Bichon Frise vs Pekingese

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

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 Pekingese is better suited for new owners.
  • Children - The Bichon Frise is very child friendly. The Pekingese does okay around kids, but is not as tolerant as the Bichon Frise.
  • Grooming - Both breeds require very high amounts of grooming.
  • Barking - The Pekingese bark/howls frequently. The Bichon Frise has an average level of barking.
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Bichon Frise vs Pekingese
Bichon Frise Dog Breed
Pekingese Puppy
Breed NameBichon FrisePekingese
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicYesNo
Lifespan12-15 yrs.12-15 yrs.
Height9-11 in.6-9 in.
Weight7-12 lb7-14 lb
IntelligenceHighAverage
History
Origin CountrySpainChina
Origin Year1300 AD20 BC
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodGood
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyVery GoodBelow Average
Pet FriendlyVery GoodBelow Average
Stranger FriendlyVery GoodBelow Average
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Enjoys Attention
  • Jealous
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Likes To Snuggle
  • Willing To Please
  • Affectionate
  • Enjoys Attention
  • Jealous
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Stubborn
Living Environment
ApartmentYesYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardNoNo
Medium YardNoNo
Large YardNoNo
Temperature Tolerance ¹50°F to 75°F55°F to 75°F
Barks/HowlsAverageVery Often
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelMedium-HighLow-Medium
Exercise RequiredMediumLow
Top Running Speed15 mph12 mph
StrengthLowLow
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceHighMedium
SheddingNoneHigh
DanderNoneMedium
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 FrisePekingese
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoYes
Family/PackYesNo
IndependentNoNo
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 AverageBelow Average
HerdingBelow AverageBelow Average
HuntingAverageBelow Average
ProtectionBelow AverageBelow Average
Remove VerminBelow AverageBelow Average
SleddingBelow AverageBelow Average
WatchBelow AverageAverage
Health Comparison
Breed NameBichon FrisePekingese
Lifespan
Lifespan12-15 yrs.12-15 yrs.
Common Health Issues
AllergiesYesNo
Bladder StonesYesNo
Brachycephalic SyndromeNoYes
CataractsNoYes
Cleft PalateNoYes
CryptorchidismNoYes
DistichiasisNoYes
Ectopic CiliaNoYes
Ectopic CiliaNoYes
EntropionNoYes
Exposure Keratopathy SyndromeNoYes
Hip DysplasiaYesNo
HydrocephalusNoYes
Intervertebral Disk DiseaseNoYes
Juvenile CataractsYesNo
Keratoconjunctivitis SiccaNoYes
Mitral Valve DiseaseNoYes
Patellar LuxationYesYes
Progressive Retinal AtrophyNoYes
Vaccination SensitivityYesNo
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameBichon FrisePekingese
Coat
HairYesNo
FurNoYes
Coat Type
Double CoatYesYes
Coat Texture
WavyYesYes
StraightNoYes
Coat Length(s)
LongYesYes
Coat Color(s)
WhiteYesYes
White & ApricotYesNo
White & BuffYesNo
White & CreamYesNo
BiscuitNoYes
BlackNoYes
Black & TanNoYes
CreamNoYes
FawnNoYes
Fawn BrindleNoYes
Fawn SableNoYes
GrayNoYes
Gray SableNoYes
Light RedNoYes
Red BrindleNoYes
Red SableNoYes