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

"Find similarities and differences between Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise" Compare Silky Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise?
 
 
 
Name Silky Terrier Shih Tzu Bichon Frise
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia China flagChina Spain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium
Group Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank1062046
Reviews0195
User Ratings

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

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Size and Weight Comparison

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

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$1200 $700-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise?
Frequent: The Silky Terrier is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Silky Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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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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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which is easiest to train?
Silky Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most alert?
Silky Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most protective?
Silky Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive
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?
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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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise?
High: Silky Terrier 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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High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise social needs comparison:
Silky Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Silky Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Silky Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Silky Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
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: Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise?
Silky 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 dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Silky Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Silky Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Silky Terrier: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which handles climate changes best?
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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which has fewer health issues?
The Silky Terrier 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.
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?
Average
The Silky Terrier 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.
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: Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Legg-perthes Disease
Epilepsy
Diabetes
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

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Silky Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu'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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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 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.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. What colors are available?
Black
Gray
Tan
Blue
Cream
Silver
Fawn
Tricolor
Platinum
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The Silky Terrier requires a lot of 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 Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which drools least?
The Silky Terrier 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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The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Silky Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Silky
Straight
Glossy
Dense Curly
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which requires most frequent baths?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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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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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise? Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Silky Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
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Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which is best with kids?
Silky Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
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?
Silky Terrier dogs are generally with other 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 Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise? Which dog is more friendly?
Silky Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise?
Silky Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise?
Silky Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly 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 good for the first-time owners: Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise?
Yes
Silky 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.
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
Silky Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
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?
Silky Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. 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 Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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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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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. 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 Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. 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 Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Silky Terrier 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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Not really

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

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Reproducibility Comparison

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

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Toy breed. 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 groups for Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. 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
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
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

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