¿Qué diferencia hay entre un caniche y un bichón frisé?

A very frequent doubt that exists in the community of our beloved poodles is: what is the difference between the poodle and the bichon frise?

These are two breeds of dogs that visually may have similarities, but if you dig a little deeper, you will know that they have very particular characteristics that distinguish them. Continue reading this article and discover all the differences between the poodle and the bichon frise.

The Bichons

There are different types of Bichons: the Maltese, the Bolognese, the Havanese, and the Tenerife Bichon or Bichon frise.

The latter shares greater similarities with the poodle than the others.

The bichon frise is a dog of European origin, descended from the Maltese bichon.

It was very notorious in Europe and became popular as a companion dog, always in its small mini size.

Unlike the poodle, which was originally a tall dog (giant poodleThey were also hunting dogs, not companion dogs, as they are today, but they were trained to search for prey that fell into the water).

Characteristics of the Bichon Friesian and differences with the poodle:

• Ears: It has small ears. It keeps them drooped.

• Hair: Fino, suave, sedoso, algo rizado. Relativamente largo; de 7 a 10 cm Manto interno de lana. Normalmente en forma de melena, pero también puede ser corto.

• Hair color: It is always pure white.

• Tail: Usually raised and curved over the back. (While in the poodle or poodle the tail is not curved but straight, and diagonally outward) See comparative chart below.

• Proportions: The proportions are one of the characteristics that most distinguish them from poodles. While the latter are more stylized, the Bichon frise has shorter legs in relation to the length of its torso.
  
• Muzzle: in both is elongated, but in the poodle it is more prominent and less wide.
  
• Truffle: is always prominent and black (while in poodles it varies according to coat color).

Poodle vs. Bichon Frise: Size and Height

The first point we are going to analyze is the approximate weight and height of each breed.

The average height at the withers of a bichon frise is:

Males from 23 to 30 cm.

Females from 24 to 26.5 cm.

And its weight from 3 to 5 kg.

While the size of a poodle varies greatly, it is this characteristic that differentiates the two types of poodles. types of poodleswhere we find, from micro toy poodle to giant poodle.

The dwarf poodle and the toy are the most similar in size and weight to the Bichon frisé. Measuring and weighing approximately the same, although in the case of the standard established for the poodle, their size, height at the withers, will make them belong to one or another category or type (toy or dwarf, in each case).

While the poodle micro toy are much smaller and lighter than a bichon frisé, there is no such small bichons.

The medium poodle y giant poodle are significantly larger.

So, broadly speaking, we can say that the poodle has more variety in size than the bichon frisé, which has only one size variety.

Toy Poodle - Bichon Frise

It is important to clarify that if we compare a toy poodle with a bichon frisé, we will find many more similarities.

Given that the average size of a toy poodle is 24 to 28 cm and approximately 4.5 kg.

On the other hand, there are many variations in body proportions, ears and shape and color of the eyes and coat, which we will detail later.

Dwarf Poodle - Bichon Frise

If we compare a dwarf poodle with a bichon frisé, there is also a difference in size, since a dwarf poodle has a weight of about 4 to 7 kg and a size of 28 to 35 cm in size.

But size is not what most distinguishes and differentiates the two breeds.

Poodle vs. Bichon Frise: Coat and Basic Care

The most favorable point and for which both breeds are chosen, is that they do not lose their hair and therefore are hypoallergenic.

It is also valid to say that both the poodle and the bichon frisé have coats that require great care, since they are curly and long-haired.

Therefore, they will require regular trimming and daily maintenance with a brush.

In the case of the bichon frisé, it is essential to brush it every day so that its coat does not get tangled and look "frothy".

It has a softer coat, because its coat consists of a more docile inner layer and a second layer that is harder and curlier. As for baths, it is advisable to do it with dry shampoo and a frequency of once a month.

The most traditional haircut of the Bichon Frisé is well rounded. Sometimes its face looks like a big white snowball (see pictures accompanying this article).

In the case of the pooodle, they have a slightly harder texture. Likewise, their dense and kinky coat also requires great care and frequent brushing to maintain its appearance and to avoid knots.

Haircuts are recommended approximately every 2 months, so that the hair grows evenly and regularly.

Bath

Regarding the baths, ideally they should be with a periodicity NOT less than 15 days, since their scalp has a necessary protective fat and if you bathe them often, you can provoke allergic reactions. Remember to dry well all the parts of their body, since they are very cold.

See more: Cómo cuidar el pelo de un caniche?

Eye care

Also, you should consider that both the poodle and the bichon frisé require great care around their eyes, since they shed a nail that stains the hair around their eyes. Therefore, it is important to keep their eyes clean continuously.

See more: How to care for and clean the eyes of a poodle

Colors

Regarding coat colors, poodles can be of various colorsRed, black, gray, apricot, apricot, white, brown or chocolate, in different shades. The bichon frise is ALWAYS PURE WHITE.

In this case, if we compare a toy poodle and a bichon frise and a dwarf poodle and a bichon frise, the coat and care would be exactly the same, as previously described.

Poodle vs. Bichon Frise: Health and Life Expectancy

The bichon is a strong breed, and like the poodle they are quite healthy and strong puppies. However, among the most common diseases of the bichon frise we can name patellar luxation or eye problems such as cataracts and blockage of the tear ducts.

On the other hand, the poodle is a breed characterized by cataracts, allergies and skin complications.

See more: What diseases can a poodle have?

Both in the poodle and in the bichon frise, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet, otherwise they can suffer from gastroenteritis and serious digestion problems. It is always basic that they keep a balanced nutrition with the food recommended by your veterinarian.

Life expectancy

Thus, it is essential that you know that if you take the appropriate precautions, both the poodle and the bichon frise are breeds that have great life expectancy.

The bichon frise has a longevity of 14 to 16 years, while poodles have a longevity of 12 to 14 years.

This is influenced by the type of your poodle.

If we compare a toy poodle and a bichon frise, the toy poodle has a great longevity, often exceeding 16 years.

In short, the dwarf poodle and the bichon frisé, the dwarf poodle has the same approximate life span as the medium poodle, between 14 and 16 years.

However, as we said before, everything depends on the care and love you give to your doggy friend.

Poodle vs. Bichon Frisé: Character and Behavior

Both the poodle and the bichon are extremely friendly and companionable breeds. They are so-called "lap breeds" that always enjoy the love and companionship of family members.

Although as we said above, the canoche was not always a companion dog. And as it was originally a hunting dog, its instincts and temperaments make it a more agile and independent dog than the Bichon frisé.

The bichon frise needs more company and is more attached to humans, often showing great anguish due to separation, and little adaptation to being alone. It is therefore more dependent than the poodle, but both enjoy the people around them.

Both breeds have good character.

In the case of the poodle they are more mischievous and playful, so it is important that the first time you teach them patiently what not to do at home or where to do their needs and, on the other hand, provide them with a good exercise routine so they can spend energy.

Movement and grace of the poodle

One thing that will certainly distinguish poodles from bichons is the way they move.

Perhaps the best way to distinguish between the two breeds is by observing their movements.

 Poodles have very typical movements that make the breed very recognizable. The most distinctive movements are the jaunty, airy, graceful trot, like walking on tiptoe.

The effortless hind leg supports and the very firm and airy forequarters give him a bearing and lineage of great elegance and sophistication.

Another characteristic is the agile jumps and turns they make when playing, winning many chase games even with dogs faster than them.

Conclusion

We can say then, that the poodle and the bichon frise have an excellent temperament and both are excellent pets.

They are totally suitable for children and family coexistence. In the same way, they integrate easily with other pets, such as dogs or kittens that already live at home.

Either breed is beautiful and very companionable, and although at first glance they appear very similar, you know well how to distinguish a poodle and a bichon frise. ❤

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