How much exercise does a Bichon Frise need?

By Tyler Polk, founder of PupnikUpdated September 24, 2026How we calculate

Most adult Bichons need about 30–45 minutes of exercise a day, split into 2 walks, plus some play.

ModerateEnergy

1–2 miDaily distance

ModerateHeat tolerance

ModerateCold tolerance

Get a plan for your Bichon Frise's exact age with the walk calculator.

Why Bichons need this much exercise

Bichons are cheerful Mediterranean companion dogs, once popular with European nobility and traveling performers.

Bichon Frise exercise by age

Life stage	Daily exercise	How to split it
Puppy (2–12 months)	5 min per month of age, per walk	Up to 2 short walks, plus free play
Adult	30–45 min	2 walks, plus some play
Senior (10+ years)	15–35 min	2 to 3 shorter, gentler walks

Bichon Frise puppy walk schedule

Age	Per walk	Per day
2 months	about 10 min	up to 20 min
3 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
4 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
5 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
6 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
8 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
10 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
12 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min

Free play doesn't count toward these numbers. Skip jogging and long hikes until growth plates close, around 9–12 months for a small breed.

Best exercise for Bichons

Moderate leash walks
Indoor fetch
Trick training
Sniff walks

Walking tips for Bichons

Bichons do well with a couple of moderate walks plus play. Expect regular zoomies.
Brush the coat after walks to prevent mats.
They are social. Walks with a chance to greet people make their day.

Bichons in hot and cold weather

Heat: Bichons handle heat about as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks. Check today's heat risk.

Cold: Most healthy adult Bichons are comfortable until it’s well below freezing. Puppies, seniors, and slimmer dogs may appreciate a coat on cold, wet, or windy days. Check today's cold risk.

Bichon Frise exercise FAQ

How long should I walk my Bichon Frise?

A healthy adult Bichon Frise needs about 30–45 minutes of exercise a day, best split into 2 walks, plus some play. Walks, play, and training games all count toward the total.

How far can a Bichon Frise walk?

At a normal walking pace, that works out to roughly 1–2 miles (1.5–3 km) a day for a healthy adult. For Bichons, time and sniffing matter more than distance, so keep the pace comfortable.

When can a Bichon Frise puppy go on long walks or runs?

Wait until growth plates close, around 9–12 months for a small breed like the Bichon Frise. Until then, follow the 5-minutes-per-month rule: about 20 minutes per walk at 4 months, up to twice a day, plus free play.

Can Bichons handle hot weather?

About as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks.

Do Bichons need a coat in winter?

Most healthy adults don’t need one until it’s well below freezing. Puppies, seniors, and slimmer dogs may appreciate a coat on cold, wet, or windy days.

Ranges are typical for healthy dogs and rounded on purpose. Individual dogs vary, and your vet's advice comes first. How we calculate.