• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon A Poil Frise or Barbone or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu" Compare Bichon Frise and Poodle. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Poodle or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Bichon Frise Poodle Shih Tzu
OriginsSpain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany France flagFrance China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank46720
Reviews51419
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu breeds.
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Barbone
Caniche
Chien Canne
Grosse Pudel
French Poodle
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Small Medium Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Poodle or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) 15 inches (38 cm) or more 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) 15 inches (38 cm) or more 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$700-$1000 $1000-$1500 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Poodle or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Poodle is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Outstanding: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Poodle dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.
Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu?
High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
See more.
Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
See more.
Average to High: The Poodle is a vocal breed.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
See more.
The Poodle is a playful breed.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Poodle breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most flexible?
Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Poodle dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bichon Frise or Poodle or Shih Tzu?
Bichon Frise dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Poodle dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Poodle bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Poodle: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. 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 Poodle is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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 Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Sebaceous Adenitis
Ear Infections
Addison's Disease
Cushing's Syndrome
Runny Eyes
Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd)
Neonatal Encephalopathy (news)
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Premature Graying
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most active?
Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bichon Frise or Poodle or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bichon Frise or Poodle or Shih Tzu?
Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. 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.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Poodle has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Curly Curly Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. 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.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bichon Frise or Poodle or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise or Poodle or {name3 shedding:
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
See more.
Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most 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.
Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bichon Frise or Poodle or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or Poodle or Shih Tzu?
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or Poodle or Shih Tzu?
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Poodle dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu 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
Poodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu 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.
Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes good 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, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. 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, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. 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, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Poodle breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

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.

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, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 2-4 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. 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, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Poodle section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. 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
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
Canadian Canine Registry
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
Canadian Canine Registry

Rate This Comparsion - Bichon Frise vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu

Reviews