Bichon Frise health: what owners should know

Bichons are usually healthy and long-lived, though the breed is known to be prone to allergies and itchy skin, bladder stones, slipping kneecaps, cataracts and dental disease. Responsible breeders have knees checked, get eyes examined by a veterinary eye specialist, and often screen hips.

Daily tooth brushing, plenty of water and a slim body help most. Call your vet if your dog strains to urinate, passes small amounts often or has pink urine, licks its paws constantly, has red or smelly skin under the coat, or develops a cloudy look in one or both eyes.