Bichon Frise vs Chow Chow
A side-by-side breakdown of size, cost, grooming load and lifestyle fit — with a straight answer on which suits which household.
Short answer
Bichon Frise is the easier breed to live with for most first-time owners — it scores higher on apartment fit (5/5 vs 2/5); it is easier to train (4/5 vs 1/5); it scores better with children (4/5 vs 2/5). Chow Chow makes more sense only if you specifically want a heavier coat to groom and live with.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Bichon Frise | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Species | dog | dog |
| Origin | France | China |
| Weight (kg) | 4–7 | 20–32 |
| Height (cm) | 23–30 | 43–51 |
| Lifespan (years) | 14–16 | 8–12 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $105 | $124 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $1260 | $1488 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $1500 | $2200 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 5 | 5 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 1 | 5 |
| Energy (1–5) | 3 | 2 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 4 | 1 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 5 | 2 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 4 | 2 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 3 | 2 |
What the numbers mean
- Bichon Frise weighs 4–7 kg and lives 14–16 years; Chow Chow weighs 20–32 kg and lives 8–12 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Bichon Frise runs about $105/month versus $124/month for Chow Chow — a difference of roughly $19 a month, or $228 a year.
- Bichon Frise has the higher apartment suitability score (5/5 vs 2/5) — this matters most if you rent or live in a flat.
- Chow Chow has the higher shedding score (5/5 vs 1/5) — higher means more hair on your sofa.
- Both have the same grooming requirement (5/5).
- Bichon Frise has the higher energy level (3/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Bichon Frise has the higher trainability score (4/5 vs 1/5).
- Bichon Frise has the higher kid-friendliness score (4/5 vs 2/5).
- Bichon Frise has the higher vocalisation score (3/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more barking or meowing.
Cost over ten years
At the estimated monthly rates above, ten years of routine care (food, treats, grooming, medication, vet visits and supplies — excluding insurance, emergency treatment and purchase price) works out to roughly $12,600 for Bichon Frise and $14,880 for Chow Chow. The gap is $2,280 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Bichon Frise
Chow Chow
Which one should you pick?
- Choose Bichon Frise if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $105 a month.
- Choose Chow Chow if you want a more substantial dog to work with, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $124 a month.
- Neither, if the grooming load is more than you can sustain; both need regular coat care.