Bichon Frise Stud Dog: Health Testing, Coat Genetics, and What to Look For

The Bichon Frise is fluffy, white, perpetually cheerful, and genuinely affectionate. Their hypoallergenic-coded, non-shedding coat and adaptable temperament make them ideal companions. But the Bichon carries important heritable health conditions — eye disease, bladder issues, and skin allergies — that make careful stud selection matter.

Health Testing Requirements

CAER Eye Examination — Annual

Conditions include: Hereditary Cataracts (DNA testable), Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA-prcd (DNA testable), and Corneal Dystrophy. Annual CAER exam is essential. DNA testing for hereditary cataracts and PRA-prcd is strongly recommended.

OFA Hip Evaluation — Good or Excellent

Hip dysplasia occurs. OFA at 24 months recommended.

OFA Patella Evaluation — Normal

Patellar luxation is common in small breeds. OFA Grade 0 required.

Cardiac Evaluation

Mitral valve disease occurs in aging Bichons. Cardiac evaluation recommended.

Urinary Health

Bichons have elevated bladder and kidney stone rates. Ask about the stud's urinary health history and close relatives.

Skin and Allergy History

Atopic dermatitis is heritable. Ask about the stud's allergy history and his close relatives.

Bichon Frise Coat

The AKC standard requires a white coat. Cream or apricot shadings allowed up to 10% in puppies only. Pure white is required in adults.

All purebred Bichons are FF (furnished) — making the Bichon a popular stud for low-shedding crosses. Evaluate coat texture hands-on — a proper Bichon coat is dense, curly, and stands away from the body.

Bichon Frise in Designer Crosses

The Bichon is used in: Bichpoo (Bichon x Poodle), Cavachon (Bichon x Cavalier), Zuchon (Bichon x Shih Tzu). The Bichon stud contributes white coat genetics, FF furnishings, non-shedding coat, and sociable temperament.

What Does a Bichon Frise Stud Fee Cost?

Bichon Frise stud fees in 2026 typically range from $600 to $2,000 depending on AKC Championship, full health testing documentation, coat quality, and proven litter quality.

Questions to Ask Before Booking