Bichon Frise Heat Cycle: Frequency & What to Expect (2025)

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Your Bichon Frise will go into heat roughly every six months once she starts her reproductive cycle—usually between 6 to 9 months old. Small breeds like Bichons cycle more frequently than their larger counterparts, which means you’re looking at multiple heat cycles per year to manage.

The first time your Bichon goes into heat, you’ll notice physical changes fast: vulvar swelling, bloody discharge that shifts to a straw or tan color, and behavioral shifts like increased clinginess or nervousness. She’ll also lick her genital area more and urinate frequently—her way of releasing pheromones that signal to every unneutered male in the neighborhood that she’s available. The whole active cycle lasts 14 to 21 days, though the fertile window is shorter.

This isn’t just about marking your calendar. Understanding her heat cycle helps you make informed decisions about spaying, manage interactions with other dogs, and keep her safe. If you’re not planning to breed, spaying before her first heat cuts mammary tumor risk by up to 90% and eliminates the stress of managing heat cycles altogether.

When Do Bichons Go Into Heat?

When does your female Bichon first go into heat? Generally around 6 to 9 months old, though it can happen as early as 4 months or as late as 12 months depending on individual development. This early heat cycle marks the start of her reproductive years—important for planning breeding timing or spaying decisions.

Small breeds like Bichons tend to cycle more frequently than larger dogs. Watch for vulvar swelling, discharge changes, and behavioral shifts around this age. Understanding these heat cycle patterns helps you manage her health and interactions with other dogs effectively.

It’s vital to monitor the dog heat cycle to ensure proper care and planning.

What Are The Signs of Heat in Bichons?

Knowing what to look for is half the battle regarding your Bichon’s heat cycle. Your dog will show you clear physical and behavioral signs that her body is preparing to reproduce.

Let’s walk through exactly what you’ll notice so you can recognize when your Bichon enters heat.

First Signs

Your Bichon’s body sends clear signals when heat arrives. Most commonly, you’ll spot a swollen vulva—it enlarges noticeably as hormones surge—paired with bloody or straw-colored vaginal discharge starting within the first 48 to 72 hours. These physical signs mark the beginning of estrus and your cycle tracking window.

Understanding the reproductive health is essential for monitoring your dog’s heat cycle. Watch for these health monitoring cues so you’re prepared for what’s coming next.

Next Signs

As estrus progresses, the discharge shifts from bright red to straw-colored or brownish—a sign you’re moving into peak fertility. Her vulva stays swollen but softens as days pass, and you’ll notice increased tail flagging, where she’ll hold it to the side. That pheromone release? It’s broadcasting to males for miles around. She’ll likely stay clingy and anxious, with behaviors intensifying as her body signals receptivity.

• Flagging and body positioning: Her tail moves to the side, allowing males to detect fertility signals through heightened pheromone secretion.
• Discharge color change: The shift to lighter discharge marks the estrus stage, when conception is most likely during the 7–9 day fertile window.

How Long Do Bichon Heat Cycles Last?

Now that you know what signs to watch for, let’s talk timing. Your Bichon’s heat cycle duration follows a predictable pattern, though individual dogs vary.

The heat cycle duration breaks down into distinct phases. The first phase lasts roughly 6–10 days, marked by vulvar swelling and bloody discharge. During this proestrus period, your dog isn’t quite ready to breed yet, even though males will show interest.

Next comes the estrus phase—the fertile window when your Bichon can actually conceive. This usually runs 5–9 days, though some dogs extend to 21 days. Here’s what matters:

• Discharge lightens from red to tan or light brown
• Progesterone levels rise, peaking between 12–30 ng/mL
• Ovulation timing occurs around days 11–12, creating the prime breeding window

After estrus ends, the diestrus phase takes over for 57–70 days. Everything gradually returns to normal—swelling subsides, discharge stops, behavior settles.

From start to finish, expect the entire heat cycle to last 14–21 days of active signs, though the full reproductive cycle extends several months when you factor in the resting phase afterward.

Should You Spay Your Bichon Frise?

Here’s the reality: spaying your Bichon before her first heat offers serious health wins. You’re talking about slashing mammary tumor risk by up to 90%, completely eliminating uterine infections like pyometra, and adding years to her life—spayed females live roughly 26% longer on average. That’s meaningful.

Spaying your Bichon before her first heat slashes mammary tumor risk by 90% and eliminates life-threatening infections, extending her life by roughly 26%

The trade-off? Some dogs develop incontinence or behavioral shifts afterward. A few experience urinary infections more often. But honestly, these risks pale compared to what you avoid: repeated heat cycles, unwanted pregnancies, and life-threatening reproductive diseases.

Timing matters. Most vets recommend spaying around six months, before that first cycle hits. Consider your dog’s health history and your lifestyle, but the longevity and disease prevention benefits make a compelling case for going through with it.

Managing Other Dogs During a Bichon’s Heat

Your other dogs won’t ignore those pheromones—they’ll react strongly. Unneutered males are 2.5 times more likely to attempt escape, and even spayed or neutered pets may show aggression when exposed. Physical separation prevents chaos and keeps everyone safer.

Separation causes temporary anxiety, but it’s necessary during the heat cycle. Once pheromones fade, slowly reintroduce your dogs under supervision. Your household will return to normal faster with this managed approach.

Frequency of Heat Cycles in Bichons

Most Bichon Frises cycle roughly every six to seven months—so you’re looking at two heat cycles annually on average. Younger dogs under ten may go into heat up to four times yearly, especially after breeding. Size plays a role here: small breeds like yours cycle more frequently than larger dogs. Health matters too. Illness or poor nutrition can throw off that predictable pattern.

Track your Bichon’s cycle by noting when you spot a swollen vulva, bloody discharge, or behavioral shifts like clinginess. Recording these details helps you anticipate future heats and plan accordingly, whether you’re managing breeding timing or simply preparing your household for what comes next.

Be Aware of Heat Signs in Your Bichon

Your Bichon’s heat cycle brings physical and behavioral shifts worth tracking closely. Here’s what signals the estrus phase has begun:

• Swollen vulva enlarges 2-3 times normal size, usually lasting 5-10 days as estrogen peaks
• Vaginal discharge transitions from bright red to lighter pink or straw-colored, marking the fertile window
• Increased urination releases pheromones that attract males from considerable distances
• Flagging behavior appears when she raises her tail to the side, signaling breeding readiness during estrus
• Restlessness and clinginess intensify as hormonal fluctuations drive behavioral changes throughout her cycle

These canine hormonal changes demand attention. Monitoring your Bichon Frise heat cycle helps you distinguish normal estrus progression from potential health risks like infection. Swollen nipples and appetite shifts may also occur. Track dates, note discharge appearance, and watch for mounting behavior toward other dogs or objects.

Understanding breeding considerations and recognizing female dog behavior patterns ensures you’re prepared—whether managing household dynamics or planning veterinary care during this vulnerable window.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)