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Italian-Bichon Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Italian-Bichon so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank1545
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Italian-Bichon dog profile picture
OriginSpain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium Italy flagItaly
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Bichon Frise and Italian Greyhound mix

Italian-Bichon Size and Weight

Size
Is an Italian-Bichon small, medium or large dog?

How big do Italian-Bichon get?

What is the average size of an Italian-Bichon?

Small
Weight
How much does the Italian-Bichon weigh? How much should an Italian-Bichon weight? What is the normal weight of an Italian-Bichon? How much does a full-grown Italian-Bichon weight?
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Italian-Bichon?
10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Italian-Bichon? Italian-Bichon height:
12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Italian-Bichon?
13.5 inches (34 cm)

Italian-Bichon Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Italian-Bichon puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an Italian-Bichon in the United States? How much money is an Italian-Bichon?

Where to buy an Italian-Bichon with a good pedigree?

$700-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Italian-Bichon, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Italian-Bichon for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Italian-Bichon gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Italian-Bichon? How many Italian-Bichon are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Italian-Bichon is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Italian-Bichon Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Italian-Bichon? Is the Italian-Bichon breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Italian-Bichon ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Italian-Bichon dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an Italian-Bichon?
Italian-Bichon dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Italian-Bichon good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Italian-Bichon dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Italian-Bichon dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Italian-Bichon dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Italian-Bichon Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Italian-Bichon have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulAgileSensitiveIntelligentAffectionateGentleCompanionableCheerfulAthleticMischievous
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Italian-Bichon sensitivity:
Sensitive: Italian-Bichon dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Italian-Bichon a good family dog?
High: Italian-Bichon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Italian-Bichon need? Italian-Bichon social needs:
Italian-Bichon dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Italian-Bichon to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Italian-Bichon roam?
Italian-Bichon dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Italian-Bichon have high prey drive?
Italian-Bichon 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. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Italian-Bichon Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Italian-Bichon is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Italian-Bichon dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Italian-Bichon bark?
Average: The Italian-Bichon barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Italian-Bichon good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an Italian-Bichon in an apartment?
Apartment-friendly dog the Italian-Bichon breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

Italian-Bichon Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Italian-Bichon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an Italian-Bichon be left alone? How long can you leave an Italian-Bichon alone?
Italian-Bichon 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.

Italian-Bichon Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Italian-Bichon has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an Italian-Bichon? How much bite force does an Italian-Bichon have? How strong is an Italian-Bichon bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Italian-Bichon bite force: Weak. The Italian-Bichon bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Italian-Bichon measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of an Italian-Bichon may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Italian-Bichon being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Italian-Bichon bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train an Italian-Bichon puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, an Italian-Bichon can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Italian-Bichon bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Italian-Bichon? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Italian-Bichon? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Italian-Bichon has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Italian-Bichon do?
Italian-Bichon dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Italian-Bichon dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Italian-Bichon Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Italian-Bichon dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Italian-Bichon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Italian-Bichon breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Italian-Bichon breed? Most common health risks of Italian-Bichon:
Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationAllergiesEye ProblemsVaccination SensitivityDrug SensitivityThyroid ProblemsBladder StonesJuvenile CataractsAlopecia
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Italian-Bichon breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Italian-Bichon see the vet?
Average
The Italian-Bichon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Italian-Bichon dogs live? How old can a Italian-Bichon be? What is the age limit of the Italian-Bichon? How many years can the oldest Italian-Bichon live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an Italian-Bichon?

How long is the lifespan of an Italian-Bichon?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Italian-Bichon: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Italian-Bichon Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Italian-Bichon have? What is the activity level of the Italian-Bichon?
Italian-Bichon dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Italian-Bichon need? How much exercise do Italian-Bichon dogs require per day?

Do Italian-Bichon dogs need a lot of exercises?

Italian-Bichon dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Italian-Bichon breed need?
Italian-Bichon dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Italian-Bichon Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an Italian-Bichon need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an Italian-Bichon breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Italian-Bichon? How much food should I feed my Italian-Bichon?
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Italian-Bichon risk for obesity:
Average: The Italian-Bichon has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Italian-Bichon weight regularly.

Italian-Bichon Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Italian-Bichon have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FineCurly
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Italian-Bichon coats?
BlackGray Red Blue Cream White BrownYellowBuff Apricot
Grooming
How to groom the Italian-Bichon and how often? How often should I take my Italian-Bichon to the groomer?
Average: The Italian-Bichon requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Italian-Bichon, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Italian-Bichon dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Italian-Bichon? Do Italian-Bichon dogs shed a lot?
Italian-Bichon dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Italian-Bichon need a bath? How often should you give an Italian-Bichon a bath? Can I bathe my Italian-Bichon every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Italian-Bichon breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Italian-Bichon dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Low 🔽

The Italian-Bichon has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Italian-Bichon drool?
The Italian-Bichon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Italian-Bichon could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Italian-Bichon.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Italian-Bichon Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Italian-Bichon dogs get along with other pets? Are Italian-Bichon dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Italian-Bichon dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Italian-Bichon temperament with other people:
Italian-Bichon dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Italian-Bichon dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Italian-Bichon temperament with children:
Italian-Bichon dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Italian-Bichon dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Italian-Bichon breed live with a cat?
Italian-Bichon dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Italian-Bichon good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Italian-Bichon dogs get along with other dogs?
Italian-Bichon dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Italian-Bichon can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Italian-Bichon breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Italian-Bichon breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Italian-Bichon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Italian-Bichon dogs good office canines? Do Italian-Bichon dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Italian-Bichon is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Italian-Bichon dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Italian-Bichon temperament with senior people? Are Italian-Bichon dogs good for elderly owners?
Italian-Bichons are commonly okay with elderly people.

Italian-Bichon As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Italian-Bichon be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Italian-Bichon is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Italian-Bichon be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Italian-Bichon be an emotional support animal?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Italian-Bichon breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Italian-Bichon be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Italian-Bichon is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Italian-Bichon be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Italian-Bichon is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Italian-Bichon be a boat dog?

Not really

Italian-Bichon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Italian-Bichon be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Italian-Bichon is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Italian-Bichon dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Italian-Bichon Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an Italian-Bichon pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Italian-Bichon breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Italian-Bichon: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Italian-Bichon have in a litter? How many puppies can the Italian-Bichon breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an Italian-Bichon have? How many puppies can an Italian-Bichon give birth to?
2-5 puppies

Italian-Bichon Recognition

AKC Group
Is Italian-Bichon recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Italian-Bichon recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Italian-Bichon Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic: Italian-Bichon dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Friendly: Apartment-friendly dog the Italian-Bichon breed.
  • Shedding Level: Italian-Bichon dogs are low shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Italian-Bichon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness: The Italian-Bichon has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Adaptability: Italian-Bichon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Cat Friendly: Italian-Bichon dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Italian-Bichon dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Italian-Bichon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
Cons
  • Mouthiness: Italian-Bichon dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Italian-Bichon 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.
  • Office Friendly: Italian-Bichon is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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