Bichon Frise vs Lhasa Apso

Non-Sporting · Small vs Non-Sporting · Small

Quick take
  • The Bichon Frise typically lives longer (14–15 years).
  • The Bichon Frise has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Bichon Frise is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitBichon FriseLhasa Apso
Group
Non-SportingNon-Sporting
Size
SmallSmall
Origin
FranceTibet
Height (male)
9.5–11.5"10–11"
Height (female)
9.5–11.5"10–11"
Weight (male)
12–18 lbs12–18 lbs
Weight (female)
12–18 lbs12–18 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
14–15 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesYes
Ad slot · compare-mid

About the Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a playful, curious, peppy white powder-puff lapdog from the French Riviera — Mediterranean cheerfulness. Originally from France, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 12–18 lbs and lives 14–15 years. Breeders describe them as playful, curious, peppy.

About the Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a confident, smart, comical Tibetan monastery sentinel — small but feels like a big dog inside. Originally from Tibet, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 12–18 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as confident, smart, comical.

Ad slot · compare-bottom

Bichon Frise health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Allergies
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Cataracts

Lhasa Apso health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Eye disorders
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Skin issues
  • Kidney disease