Cockapoo Vs Bichon Frise – What Is The Best Breed For You
Both of these dogs are small dogs and suited to apartment living. They are little dogs with big hearts and love interacting with their owners.
Key Similarities
These breeds have coats that are a little on the higher maintenance side. Both dogs need to be brushed regularly to avoid snarls and mats. Also, ear infections can be an issue with both breeds having long ears. Ears need to be cleaned periodically.
The Cockapoo and the Bichon Frise are lively, friendly dogs that love their families. Both breeds are excellent with children as long as the children are aware of how to treat a small dog.
Key Differences
The Bichon was recognized by the American Kennel Club Stud Book in 1972. But unfortunately, the Cockapoo isn’t a recognized breed standard.
The Cockapoo usually has a docked tail while the Bichon Frise does not, plus a true Bichon Frise has black lips.
The Bichon Frise will have a short burst of energy followed by long periods of resting. The Cockapoo likes short walks and playing fetch.
Pros of Owning a Cockapoo
The Cockapoo has low dander distribution if you are allergic to dog dander. They are fun-loving dogs that enjoy being with and around their family. The Cockapoo is easily trained, and they enjoy being around children. This is an excellent choice for a first-time dog owner.
Pros of Owning a Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise was bred to be lapdogs and will sit in your lap any chance they get. These are affectionate, playful, intelligent but can be stubborn dogs. They are excellent choices for a first-time owner.
Who Should Own a Cockapoo?
People who have issues with dog dander could own a Cockapoo. They are new owner-friendly dogs and like kids. For owners who live in apartments, these dogs are adaptable. They don’t need long walks, but a good walk once a day is necessary. Cockapoo’s love spending time with family members and need that interaction.
Who Should Own a Bichon Frise?
Considered to be one of the dogs as close to hypoallergenic as you can get, these dogs are suitable for people who have allergies to dog dander. A Bichon Frise is easy to train, even for first-time owners. Although not overly active, these dogs won’t turn down a game of fetch or a walk. They need to play with and be around their family every day.
All About the Cockapoo
History
The Cockapoo is a hybrid mix of either a Toy or Miniature Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. Since your dog is a crossbreed, there can be a range of diversity from the litter. However, very rarely have a litter of Cockapoos with identical size puppies and coat color.
Size & Appearance
The Cockapoo can be standard, miniature, or toy depending on the size of the Poodle parent. A standard Cockapoo can weigh a little over 20 pounds and be about 15 inches tall. Miniatures can weigh between 12 to 20 pounds and be between 11 to 14 inches. The Toy Cockapoo weighs less than 12 pounds and is no more than 10 inches tall.
The coat is a Cockapoo is similar to a poodle with the floppy ears of a Cocker Spaniel. They have large, beautiful eyes and a teddy bear-like appearance.
Lifespan
Between 14 to 20 years
Shedding, grooming, and maintenance
The Cockapoo has a coat that is long and can range from loose curls to straight. Cockapoos come in various colors and color combinations of Poodle, and Cocker Spaniels breed.
Many owners let their dog’s coat grow au natural, but some owners like to keep their dogs clipped. The coat should only be trimmed between one to two inches in length. Any hair around your dog’s eyes should be trimmed so he can see correctly. You should brush your dog’s coat daily.
Your Cockapoo should be odorless and not shed much. Your dog should only be bathed when necessary to retain the coat’s health and coat oils.
Your dog’s ears need to be checked weekly and cleaned weekly. Because his ears flop over, it blocks the circulation and will cause ear infections. Gently wipe out your dog’s ear with a cleaning solution on a cotton ball.
Only clean what you can see. If the ear smells bad, looks tender or red, or if he scratches or shakes his head frequently, then your dog may have an ear infection.
Health issues
Some of the health issues of a Cockapoo are cataracts, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, allergies, liver disease, and ear infections.
When purchasing your puppy, the breeder should show you health clearances from the parents from Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, the Auburn University, and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.
All About the Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are an adorable breed suited only to a loving home environment where it can be a companion dog or family pet.
First Impressions & History
The very first thing you’ll notice about a Bichon Frise is that it looks as if it were created in a toy factory. They are incredibly cute and affectionate.
The exact history of their genealogy is a bit of a mystery, but, believe it or not, they’ve existed naturally from as early as the 14th century.
Size & Appearance
They only grow to be between 9 and 11 inches tall and 7 to 12 pounds in weight.
They have soft, fluffy, white coats which are usually groomed and styled in their recognizable, teddy-like fashion.
Grooming & Shedding
Bichon Frises do shed, but the hair they shed get stuck in the rest of their coats and need to be removed by brushing regularly to prevent mats and tangles.
That won’t be the only grooming they need. Bichon Frises have an intense grooming schedule that involves a lot of brushing, bathing and trimming.
Lifespan
12-15 Years
Quick Facts
- They have an iconic and elegant look, but this look requires a lot of energy invested in grooming.
- They are known to be quite difficult to house train.
- Their living expenses are higher than other breeds’.
- They are frail, young children should not be allowed to interact with them without supervision.
What About?
Temperament and behavior
Cockapoos are affectionate and friendly dogs with a comedic personality. They are highly intelligent and love learning new activities. These dogs love to be around their family and are the better dogs for younger children since they are larger and sturdier.
You can’t leave these dogs alone for long periods of time. If left alone too long, the dog will act out by barking and even becoming destructive.
Exercise needs:
These dogs will adapt to apartment living if he is adequately exercised. But the ideal home is a house with a small fenced-in yard. Your dog will need at least 40 minutes of a high level of exercise a day. A good play session in the yard will take care of that.
Guard dog or Family
The Cockapoo is not a guard dog but will bark if he sees someone coming towards the house or knocking at the door.
Training & behavior
A Cockapoo is a little easier to train because one of the parents is a Cocker Spaniel. So, your dog may pick up training and commands a little faster. But it may be a bit of a struggle to get your dog to focus on the lesson. Again, it’s because your dog is hyper-social and loves to be around other animals and people.
This dog is bred to be a companion dog, not to be left outside or left alone too long. Excessive barking and destructive behavior can be caused by too long separation time.
Crating this breed is a benefit that can ensure your pup doesn’t have accidents in the home. Plus, it can be his safe place to get away from noise and confusion if your dog wants to take a nap.
Quick facts
- The American Cockapoo Club of America was created in 1999. It was formed so that there would be a breed standard for Cockapoos.
- Cockapoos love being with their family and can develop separation anxiety if not socialized properly.
- If your Cockapoos coat is extra curly, it may require daily brushing plus a trip to the groomers regularly.
- The cost of a Cockapoo puppy can range from $600 to $2000.
Bichon Frise In More Detail
Temperament & Behaviour
They have a cheerful attitude. They enjoy getting attention and is playful and charming.
They can be independent and curious, but they won’t ever want to be separated from you. They are quite prone to separation anxiety and can this can cause them to be destructive.
Intelligence Levels & Affections Levels
They are both highly intelligent and extremely affectionate. A lapdog in a very literal sense, they want to be with you 24/7.
Training & Obedience
They are known to be quite difficult to housetrain and will benefit from being taken to puppy training classes. Because they are so intelligent, proper training often yields great success with them.
Exercise Needs
Though they are very energetic and playful, they are small enough to tire out by playing indoors or by going for a short walk. This makes them a favourite among apartment dwellers.
Guard Dog Or Family Pet
Because it is simply too small to pose any real threat to anything, it is more suited for a role as a family pet.
Gets On With Other Pets, Animals And Children?
They are very friendly towards other animals and children, because they are so small you should always supervise them to make sure they don’t get hurt by accident.
They also need to be the centre of attention and are prone to be jealous if they feel like they are being neglected.
Who Should Consider Buiyng
If you want a beautiful dog and are prepared to invest in the necessary grooming, there are few breeds with a more iconic look than Bichon Frises. They are also good options for people with limited space, but this is not a recommended breed for first-time dog owners.
Conclusion
The Bichon Frise is a wholly unique breed. As is often the case with any strange or exotic animal, they require quite a bit of maintenance, but if you are able to take care of them and give them the attention they need, you could find a beautiful, charming family pet in a Bichon Frise.
