Shih Tzu
Bichon friseSide by side
A tick marks the better of the two on each line.
| Shih Tzu | Bichon frise | |
| First year | £3,307 | £3,331 |
|---|---|---|
| Each year after | £1,522 | £1,546 |
| A month | £127✓ | £129 |
| Food a month | £16✓ | £18 |
| Insurance, a month | £33 | £33 |
| Adult weight | 4 to 7kg | 5 to 8kg |
| Lifespan | About 13 years | About 14 years✓ |
| Grooming | Groomer every 6 weeks | Groomer every 6 weeks |
| Breed health problems | Some | Some |
| Over its life | £21,571 | £23,429 |
Which should you pick?
Pick the bichon frise if…
- A longer life matters to you: about 14 years on average
Health problems to know about
Shih Tzu
- Breathing problems
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
Bichon frise
- Allergies
- Dental disease
- Slipping kneecaps
Whichever you choose, ask the breeder for health test results for both parents, and look for lifetime insurance with at least £5,000 a year for vet fees.
Compare insurance for either breed
Look for lifetime cover. Quotes for the same puppy can vary a lot between insurers.
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Questions
Which is cheaper, a Shih Tzu or a bichon frise?
They cost about the same to run, around £1,534 a year.
Which lives longer, a Shih Tzu or a bichon frise?
Shih Tzus live about 13 years and bichons about 14 years on average.
Which is bigger, a Shih Tzu or a bichon frise?
Shih Tzus usually weigh 4 to 7kg and bichons 5 to 8kg as adults.
More comparisons
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These use the same starting figures as our breed pages: a girl puppy at £1,000, mid-range food for the adult weight, a week of kennels a year and no daycare. Put in your own figures.