Compare breeds
Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu
Bichon Frise
Curly
Shih Tzu
Long
Choose the Bichon Frise if you want…
- a family with children
- a home with other pets
- a dog or cat that learns quickly
- an active companion for long walks and play
Choose the Shih Tzu if you want…
- a quieter companion
- a calmer companion
Side by side
| Trait | Bichon Frise | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Weight | 5–8 kg (11–18 lb) | 4–7.5 kg (9–17 lb) |
| Height | 23–30 cm (9–12 in) | 20–28 cm (8–11 in) |
| Life span | 14–15 years | 10–16 years |
| Origin | Mediterranean / France | China and Tibet |
| Energy | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with other pets | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Suits a flat | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Grooming needs | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Quick answers
Which lives longer, the Bichon Frise or the Shih Tzu?
The Bichon Frise, on average. Bichon Frise: 14–15 years; Shih Tzu: 10–16 years.
Is the Bichon Frise or the Shih Tzu better with children?
The Bichon Frise scores higher in our profiles (5 vs 4 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
Other comparisons
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