The Bichon Frise Papillon Mix is an interesting blend of a purebred Bichon Frise and a purebred Papillon. These dogs are moderately energetic and enjoy playing with their owners and family members.
The Bichon Frise x Papillon Mix is a relatively rare crossbreed, but it is getting popular thanks to its cute looks and trainability.
Despite being small in size, this designer dog is big in personality. They are very loyal and affectionate and enjoy being near their owners and family.
They do not tolerate solitude and usually develop destructive behavior when they are left alone for long. Fortunately, you can prevent this with positive reinforcement training.
Keep reading as we explore the exciting world of the Bichon Frise Papillon Mix and walk you through their general appearance, temperament, exercise needs, and more.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About The Bichon Frise Papillon Mix
| Breed Type: | Mixed Breed/Crossbreed/Designer Dog/Hybrid (Bichon Frise and Papillon) |
| Size: | Small-sized dog |
| Other Names: | Papichon |
| Good Guard Dog: | No |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 9 to 16 pounds (Keep in mind that individual dogs may fall outside this range) |
| Average Height: | 10 to 12 inches tall (Keep in mind that individual dogs may fall outside this range) |
| Lifespan: | 14 to 16 years |
| Apartment Living: | Yes, they are generally calm and do not require a large amount of space |
| Ideal for: | First-time dog owners, Elderly individuals, Individuals with allergies, Families with older children, Singles or couples living in apartments, Those seeking a loyal companion, Those looking for a small-sized dog, Anyone seeking a cheerful and affectionate pet, Individuals working from home or with flexible schedules |
| Coat: | Short, smooth |
| Coat colors: | Black, White, Brown, Red, Sable |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Yes. They are generally intelligent, and easy to train, which makes them a good choice for first-time dog owners who may not have experience with dog training |
| Training: | Easy to train |
| Hypoallergenic: | They are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals |
| Shedding: | Low to Moderate |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush your Papichon 2 to 3 times per week to keep their coat in good shape |
| Energy Levels: | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs: | They have relatively low exercise needs compared to larger, more active breeds. Your Bichon Frise will need between 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. As they don’t require lots of walking, they are a popular choice with busy families and older owners |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | If your Papichon is an adult (1-year-old), you can consider leaving it alone for about 4 hours (they do best with owners who are at home most of the time) |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1 cup of high quality dog food divided into 2 or 3 meals. Of course, this amount varies depending on the dog’s age, size, and activity level |
| Maintenance: | The maintenance level of the Bichon Frise Papillon Mix is generally moderate, requiring regular grooming and moderate exercise. |
| Possible Health Issues: | Hip dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Dental problems, Eye problems, Ear Infections, Kidney stones, Diabetes, Collapsing tracheas, Allergies |
| Temperament: | Loving, Affectionate, Alert, Sociable, Active, Playful, Sensitive, Intelligent, Cheerful |
| Cat Friendly: | Yes, especially if they are socialized with them from a young age |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, provided they are properly socialized and trained |
| Kid Friendly: | They are generally considered very good with kids. Their small size, however, puts them at a slight risk around young children who may be clumsy and inadvertently injure the dog |
| Barking Tendencies: | Moderate. They will often bark to alert their owners to something unusual or being left alone |
| Prey Drive: | Low to Moderate |
| Price: | $500 to $2000 USD (this can vary significantly depending on factors such as breeder reputation, location, and the individual characteristics of the puppy.) |
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What is a Bichon Frise Papillon Mix dog, and What is it called?
The Bichon Frise Papillon Mix is also called a Papichon. This designer dog is an intriguing mixed breed that combines the features and traits of the Bichon Frise and the Papillon dog breeds.
The Origin and History of the Bichon Frise Papillon Mix
The Papillon Bichon Frise Mix is a rare crossbreed, so we need to guide you through the two parent breeds to get a better understanding of the beautiful Papichon.
The Origin of the Bichon Frise
Despite being widely considered a French dog, the spunky Bichon Frise originated from Spain, where they were used as herding dogs. The French adopted the breed in the 14th century and refined it into a lap dog.
The breed’s popularity has been increasing ever since due to their delightful white coats and pleasant personality. This has made them a popular choice to mix with other breeds. They add a loving and playful nature to any mix.
The Origin of the Papillon Breed
Often depicted in works of art, the Papillon was a popular dog among aristocracy. This dog breed, recognized for its unique butterfly-like ears, originated in France.
The breed is said to have descended from tiny spaniels that were popular among French nobles in the Renaissance era. Those toy spaniel were depicted in paintings and were cherished for their friendly nature and beautiful appearance.
Papillons became very popular in France between the 16th and 17th centuries and were popular companions to European royal families.
In the 19th century, the breed made its way to other European countries and eventually to North America. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915.
Today, the breed continues to grow in popularity thanks to its desirable appearance, intelligence, and friendly nature. While small in size, Papillons have a lively personality that has endeared them to dog lovers the world over.
The Physical Appearance of a Bichon Frise Papillon Mix
So, what does a Bichon Frise Papillon Mix look like?
The Papichon can look like either parent breed or be a combination of both parent breeds. But one thing is for sure: this hybrid dog has very cute looks.
Generally, they have a short broad body with short, muscular legs. Their face is round while their eyes are either dark or light brown. They may inherit the droopy ears of the Bichon Frise or the erect ears of the Papillon parent. They have a lean, pointed snout and a straight or curved tail.
How Big Does a Bichon Frise Papillon Mix Get?
A full grown Papichon is a small-sized dog weighing anywhere between 9 and 16 pounds and standing between 10 and 12 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat and Coat Colors
The Papichon has a short, shiny coat that is longer and fluffier around the tail, ears, and eyes. They have curly hair that needs weekly brushing to prevent matting.
This pup’s coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, red, light brown, sable, or a combination of any of these shades.
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Bichon Frise Papillon Mix Temperament, Behavior, and Personality Traits
The Bichon Frise Papillon Mix is a smart, loving, and affectionate dog. They are eager to please and easy to train as puppies.
They are very lively and cuddly dogs that make a great companion to individuals and families alike. They enjoy spending quality time with their owners and taking part in family activities.
Papichons are also loyal dogs that love to protect their families. However, they need plenty of attention and exercise to stay emotionally healthy and happy.
Since they love companionship, Papichons can get bored easily and start developing destructive behavior like barking, chewing, and digging. But with proper training and timely socialization, your Papichon puppy can grow and develop into a well-behaved dog.
Are Papillon Bichon Frises Good With Kids?
Bichon Frise Papillon Mixes make excellent family pets. These small fur babies love children and all members of the family equally.
Due to their small size, however, they can be quite fragile. You should teach small kids how to handle this small-sized dog so he is not accidentally injured during playtime.
Are Papillon Bichon Frises Good with Other Dogs?
Yes! Papichons are adaptable dogs who get along well with other dogs and make great playmates for them.
Are Bichon Frise Papillon Mixes Good with Cats and Other Pets?
Yes. Since Bichon Frise Papillon Mixes don’t have a strong prey drive, they get along well with other pets. They only chase the family cat or other small pets when they want to play or cuddle with them.
Are Papillon Bichon Frises Good for First-Time Owners?
Yes! Papillon and Bichon Frise Mixes are a great choice for first-time dog owners because they are very intelligent and easy to train.
However, they need daily exercises and don’t tolerate being left alone for long, so they do best with owners who are at home most of the time.
Do Papillon Bichon Frise Dogs Do Well in Apartments?
Yes! These tiny dogs adapt well to apartment living or small space living, provided there’s a yard where they can play and run around.
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Exercise Requirements
Papichons are quite energetic and need more exercise than most dogs of their size. It’s advisable to give them 30 to 60 minutes of play and exercise every day.
These little dogs enjoy playing games and learning new tricks. Having a spacious yard will make it easy to give them the exercise they need to stay happy and healthy.
However, they don’t need a lot of space to stay comfortable. They also do well in small apartments with enough physical exercises and mental stimulation.
Just be sure to take them for daily walks around your neighborhood and provide them with interactive dog toys to keep them engaged and reduce destructive behavior.
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Training
As you already know, the Bichon Frise Papillon Cross is a highly intelligent dog, so training should be easy.
However, you need to adopt the right training approach because this is a very sensitive dog. When training your papichon, use positive reinforcements like treats and praise at all times. Otherwise, punishment-based training will backfire and your dog will distrust you instead of learning.
Start housetraining right away to reinforce rules as well as obedience training to reduce issues such as chewing, barking, and other destructive behaviors.
We also recommend early socialization for this pooch. Make sure to introduce your Bichon Frise Papillon Mix puppy to many different people and animals to help boost their confidence and curb any aggressive tendencies.
Grooming and Maintenance
The Papillon Mixed with Bichon Frise needs brushing at least twice per week to keep their coat clean and free of tangles.
If your Papillon and Bichon Frise Mix puppy inherits the Bichon parent’s coat, it will need clipping every 3 months to prevent the coat from overgrowing.
Papichons are also vulnerable to eye discharge or tear staining, so regularly wipe their face with vet-recommended eye wipes to reduce tear staining and keep the eyes clean.
It is also important to bathe them every few weeks to keep their coat clean. You can also use deodorizing wipes for dogs to help maintain their coat’s cleanliness and keep them more comfortable.
Small dogs like the Papichon are prone to dental problems, so be sure to brush their teeth weekly to promote oral health.
In addition to these general grooming requirements, your dog will need a safe and comfortable bed to sleep in after a long-tiring day.
The best dog bed for the Bichon Frise Papillon Mix is the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed. This dog bed has a nice nest structure that offers a comfortable all-day nap and resting sleep to your small companion.
We also recommend a safe and comfortable crate like the MidWest Folding Crate for small dogs for your Papichon. This crate has a sturdy structure that makes it both safe and durable.
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Feeding and Diet
The Papichon has a big-dog energy and personality. However, no matter how large your Papichon thinks he is, it’s vital to give him high quality dog food that’s formulated to meet the nutritional needs of small breed dogs.
This means your Papichon won’t require a lot of food. They require just one cup of dog food each day. However, the actual amount will vary depending on factors such as their age, size, metabolism, and physical activity.
When choosing dog food for your Papichon, it is important to consider the following tips:
- Read the product label carefully.
- Consider the manufacturer’s reputation.
- Try a combination of dry and wet dog food.
- Select the right diet for your senior dog.
- Add wild Alaskan salmon oil to their diet for joint support.
- Consider adding probiotics to their diet for a healthy gut, coat, and skin.
- Lastly, provide your Papichon with fresh water every single day.
Lifespan
A healthy Papillon mixed with Bichon Frise has an average life expectancy of about 14 to 16 years.
Common Papillon Bichon Frise Mix Health Issues
The Papillon Bichon Frise Mix is prone to the following conditions:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bladder stones
- Patellar luxation
- Cataracts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Dental issues
However, every puppy is different, so your Papichon might not experience most of these health problems.
That said, it’s important to take proper care of your pet while keeping up with vet visits.
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Finding Healthy Bichon Frise Papillon Mix Puppies for Sale
Finding a quality Papichon puppy for sale can be challenging if you don’t do proper research.
To start with, you should choose a trustworthy designer dog breeder.
You should also find out the price of a quality Bichon Frise Papillon Mix for sale.
Knowing the typical price range of a healthy Papillon Bichon Frise Mix for sale can help you find a good deal from a reputable breeder.
How Much Does A Papillon Bichon Frise Mix Cost?
The average Bichon Frise Papillon Mix price is about $1,500. So, anyone charging a very low or high price could be dishonest and trying to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers.
Bichon Frise Papillon Mix for Adoption
Another way to find a healthy Bichon Frise Papillon Mix is to give your nearby animal shelter or rescue center a try.
If your local shelter or rescue doesn’t have any Papichon dogs for adoption, you can contact a different rescue or shelter.
You may need to leave your contact details with the shelter so they can call you when one of these fur babies becomes available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Papillon Bichon Frise Mix a Good Family Dog?
Yes! Bichon Frise Papillon Mixes make excellent family pets because they get along well with children and other pets when they are trained young.
Are Papillon Bichon Frise Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
No! Bichon Frise Papillon Mix dogs are low to moderate maintenance dogs. Their grooming demands will vary, but brushing should be done regularly to maintain their coat.
Can Bichon Frise Papillon Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
No! Bichon Frise Papillon Mix dogs are not fond of being left alone. They enjoy human companionship and should form strong bonds with you and your family.
If left alone for long, they can quickly develop separation anxiety – which often manifests as destructive behaviors like chewing and barking. These dogs suit households where someone is always around to offer them love, care, and attention.
How Long Can a Bichon Frise Papillon Mix Be Left Alone?
Due to their need for companionship, Papichons do not do well alone. Therefore, you should not leave them alone for longer than 4 to 5 hours.
Are Bichon Frise Papillon Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Although the Bichon Frise is considered to be hypoallergenic, the Papillon parent is not. That means the shedding tendencies of a Bichon Frise Papillon Mix will vary from puppy to puppy. That said, each puppy will need proper grooming, care, and maintenance to keep looking good.
How Long Do Papillon Bichon Frise Mixes Live?
These little, fluffy dogs can live anywhere between 14 and 16 years, making them great longtime companion pets.
Are Papillon Bichon Frises Lazy?
No! While Papichons have lower energy levels than most dogs, they aren’t lazy. They are smart and relatively active dogs that are keen to show off their skills.
Do Bichon Frise Papillon Mixes Bark A Lot?
Your Bichon Frise Papillon Mix will most likely bark to show their happiness or excitement. If they are left for too long, they may also bark a lot, so proper training and socialization are crucial.
Are Papillon Bichon Frise Mixes Protective?
The Papichon inherits the alertness and intelligence of the Papillon parent. While they are not aggressive, they love their people and will want to protect them from danger by barking.
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Are Bichon Frise Papillon Mixes Hard to Train?
No! Papichons are intelligent and easily trainable dogs.
Do Papillon Bichon Frise Mixes Like To Cuddle?
Yes! Bichon Frise Papillon Mixes are known for their loving and affectionate nature. They are said to be cuddly and enjoy spending quality time with their owners and family.
Are Bichon Frise Papillons Aggressive?
No! Papillon Bichon Frises love people and are not aggressive at all. They are friendly and affectionate dogs that love human companionship.
Are Papillon Bichon Frise Dogs Smart?
Yes! Bichon Frise Papillon Mixes are very intelligent dogs that are also eager to please.
Can Bichon Frise Papillons Be Off-leash?
The Papillon Bichon Frise Mix is quite active and enjoys daily walks and regular off-leash playtime in a secure yard.
What Are Some Negatives About Papillon Bichon Frises?
- They are quite rare.
- They are prone to separation anxiety.
- They are vulnerable to health issues that affect their parents.
- They need regular attention and exercise.
- They require regular brushing and maintenance.
Is A Bichon Frise Papillon Mix Right for You?
Papichons are wonderful family companions. They are playful and love human companionship.
They do well in almost any kind of home and can also adapt well to apartment living.
These fluffy dogs are also smart and easy to train. If you have children or other pets at home, a Bichon Frise Papillon Mix can be a great companion for you. Just make sure you don’t leave them lonely since they are prone to separation anxiety.
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