5. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is the embodiment of canine joy. With their bright black eyes and fluffy white coats, they look like little clouds and possess a remarkably cheerful disposition. Bichons are naturally social, deeply loving, and rarely meet a stranger they do not like. Their upbeat attitude makes them an excellent antidote to loneliness.
They have a moderate energy level, meaning they will enjoy a brisk daily walk and a spirited game of fetch down the hallway, but they settle down beautifully afterward. They are highly adaptable to apartment living and do not require a large backyard to burn off energy.
Like the Poodle, the Bichon Frise has a low-shedding coat that requires dedicated maintenance. Daily brushing is a must to prevent their fine hair from matting, and professional grooming is required every four to six weeks to maintain their signature rounded appearance. Consistent dental care is also vital, as small breeds are particularly prone to periodontal disease.
My daughter is an RN. She sees more injuries in elderly people caused by their little dogs. Evidently, seniors have more of a tendency to trip and fall over objects on the floor, resulting in broken hips, shoulders, wrists, etc. Smaller dogs are harder for them to see as they don’t always look down before walking.