10 Dog Breeds Similar to Bichon Frise (With Info & Pictures)
The Bichon Frise is an adorable, hypoallergenic dog that is beloved by many. With this insane popularity, it only makes sense that people would be interested in other dog breeds that are similar to these little balls of love and energy. Read on below to learn more about 10 dog breeds similar to the Bichon Frise so you can expand your knowledge of other dogs.
The 10 Dog Breeds Similar to Bichon Frise
1. Bolognese
| Height | 10.5–12 inches |
| Weight | 4.5–9 pounds |
| Colors | Pure white |
The Bolognese is an adorable curly-haired dog breed that people simply fall in love with, just like the Bichon Frise. Bolognese are pure white, like the Bichon Frise, and have a loving disposition. They also get along great with other pets and can’t get enough of their people. Unfortunately, this dog breed is quite rare so count yourself lucky if you own one or get the opportunity to meet one.
2. Havanese
| Height | 8–10 inches |
| Weight | 7–14 inches |
| Colors | All colors are acceptable |
Hailing from Cuba, the Havanese may not look exactly like a Bichon Frise but they have a lot of similar characteristics. The Havanese, the National Dog of Cuba, has long hair that requires regular grooming. Like the Bichon Frise, Havanese have amazing personalities. Known as Velcro dogs, they want to be with their families as much as possible.
3. Coton de Tulear
| Height | 9–11 inches |
| Weight | 8–15 pounds |
| Colors | White, black |
The Coton de Tulear is not only known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar but also as a sweet cousin of the Bichon Frise. These dogs are very rare. In their homeland, they are nearly extinct. However, they have long lifespans and are bad for shedding. The shedding isn’t a big issue, though if you keep them brushed regularly.
4. Lhasa Apso
| Height | 10–11 inches |
| Weight | 12–18 pounds |
| Colors | White, black, honey, brown, golden, sandy, and dark grizzle |
The Lhasa Apso is a wonderful pet that is fun, clownish, and a bit yappy. While they are similar to the Bichon Frise thanks to their stature, there are also a few differences. The Lhasa Apso isn’t as open to new people unless they feel their owners want it. They are noisier than a Bichon and have silkier hair that requires more grooming.
5. Maltese
| Height | 7–9 inches |
| Weight | 5–7 pounds |
| Colors | White, white and lemon, white and tan |
The Maltese is easily one of the most popular toy breeds out there. While these dogs are usually solid white, they can have tan or lemon markings around the ears. Like the Bichon Frise, the Maltese is a comical and playful little dog. They make great pets and adapt to most situations.
6. Miniature Poodle
| Height | 10–15 inches |
| Weight | 10–15 pounds |
| Colors | Apricot, white, black |
Another popular dog on our list is the Miniature Poodle. These small dogs are beloved by many. They are one of the more intelligent dog breeds around and are considered hypoallergenic due to causing fewer allergic reactions. Miniature Poodles are also known for their regal appearance, happy personalities, and of course, their hairdos.
7. West Highland White Terrier
| Height | 10–11 inches |
| Weight | 15–20 pounds |
| Colors | White |
The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a gorgeous dog that is quite sturdy. They love adventure and will gladly go anywhere with their owners. These little dogs have typical terrier hair and require a bit of grooming to look great. You’ll also find they are a bit yappy from time to time.
8. Japanese Spitz
| Height | 12–16 inches |
| Weight | 15–30 pounds |
| Colors | White |
If the coat of the Bichon Frise is what you love, the Japanese Spitz is a very similar breed. The Japanese Spitz is a family-friendly dog that has much of the same temperament as the Bichon but is slightly larger. However, they are not overly friendly when meeting strangers for the first time. This differs from the Bichon since they are open to meeting new people.
9. Toy American Eskimo
| Height | 9–12 inches |
| Weight | 6–11 pounds |
| Colors | White |
The Toy American Eskimo is another great choice if you want a dog that's similar to a Bichon Frise. They are friendly, loving, and family-oriented dogs. This small dog does not need lots of space but you’ll find they do shed quite a bit. This is the biggest difference between the two breeds as the Bichon is considered hypoallergenic.
10. Shih Tzu
| Height | 9–10 ½ pounds |
| Weight | 9–16 pounds |
| Colors | Black, black and white, brindle, brindle and white, gold, gold and white, red and white, silver and white, blue, blue and white, liver, liver and white, silver, red, black gold and silver, black white and silver, white, silver gold and white, black gold and white |
The Shih Tzu has a similar personality to the Bichon Frise and is hypoallergenic, but that’s where those similarities end. The Shih Tzu is its own dog with a long coat that requires a lot of grooming. You’ll also find that a Shih Tzu will be more chill than a Bichon Frise.
Conclusion
If you love the Bichon Frise and are interested in learning about other similar dog breeds, this list is right up your alley. As you can see, there are several small dog breeds out there that have similar personalities and appearances to the beloved Bichon Frise. Hopefully, this introduction to these other dogs will help you learn more about each one so you can determine if one of them could make a great pet for your home.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Vladimir Nenezic, Shutterstock
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Melissa was born and raised in the mountains of East Tennessee where she spent her time writing in an old notebook and playing outside with her pets. As an avid animal lover, she has brought many into her home over the years. Currently, she is the mom of 5 fur babies. Her 2 cats, Princess and Pepper are total opposites who demand attention. Her dogs Jazzy, Whitey, and Demon are full of spunk and keep the entire family on their toes.
Beyond life as an animal mom, Melissa is a dedicated wife and mother to 2 children. Writing in her old notebook led her down the path of becoming not only a freelance writer but a published Indie author under the pen name, Rena Marin.
