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Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Comparison – Which dog is better Chrysanthemum Dog or Bichon A Poil Frise?

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise" Compare Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Bichon Frise
OriginsChina flagChina Spain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2046
Reviews195
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. What other names are these breeds known by?
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. Which breed is heavier?
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise? Is a Shih Tzu taller than a Bichon Frise?
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1200 $700-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise?
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare training requirements.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare alertness levels.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare territorial behaviors.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare play drive and energy.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare adaptability levels.
Shih Tzu 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise?
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 dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare average lifespans.
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. Which breed is healthier?
The Shih Tzu 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise?
Average
The Shih Tzu 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise health problems comparison:
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
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare activity levels.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise?
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise? Compare breed colors.
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare drooling amounts.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise? Compare fur types.
Dense Curly
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise? Do Shih Tzu dogs shed more than Bichon Frise dogs?
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare kid-friendliness.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise? Can a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise be friends? Do Shih Tzu dogs get along with Bichon Frise dogs?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise?
Yes
Shih Tzu 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Bichon Frise is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare service capabilities.

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 Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Shih Tzu or a Bichon Frise? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

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

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. Which has stronger military background?

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.

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. Which has larger litters?
2-5 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Bichon Frise Club Of America

Rate This Comparsion - Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise

Reviews

  • Barry Young

    Jan 23, 2021, 11:15:21 PM:

    Very helpful and thorough