Bichon Frise vs Italian Greyhound

Which dog breed is right for you?

Bichon Frise

Size
12–18 lbs, 10–12 in
Lifespan
14–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Playful Cheerful Gentle Affectionate

Italian Greyhound

Size
7–14 lbs, 13–15 in
Lifespan
14–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Playful Sensitive Alert Affectionate

About the Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, small companion dog with origins tracing to the Mediterranean region — descended from water spaniels and popularized by Spanish, Italian, and French nobility from the 13th century onward. Standing 9.5–11.5 inches tall and weighing 12–18 pounds, the Bichon is a compact, sturdy little dog with a distinctively rounded silhouette. Their hallmark white, powder-puff coat is made up of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curly outer coat that produces minimal shedding but requires professional grooming every 4–6 weeks.

Temperament & Personality

Bichons are playful, affectionate, and irrepressibly cheerful — they seem to carry a perpetual smile and have a gift for making everyone around them happy. They thrive on human attention and are excellent with children, seniors, and other pets, adapting easily to various household dynamics. Their social nature means they do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety.

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic coat produces minimal dander and virtually no shedding
  • Adaptable to apartment living — their small size and moderate exercise needs fit urban lifestyles
  • Friendly and sociable with strangers, children, and other animals
  • Cheerful, entertaining personality that brings joy to any household

Cons

  • Professional grooming is essential and can be costly — every 4–6 weeks minimum
  • Prone to separation anxiety and may bark excessively or become destructive when left alone
  • Can be challenging to housebreak — consistent crate training is often necessary
  • Susceptible to patellar luxation, bladder stones, and allergies

A Bichon Frise can brighten even the gloomiest day — find adoptable Bichons on Puplister and add some joy to your life.

About the Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound — a miniaturized version of the Greyhound — has been a prized companion of nobility for over 2,000 years, favored by the likes of Frederick the Great, Queen Victoria, and Catherine the Great. Standing 13–15 inches tall and weighing just 7–14 pounds, this dainty sighthound has a short, satiny coat in shades of fawn, cream, red, blue, black, and various combinations — always with an elegant, high-stepping gait that exudes refinement. Their slender, graceful build and deer-like appearance make them one of the most aesthetically striking toy breeds.

Temperament & Personality

Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, playful, and surprisingly mischievous — alternating between bursts of zoomie energy and hours of burrowing under blankets for warmth. They bond intensely with their owners and can be clingy — often insisting on being held, carried, or curled up in their person's lap. While sweet with family, they tend to be reserved or shy around strangers and may tremble when overstimulated or anxious.

Pros

  • Elegant, low-shedding coat that produces minimal dander — suitable for many allergy sufferers
  • Compact size and moderate exercise needs make them ideal apartment companions
  • Deeply affectionate and bonded to their owners — devoted lapdogs
  • Long lifespan of 14–15 years with proper care and dental maintenance

Cons

  • Extremely fragile bones — leg fractures are common, especially in puppies and young adults
  • Among the most difficult small breeds to housebreak — many owners resort to indoor potty solutions
  • Sensitive to cold — requires sweaters, coats, and warm sleeping arrangements year-round
  • Prone to severe dental disease — often require multiple tooth extractions by middle age

Searching for an elegant, loving companion in a tiny package? Browse Italian Greyhounds on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Bichon Frise and a Italian Greyhound?
The Bichon Frise is 12–18 lbs, 10–12 in sized while the Italian Greyhound is 7–14 lbs, 13–15 in sized. They differ in size (12–18 lbs, 10–12 in vs 7–14 lbs, 13–15 in), lifespan (14–15 years vs 14–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Bichon Frise or Italian Greyhound?
Bichon Frise is generally good with kids. Italian Greyhound is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Bichon Frise or Italian Greyhound?
The Bichon Frise has a lifespan of 14–15 years while the Italian Greyhound has a lifespan of 14–15 years.

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