Chiweenie vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Chiweenie vs Bichon Frise - Breed ComparisonChiweenie is originated from United States but Bichon Frise is originated from Spain. Both Chiweenie and Bichon Frise are having almost same height. Both Chiweenie and Bichon Frise are having almost same weight. Chiweenie may live 4 years less than Bichon Frise. Both Chiweenie and Bichon Frise has same litter size. Chiweenie requires High maintenance. But Bichon Frise requires Low maintenance

History

chiweenie - historyThe Chiweenie is a small dog developed in the 1960’s as a hybrid/cross between the Dachshund and the Chihuahua. Due to their small size and big personalities, they are an extremely popular designer breed. They are easy to care for and their personality and activity level is much like the Chihuahua side of the hybrid. The Chiweenie can look like either of its parents if it is first generation. If it is second or third generation it is likely to resemble the parents more as they already look like one of the two breeds. The second and third generations will look like the mix more than either of the originators.

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world and they originated in Mexico. The Daschund is a hunting dog from Germany with a long body and short legs. The Chiweenie is a nice looking cross breed that loves people and is very affectionate. They were developed in the United States.

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.

Description

chiweenie puppy - descriptionA first-generation Chiweenie can look like either of the breeds they are crossed with. However, the second and third generations will have the hybrid look for the most part. No two will look exactly alike however. They have a thin snout that is long on a small, domed head. They can have floppy or pointed ears, eyes that are large and expressive, a moderate tail and small feet. They can vary substantially in their appearances.

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.

Characteristics

chiweenie dog - characteristicsThis is an extremely popular hybrid or designer dog because they are so friendly, gentle, loving lapdogs. In addition, they love to play and cuddle. They are great for single or older people. If they live with a family it should be with older kids because younger kids might hurt them. Be careful how rough you play. They are small and can be hurt easily.

The Chiweenie is dedicated to their people and extremely loyal. They are also very cautious and can be nervous. They are always watching what else is happening in their environment and they will bark to alert you if they think there is something or someone out of place. They are not quiet dogs. They are great with other small dogs that they are raised with or used to but not with larger dogs, cats or other animals. They are jealous and protective. Train them out of or to avoid resource guarding. They can be stubborn about these things.

They will play constantly if you let them and they are great travel companions, although noises and activity around them does often annoy them. They are also courageous, clever, lovable and happy. Like most toy or small dog breeds you might have a difficult time housebreaking them and crate training is recommended.

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

Health Problems

chiweenie puppies - health problemsChiweenies are a pretty healthy crossbreed with their most prominent issue being allergies. At the same time this hybrid might inherit any of the problems of either of their two parental breeds. These conditions might include:

Hypothyroidism

This is an issue with an overactive thyroid and can be controlled by medication.

  • Dental Issues
  • Hydrocephalus

The tendency for this would come from the Chihuahua parental genes and can result in brain damage but normally is not that bad.

Degenerative Disc Disease

The tendency for this would come from the Dachshund parental genes and if your Chiweenie has a long back you will need to be careful of jump and overzealous playing.

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

chiweenie dogs - caringChiweenies regulate their own food intake, even as puppies. They should be fed twice a day and they are prone to dental issues. Dry food is absolutely recommended.

Health issues

In addition to the conditions listed above, the Chiweenie might inherit the issues that affect small dogs most often. This includes:

  • Diabetes
  • Some may become insulin dependent.
  • Seizures
  • There is medication to help control these if they occur. Hypoglycemia can cause these.
  • Hypoglycemia

A sudden drop in blood sugar levels. This can happen if the dog has diabetes and it is unregulated or stress and poor nutrition can also cause it.

  • And Luxating Patellas
  • Floating kneecaps can cause arthritis and lameness.
  • Ear infections are common.

Exercise and games

These are little dogs with a lot of energy and they burn up a lot of energy. They need to walk every day or have a full-blown play session in the house. They don’t need much space to play in.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Companion dog
Origin:
United States
Spain
Height Male:
15 - 35 cm
5 - 14 inches
23 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
13 - 33 cm
5 - 13 inches
21 - 29 cm
8 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 11 kg
8 - 25 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 19 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Toy dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Chiwee and Mexican Hotdog,, Chiweeni or Chiweeny
Bichón Tenerife • Bichon à poil frisé Bichon
Colors Available:
Black, black and tan , brown
white
Coat:
Medium, short, silky
Medium length, silky texture with corkscrew curls
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Protective, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Playful, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Morkie vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  2. Havanese vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  3. Chorkie vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  4. Pekingese vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  5. Chiweenie vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Chiweenie vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  7. Chiweenie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Chiweenie vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  9. Chiweenie vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  10. Chiweenie vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  11. Chiweenie vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  12. Chiweenie vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  13. Chiweenie vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  14. Chug vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  15. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  16. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  17. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  18. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  19. Phalene vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  20. Cockachon vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  22. Silky Terrier vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  23. Snorkie vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Bulldog vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Mi-Ki vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  26. Mal-Shi vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  27. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  28. Coton De Tulear vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  29. Japanese Spitz vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  30. Malti-Pom vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  31. PekePoo vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  32. Schipperke vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  33. Fruggle vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  34. Schweenie vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  35. Lhasapoo vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  36. Meliteo Kinidio vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  37. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  38. Prazsky Krysarik vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  39. Pugalier vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  40. Kyi-Leo vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  41. Tsvetnaya Bolonka vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  42. Muggin vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  43. Pomeranian vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  44. Maltese vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  45. Pug vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  46. Boston Terrier vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  47. Maltipoo vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  48. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  49. Bichon Frise vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  50. Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds