Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are one of the better choices for a family with children. Expect a small dog that is moderately active, barely sheds and needs professional grooming on a cycle. The big catch is company: this breed genuinely struggles when the house is empty all day.

Source: American Kennel Club breed standard.

The Bichon travelled the Mediterranean with sailors as a barter item, charmed its way into French and Spanish courts, and later worked circuses and street performances across Europe — which is where the breed's showmanship and easy trainability come from. That round powder-puff outline is entirely a haircut; underneath is a normal small dog with a dense curly double coat. The coat barely sheds, which is why the breed appeals to allergy-conscious families, but no dog is allergy-proof and the honest trade is a professional groom every four to six weeks plus brushing in between or it mats to the skin. Bichons are cheerful and sociable to a fault, and they cope badly with being left alone all day.

Day to day. Moderately active — a proper daily walk plus some play in the garden or the hallway keeps this breed happy. On noise, it is about average for noise.

The coat, honestly. This breed barely sheds and needs professional grooming on a cycle. That is the trade every low-shedding dog asks for: you are not vacuuming hair, you are booking and paying for a groom every few weeks, and brushing between visits or the coat mats down to the skin.

Being left alone. Struggles on its own. If your house is empty from the school run until the evening, this is the breed most likely to be unhappy about it — and separation problems are one of the top reasons dogs end up back in rescue.

Training. Trains at an average pace. Consistent, reward-based training from day one does most of the work.

• You want a dog with a reputation for putting up with children
• You would rather brush and pay a groomer than vacuum every day
• You are short on space and want a dog that fits your home

• Your house is empty from the morning drop-off until the evening
• Nobody has budgeted for a groomer every few weeks
• A surprise vet bill would be a real problem this year

Rough running cost: $$$ (one of the pricier dogs on our list) — because the coat needs a professional groom on a cycle, and that is the bill people forget.

Those are relative bands, not live prices. For real numbers across every pet we cover, see the pet cost study and the cost calculator.

Rescues do have Bichon Frises and Bichon Frise crosses, usually adults whose size, coat and temperament you can see rather than guess at.