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Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon A Poil Frise or Roseneath Terrier or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu" Compare Bichon Frise and West Highland White Terrier. Which is better: Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Bichon Frise West Highland White Terrier Shih Tzu
OriginsSpain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium Scotland flagScotland China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank464220
Reviews5115
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Roseneath Terrier
Westie
Westy
White Roseneath Terrier
Poltalloch Terrier
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Small Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) Male: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg), Female: 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 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) Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive?
$700-$1000 $900-$1200 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The West Highland White Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Trainability
Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison.
Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier 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.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
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 West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: West Highland White Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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 West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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.
West Highland White Terrier 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.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
See more.
The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
See more.
A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep West Highland White Terrier indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier 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.
West Highland White Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different 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 West Highland White Terrier 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.
West Highland White Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
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 West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

West Highland White Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
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 West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a lower 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.

Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Atopic Dermatitis
Hyperplastic Dermatosis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
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.
Rare
The West Highland White Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Bichon Frise, West Highland White Terrier and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of West Highland White Terrier: 14 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu?
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier'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.

Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:
Curly Dense Dense
Colors
What are the original Bichon Frise, West Highland White Terrier and Shih Tzu color?
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
White Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier 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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier 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.
West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
West Highland White Terrier 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
West Highland White Terrier 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.
West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier 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.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Bichon Frise or West Highland White Terrier 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.
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 West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu?

Not really

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

Not really

West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier and Shih Tzu have?
2-5 puppies 2-5 puppies 2-5 puppies

Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier 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. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed. 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. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. 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
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
Club Espanol De Terriers
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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