Dog health

Bichon Frise health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Bichon Frise, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 24 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 6 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, luxating patella, cataracts, allergies and itchy skin, ear infections and dental disease. A typical vet bill for a small dog runs $273 – $1,110.

Health problems linked to the Bichon Frise

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: breed club screening [3]The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2]Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [4]
Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [5]
Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [6]Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [8]
CataractsNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The lens of the eye turns cloudy and vision fades. Some cataracts can be removed surgically by a veterinary eye specialist. [9]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [10]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
Allergies and itchy skinNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Allergies to pollen, dust mites or food often show up as itchy skin, paw licking and ear infections. They are managed, not cured. [11]Allergy and skin treatment (owner bills): $275–$850 [12]
Ear infectionsNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Floppy or hairy ears trap moisture, which makes infections more likely. Regular cleaning helps, and repeat infections often point to allergies. [13]Ear infection treatment (owner bills): $200–$650 [14]
Dental diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Plaque and tartar build up below the gumline and lead to infection and tooth loss. Small breeds and some cats are especially prone. [15]Dog dental cleaning (owner bills): $700–$1,350 [16]
Tooth extraction, average reported: $1,160 (range $400–$1,800) [17]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: Bichons are generally healthy dogs, and a responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions such as allergies, bladder infections, luxating patella, and cataracts and other eye diseases. To avoid ear infections, regular ear cleaning is recommended. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][3] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 1 DNA health test for the Bichon Frise, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [18] One health test costs $58 there. [19]

What to budget

For a small dog like the Bichon Frise, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508), and surgery, when needed, runs $435 – $1,484. [20]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Bichon Frise at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 14–15 years and you get roughly $12,200–$20,700 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [20][21] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [22] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [23] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [24]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Bichon Frise?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, luxating patella, cataracts, allergies and itchy skin, ear infections and dental disease. That doesn't mean every Bichon Frise will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Bichon Frise?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508).

Should I get pet insurance for a Bichon Frise?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Bichon Frise breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Bichon Frise live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 14–15 years.

Bichon Frise breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsLuxating patella surgery cost for dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (24) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Bichon Frise breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  6. VCA – Luxating patella in dogs
  7. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  8. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  9. VCA – Cataracts in dogs
  10. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  11. VCA – Inhalant allergies (atopy) in dogs
  12. VetReceipt – Dog Allergy & Dermatology Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  13. VCA – Ear infections in dogs
  14. VetReceipt – Dog Ear Infection Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  15. VCA – Dental disease in dogs
  16. VetReceipt – Vet cost guides from 2,900+ owner bills
  17. VetTally – Veterinary cost statistics, 932 reports (Oct 2026)
  18. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Bichon Frise DNA tests
  19. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  20. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  21. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  22. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  23. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  24. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)