Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu

Compare the Bichon Frise to the Shih Tzu. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Bichon Frises and Shih Tzus.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
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General Details
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Height
9-11 Inches
9-10 Inches
Weight
7-12 Pounds
9-16 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Origin Country
Spain
China
Origin Year
1300 AD
618 AD
Temperament
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Traits
Affectionate
Jealous
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Living Environment
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
50-75 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
Medium to High
Medium
Exercise Required
Medium
Low
Top Running Speed
15 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Low
Low
Grooming Needs
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Coat Maintenance
High
Medium
Shedding
None
None
Dander
None
None
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Below Average
Herding
Below Average
Below Average
Hunting
Average
Below Average
Protection
Below Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Health Concerns
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Allergies
Bladder stones
Vaccination sensitivity
Pediatric cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Patellar luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Juvenile renal disease
Bladder stones
Corneal ulcer
Proptosis
Distichiasis
Ectopic cilia
Dry eye
Retained baby teeth
Umbilical hernias
Portosystemic shunt
Snuffles
Reverse sneezing
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Coat Type
Hair
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Wavy
Silky
Coat Length
Long
Long
Coat Coloring
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Breed Colors
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