🐕 Bichon Frise
Temperament
Cheerful, gentle, playful, affectionate. Bichons are people-magnets and need to be part of the family. Generally great with children, other dogs and cats. Can be barky without training.
Exercise
30–60 minutes of daily exercise plus indoor play. Mental work and short obedience sessions are ideal.
Grooming
High maintenance: daily brushing if kept fluffy, plus a professional groom every 4–6 weeks. Tear staining around eyes is common (genetic). Hair grows continuously and doesn't shed.
Health
Generally healthy and long-lived. Watch for: bladder stones (a Bichon problem — drink lots of water, monitor urine), Cushing's disease, allergies (skin and food), patellar luxation, dental disease.
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🐶 Shih Tzu
Temperament
Gentle, friendly, slightly aloof, content. Shih Tzus thrive on company and dislike being left alone. They're playful but not high-energy, and generally good with children, other dogs and cats.
Exercise
30 minutes of daily walking plus indoor play is plenty. Brachycephalic features mean they overheat easily — avoid hot weather and strenuous exercise.
Grooming
Long double coat. Daily brushing if kept long; most owners choose a "puppy cut" every 4–6 weeks for ease. Hair around eyes needs daily wiping (eye discharge collects). Top-knot to keep hair out of eyes.
Health
Brachycephalic airway syndrome (mild). Eye issues (proptosis — eye popping out — in trauma). Patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia. Dental disease (small crowded mouths). Generally long-lived for a brachycephalic breed.
Full Shih Tzu profile →
