Senior confirmed
Cynthia
We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue. We DO NOT have a physical shelter. Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on …
Dakota Dachshund Rescue • Sioux Falls, SD
Senior Bichon Frise dogs
Senior Bichon Frise dogs for adoption
Meet 21 adoptable senior Bichon Frise dogs (age 7+) from shelters and rescues across the country. Older dogs are often calm, house-trained, and ready to love from day one.
About adopting a Bichon Frise
A Bichon Frise in its senior years is often described by shelter staff as a lap dog with a sense of humor. The breed's cheerful, sociable nature tends to hold steady well past 7, and many older Bichons still greet each person as a potential friend. What changes is the pace, with fewer bursts of racing around the house and more contented dozing on a cushion.
The white curly coat is the main care task. It grows continuously and mats easily, so regular brushing and periodic trimming are needed, and a neglected coat can hide skin trouble. Tear staining and eye conditions are commonly seen in older Bichons, along with dental disease and knee stiffness. Bladder stones and allergies are things to ask the shelter and your veterinarian about.
Senior Bichons are sometimes passed over because of grooming costs, yet they are small, adaptable, and low-shedding, which suits many households with allergies or limited space. An adopter gets a gentle, affectionate companion who is content to be wherever the people are. What the shelter has recorded, and what your veterinarian makes of it, should guide your choice.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 8:44 AM EDT. Listings refresh throughout the day. Always confirm a dog’s availability with the shelter or rescue before making plans.
Available senior Bichon Frise dogs
21 senior Bichon Frise dogs available.
Senior confirmed
Frost and Snow
We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue. Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on our main website dakotadachshundres…
Dakota Dachshund Rescue • Sioux Falls, SD
Senior confirmed
Snow and Frost.
We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue. Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on our main website dakotadachshundres…
Dakota Dachshund Rescue • Sioux Falls, SD
Senior confirmed
Tito #467
Hello! My name is Tito and I am 13-pound 10 year old male Bichon Frise mix. I'm a super sweet, chill kinda guy. I love car rides and to go bye-bye. I …
Bichon Rescue of Orange County • Placentia, CA
10+ years
Dash and Bijou
About Me: Name: Bijou and Dash Breed (or best guess): Chi/Jack Russel and Bichon/Chi Approximate Age: 13 yr and 10 yr Gender: Female and Male Approxim…
Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue • Mukwonago, WI
10+ years
Snoopy #469
Hello! My name is Snoopy and I am 13-pound male Bichon Frise mix. My foster mom says I'm wonderful. I am very social, I ove meeting new pups and peopl…
Bichon Rescue of Orange County • Placentia, CA
10+ years
Cotton Ball
Meet Cotton Ball, a 17-year-old Bichon with a heart full of love and a zest for life! This sweet, spunky senior boy may be a little older, but he cert…
Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL
Updated recently
Louis #428
Hello! My name is Louis and I am a 16-pound nine year old, male Bichon Frise mix. My family couldn't take care of me any longer and now I'm a very hap…
Bichon Rescue of Orange County • Placentia, CA
Updated recently
Jacque #402/436
Hello! My name is Jacque and I am a 12-pound, 15-year old male Bichon Frise mix. I am a sweet guy, although a bit shy! I am loved and well-cared for w…
Bichon Rescue of Orange County • Placentia, CA
Senior confirmed
Viola
Meet Viola! She's an 8-year-old Bichon Frise who is proving that it’s never too late for a second chance. Rescued from a puppy mill, Viola has been bl…
Husky House • Matawan, NJ
Senior confirmed
Vinny MY26-138
Colorado · Special Behavior Needs · Requires Another Dog · Fence Requirement
National Mill Dog Rescue • Colorado Springs, CO
Senior confirmed
Tracey (AP26-67)
Colorado · Requires Another Dog · Fence Requirement
National Mill Dog Rescue • Colorado Springs, CO
10+ years
Sparky - Home to Home
Anderson Humane • South Elgin, IL
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
gureum
Welcome Paws Korean Dog Rescue - DC Transport • Georgetown, DC
Senior confirmed
Rose in Pittsburgh
Hi! I’m Rose but my foster Mom also calls me Rosie, Rosie Posie, Rosemarie and other silly things. My favorite things are soft beds, yummy food, treat…
Naked K9 & Small Dog Rescue • Erie, MI
Senior confirmed
Tina
Tina is a shy but loving female Bichon. Cautious but eager to be loved. Enjoys playing with other small female dogs. Still learning her leash skills s…
Camp Papillon Adoption & Rescue Inc • Stroudsburg, PA
At Risk
Lady Carpenter
Meet Lady Carpenter On August 3rd, I received a heartbreaking call from a young woman who had been referred to me by our vet’s office. She had just lo…
TLC K9 Rescue • Escondido, CA
Senior confirmed
Gidget
Gidget is a small 12 pound bichon female. She is a retired breeder so will need to learn all about how to be part of a family. She is on the shy side …
Whimsical Animal Rescue, Inc. of Sussex County Animal Association • Seaford, DE
Senior confirmed
Lorretta
Camp Papillon Adoption & Rescue Inc • Stroudsburg, PA
Senior Bichon Frise dogs by state
Other breeds
Adopting a senior Bichon Frise — FAQ
Do senior Bichon Frises shed?
Very little, which is a big reason the breed is popular with people who have allergies. Loose hair stays caught in the curly coat instead of falling out, which is also why regular brushing matters. No dog is entirely allergen-free, so spend time with the individual dog before deciding.
How much grooming does an older Bichon Frise need?
Quite a bit. Brushing several times a week prevents mats, and a trim about once a month keeps the coat manageable. Many older Bichons find long grooming sessions tiring, so shorter, more frequent sessions work better. Check the ears, eyes, and teeth during each session.
Are senior Bichon Frises good for first-time dog owners?
Usually yes. Older Bichons are small, friendly, and eager to be with people, and most are already house-trained. The main commitments are grooming and companionship, since the breed does not like long hours alone. A first-time owner who can provide both tends to do well.
What counts as a senior dog?
Most shelters and vets consider a dog "senior" around age 7, though large breeds often age sooner and small breeds a little later. Every dog listed here is 7 years or older.
How do I adopt a senior Bichon Frise?
Open a dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then follow the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization.
Are senior Bichon Frise dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?
Often, yes. An older Bichon Frise is usually past the high-energy puppy stage and may already know basic commands, which can make ownership easier to ease into. Each profile and shelter can tell you about that dog's individual personality and needs.
Why adopt a senior dog instead of a puppy?
Senior dogs are calmer, usually house-trained, and let you skip the chewing and sleepless nights — and because they are the hardest to place, adopting one can quite literally save a life that might otherwise run out of time.
Are senior Bichon Frise dogs good with children or other pets?
It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about their history with kids, cats, or other dogs. Senior dogs are often calmer and more predictable than puppies, which can make reading compatibility easier before you commit.
How much does it cost to adopt a senior Bichon Frise?
Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but senior dogs are frequently discounted or even sponsored — because they wait the longest, many organizations offer reduced fees or cover initial vet care. Open a dog's profile and ask the organization directly for their current fee and what it includes.
Can I foster a senior Bichon Frise instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a senior Bichon Frise gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home — which is especially beneficial for older dogs who find shelter life stressful. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.
Guides to help you decide
Getting started
Why Adopt a Senior Dog? 7 Reasons Older Dogs Make Wonderful Companions
Senior dogs are often calm, house-trained, and overlooked at shelters. Here are seven honest reasons an older dog may be the best companion you ever bring home.
6 min readUnderstanding ageHow Old Is a "Senior" Dog? Senior Age by Breed and Size
A dog is not "old" at the same age across the board — size and breed change everything. Here is how to tell when a dog becomes a senior, and what it means for care.
5 min readCare & healthCaring for a Senior Dog: Health, Diet, and Everyday Comfort
How to keep an older dog healthy and comfortable — vet care, senior-appropriate diet, joint and dental health, exercise, and simple home adjustments that make a big difference.
8 min readKnow a senior dog who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.