Bichon Frise Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized Bichon Frise colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

Bichon Frise Colors Overview

Bichon Frise coat colors are governed by a complex interplay of genetics. The breed standard requires predominantly white. Shadings of cream, apricot, or buff may appear around ears and body but should not exceed 10 percent of the coat..

Understanding which colors are standard versus non-standard helps buyers make informed decisions. Color should never be the primary selection criterion—health and temperament come first.

Recognized Colors

White Standard

White and Cream Standard

White and Apricot Standard

White and Buff Standard

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($1000–$2000)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$600–$1000)

Coat Genetics

Color genetics in Bichon Frises involve multiple loci working together. The breed standard requires predominantly white. Shadings of cream, apricot, or buff may appear around ears and body but should not exceed 10 percent of the coat..

Key genetic loci include E (controls whether pigment is expressed), A (pattern distribution), K (solid vs. patterned), and B (black vs. brown base). DNA testing allows breeders to predict litter colors accurately.

Rare vs Standard Colors

Among Bichon Frises, the standard colors (White, White and Cream, White and Apricot, White and Buff) are most common. With 4 recognized colors, variety exists even within the standard palette. Buyers should be cautious—extremely rare colors can sometimes be associated with health issues or may indicate crossbreeding.

The breed standard requires predominantly white. Shadings of cream, apricot, or buff may appear around ears and body but should not exceed 10 percent of the coat..

Do Bichon Frise Colors Change with Age?

As your Bichon Frise puppy matures toward its adult weight of 12–18 lbs, expect their coat to change too. Most puppies undergo a coat transition between 4 and 12 months that can alter color depth, pattern visibility, and overall appearance. The breed's double coat with soft dense undercoat and curly outer coat coat may require adjusted grooming during this transition..

Controversial Colors

When shopping for a Bichon Frise, be skeptical of breeders who advertise unusual colors at prices above $2000. Non-standard colors beyond White, White and Cream, White and Apricot, White and Buff can indicate mixed breeding or genes linked to health issues. The breed standard requires predominantly white. Shadings of cream, apricot, or buff may appear around ears and body but should not exceed 10 percent of the coat..

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bichon Frise comes in White, White and Cream, White and Apricot, White and Buff. The breed standard requires predominantly white. Shadings of cream, apricot, or buff may appear around ears and body but should not exceed 10 percent of the coat..

Among Bichon Frise colors, rarity reflects recessive genetics rather than quality. The breed standard requires predominantly white. Shadings of cream, apricot, or buff may appear around ears and body but should not exceed 10 percent of the coat..

Yes, many Bichon Frise puppies experience color changes between 4 and 12 months as the puppy coat transitions to the adult coat. The breed standard requires predominantly white. Shadings of cream, apricot, or buff may appear around ears and body but should not exceed 10 percent of the coat.. The breed's double coat with soft dense undercoat and curly outer coat coat may show particularly noticeable changes during this transition.

In most cases, coat color does not affect health. However, certain color genes (such as merle or extreme white) can carry health implications in some breeds. The breed standard requires predominantly white. Shadings of cream, apricot, or buff may appear around ears and body but should not exceed 10 percent of the coat..

Popularity among Bichon Frise colors tends to track with the breed standard. The standard recognizes White, White and Cream, White and Apricot, White and Buff as acceptable colors. With 4 color options, Bichon Frise buyers have good variety. The breed standard requires predominantly white. Shadings of cream, apricot, or buff may appear around ears and body but should not exceed 10 percent of the coat..