Bichon Frise vs Yorkshire Terrier
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
High
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, First-time Owners
Maintenance Level
High
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Bichon Frise might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
Yorkshire Terrier might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog known for its fluffy white coat and lively personality. Standing about 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weighing between 12 to 18 pounds, these dogs have a compact build with a rounded head and a distinctive curly coat that requires regular grooming. Their eyes are dark and expressive, and they often have a playful, inquisitive look. Bichon Frises are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, making them excellent companions. They are adaptable to various living situations, including apartments, and thrive on human interaction, often forming strong bonds with their families. This breed is intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train, though they can sometimes exhibit a stubborn streak. Overall, the Bichon Frise is affectionate, playful, and sociable, often getting along well with children and other pets.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, commonly known as the Yorkie, is a small dog breed known for its beautiful, silky coat and lively personality. Typically weighing between 4 to 7 pounds and standing about 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder, Yorkies are well-proportioned with a long, flowing coat that is often tan and blue. They are known for their energetic, affectionate, and intelligent nature, making them excellent companions. Despite their small size, they have a strong personality and can be quite brave, often displaying a feisty attitude. They are also known to be quite loyal to their families and can be protective of their home and loved ones. Yorkies thrive on interaction and playtime and require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coat.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Excellent with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Very social with other dogs
Generally friendly with other dogs
Shedding
Light shedding level
Light shedding level
Grooming Needs
High grooming needs
High grooming needs
Trainability
Highly trainable
Highly trainable
Energy Level
Very energetic breed
Very energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Moderate barking tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Bichon Frise
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.
Feeding
Balanced diet required
Health Care
Regular vet check-ups recommended
Yorkshire Terrier
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush the coat daily to prevent tangles and matting.
Feeding
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their size and age.
Health Care
Regular vet check-ups recommended
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.
Grooming
Brush the coat daily to prevent tangles and matting.
Feeding
Balanced diet required
Feeding
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their size and age.
Health Care
Regular vet check-ups recommended
Health Care
Regular vet check-ups recommended
Additional Care Notes
Bichon Frise
- •Provide dental care with regular brushing or dental chews.
Yorkshire Terrier
- •Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their size and age.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Consistency and patience are key, as they can be somewhat stubborn. Socialization with other dogs and people is crucial to prevent behavioral issues.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness
- •separation anxiety
- •barking excessively
- •potty training difficulties
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise. Consistency is key; short, frequent training sessions work best. Socialization is also important, exposing them to different environments, people, and other animals.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness during training sessions
- •Sensitivity to harsh corrections, requiring gentle methods
- •Tendency to bark excessively if not properly trained
- •Struggles with housebreaking due to their small bladder size
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Consistency and patience are key, as they can be somewhat stubborn. Socialization with other dogs and people is crucial to prevent behavioral issues.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness
- •separation anxiety
- •barking excessively
- •potty training difficulties
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise. Consistency is key; short, frequent training sessions work best. Socialization is also important, exposing them to different environments, people, and other animals.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness during training sessions
- •Sensitivity to harsh corrections, requiring gentle methods
- •Tendency to bark excessively if not properly trained
- •Struggles with housebreaking due to their small bladder size
Training Resources
Bichon Frise Training Guide
Yorkshire Terrier Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Bichon Frise Breeders
Find Yorkshire Terrier Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.