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Bichon Frises are popular dogs that win people over with their adorable appearances and loyal personalities. These dogs are fun, friendly, and energetic. There are few dogs as entertaining and loving as a Bichon Frise.
If you want to get a new Bichon Frise, there are costs to consider. There are one-time upfront costs that need to be paid, recurring monthly costs that need to be considered, and then there are one-off costs that could crop up down the line. A Bichon Frise will generally cost $50–$500 when you’re looking to adopt or $1,500–$2,500 if you buy one from a reputable breeder. You can expect to pay $115–$370 monthly to care for a Bichon Frise.
Here is everything you need to know about the cost of owning a Bichon Frise this year.
Bringing Home a New Bichon Frise: One-Time Costs
When you decide to adopt a Bichon Frise, there are some one-time costs that you will have to consider. After purchasing your dog, you must consider the set-up costs for getting your house ready for a new dog.
Free
- $0
If you are lucky enough to find a free Bichon Frise, you will not have to pay anything for your adoption. You might find friends, family, or neighbors who need to rehome their dog for free, but this is the least likely way to find a healthy Bichon Frise.
Adoption
- $50–$500
It is unlikely that you will find a Bichon Frise in the shelter unless they’re older. Since Bichon Frises are in high demand, many animal rescue groups scoop them out of the shelter before they can be adopted. These rescue groups can charge as much as $500 for an adoption fee for a Bichon Frise. However, rescue groups are still an excellent way to find a healthy Bichon Frise and save on breeder costs.
Breeder
- $1,500–$2,500
Breeders will charge the most money for a new Bichon Frise. The average cost of a Bichon Frise puppy from a reputable breeder can run anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500. However, in certain regions, the prices can be higher. At the upper end, Bichon Frises can cost as much as $4,500 or even $5,000, depending on the breeding stock.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $50–$250
Initial setup costs vary considerably depending on whether this is your first dog. You can save a lot of money if you already have the basic supplies like bowls, leashes, collars, and a crate. If you need to buy new supplies for your pup, you will pay a considerable amount.
List of Bichon Frise Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $30 |
| Spay/Neuter | $40–$500 |
| X-Ray Cost | $150–$300 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $300–$1,000 |
| Microchip | $50 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $150–$350 |
| Crate | $30–$100 |
| Nail Clipper (optional) | $10 |
| Brush (optional) | $10 |
| Treats | $20 |
| Leash | $10–$40 |
| Toys | $15–$40 |
| Harness | $30 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10–$20 |
How Much Does a Bichon Frise Cost Per Month?
- $115–$370 per month
Bichon Frises are moderately expensive to keep per month. The most significant expenses are healthcare, grooming, and food. These are recurring costs that cannot be ignored, but you can find ways to reduce your expenses.
Health Care
- $115–$290 per month
Healthcare includes everything you need to keep your dog healthy and thriving. Healthcare costs include vet visits, food, grooming, and medications. They are some of the most significant costs and the ones that you cannot avoid paying.
Food
- $40–$100 per month
Bichon Frises are small dogs that do not eat a lot of food, and you can ask your vet to help you determine how much to feed them daily. The monthly cost of food can vary depending on whether you get affordable dog food, more expensive natural foods, or prescription foods.
Grooming
- $25–$100 per month
Bichon Frises need regular grooming care to keep them looking and feeling their best. The AKC recommends brushing your Bichon Frise daily. They will also likely need regular trips to the groomer to get their coats washed and trimmed. Grooming costs can add up if you go to a professional regularly.
Medications and Vet Visits
- $40–$250 per month
For young and healthy dogs, medical costs can be very manageable. Most Bichon Frises only need to go to the vet once yearly and might need some preventive medications such as flea, tick, or heartworm medications. Older dogs with health issues need more advanced medical care, such as regular dental cleaning, quarterly vet visits, or specific medications. That can make the monthly healthcare costs considerably higher.
Generally, medications and vet care costs will increase as your Bichon Frise ages.
Pet Insurance
- $30–$50 per month
If you lock in pet insurance while your dog is a puppy, the cost can be negligible. Pet insurance can be as little as $30 per month, depending on your policy. If you get a more advanced policy or try to buy in when your dog is older, the cost can be closer to $50 per month.
Environment Maintenance
- $0–$30 per month
Bichon Frises are very small and generally calm. They rarely damage your yard or destroy furniture and personal belongings inside the house. However, they might need a few items that other breeds do not, including puppy pads for when they are young. Some owners also like to put bows or clothes on their dogs, which can cost a marginal amount per month.
| Puppy Pads | $20/month |
| Bows/Clothes | $10/month |
Entertainment
- $0–$50 per month
Bichon Frises can be energetic, but they usually enjoy going on adventures with their people. They don’t typically need a lot in terms of entertainment. Many Bichon Frises will be fine with a few simple toys that can be picked up for a couple of dollars. However, some pet parents enroll in subscription clubs that send toys and treats every month to keep their dogs happy.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Bichon Frise
- $115–$370 per month
The average cost of owning a Bichon Frise can vary depending on the age of your dog, their health, and whether you need to pay others to care for them. Young and healthy Bichon Frises are much cheaper than aging or unhealthy Bichon Frises.
Additional Costs to Factor In
Pet Sitting
- $25–$100 per night
Pet sitting costs are something you need to keep in mind, especially if you like to travel. They vary depending on who watches your pet and the season. Friends or family members are cheaper than professionals, for example. Pet sitting prices can also spike during busy seasons like the Fourth of July weekend or the Christmas holidays. The good news is that Bichon Frises travel very well, so you can always bring them with you on most trips.
Emergency Vet Care
- $500–$10,000+
Emergency vet costs are some of the scariest and largest bills you can get as a dog owner. Emergency vet costs vary wildly depending on the severity of the injury or condition. If your dog is hit by a car or needs surgery to remove a foreign object, it can cost thousands. It is always a good idea to set aside money in case of emergencies so that you can pay for life-saving care for your precious Bichon Frise if necessary.
With pet health teleservices growing in popularity, you can rest easy knowing you can get instant advice and pet care from the comfort of your home at a fraction of the cost.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your dog — all at an affordable price!
Owning a Bichon Frise on a Budget
If these numbers look discouraging, don’t worry. There are ways to save money when you own a Bichon Frise. You can learn to groom your dog, buy pet insurance when your dog is young and healthy, and ask friends or family to care for them when you’re away.
Saving Money on Bichon Frise Care
You can reduce your monthly expenses by purchasing grooming equipment and learning how to groom your dog yourself. You can also sign up for automatic shipments of essential supplies like dog food. Many websites now have membership programs and recurring shipping options that save you anywhere from 10% to 40% on recurring purchases.
Summary
Bichon Frises make remarkable lifelong companions. They can live for up to 15 years or more, and you’ll enjoy every minute you spend together. Unfortunaelty, the older your dog gets, the more expensive they will become to maintain. Young Bichon Frises can cost as little as $115 to $150 per month to keep, while older dogs can cost as much as $300 or $400 per month, depending on their medical needs. Make sure you are prepared to shoulder the financial burden of owning a dog before you adopt a Bichon Frise.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
