Which is Better between the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise? A Very Detailed Review.

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Chihuahua Versus Bichon Frise: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Chihuahua and for the Bichon Frise. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Chihuahua or the Bichon Frise.

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Bichon Frise

Chihuahua versus Bichon Frise: Overview

A very important difference between the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a tiny-sized dog while the Bichon Frise is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise are Companion Dogs. This means both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Chihuahua versus Bichon Frise: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Bichon Frise based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise

Factor Chihuahua Bichon Frise
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 18 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Weight 3 to 6 pounds 7 to 12 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Height 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1840 $2100
Price Range $850 – $2500 $1500 – $2395
Temperament Score 69.6 percent 76.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, annually
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calves-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 29 44
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 67 45

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Bichon Frise. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Bichon Frise is 87 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Bichon Frise, we still believe that the Chihuahua is a better pet than the Bichon Frise.

    This is because Chihuahuas are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Chihuahua will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Chihuahua :-). We are for the Chihuahua. So get a Chihuahua!

    Chihuahua versus Bichon Frise

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise

    Below is a list of where the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise are most different:

  • Chihuahuas are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Bichon Frises are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Chihuahuas are very easy to groom. However, Bichon Frises require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise

    The Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise are most similar:

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Bichon Frise

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise.

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Bichon Frises weigh 7 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Bichon Frises are 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Here is our article on Chihuahua size, Chihuahua growth, and Chihuahua weight.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Bichon Frise

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Bichon Frises is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Bichon Frises is 13.5 years.

    Chihuahuas live longer than Bichon Frises.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Chihuahua versus Bichon Frise

    Temperament of the Bichon Frise Versus the Chihuahua

    The Bichon Frise has a better temperament than the Chihuahua.

    This is because the temperament score for the Bichon Frise is 76.7 percent while the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 76.7 percent, the Bichon Frise has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 30 Bichon Frises.

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Bichon Frise

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1840. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $25000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1982 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Bichon Frise puppy is $2100. The price of the Bichon Frise typically ranges from $1500 – $2395. However, the price of the Bichon Frise can be as low as $900 and as high as $20000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 313 Bichon Frise puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bichon Frise is more expensive than the Chihuahua.

    Chihuahua Bichon Frise
    Average Price $1840 $2100
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $1500 to $2395

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Chihuahua and Bichon Frise. For different price points, the charts show how many Chihuahua puppies or how many Bichon Frise puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bichon Frises?

    A breakdown of the prices of Bichon Frises?

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chihuahua puppy or the Bichon Frise puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    Chihuahua versus Bichon Frise

    Adopting the Chihuahua versus Adopting the Bichon Frise

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Chihuahuas and many Bichon Frises are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Chihuahua named Senior In Needs Out….. that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Chihuahuas like Senior In Needs Out….. on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Chihuahuas, Bichon Frises are also available for adoption. For example, Butter is a Male Bichon Frise that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Bichon Frises like Butter that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Smalls 99 Chi is the name of another Chihuahua (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Jovian is an adorable Male Bichon Frise on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Chihuahuas and Bichon Frises are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Chihuahuas and Bichon Frises that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Intelligence of the Chihuahua versus the Intelligence of the Bichon Frise

    Chihuahua Bichon Frise
    Intelligence Rank 67 out of 130 dog breeds 45 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Chihuahua has an obedience intelligence rank of 67 out of 130 dog breeds. The Chihuahua belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Chihuahuas tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Bichon Frise has an obedience intelligence rank of 45 out of 130 dog breeds. The Bichon Frise belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Bichon Frises tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Bichon Frise is more intelligent than the Chihuahua.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    The Popularity of Chihuahua versus Popularity of Bichon Frise

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chihuahua is more popular with dog owners than the Bichon Frise. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chihuahua is 29 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Bichon Frise is 44 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Bichon Frise

    Popularity of Bichon Frise

    Year Chihuahua Popularity Rank Bichon Frise Popularity Rank
    2013 22 40
    2014 24 44
    2015 28 44
    2016 30 45
    2017 32 46
    2018 33 46
    2019 35 43
    2020 34 45

    Health Problems of Chihuahua versus Health Problems of Bichon Frise

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Bichon Frise is prone to more genetic health problems than the Chihuahua.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Bichon Frise than for the Chihuahua.

    3 health tests are recommended for Chihuahua while 5 tests are recommended for the Bichon Frise.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chihuahuas and in Bichon Frises.

    Chihuahua Health Problems

    Chihuahuas are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chihuahua puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Chihuahua puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chihuahua breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Chihuahuas for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chihuahuas here.

    Bichon Frise Health Problems

    Bichon Frises are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bichon Frise puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Bichon Frise puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bichon Frise breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bichon Frises for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, annually
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calves-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bichon Frises here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Chihuahuas and Bichon Frises

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Chihuahua Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    This is because the Chihuahua ranks 2 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 129 Chihuahuas, 2 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chihuahuas, and how common these diseases are in Chihuahuas relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 2 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 24 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 50 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 64 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 92 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 157 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Bichon Frise Breed is Dentition Database problems.

    This is because the Bichon Frise ranks 38 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 89 Bichon Frises, 3 of them had Dentition Database problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Bichon Frises, and how common these diseases are in Bichon Frises relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 38 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 49 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 72 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 75 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 124 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 134 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Chihuahua and in Bichon Frise and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise:

    Disease Chihuahua Rank Bichon Frise Rank
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems 2 out of 40 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 24 out of 145 dog breeds 49 out of 145 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 50 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 64 out of 159 dog breeds 75 out of 159 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 92 out of 182 dog breeds 72 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 157 out of 198 dog breeds 134 out of 198 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems Not Common 38 out of 49 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 124 out of 144 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Bichon Frise

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Bichon Frises do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Bichon Frises?

    Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

    Bichon Frises do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Bichon Frise?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

    Bichon Frises require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Bichon Frise?

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Bichon Frises get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Bichon Frises?

    Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

    Bichon Frises are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Bichon Frise?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    To learn more on Chihuahua training, check out our article on how to train a Chihuahua.

    Bichon Frises are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Bichon Frise

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Bichon Frises do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Bichon Frises?

    Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Bichon Frises get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bichon Frise?

    Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Bichon Frises have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Bichon Frises?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

    Bichon Frises are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bichon Frises Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Bichon Frises can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Bichon Frise

    Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Bichon Frises do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bichon Frises Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Bichon Frises can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Bichon Frise?

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Bichon Frises adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chihuahua or the Bichon Frise?

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

    Bichon Frises are very good for new dog owners.

    Chihuahua Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Chihuahua compares to other breeds aside from the Bichon Frise. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Chihuahua to other breeds:

    Chihuahua versus Bolognese     Chihuahua versus Maltese     Chihuahua versus Manchester Terrier     Chihuahua versus German Shepherd Dog     Chihuahua versus Korean Jindo Dog     Chihuahua versus Great Dane     Chihuahua versus Bearded Collie     Chihuahua versus Alaskan Malamute     Chihuahua versus American Hairless Terrier     Chihuahua versus Collie     Chihuahua versus Australian Terrier     Chihuahua versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Chihuahua versus Lhasapoo     Chihuahua versus Brittany     Chihuahua versus Lhasapoo     Chihuahua versus Kai Ken     Chihuahua versus Affenpinscher     Chihuahua versus Beaglier     Chihuahua versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Chihuahua versus Akita     Chihuahua versus Belgian Sheepdog     Chihuahua versus Great Dane     Chihuahua versus Yorkshire Terrier     Chihuahua versus Carolina Dog     Chihuahua versus Chinese Shar-Pei     

    Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Bichon Frise. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Chihuahua and the Bichon Frise better suits you and your family.