Bichon Frise vs Italian Greyhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bichon Frise
Non-Sporting Group
Italian Greyhound
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bichon Frise Overview
Graceful and compact, the Bichon Frise showcases a white powder-puff appearance with a soft, dense coat that forms a rounded silhouette. Their dark, inquisitive eyes and black nose create an endearing expression, while their plumed tail curves gracefully over their back. Naturally cheerful and gentle-natured, these dogs combine aristocratic bearing with a merry, playful disposition.
Italian Greyhound Overview
Italian Greyhounds embody elegance with their slender build, fine-boned structure, and graceful gait. Standing 13-15 inches tall, these refined canines feature a sleek coat, long legs, and distinctive arched back. Their large, expressive eyes and small, folded ears contribute to their alert, aristocratic appearance. Despite their delicate frame, they possess remarkable agility and speed.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bichon Frises are less energetic than Italian Greyhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bichon Frises require more grooming attention compared to Italian Greyhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bichon Frises tend to be more reserved with strangers than Italian Greyhounds.
- Trainability: Italian Greyhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Italian Greyhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Italian Greyhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Bichon Frises typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bichon Frise and Italian Greyhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bichon Frise | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 14-15 years | 14-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bichon Frise | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 24-29 cm | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm |
| Weight | 12-18 lbs 5-8 kg | 7-14 lbs 3-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bichon Frise | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Curious, Peppy | Playful, Alert, Sensitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bichon Frise | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bichon Frise Temperament
The Bichon Frise is known for being playful, curious, peppy, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Italian Greyhound Temperament
The Italian Greyhound is characterized by being playful, alert, sensitive, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bichon Frise and Italian Greyhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bichon Frise
Rating: 5/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bichon Frise
Rating: 5/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bichon Frise
Rating: 3/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bichon Frise
Rating: 2/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bichon Frise
Rating: 5/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Bichon Frise Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bichon Frises require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bichon Frises require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Italian Greyhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Italian Greyhounds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Italian Greyhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bichon Frise Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Allergies
- Patellar luxation
- Bladder stones
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
Italian Greyhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dental Disease
- Leg Fractures
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
Pros & Cons
Bichon Frise
Pros
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Adaptable to different living situations
- Long lifespan
- Cheerful personality
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Can be expensive to maintain
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Regular professional grooming required
- May be difficult to housebreak
Italian Greyhound
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Excellent apartment dog
- Minimal shedding
Cons
- Fragile bone structure
- Cold sensitivity
- Challenging to housebreak
- Separation anxiety prone
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bichon Frise and Italian Greyhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.