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Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon A Poil Frise or Nihon Supittsu or Cantab Terrier? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier" Compare Bichon Frise and Japanese Spitz. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Japanese Spitz or Norwich Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Bichon Frise Japanese Spitz Norwich Terrier
OriginsSpain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium Japan flagJapan United Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank46229105
Reviews591
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier breeds.
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Nihon Supittsu Cantab Terrier
Jones Terrier
Prick-Eared Norwich Terrier
Trumpington Terrier
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg) 10-12 pounds (4.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg) 11 pounds (4.5-5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Japanese Spitz or Norwich Terrier? Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier height comparison:
Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) 10 inches (25 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm) 10 inches (25 cm)

Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$700-$1000 $500-$800 $1400-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Japanese Spitz or Norwich Terrier?
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.
Frequent: The Norwich Terrier is easier than average to get.

Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Norwich Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
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Norwich Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Norwich Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Norwich Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Energetic
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier?
High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Norwich Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier social needs comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Norwich Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the Norwich Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
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Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Norwich Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
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A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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Average to High: The Norwich Terrier is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
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The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
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The Norwich Terrier is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.
Apartment-friendly dog the Norwich Terrier breed.

Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Norwich Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bichon Frise or Japanese Spitz or Norwich Terrier?
Bichon Frise dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Norwich Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Norwich Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Norwich Terrier bite force: Weak.

Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Norwich Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Japanese Spitz can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Norwich Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Japanese Spitz is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Norwich Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Bichon Frise should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Norwich Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes
No data available

Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Norwich Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bichon Frise or Japanese Spitz or Norwich Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Norwich Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bichon Frise or Japanese Spitz or Norwich Terrier?
Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Norwich Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Norwich Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. What colors are available?
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
White Black
Tan
Red
Grizzle
Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Norwich Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which drools least?
The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Norwich Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Norwich Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Curly Thick Wiry
Soft
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bichon Frise or Japanese Spitz or Norwich Terrier? Bichon Frise or Japanese Spitz or {name3 shedding:
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
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Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Norwich Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Norwich Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Norwich Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bichon Frise or Japanese Spitz or Norwich Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Norwich Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or Japanese Spitz or Norwich Terrier?
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Norwich Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or Japanese Spitz or Norwich Terrier?
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Norwich Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier?
Yes
Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Japanese Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Norwich Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Bichon Frise is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Japanese Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Norwich Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.
Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Norwich Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Norwich Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 1-6 puppies 1-3 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Japanese Spitz vs Norwich Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, and Norwich Terrier. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Bichon Frise Club Of America
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
No data available

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