Compare

Bichon Frise vs Poodle

Both are curly, non-shedding dogs with heavy grooming needs; the Bichon is small and apartment-friendly, the Poodle larger, more active and more trainable.

Bichon Frise profilePoodle profile

Verdict

The Bichon Frise and the Poodle are curly-coated dogs that shed very little, and both sit at the top of the scale for grooming effort. Each is trainable, friendly with children and unhappy if left alone all day.

The Bichon is the compact choice at 12 to 18 pounds, cheerful and playful, with a lower exercise need and an easy fit in apartments. The Poodle in this comparison is the 40 to 70 pound standard, with higher energy and the best trainability, so it needs 45 to 90 minutes of activity and more space. The Poodle is also the better first dog of the pair, and its profile notes that smaller sizes need less exercise.

Choose the Bichon Frise if

  • You want a cheerful, sociable small dog for an apartment
  • You prefer 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity
  • You accept that housetraining can be slow
  • You can manage the grooming schedule and its cost

Choose the Poodle if

  • You want an intelligent, quick learner with minimal shedding
  • You are active and can provide 45 to 90 minutes a day
  • You are a first-time owner who will commit to training
  • You like the water-dog heritage and a proud, active temperament

Side by side

Bichon Frise Poodle
AKC group Non-Sporting Group Non-Sporting Group
Size class Small Medium
Typical weight 12 to 18 lb 40 to 70 lb
Height 9.5 to 11.5 in at the shoulder 18 to 24 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 14 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
AKC popularity, 2025 49 of 202 6 of 202
Shedding Minimal Minimal
Grooming needs Very high Very high
Energy Moderate High
Trainability Easy Very easy
Barking Barks sometimes Barks sometimes
With children Very good Very good
Apartment living Excellent Moderate
First-time owners Manageable Good
Heat tolerance Average Average
Cold tolerance Average Average
Temperament
  • cheerful
  • playful
  • affectionate
  • curious
  • sociable
  • intelligent
  • active
  • proud
  • trainable
Health concerns to know about
  • patellar luxation
  • skin allergies
  • bladder stones
  • dental disease
  • cataracts
  • Addison's disease
  • bloat
  • hip dysplasia
  • sebaceous adenitis
  • progressive retinal atrophy
  • epilepsy
Suits
  • allergy-conscious households
  • apartment dwellers
  • people who accept a grooming schedule
  • people who want a trainable dog with little shedding
  • active households
  • owners willing to pay for regular grooming

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

In the index now