10+ Dogs Similar to the Bichon Frise

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A new pet can be exhilarating and terrifying when you bring one into your home. Choosing a bichon frise is an excellent option if looking for a friendly and affectionate small dog, but what are some alternatives to the bichon frise?

If you can’t find a breeder or a bichon available for adoption in your area, there are several other dog breeds that can provide the same joy that the bichon frise does.

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The Six Other Bichon-Type Breeds

Many bichon dogs are often mistakenly referred to as “bichon frise” by those who aren’t familiar with the breed. However, dogs in the bichon family have a greater range of color and appearance. There are 6 bichon-type dog breeds, including the bichon frise, Havanese, Maltese, Bolognese, Coton de Tulear, Lowchen, and Bolonka.

They were bred for companionship rather than for work. As a result, they have a strong sense of camaraderie and loyalty to humans. Their small size, curled tails, short snouts, droopy ears, and lack of shedding are just a few of their physical similarities.

Despite their many similarities, you can use the coats of the different breeds of bichons to tell them apart. They may look alike at first glance, but closer examination reveals that each dog’s coat is distinct from the others of its species. For example, the hair on a bichon frise is thicker and curlier than the hair on a Maltese, which is silkier and finer.

If you like the bichon frise but also want to consider some alternatives, then these other bichon-type dog breeds are certainly a good place to start.

6 Best Non-Bichon-Type Alternatives to the Bichon Frise

Should you wish to look even wider, there are many breeds that are similar to the bichon frise but are not related to it. Some of those include the ones listed below.

Miniature Poodle

Poodles come in far more sizes than a bichon frise, including toy, miniature, and standard. The bichon frise is roughly the same size as a miniature poodle in terms of height. In addition, bichons frises are most commonly white, whereas poodles come in a wider range of colors such as blues, apricots, blacks, whites, grays, silver, browns, and even cafe au laits or creams.

Floppy ears, curly coats, and pointed muzzles characterize both breeds. Poodles are known for their playful personalities, high levels of energy, and desire to be the center of attention. Poodles and bichon frises are both fun-loving and energetic, and in many ways, their sweet, happy personalities make them ideal for families.

Pomeranian

If you like the coat of the bichon frise, you’ll like Pomeranians. Pomeranians, like the bichon frise, have a fluffy coat. However, while they appear to be the same weight, the bichon frise is larger than the pomeranian. Pomeranians appear larger than they are due to their puffy coat.

A bichon frise weighs 7 to 12 pounds, while Pomeranians weigh a mere 3 to 7 pounds and are one of the smallest breeds in the world.

Both dogs are affectionate, love attention, and are eager to please temperaments, but the bichon frise is much friendlier than the Pomeranian. Pomeranians, unlike Bichons, do not do as well with children or other pets. Nonetheless, a Pomeranian is a great alternative to a bichon frise.

Toy American Eskimo

The Toy American Eskimo has plenty of similarities with the bichon frise. Both dogs have white hair, but the bichon frise has curlier hair, whereas the Toy American Eskimo has straighter hair. In terms of weight and height, they are very similar.

Both dogs have similar personalities and are generally friendly to family members, children, pets, and even strangers. They are both affectionate, enjoy being the center of attention, are both loving, and eager to please. They are ideal for apartments and do not require a large area to run around due to their small size.

However, while the bichon frise is hypoallergenic, the Toy American Eskimo sheds a lot. Nonetheless, they make excellent pets if you don’t suffer from allergies.

Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz is another great alternative for a bichon frise. If you like the bichon because of its puffy coat, then you’ll love the Japanese Spitz’s white fluffy hair. However, they are slightly larger than bichons.

The personalities of the bichon frise and the Japanese Spitz are very similar. They both have a friendly demeanor toward children and other pets, making them ideal family pets. But, unfortunately, the Japanese Spitz is not always keen on meeting new people.

Shih Tzu

If you want a dog with a long coat that is a good alternative to a bichon frise, a shih tzu is a great choice. While their coats are quite different from one another, they do share some similarities. Both are small and hypoallergenic.

They also have similar personalities in that they are both friendly, affectionate, and outgoing. However, compared to a shih tzu, a bichon frise has more energy. Furthermore, a bichon frise barks more than a shih tzu.

West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terriers are an excellent choice for a fluffy white dog. Although this breed is smaller than the bichon frise, it’s still a robust and strong little guy. The West Highland Terrier can reach a maximum of 16 inches in height and 20 pounds in weight.

The two dogs are both loving and caring. Both have a lot of energy. Finally, both dogs are hypoallergenic as well, which is a bonus. However, westies are known for their feistiness and being little emperors in their own homes.

Bichon Frise Mixed Breeds

The bichon frise is known for its ability to pack many personalities into a small package. In addition, people are frequently drawn to them because of their cotton-ball white coat, which is hypoallergenic. So it’s no surprise that they’re so sought-after by dog lovers. The practice of crossbreeding dogs has grown in popularity, as have the results.

Many new crossbreeds have been developed in an attempt to find the ideal mix for families looking for a companion. In the case of the bichon, the resulting dog is even more adorable and loving when mixed with other breeds. As such, unless you are keen on having a purebred dog, a bichon frise mixed with another breed is another solid option for you to consider.

Here are just a few crosses worth mentioning:

The Bichon Yorkie is a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Yorkshire Terrier. They are a popular bichon frise hybrid because of their size and personality. This dog weighs 6 and 8 pounds and is 9 and 12 inches tall. They have a lot of energy, are fun to be around, and are extremely loving. They are ideal for living in small spaces, such as apartments. In addition, they have a high level of intelligence, which makes training them a breeze.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix is another popular crossbreed known as Cavachons. These pups have the best of both worlds in terms of size, personality, and energy. In addition, they are hypoallergenic dogs who shed less and produce less dander than other breeds. These canines are clever, curious, and full of energy. They get along nicely not only with other pets but also with humans, particularly youngsters. They do, however, need plenty of exercise to expend extra energy.
Finally, the bichpoo or the poochon is another popular bichon frise hybrid. Poodles and bichon frise are the main breeds in this crossbreed. This hybrid is intelligent, affectionate, and hypoallergenic, much like the others. They are gregarious, thrive on companionship, and dislike being left alone for lengthy periods. They are available in various colors, including cream, tan, apricot, and even black.

Aside from the three discussed above, many other bichon frise mixed breeds make excellent pets. Their popularity stems from the resulting dog usually having a beautiful fluffy coat and a friendly personality.

Summary

Whether you choose a purebred bichon frise, a hybrid bichon, or one of the above alternatives, be sure you have the necessary means to care for the canines. Ensure that you have done your homework to ensure that you are adequately prepared to care for a dog.

While they require a lot of care, you will be rewarded with a loyal, attentive, and loving dog.

Not Sure Whether to Get a Bichon Frise or Some Other Breed?

Make sure to read our breed comparison articles to figure out which breed is the best fit for you: