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Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Gentlemen or Bichon A Poil Frise or Cocker? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel" Compare Boston Terrier and Bichon Frise. Which is better: Boston Terrier or Bichon Frise or American Cocker Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Boston Terrier Bichon Frise American Cocker Spaniel
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Spain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank214629
Reviews253
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel breeds.
American Gentlemen
Boston Bull Terrier
Boxwood
Boston Bull
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Cocker
Merry Cocker
Cocker Spaniel
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel? Compare adult weight ranges.
10-25 pounds (6-11kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
17.5 pounds (8.5 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg) 22.5 pounds (10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Boston Terrier or Bichon Frise or American Cocker Spaniel? Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel height comparison:
15-17 inches (38-43 cm) Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) 15-16.5 inches (38-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
16 inches (40.5 cm) Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) 15-16.5 inches (39.5 cm)

Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $700-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Boston Terrier or Bichon Frise or American Cocker Spaniel?
Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The American Cocker Spaniel is quite easy to get.

Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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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Very smart: American Cocker Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is easiest to train?
Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most alert?
Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most protective?
Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Outright
Tempered
Merry
Trusting
Joyful
Sociable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel?
High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: American Cocker Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel social needs comparison:
Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the American Cocker Spaniel 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?
Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Their prey drive is low.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks.
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Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
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Average to High: The American Cocker Spaniel is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
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The American Cocker Spaniel is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
Very house-friendly dog the American Cocker Spaniel breed.

Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Boston Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Cocker Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of American Cocker Spaniel: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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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 Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has fewer health issues?
The Boston Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
American Cocker Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Bichon Frise should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The American Cocker Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Deafness
Cherry Eye
Brain Tumors
Megaesophagus
Reverse Sneezing
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Primary Seborrhea

Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the American Cocker Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which needs most food?
0.5 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. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Cocker Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Curly Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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.
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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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Boston Terrier or Bichon Frise or American Cocker Spaniel? Boston Terrier or Bichon Frise or {name3 shedding:
Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
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Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Good With Comparison

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

Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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.
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Not really

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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 Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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 Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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 Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

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

American Cocker Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has most military use?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

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.

Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 2-5 puppies 4-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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.

Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs American Cocker Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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
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

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