A side-by-side comparison of the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Overall, Bichon Frise wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.
Bichon Frise
4 wins
Shih Tzu
1 win
More family-friendly
Bichon Frise edges ahead on kid-friendliness, affection, and trainability.
Lower maintenance
Bichon Frise sheds less and needs less grooming overall.
Longer-lived
Bichon Frise typically lives longer on average.
Calmer
Shih Tzu is generally more relaxed and lower-energy.
Quieter
These breeds bark about as much as each other.
More trainable
Bichon Frise picks up commands and new behaviors more readily.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Height | Lifespan | Energy | Shedding | Grooming | Trainable | Affection | Barking | Kids | Dogs | Cats | Apartment | First-timers | Low-allergen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 11–15 lb | 9–11 in | 12 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
| Small | 11–18 lb | 11 in | 10 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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The Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.
Overall, Bichon Frise wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.