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.

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.
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.
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.

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:

- 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.

Top 10 Bichon Designer Breeds / Parents /Size / Video
Designer Mix | Parents | Size | Video |
---|---|---|---|
Maltichon | Bichon / Maltese | Height / 8-11 inches Weight / 8 - 13 lbs | Maltichon |
Bichpoo | Bichon / Poodle | Height / 9 - 14 inches Weight / 6 - 9 lbs | Bichpoo |
Shichon | Bichon / Shih Tzu | Height / 9 - 12 inches Weight / 10 - 15lbs | Shichon |
Yorkie Bichon | Bichon / Yorkie | Height / 9 - 12 inches Weight / 6 - 8 lbs | Bichon Yorkie |
Chi Chon | Bichon / Chihuahua | Height / 8 - 10 Inches Weight / 6 - 10 Lbs | Chi Chon |
Kashon | Bichon / Cairn Terrier | Height / 9 - 15 Inches Weight / 10 -18 Lbs | Kashon |
Goldichon | Bichon / Golden Retriever | Height/15 - 20 inches Weight /20-40 Lbs | Goldichon |
Chonzer | Bichon / Miniature Schnauzer | Height /10-16 inches Weight / 25-35 lbs | Chonzer |
Glechon | Bichon / Beagle | Height /15-16 inches Weight / 15-35 lbs | Glechon |
Corgi | Bichon / Corgi | Height /11-13 inches Weight / 31-37 lbs | Corgi |
Name - Link for Research
Parents - Breeds of Dogs
Size Height / Weight
Video - Video of the Bichon Designer Breed
Chart of Bichon Birthing Accessories
Breeder Box | Do Not used Wired Dog cage |
Heater | We use space heater for whole Room |
scale | To Weigh Puppies make sure they are Gaining Weight |
Clean towels | Chande during Birthing to clean up |
Protected Space | Keep Mother away from other Dogs to avoid Distress |
Draft Protection | Drafts can chill and kill a Puppy |
Squash protection | Mothers can accidently squash a puppy |
clean bedding | to replace after birth - will be wet |
Seclusion | Needs her Privacy - she can get Hyper |
Rubber Gloves | Keep things Clean and from Blood |
Scisorrs & Thread | For Cutting Cord |
Puppy Birthing Complications
Complications | Steps |
---|---|
If Unsure | Take to Vet If Time allows |
Keep Mother Isolated | If Other dogs around she could get defensive and accidently Hurt Puppies |
Puppy Accidentally Crushed | Make sure Not Giving Birth in Dog cage - puppies can work themselves through mesh and get Damaged |
Not Breathing | Gently Give it Mouth to mouth |
Not breathing | Massage Puppy trying to gently force fluid from his lungs |
Puppy Stuck | Gently Pull |
Puppy Breech | Help Guide legs out |
Puppy Cold | Raise Enviorment to 85 degrees |
Puppy Cold | Change Wet Bedding |
Puppy Cold | Warm Puppy up put on Your body till body heat warms him |
Puppy Cold | No drafts - No metal Floor Pan on Cage |
Puppy not going on Nipple | Help Guide him to nipple till he gets hand of it |
Puppy not feeding | Try Small baby Bottle let him suck - do not force him - can drown him with milk going in lungs |
Puppy not feeding | Use puppy Milk Supplement |
Puppy Not feeding | check for Cleft Palate |
Puppy Not Feeding | Take to Vet - he can show you Catheter Feeding |
Puppy Not Growing | Make sure Mother has plenty Food Water |
Puppy Not Growing | You 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 Membrane | You will Need to Manually remove it |
Mother does not chew through Umbilical Cord | You will need to cut it 1/2 " away from puppies body tier with thread |
And Recommended Steps
Expense Table for Owning Bichons Frise
Average Cost of AKC Puppy | Puppy Shots | Food | Grooming 4 / per year | Cage / Accessories / Bowls / Brushes / Leash / Collar | AKC - Registration Within 6 Months of Purchase | Micro Chip | Yearly Meds Heart Worm Worming | Dog License | Total Investment | Puppies Possible / Year |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$ 450 - No Breeding Rights | $ 120 | $ 10 / Wk High Quality Food | $ 45 ea / $180 Yr | Cage - $50 Rest - 50 | $ 35 | $ 45 - One Time Cost By Vet | Heart Worm Meds - $60 / Yr Worming - $ 30 / YR | $ 35 / Yr | $ 1575 / Dog | 1-6 Puppies Average 3 |
$ 750 - $ 950 Puppy with AKC Papers and No Restrictions | Total Investment | |||||||||
Breeds Descended from Water Dogs
Name of Breed | Country of Origin |
---|---|
American Water Spaniel | United States |
Barbet | France |
Cantabrian Water Dog | Spain |
English Water Spaniel | England |
Irish water Spaniel | Ireland |
Lagotto Romagnoio | Italy |
Poodle | Germany |
Portuguese Water Dog | Portugal |
Pudelpointer | Germany |
Spanish water Dog | Spain |
Tweed water Spaniel | England |
Wetterhoun | Netherlands |
Bichon Frise Resource Links
Bichon Frise Club of America | United States | Link |
---|---|---|
Bichon Frise AKC | United States | Link |
Bichon Frise United Kennel Club | UK | Link |