Is the Bichon Frise or the Cockapoo better for families with children?

Both the Bichon Frise and the Cockapoo are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Bichon Frise or the Cockapoo?

The Cockapoo sheds more than the Bichon Frise. If shedding is a concern, the Bichon Frise is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Bichon Frise or the Cockapoo?

The Cockapoo is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Bichon Frise or Cockapoo bigger?

Bichon Frise and Cockapoo are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Bichon Frise or Cockapoo?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Bichon Frise or Cockapoo?

For apartment or apartment living, Bichon Frise and Cockapoo are an even match — either can work well.

Bichon Frise vs Cockapoo: Which Sheds Less?

Bichon Frise vs Cockapoo: full comparison

Trait	Bichon Frise	Cockapoo
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	High
Shedding	Very Low	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Very High	Very High
Typical lifespan	15 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Size and living space

The Bichon Frise is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Cockapoo is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bichon Frise thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Cockapoo thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Bichon Frise demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. The Cockapoo needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and drops very little hair. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bichon Frise trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Cockapoo learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Bichon Frise shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Cockapoo shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bichon Frise and Cockapoo are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Bichon Frise and Cockapoo are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Cockapoo has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Bichon Frise and Cockapoo are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Bichon Frise has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bichon Frise if you want less shedding around the home or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Cockapoo if you want an easier dog to train or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bichon Frise or the Cockapoo better for families with children?: Both the Bichon Frise and the Cockapoo are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bichon Frise or the Cockapoo?: The Cockapoo sheds more than the Bichon Frise. If shedding is a concern, the Bichon Frise is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Bichon Frise or the Cockapoo?: The Cockapoo is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Bichon Frise or Cockapoo bigger?: Bichon Frise and Cockapoo are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Bichon Frise or Cockapoo?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Bichon Frise or Cockapoo?: For apartment or apartment living, Bichon Frise and Cockapoo are an even match — either can work well.

Bichon Frise vs Cockapoo