Bichon Frise vs Papillon

Compare the Bichon Frise to the Papillon. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Bichon Frise and Papillons.

Quick Summary

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • Owner Experience - Both breeds are good choices for new or inexperienced owners, but the Papillon is better suited for new owners.
  • Children - Both breeds are child friendly, but the Bichon Frise is the most friendly between the breeds.
  • Grooming - The Papillon is easy to groom. The Bichon Frise has very high grooming needs.
  • Barking - Both the Bichon Frise and Papillon are average barkers.
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Bichon Frise vs Papillon
Bichon Frise Dog Breed
White & Red Papillon Dog
Breed NameBichon FrisePapillon
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicYesNo
Lifespan12-15 yrs.12-16 yrs.
Height9-11 in.8-11 in.
Weight7-12 lb4-9 lb
IntelligenceHighAverage
History
Origin CountrySpainFrance
Origin Year1300 AD1500 AD
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodVery Good
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyVery GoodGood
Pet FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Stranger FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Enjoys Attention
  • Jealous
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Likes To Snuggle
  • Willing To Please
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Willing To Please
Living Environment
ApartmentYesYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardNoNo
Medium YardNoNo
Large YardNoNo
Temperature Tolerance ¹50°F to 75°F50°F to 80°F
Barks/HowlsAverageBelow Average
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelMedium-HighHigh
Exercise RequiredMediumHigh
Top Running Speed15 mph14 mph
StrengthLowLow
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceHighLow
SheddingNoneNone-Low
DanderNoneLow
Drool AmountNoneNone

¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NameBichon FrisePapillon
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoYes
Family/PackYesNo
IndependentNoYes
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyNoNo
AverageYesYes
Focused & PatientNoNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionBelow AverageBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingBelow AverageBelow Average
ChasingBelow AverageBelow Average
Follow CommandsAverageBelow Average
FightingBelow AverageVery Low
GuardingBelow AverageVery Low
HerdingBelow AverageVery Low
HuntingAverageBelow Average
ProtectionBelow AverageVery Low
Remove VerminBelow AverageAverage
SleddingBelow AverageVery Low
WatchBelow AverageAverage
Health Comparison
Breed NameBichon FrisePapillon
Lifespan
Lifespan12-15 yrs.12-16 yrs.
Common Health Issues
AllergiesYesNo
Bladder StonesYesNo
Collapsed TracheaNoYes
Hip DysplasiaYesNo
HypoglycemiaNoYes
Juvenile CataractsYesNo
Open FontanelNoYes
Patellar LuxationYesYes
Progressive Retinal AtrophyNoYes
Vaccination SensitivityYesNo
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameBichon FrisePapillon
Coat
HairYesYes
Coat Type
Double CoatYesNo
Single CoatNoYes
Coat Texture
WavyYesNo
SilkyNoYes
StraightNoYes
Coat Length(s)
LongYesYes
Coat Color(s)
WhiteYesYes
White & ApricotYesNo
White & BuffYesNo
White & CreamYesNo
Black, Brown, & WhiteNoYes
Black, Red, & WhiteNoYes
Brown & WhiteNoYes
Fawn & WhiteNoYes
RedNoYes
Red, White, & SableNoYes
SableNoYes
White & BlackNoYes
White & LemonNoYes
White & LiverNoYes
White & RedNoYes
White & SableNoYes
White & SilverNoYes
White, Black, & TanNoYes