Bichon Frise vs Shiba Inu
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 4/5); it is easier to train (4/5 vs 2/5); it scores better with children (4/5 vs 3/5). Shiba Inu makes more sense only if you specifically want a heavier coat to groom and live with.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Bichon Frise | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Species | dog | dog |
| Origin | France | Japan |
| Weight (kg) | 4–7 | 7–11 |
| Height (cm) | 23–30 | 34–42 |
| Lifespan (years) | 14–16 | 13–16 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $105 | $84 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $1260 | $1008 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $1500 | $1650 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 5 | 3 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 1 | 4 |
| Energy (1–5) | 3 | 3 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 4 | 2 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 5 | 4 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 4 | 3 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 3 | 2 |
What the numbers mean
- Bichon Frise weighs 4–7 kg and lives 14–16 years; Shiba Inu weighs 7–11 kg and lives 13–16 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Shiba Inu runs about $84/month versus $105/month for Bichon Frise — a difference of roughly $21 a month, or $252 a year.
- Bichon Frise has the higher apartment suitability score (5/5 vs 4/5) — this matters most if you rent or live in a flat.
- Shiba Inu has the higher shedding score (4/5 vs 1/5) — higher means more hair on your sofa.
- Bichon Frise has the higher grooming requirement (5/5 vs 3/5) — higher means more brushing and professional trimming.
- Both have the same energy level (3/5).
- Bichon Frise has the higher trainability score (4/5 vs 2/5).
- Bichon Frise has the higher kid-friendliness score (4/5 vs 3/5).
- 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 $10,080 for Shiba Inu. The gap is $2,520 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Bichon Frise
Shiba Inu
Both breeds are associated with Patellar luxation, so screening for these is worth raising with a breeder either way.
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 Shiba Inu if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $84 a month.
- Neither, if the grooming load is more than you can sustain; both need regular coat care.