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Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mini Foxi or Bichon A Poil Frise or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu" Compare Miniature Fox Terrier and Bichon Frise. Which is better: Miniature Fox Terrier or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Miniature Fox Terrier Bichon Frise Shih Tzu
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia Spain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium China flagChina
Group Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2324620
Reviews7519
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu breeds.
Mini Foxi
Mini Foxie
Mini Fox Terrier
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Miniature Fox Terrier or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu? Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 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: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$600 $700-$1000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Miniature Fox Terrier or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?
Average: The Miniature Fox Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, 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.
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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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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

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

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Miniature Fox Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature Fox Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Fox Terrier: 12 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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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.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?
The Miniature Fox 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.
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 Miniature Fox 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.
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: Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
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

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Fox Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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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 Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
1/4 to 1/2 cup 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.

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
Tricolor
Black & Tan
Black & White
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Miniature Fox 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 Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Miniature Fox 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 Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Miniature Fox Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Curly Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Miniature Fox Terrier or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu? Miniature Fox Terrier or Bichon Frise or {name3 shedding:
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are 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?
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Miniature Fox Terrier or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Miniature Fox Terrier or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Miniature Fox Terrier or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very 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: Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
Miniature Fox 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
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Miniature Fox Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Bichon Frise 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?
Miniature Fox Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. 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.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. 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.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, 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 Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, 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 Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Miniature Fox 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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Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, 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.
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Not really

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

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, 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.

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?
2-3 puppies 2-5 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, 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 Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, 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.

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which has most recognition?
No data available 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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