Bichon Frise vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison

Bichon Frise vs American Bulldog - Breed ComparisonBichon Frise is originated from Spain but American Bulldog is originated from United States. Bichon Frise may grow 40 cm / 15 inches shorter than American Bulldog. Bichon Frise may weigh 44 kg / 97 pounds lesser than American Bulldog. Bichon Frise may live 3 years more than American Bulldog. Bichon Frise may have less litter size than American Bulldog. Both Bichon Frise and American Bulldog requires Low maintenance.

History

bichon frise - historyContrary to the myths and many of the tales of the history of the Bichon Frise, the breed was originally developed in Spain. Later specific trait development occurred in France to give us the lap dog Bichon Frise that we know today. The original Spanish dog – the Bichon – was a water – sailing dog. It was descended from the poodle breeds crossed with either the water spaniels or the Barbet. These early dogs were friendly and happy and because of this, sailors carried them with them on their ships and even bartered them for supplies. Prior to the 14th century the Spanish probably brought them to the Canary Islands. Later in the 14th century they we discovered again by Italian sailors who returned them to Europe where they lived in the courts of the nobility. During the Renaissance and after the French fell in love with the breed while the Spanish continue to enjoy their presence.

In the late 19th century in France the breed fell out of popularity and became street dogs and circus and fair dogs. They also worked with organ grinders and assisted the blind. In the early 20th century, the Societe Centrale Canine, the National Kennel Club of France, adopted the breed’s official standard – while they were still known as both the Bichon and the Tenerife. The popularity of the breed at this time is heavily attributed to “The Adventures of TinTIn” , by Herge, which featured a small, white, fluffy fox terrier. Then the president of the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale presented a new name for the breed based on its characteristics. The name Bichon Frise kept the Bichon heritage and added “curly” the meaning of Frise. Under this name the breed was admitted to the Societe Centrale Canine stud book in October of 1934.

The Bichon Frise came to the United States for the first time in 19554 and was admitted to the American Kennel Club Stud Book in 1972. They entered the non-sporting group of the AKC in 1973. By 2001 the Bichon Frise, J.R., won the Westminster Dog Show. In 1976, the Bichon Frise came to Australia, imported by Harry and Margaret Begg who oversaw the growth of the breed there. Today there are 4 separate breeds believed to be descended from the original Bichon/Tenerife breeds – the Bichon Frise, the Bichon Bolognaise, the Maltese and the Havanese.

american bulldog - historyFollowing World War II, the American Bulldog was almost extinct.

Thanks to John D. Johnson from Summerville, Georgia the breed is still with us today. He gathered the best dogs he could find throughout the rural South and bred them back into popularity among his family and other rural families. His father bred the American Bulldog before John did and they have bred them longer than any other in any part of the world. His dogs were regularly used for tracking, hunting, guarding, watchdog and weight pulling. At some point Alan Scott joined Johnson breeding other bulldogs to Johnson's and forming the Standard American Bulldog.

The American Bulldog/ is popular today as a family pet and companion as well as a working dog.

Description

bichon frise puppy - descriptionThe modern Bichon Frise is a white, small dog with a round skull and muzzle. The nose should be black and the eyes round and dark. Depending on the size of the dog, the legs and head are proportionate to the body, while the tail should be curly and long. Both the tail and the ears must not be docked. Their coat is as hypoallergenic as a dog gets. It is white, dense and for most Bichon Frise, it is curly. They should have black lips as well.

american bulldog puppy - descriptionThe American Bulldog is a powerful and muscular dog in a sturdy and compact frame. The female is more refined than the heavy boned and stocky male, but both genders are athletic, agile and quick. The have large heads, strong jaws, a muscular neck and with a moderately deep and wide chest.

They have a square head, with muscular cheeks and a clearly defined furrow between his eyes. With broad, square and strong muzzles, they have a reverse scissors, scissors, moderate underbite and an even bite. Ears come in a variety of shapes and sizes and eyes can be any color as well. The nose however should be black and lips black as well. Their legs are strong, heavy boned and straight with well-defined muscles in the hindquarters. Finally ,they have a thick, low set tail that comes to a point at the end.

Characteristics

bichon frise dog - characteristicsThe Bichon Frise, according to the American Kennel Club is a cheerful and merry dog. They are gentle, playful, sensitive and affectionate. These dogs love people, are very social and like other dogs as well. They love to play with children and they are intelligent and affectionate. They were developed in their latter stages by the French to be “lap dogs” or companion animals. They are not territorial by nature but can become so if confined and encouraged. Start obedience training early and be consistent throughout their lives. They take to training easily if positive techniques are used. They do however, have a reputation for not taking well to housetraining. Be persistent

american bulldog dog - characteristicsThe American Bulldog is characteristically loyal, brave and reliable. It is a friendly, gentle dog that truly loves children. There is not a hostile bone in his body despite his history and reputation for bull baiting. Though he is protective of its family and affectionate with most, he still needs a human companion who is strong willed and a genuine pack leader. Without this he might become aggressive around other dogs and pets. They are immensely self-confident and they do slobber and drool and will become excited and hard to handle without daily exercise of both their body and their minds.

Health Problems

bichon frise puppies - health problemsThe coat of the Bichon Frise can easily become matted if not brushed or combed every day. Severe matting can lead to a hematoma in their ears. They are also very prone to ear infections so paying a lot of attention to their ears is imperative. They are will chew and scratch themselves if not groomed well and this can cause skin infections and conditions. They might have allergies to fleas, pollen, chemicals, and dust. The patella (knee cap) can be loose, diabetes, cataracts and heart disease also affect the Bichon Frise. In the United Kingdom the number one cause of death for the breed is old age -13 plus years, with 21% dying of cancer. In North America cancer is the number one killer as it is for most dogs. The Bichon might also be afflicted with hematologic disorders such as AIHA (Autoimmune hemolytic anemia) and ITP (Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia) which while less common than cancer will kill the dog much earlier in life than cancer. The other condition that the Bichon Frise is prone to are liver shunts. If found early they can be surgically corrected but most are not, and liver failure is eventually the cause of death.

american bulldog puppies - health problemsThough generally healthy, the American Bulldog is prone to a few problems.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a serious issue in many breeds of dogs and is especially prevalent with the American Bull Dog. This may seem ironic in such a short legged dog but it is unfortunately very common. It is a genetic disorder that causes the bones in the joint to separate and causes the dog much pain and lameness.

Skin and Ear Issues

Due to skin folds you need to be care and watch for irritation and infection in the folds. They are also prone to ear infections.

Obesity

The American Bulldog is prone to overeating and all the health issues that presents. With short legs and a genetic predisposition to arthritis and hip dysplasia, obesity is a real health risk for your bulldog.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

bichon frise dogs - caringBeing a small dog, the Bichon Frise is susceptible to obesity and that condition will be terminal in the end for this breed. So make sure you do not overfeed your Bichon Frise. The same is true with the use of treats. The Bichon loves treats and loves the association with treats of having pleased you. They should be fed small meals – about ¼ cup of good high quality dry food twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the Bichon Frise is susceptible to:

Hematomas and infections of the ear if not groomed well and consistently.

Cancer is number one killer.

Hematological Issues are deadlier than cancer.

Liver shunts are a very serious concern.

Exercise and games

Though the Bichon Frise is not an overly active dog, they do love to play. They are characterized by short bursts of activity followed by long periods of rest. They can be worn out just by running around the house. You must play with them everyday as well as take them on a walk each day. Bichons are fast and agile and do well in agility trials. They also like to compete in rally and obedience trials. Most of all they love to and need to play with their people every day.

Feeding Puppies

american bulldog dogs - caringThree times a day from 12 weeks to a year for a total of 3 cups per day.

Feeding Adults

After 6 months cut back to one cup twice a day of high quality dry dog food.

Bulldogs will eat anything at anytime and are prone to obesity. Don't overfeed them.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Working dog
Origin:
Spain
United States
Height Male:
23 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
55 - 70 cm
21 - 28 inches
Height Female:
21 - 29 cm
8 - 12 inches
52 - 65 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
32 - 54 kg
70 - 120 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
27 - 45 kg
59 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 19 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
10 - 12
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Bichón Tenerife • Bichon à poil frisé Bichon
shades of brindle including red brindle, varying degrees of white, red, brown, tan, fawn and piebald.
Colors Available:
white
Brindle, mostly white, white with brown or red and piebald.
Coat:
Medium length, silky texture with corkscrew curls
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Playful, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Mal-Shi vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  2. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  3. Coton De Tulear vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  4. Japanese Spitz vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  5. Malti-Pom vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  6. PekePoo vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  7. Schipperke vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  8. Fruggle vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  9. Schweenie vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  10. Lhasapoo vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  11. Meliteo Kinidio vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  12. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  13. Prazsky Krysarik vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  14. Pugalier vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  15. Kyi-Leo vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  16. Tsvetnaya Bolonka vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  17. Muggin vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  18. Pomeranian vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  19. Maltese vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  20. Pug vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  21. Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  22. Maltipoo vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  23. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  24. Bichon Frise vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  25. Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. American Bulldog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  27. American Bulldog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  28. Border Collie vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  29. Sakhalin Husky vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  30. Alaskan Husky vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  31. Catahoula Leopard vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. German Pinscher vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  34. Puli vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  35. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  36. Borador vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  37. German Spaniel vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  38. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  39. McNab vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  40. Porcelaine vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Finnish Lapphund vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  42. Berger Blanc Suisse vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  43. Griffon Nivernais vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  44. Hokkaido vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  45. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  46. Pumi vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  47. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  48. Basque Shepherd vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  50. Jamthund vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds