Is the Bichon Frise or the Shih Tzu better for families with children?

The Bichon Frise tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Bichon Frise or the Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu bigger?

Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?

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

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu: Which Sheds Less?

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu: full comparison

Trait	Bichon Frise	Shih Tzu
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very 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 compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Shih Tzu is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. 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 wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Shih Tzu wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. 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 Shih Tzu demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape 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 picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Shih Tzu picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Bichon Frise is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Shih Tzu is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Bichon Frise has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Shih Tzu has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
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 the more child-friendly companion, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Shih Tzu if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Bichon Frise on temperament, size and care.

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 Shih Tzu better for families with children?: The Bichon Frise tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Bichon Frise or the Shih Tzu?: The Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu bigger?: Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?: For apartment or apartment living, Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu are an even match — either can work well.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu