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

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu" Compare Bichon Frise and Shih-Poo. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Bichon Frise	Shih-Poo	Shih Tzu
Origins	Spain Belgium	China Tibet	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	46	562	20
Reviews	5	2	15
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Bichon A Poil Frise Bichon Tenerife Purebred Bichon Tenerife Dog Bichon Frise	Pooshi Shoodle	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:	Purebred	Cross Breed	Purebred

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih-Poo? Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	8-15 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	11.5 pounds (5.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu height comparison:	Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)	8-15 inches (20-38 cm)	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)	11.5 inches (29 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive?	$700-$1000	$800-$1200	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison.	Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu?	Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Sensitive Intelligent Affectionate Gentle Cheerful	Intelligent Loyal Sweet Companionable	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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu?	High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih-Poo 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.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih-Poo 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.	Shih-Poo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. 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.	Shih-Poo 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:	The Bichon Frise is a playful breed. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu?	Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu?	Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shih-Poo 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo 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.	Shih-Poo 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 Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih-Poo bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:	Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs have an 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.

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu?	The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shih-Poo 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Vaccination Sensitivity Bladder Stones Juvenile Cataracts	Heatstroke Dental Problems	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
Veterinarian Visits 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 Shih-Poo 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Bichon Frise, Shih-Poo and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu?	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shih-Poo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. 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.

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:	Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average exercise need.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu?	Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Shih-Poo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu?	1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1 to 1.5 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:	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 Shih-Poo'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.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:	Curly	Curly Straight Curly & Straight	Dense
Colors What are the original Bichon Frise, Shih-Poo and Shih Tzu color?	Cream White Buff Apricot	Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or {name3 shedding:	Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu?	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.
Hypoallergenic Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu?	Low 🔽 The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih-Poo 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.

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu?	Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu?	Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu?	Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are not the most 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 Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu?	Yes Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shih-Poo 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 Shih-Poo 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.	Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	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.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Bichon Frise or Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be 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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu?	Not really Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	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.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Bichon Frise and Shih-Poo and Shih Tzu have?	2-5 puppies	3-4 puppies	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Bichon Frise vs Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	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 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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	Not recognized by any clubs.	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

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