Dog breed comparison
Poodle vs Bichon Frise
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Poodle is the bigger breed, about 13 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Poodle | Bichon Frise |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Height | From 10 to over 22 inches | 9 to 11 inches |
| Weight | 6 to 70 pounds | 7 to 12 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Poodle
Originally a German water retriever; the name comes from pudel, to splash. The traditional clip protected the joints and chest in cold water. It comes in standard, miniature and toy sizes.
Its low-shedding coat needs clipping every 4 to 8 weeks.
Health to watch
- Addison's disease
- Bloat (in standards)
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation (in smaller sizes)
The Bichon Frise
Descended from Mediterranean water spaniels, it became a favourite of Spanish sailors, Italian nobles and the French court before working as a street and circus performer.
Its curly coat sheds little but must be brushed often and clipped every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent mats.
Health to watch
- Allergies
- Bladder stones
- Patellar luxation
- Dental disease
- Cataracts
Key differences
Where they differ most.
General health
The Bichon Frise tends to have fewer health problems than the Poodle.
Energy
The Bichon Frise has more energy than the Poodle.
Exercise needs
The Poodle needs more exercise than the Bichon Frise.
Intelligence
The Poodle is quicker to learn than the Bichon Frise.
Good with children
The Poodle is better with children than the Bichon Frise.
Friendly with strangers
The Bichon Frise is friendlier with strangers than the Poodle.
Which to choose
Poodle or Bichon Frise?
Choose the Poodle if…
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
- You want a dog that is better with children
Choose the Bichon Frise if…
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
Questions.
Is the Poodle or the Bichon Frise bigger, and which lives longer?
The Poodle is the bigger breed, about 13 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Poodle or the Bichon Frise?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Poodle or the Bichon Frise?
The Poodle is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Bichon Frise can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Poodle sheds less than the Bichon Frise. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Poodle and Bichon Frise have?
The Poodle is prone to Addison's disease, bloat (in standards), sebaceous adenitis. The Bichon Frise is prone to allergies, bladder stones, patellar luxation. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
