult dogs. They need to be house-trained, exercised, and socialized. They also require regular vet check-ups and vaccinations. It can be costly if you are not able to do it yourself.
Another reason is that you can train puppies according to your needs. Adults that you adopt or buy are already trained according to the environment they’re kept in.
To Adopt or Buy?
Adopting a dog from a rescue center means getting an animal that is likely already house trained and knows how to behave in a home environment. Rescue dogs have typically been through a lot – abandoned, neglected, or abused – so they are often more grateful for their new home and family.
Nonetheless, some buyers might be discouraged that adopting the right Bichon Frise may take longer and that uncertainty will typically demoralize them. Whereas, Buying a dog from a breeder offers more gratification and a higher probability of obtaining a purebred Bichon Frise.
It’s hard to put a price on the companionship of a pet, but when it comes to Bichon Frise, buying from a breeder can often be expensive. At the same time, adoption fees from animal shelters or rescue organizations are typically much lower.
Breeder Factor
Since many breeders in India are not registered and operate illegally, buyers must ensure that the breeder has the necessary license and is registered with the State Animal Welfare Board of the particular state.
Bichon Frise is prone to many diseases, so buying it from a breeder with all the dog’s health records is an intelligent decision.
Looking for a new furry friend to add to your family? Maybe you should consider buying Bichon Frise from one of the places mentioned below.
Purchasing Dogs From Puppy Mills
(Never go for this option)
The dogs sold by these operations may seem healthy and happy, but appearances can be deceiving. The conditions in which these animals are kept are often appalling: Dogs are typically confined to small cages for their entire lives and are not given proper veterinary care, food, or water.
Puppy mills exist solely to make money, so they do not concern themselves with the welfare of their animals. These people will often lure you into selling the Bichon Frise dogs at a much lower rate than it is in the market.
Buying a dog from a mill supports this cruel industry and only perpetuates the cycle of misery for these unfortunate animals.
These commercial breeding mills offer the lowest prices for puppies, but it will cost you more in the long run.
Purchasing a Bichon Frise from Pet Shops
Unfortunately, most pet shops are puppy mills in disguise. Usually, pet stores receive their pets from puppy mills or private individuals. In any event, the origin of the pet is difficult to determine. There are no apparent indications of animal abuse, but an overly submissive dog that avoids contact with others could be a sign of others.
So, it is necessary to know about Bischon Frise’s parents’ history before purchasing.
Purchasing a Bichon Frise from Middleman or Brokers
Middleman and broker services connect people who want dogs with reputable breeders or shelters that have dogs for sale. They can be helpful if you don’t have time to search for a dog yourself or if you want someone else to do all the work for you.
They can also be helpful to reputable breeders who want their dogs to go to a home where they receive the love and affection they deserve. However, they can charge about 10-20% of commission on sales. But that’s worth spending when getting a dog with good genetics.
There’s a slight possibility that you might have an encounter with dishonest brokers. So, it is best to conduct thorough research about the broker’s history before making any purchase.
Purchasing a Bichon Frise from Reputable breeders
When purchasing a dog, it is essential to find a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will screen potential buyers and only sell puppies to those they believe will provide a good home. Most reputable breeders ask buyers to sign a contract to ensure that the buyer will provide a good home for the dog.
They will also be able to provide information about the puppies’ parents, including their health and temperament. Good breeders charge more because they typically invest a lot of time and money into breeding healthy dogs with good temperaments.
An excellent way to find a reputable breeder is to ask your veterinarian or local animal shelter for recommendations. You can also search online for breeders who are members of the Kennel Club of India or your local Animal Welfare Board.
Questions that You Should Ask a Breeder Before Making a Purchase
Some essential questions to ask include:
- May I meet the parents of the puppy?
- How many dogs do you typically have in your breeding program?
- Do you have any genetic health testing done on your dogs?
- What kind of food and water do they eat?
- What type of vet care do your dogs receive?
- Are your dogs bred for good health and temperament?
- How are your puppies raised?
- Do the parents have health clearances?
- What tests have been performed on the sire and dam of the puppies?
- What is the average life expectancy of the breed of dog I am interested in?
- What size house do your dogs live in? What kind of exercise do they get?
- Do you socialize your puppies with other animals and people?
- Can I see your license?
Gender of Bichon Frise
In India, typically, male dogs cost more money than female ones. However, the amount can have differences of about INR 3,000-5,000 between them. Therefore, we recommend you select the dog that best fits your needs.
A female Bischon Frise will be more suitable for family, while a male is more appropriate for people who want strong interaction and companionship.
Size of Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small dog weighing roughly 11 -20 pounds (2- 9 kilograms) and stands tall at 25 to 30 cm (9.5 to 12 inches). However, due to their small size, these numbers hardly impact the price.
Mixed breed or Purebred
Purebred dogs can be more expensive than mixed breed dogs because purebred dogs are not prone to specific genetic health problems.
Mixed breed dogs, on the other hand, come from two or more breeds and may have a less predictable mix of genes, which could lead to fewer health problems but also could mean that the dog is not as well-suited for one specific task or activity.
Check whether you’re receiving a purebred Bichon Frise through your breeder’s KCI (Kernel club of India) certificates that recognize and certify purebred pedigrees.
Bloodline
An excellent bloodline ensures that your dog is more docile and well-behaved, which makes your dog more valuable and more expensive. In addition, having sufficient information about the dog’s parents will indicate its life expectancy.
Coat Colours and Markings
Just as the physical appearances of dogs can impact prices, factors such as fur size, color, and type can make up a dog’s price. For example, these fluffy dogs are commonly found in white coat colors but can also come in other shades.
The price depends upon the rarity of the color. The color that is very hard to find would considerably cost more. For example, the colors of Apricot, Cream, and Buff, likewise found on their coats, are also responsible for the rise in the average price of a Bichon Frise.
Location
Dog costs may increase again if you visit a vendor located far away (perhaps in another state, town, or region). That’s because you might pay more for shipping expenses or travel costs.
Additionally, dogs easily accessible within a given region typically cost less than their more difficult-to-find counterparts. In the case of Bichon Frise, these dogs make up the average class of availability in India, so their price is relatively high in the areas where their accessibility is mediocre, nominal in where they’re available in abundance.
Certificates and Warranties
Your prospect review ought to be thorough as sometimes the certificates provided by a breeder can be illegitimate. In addition, honest breeders value their canines at higher rates. Therefore, it is best to check all claims made by a breeder before you buy your dogs from them.
Yearly Keeping or Maintenance Cost of Owning a Bichon Frise
Purchasing a Bischon Frise is only a starting point for you being a dog parent. But what about the maintenance cost of owning a Bichon Frise?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the vet visits, the type of food they eat, how often they’re walking, whether they’re groomed at regular intervals, and many more.
So, to give you a brief idea, we’ve prepared a detailed list of all the related maintenance costs that could occur on your journey of being a Bichon Frise Parent. So, let’s have a look!
Food Factor
When feeding Bichon Frise, giving them a balanced diet of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is essential. Generally, a Bichon Frise puppy would consume about 370 units of calories, whereas, for adults, it can go up to 530 units.
Home Food vs. Purchased Food
There is no definitive answer as to whether or not it is more nutritional to give your dog home food rather than store-bought food. The main factor that comes into play when determining the nutritional value of food is the quality of ingredients used in its preparation.
So, if you are not confident in your ability to cook for your pet, it is best to consult your veterinarian about the best food options for your dog. However, several high-quality commercial dog foods are available on the market that is nutritionally balanced and well-suited for most dogs.
The cost factor of such commercial food depends upon the weight of your Bischon Frise. For example, if the average weight of your dog is between 4 to 7 kg, then you can expect your dog to eat approximately 31 kilograms of food in its initial year.
That may cost you around INR 4,000-10,000 a year, depending upon the brand you choose to buy. For adults, that cost can go up to INR 5,000-15,000.
Portion Size and Daily Frequency
Feeding your Bischon Frise adequately is essential for their overall health and can help prevent obesity and other health problems down the road. It’s also important to keep giving them a diet with balanced amounts of fats, carbohydrates, and other essential proteins that aid in their overall development. To have an idea about the feeding frequency and portion size of Bichon Frise, have a look at the chart mentioned below!
| Age | Times a day | Amount of food |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 months | 4 times a day | 1/4 – 1/3 cup, puppy food |
| 2-8 months | 3 times a day | 1/4 – 1/3 cup food |
| 8-12 months | 2 times a day | 1/2 cup food |
| 12-18 months | 3 times a day | 1/2 – 1 cup food |
| 18 months and older | 3 times a day | 1 cup food |
Vet Factor
Bichon Frise has specific healthcare requirements over its life. To have a brief and detailed idea, look at the topics mentioned in this section.
Vaccination Cost
When your pup turns six weeks of age, the amount of nutrition received from the mother milk begins to dissipate. At this time, vaccinations are given to safeguard them from common infectious diseases.
There are two initial rounds of puppy vaccinations – the first at 6-8 weeks old and the second at 8-10 weeks old. After that, dogs should continue to receive boosters every one to three years, depending on the vaccine.
Also, ask your breeder for the vaccination card during purchase; this will give you an idea of vaccines yet to be delivered to your dog.
Here is some general vaccines schedule that you should follow:
| Time Interval | Vaccine | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Weeks | DP Vaccine: it aids in protection against canine distemper and Parvovirus infection. Rabies Vaccine: Protects against rabies infection that can even spread in humans. Generally, you can get this done for free in government hospitals. A booster shot is given in 21 days after the first shot | INR 750-1500 |
| 8 Weeks | At this stage, a group of vaccines will be given. They may be known as 5-in-1 or 7-in-1, or 9-in-1 with a booster at 21 days. These vaccines protect your dog from life-threatening illnesses like Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Distemper, and Leptospira. | INR 1000-2000 |
| Annual | DHPP booster vaccines should be given every year to give your dogs continued protection. | INR 750-2500 |
Neutering or Spaying Surgery Cost
Dogs are commonly spayed and neutered to prevent overpopulation. However, there are many other benefits to spaying and neutering your dog. For example, spaying female dogs eliminate the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer and the risk of pyometra, a severe uterus infection.
Neutering male dogs eliminate the risk of testicular cancer and significantly reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Spaying or neutering your dog can also help prevent behavior problems such as roaming, aggression, and marking territory with urine.
In India, spaying or neutering your dog will cost about INR 5,000-15,000.
Deworming
Several parasites can infect dogs, many of which can be passed on to humans. While some parasites like fleas and ticks are easy to spot, others, like roundworm, can be hidden in the dog’s gut without causing apparent symptoms.
Puppies should be dewormed every two or three weeks until three months, then monthly until six months. For adults, deworming every three months is required. Deworming can be done at home quickly by providing your dogs with deworming tablets or syrups. These medications usually cost around INR 350-500.
Preventive Medications Cost
These are some medications that are not used often but provide aid in case of emergency.
Antiseptic spray, band-aids, and cotton balls: In case of any injuries, these are essential first aid accessories that will be useful.
Tick and flea powder: Ticks can carry Lyme disease, which can be passed on to pets and even people. Fleas can cause skin irritation and severe health problems in pets. A good quality tick and flea powder can help protect your dog from these pests. It would cost around INR 700.
Ear Drops: Dogs can quickly get dirt and bacteria trapped in their ears, which can cause infection and irritation. Ear drops can help dislodge this dirt and bacteria and can help alleviate pain and inflammation.
Housing and Confinement Cost
Dogs with their own space feel secure and safe, which is essential for their well-being. In addition, a designated area for sleeping, eating, and playing helps to create a sense of order and stability in the dog’s life, which can be reassuring.
You can expect an additional INR 1000-3000 if you plan to add a dog bed.
Accessories Cost
Collar and Leash
A collar can help identify a dog if it becomes lost and provides a place to attach a leash or identification tag. A leash is essential for controlling a dog in public and at home. It can also be used as a training tool to make them obedient. A good collar and leash could cost around INR 300-1500.
Training Harness
A training harness helps you control your dog without using a collar. It is essential because a collar can cause injuries to a dog’s neck if pulled on too hard. A harness distributes the force throughout the dog’s body, which minimizes the chance of injury.
You can find a good harness in India at INR 600-1,000.
Toys Cost
Toys help dogs stay mentally and physically healthy, so it’s essential to have a variety of them on hand. Some dogs prefer soft toys, while others love playing with balls or chewing toys. Interactive toys that dispense treats are also a big hit with many dogs.
Depending on the type, you can expect it to cost around INR 200-400.
Grooming Cost
The grooming cost depends upon various factors such as age, health, coat, and behavior. Generally, a Bichon Frise requires grooming 6 to 10 times yearly, costing between INR 1,000-5,000 per session.
That amounts to a yearly expenditure of around INR 30,000. Most professional pet groomers also provide a wash, shampoo, hair removal, brushing, styling, trimming nails, cleaning ears, and oral care.
You can buy professional grooming tools online for about INR 5,000 on average. If you have patience and the necessary skill set, you can adequately groom all of your dogs from home on your own and save a lot on the grooming cost.
Walker Cost
If you’re a dog owner, walking your dog is essential for their health and well-being. Hiring a professional dog walker can be just as important – primarily if you work long hours or travel frequently. A dog walker can cost around INR 400-500/session or opt for monthly packages around INR 3,000-5,000.
Training and Socialising Cost
Training is essential for teaching your dog the basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. It can also help to prevent behavioral problems such as aggression, chewing, and house-soiling. At the same time, socialization helps them learn how to behave around other people and animals.
You can hire professional trainers if you’re having a tough time training them or are busy with your day-to-day activities. In India, such trainers can charge INR 1000-2000 per session.
Treat Costs
Dogs need treats for training, positive reinforcement, and a way to show them that they’re loved. While table scraps can also suffice as a treat, dog owners should give their furry friends specific treats designed for them. These treats can cost you around INR 200-300 monthly. Therefore, it is always recommended to first consult with your vet and then buy accordingly.
Insurance Costs
Unexpected vet bills can be incredibly costly. A single visit to the vet for an illness or injury can efficiently run into hundreds or even thousands of Rupees. Insurance can help you cover these costs, which can otherwise be financially devastating.
In addition, dog insurance can also help you pay for routine care such as vaccines and check-ups. Good insurance will cover all of these additional charges. You can expect its annual premium to cost around INR 5000-15000.
Travel Cost
Many airlines permit the transport of pets, although some only allow service animals. They have regulations concerning the vaccination records and the space they’re kept in.
They are charged as additional baggage per your carrier’s and your pet’s weight.
This cost can turn out to be expensive in the case of Bichon Frise. You can expect it to cost anywhere between INR 2,000 to 20,000 if you travel domestically. For International travel, it can go up to 3,00,000.
Daycare Cost
Dog daycare services allow pet parents to go to work or run errands without worrying about their furry friends being cooped up at home all day. They offer a variety of activities such as playtime, walks, and training sessions that keep dogs entertained and engaged. You can expect it to cost anywhere between INR 250-500.
Registration Cost
Today, it is obligatory to get your pet licensed under town municipalities. It can be done online or by going to local offices in person; you must bring your vaccination slip. On the whole, registration can cost anywhere from INR 50 to 500.
Miscellaneous
A dog food bowl, poop bags, and pee cleaner are a few things that you need to buy occasionally. The last is the most recurring. It can cost you around INR 2500-4000.
Hidden and Related Costs of Bichon Frise Puppy Ownership
We have provided a brief overview of the annual maintenance expenditures of owning a Bichon Frise, but there are additional expenses that you need to take care of.
You must devote considerable time and effort to raising a Bichon Frise puppy, especially during the initial weeks.
Bichon Frise is known to be companion dogs, which means they would need much of your time. Failing to do so may make them aggressive.
Essential Things to Consider Before Buying A Bichon Frise
Before committing to bringing home a Bichon Frise, ensure you can provide the necessary care and attention they need.
Coat maintenance is another thing you’ll want to take into consideration. The beauty of a bichon’s coat isn’t an exception. However, these dogs do not shed excessively and are regarded as hypoallergenic.
Another essential thing to consider before buying a Bichon Frise is whether or not you have enough space for them. These dogs love to run and play, so they need at least an average-sized yard where they can get some exercise.
Bichon Frise was created as a companion breed and hence requires human companionship. However, this breed may become irritable or destructive when left alone for long stretches.
Bichons make good pets for children if they’re not so mischievous. But unfortunately, bichons are among the most easily injured dogs when playtime is out of control. So, it’s necessary for you to supervise when they’re playing with children.
Benefits of Bring Bichon Frise
Bichon frisé puppies have no problem socializing with other dogs and kids, as they have a cheerful, sweet, and happy-go-lucky disposition.
The Bichon Frise is a great apartment pet due to its moderate exercise requirements and ability to adapt to various living environments.
These dogs don’t shed often; hence it can save a lot on your grooming cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bichon Dogs Smart?
The Bichon Frise is an intelligent breed and can be trained to behave similarly to other small dogs. They learn quickly and are easy to train.
Do Bichon Barks a lot?
Bichon Frise, in contrast to other breeds, wants more companionship. They like to be alone as little as possible. They usually bark and whine at passersby or other dogs in the neighborhood.
Are Bichon Frise High Maintenance?
Bichon needs more grooming and care. You need to brush them at least twice a week.
Is Bichon Frise Hard to Potty Train?
Bichon Frise is not a tough dog to potty train. On the contrary, they are very friendly and easy to train.
What Problems Can a Bichon Frise Have?
These Bichon Frises are prone to several health issues, such as hyperadrenocorticism, allergies, patellar luxation, etc. However, bichons have a reasonable life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, similar to other dogs.
Summing it Up
A Bichon Frise is an excellent pet for those who can devote time to regular grooming and exercise. They are loving, social dogs that thrive in a family environment. If you think a Bichon Frise would be a good fit for your lifestyle, research breeders and adoption organizations to find one that meets your need.