Skip to content

Choosing Male or Female Bichon? Weighing Your Options

Are Male or Female Bichon Frise Better_ What you Should Know

Bichon Male vs Female Choosing

Choosing Male or Female Bichon. In some ways, choosing between male and female Bichon Frise is a matter of personal preference. However, there are some characteristics common in bitches and other characteristics that are common in male dogs.

It is important to evaluate these characteristics and determine which sex would fit best with your home situation when you choose a Bichon Frise. Additionally, choosing between male and female Bichon Frise dogs is even more important if you already have a dog and are looking to add an additional dog.

In some breeds, there is a very big difference between males and females, in the way they “act” and in the way they “look”. In most large breeds, for example, the males are usually much bigger than the females, with broader head structures which are often more attractive to many people.

Choosing Male or Female Bichon? Weighing Your Options 1
male vs female bichon frise

In the small breeds, there is usually no difference in their appearance or size that can be generalized by sex. The personality traits that may vary between males and females are specific to each breed. Many people think that a male dog will mark their territory in the house.

bichon frise male vs female

This is often not the case and can be completely avoided by early neutering before it becomes a habit. While some small breeds will have differences in personality between males and females, in the Bichon, there is very little noticeable personality difference specific to the sex.

We have found that individual dogs have their own personalities. We have had many Bichons at the same time . Many times it is a female that will be on the top of the pecking order. Right now our most barking dog, is a female. She is definitely the leader.

The only differences you may find are that male Bichons have been noted by many as being a little bit more playful. They also tend to be slightly larger than the female and have a more regal carriage. Outside of that, both male and female Bichons make wonderful family pets.

Girl or a Boy as a Pet

Characteristics Often Apply to Female Bichon Frise

Independent; Female Bichon Frise tends to want to be in control of the entire situation. They may come to their owner when they are seeking affection but will often move away when they have had enough.

Stubborn; In many packs, a female Bichon Frise is typically the Alpha dog. Female dogs crave more control of situations and are quick to respond to perceived challenges with fierceness.

Territorial; Female Bichon Frise mark in the same way male dogs do. A spayed female may continue to mark for her entire lifetime regardless of when she is spayed while most males will cease marking behaviors shortly after they are neutered, and the testosterone levels subside.

Reserved; Female Bichon Frise is generally less affectionate and friendly than male dogs. This characteristic is noticeable in puppies and becomes more pronounced with age.

Changes in Mood or Behaviour; It is also important to note that if you do not spay your female Bichon Frise, she will come into heat at approximately one year of age and approximately every six months thereafter. During this time, there will be some bleeding as well as a change in mood or behavior. Keep this in mind when you adopt a puppy and make the decision of whether or not to spay her.

Choosing Male or Female Bichon? Weighing Your Options 2
are male or female bichon frise better

Characteristics That Often Apply to Male Bichon Frise

Affectionate; Male Bichon Frise is typically more affectionate than females. They tend to crave attention from their owners more than female Bichon Frise and as a result, display more affectionate behaviors.

Exuberant; A male Bichon Frise is also more likely to be fun-loving and outgoing throughout his lifetime than a female Bichon Frise. While a female’s dogs tend to become more reserved as she ages, a male dog maintains a more puppy-like exuberance throughout his lifetime.

Food-Motivated; Males are often very motivated by food. This food motivation can make training extremely easy as treats can be used to lure and reward a dog to display desired behaviors.

Attentive; While female Bichon Frise tends to be more independent, males tend to be more focused on their human companions. They want to always be close to the human and are very eager to please.

Aggressive Behaviours: It is also important to note that intact males may display aggressive dog behaviors toward other males or exhibit marking behaviors. Additionally, intact male Bichon Frise should be kept away from females in heat unless a breeding is planned.

Dog owners who are adding an additional dog to their home should carefully consider the ramifications of adding a dog of either sex. This is important because the makeup of the existing pack may be more accepting of either a male or a female Bichon Frise. The following are general tips for selecting the gender of a second dog:

Choosing Male or Female Bichon? Weighing Your Options 3
Choosing Male or Female Bichon
  • If you already have a male or a female, a dog of the opposite sex is generally the best choice. Dogs of the same sex are more likely to fight than dogs of the opposite sex.
  • If you already have a male dog, he is likely to be more accepting of a female and you are likely to have fewer dominance issues if you add a female to the pack. However, if you opt to add another male to the pack, they can peacefully co-exist and may even become friends. It is important to closely monitor their interactions early on to ensure aggressive behaviors do not become common.
  • If you already have a female dog, she is likely to be more accepting of a male. Most males tend to be submissive. If he does not challenge your resident female, she is not likely to have a reason to fight with him. Adding a female dog to the pack, however, may result in complications. The worst combination of dogs is two bitches because they are more likely to fight than a male and a female or two males. However, many dog owners have two or more bitches that live together without problems. As long as there is an established Alpha dog and the other bitches know their place in the pack, there will not be dominance struggles often, although they may still occur.
  • Selecting a male or female dog is largely a matter of personal preference. The above characteristics are generalizations, and it is certainly possible to purchase or adopt a female puppy who displays male characteristics or a male puppy who displays the typical female characteristics. Additionally, bitches that are spayed and dogs that are neutered often do not have the gender-specific problems associated with their sex such as coming into heat or marking.
Choosing Male or Female Bichon? Weighing Your Options 4
Choosing Male or Female Bichon

Top 10 Bichon Designer Breeds / Parents /Size / Video

Designer MixParentsSizeVideo
MaltichonBichon / MalteseHeight / 8-11 inches
Weight / 8 - 13 lbs
Maltichon
Bichpoo Bichon / PoodleHeight / 9 - 14 inches
Weight / 6 - 9 lbs
Bichpoo
Shichon Bichon / Shih TzuHeight / 9 - 12 inches
Weight / 10 - 15lbs
Shichon
Yorkie BichonBichon / YorkieHeight / 9 - 12 inches
Weight / 6 - 8 lbs
Bichon Yorkie
Chi Chon Bichon / ChihuahuaHeight / 8 - 10 Inches
Weight / 6 - 10 Lbs
Chi Chon
KashonBichon / Cairn TerrierHeight / 9 - 15 Inches
Weight / 10 -18 Lbs
Kashon
Goldichon Bichon / Golden RetrieverHeight/15 - 20 inches
Weight /20-40 Lbs
Goldichon
ChonzerBichon / Miniature SchnauzerHeight /10-16 inches
Weight / 25-35 lbs
Chonzer
Glechon Bichon / Beagle Height /15-16 inches
Weight / 15-35 lbs
Glechon
Corgi Bichon / CorgiHeight /11-13 inches
Weight / 31-37 lbs
Corgi
List of the Designer Breeds from the Bichon Frise
Name - Link for Research
Parents - Breeds of Dogs
Size Height / Weight
Video - Video of the Bichon Designer Breed

Chart of Bichon Birthing Accessories

Breeder BoxDo Not used Wired Dog cage
HeaterWe use space heater for whole Room
scaleTo Weigh Puppies make sure they are Gaining Weight
Clean towelsChande during Birthing to clean up
Protected SpaceKeep Mother away from other Dogs to avoid Distress
Draft ProtectionDrafts can chill and kill a Puppy
Squash protectionMothers can accidently squash a puppy
clean bedding to replace after birth - will be wet
SeclusionNeeds her Privacy - she can get Hyper
Rubber GlovesKeep things Clean and from Blood
Scisorrs & ThreadFor Cutting Cord
List of Needed Items to Have Prepared For Puppy Birth

Puppy Birthing Complications

ComplicationsSteps
If UnsureTake to Vet If Time allows
Keep Mother IsolatedIf Other dogs around she could get defensive and accidently Hurt Puppies
Puppy Accidentally CrushedMake sure Not Giving Birth in Dog cage - puppies can work themselves through mesh and get Damaged
Not BreathingGently Give it Mouth to mouth
Not breathingMassage Puppy trying to gently force fluid from his lungs
Puppy StuckGently Pull
Puppy BreechHelp Guide legs out
Puppy ColdRaise Enviorment to 85 degrees
Puppy ColdChange Wet Bedding
Puppy ColdWarm Puppy up put on Your body till body heat warms him
Puppy ColdNo drafts - No metal Floor Pan on Cage
Puppy not going on NippleHelp Guide him to nipple till he gets hand of it
Puppy not feedingTry Small baby Bottle
let him suck - do not force him - can drown him with milk going in lungs
Puppy not feedingUse puppy Milk Supplement
Puppy Not feeding check for Cleft Palate
Puppy Not FeedingTake to Vet - he can show you Catheter Feeding
Puppy Not GrowingMake sure Mother has plenty Food Water
Puppy Not GrowingYou can check on scale
Labor stops or is prolonged over 24 hours Take to vet - C section can save litter and Mother if needed
Mother does not Remove MembraneYou will Need to Manually remove it
Mother does not chew through Umbilical CordYou will need to cut it 1/2 " away from puppies body tier with thread
Here is a List of Puppy Birth Complications you might Encounter
And Recommended Steps

Expense Table for Owning Bichons Frise

Average Cost of AKC PuppyPuppy ShotsFoodGrooming 4 / per yearCage / Accessories / Bowls / Brushes / Leash / CollarAKC - Registration
Within 6 Months of Purchase
Micro ChipYearly Meds
Heart Worm
Worming
Dog LicenseTotal InvestmentPuppies Possible / Year
$ 450 - No Breeding Rights$ 120$ 10 / Wk
High Quality Food
$ 45 ea / $180 YrCage - $50
Rest - 50
$ 35$ 45 - One Time Cost
By Vet
Heart Worm Meds - $60 / Yr
Worming - $ 30 / YR
$ 35 / Yr$ 1575 / Dog1-6 Puppies
Average 3
$ 750 - $ 950
Puppy with AKC Papers and No Restrictions
Total Investment
This Table just shows you the Expenses in Keeping a Bichon That we have found in Owning a Bichon

Breeds Descended from Water Dogs

Name of BreedCountry of Origin
American Water SpanielUnited States
BarbetFrance
Cantabrian Water DogSpain
English Water SpanielEngland
Irish water SpanielIreland
Lagotto RomagnoioItaly
PoodleGermany
Portuguese Water DogPortugal
Pudelpointer Germany
Spanish water DogSpain
Tweed water SpanielEngland
WetterhounNetherlands
This a list of Breeds that have Descended from Medival times Water Dogs- used by Hunters

Bichon Frise Resource Links

Bichon Frise Club of AmericaUnited StatesLink
Bichon Frise AKCUnited StatesLink
Bichon Frise United Kennel ClubUKLink
Resources for Bichon Frise Owners and Breeders