There are many breeds of bichons, including the Maltese, Havanese, and Bichon Frize. The bichon family, however, includes a total of seven breeds.
Learn about the types of bichons, their origin, characteristics, and how to tell them apart below.
Table of Contents
Types of Bichon
In addition to other companion dogs, the FCI recognizes six types of bichon dogs. Bichons and related breeds include:
- Bichon Frize
- Havanese Bichon
- Maltese Bichon
- Bolognese Bichon
- Coton de Tulear
- Lowchen or Little Lion Dog
- Bolonka
Other kennel clubs, including the AKC, recognize a seventh type, the Russian Bolonka.
Let’s see what their main characteristics are, how they differ, and what unites them as a family…
1. Bichon Frize
This small white dog is native to Mediterranean countries and was originally known as the Tenerife Bichon. Bichon Frizes have been bred as companion dogs since their inception. Its small size, charming personality, and insatiable desire to please its owner make it an excellent lapdog.
This breed exhibits a very friendly and outgoing demeanor. The Frize loves people and enjoys receiving both the attention and admiration of his family. It is a type of bichon that you should always have close, sharing the comforts of home.
As a Frize owner, it is imperative not to get confused by its appearance and size. As a small, furry puppy, it is very difficult to resist the temptation to pamper and indulge him, but this can backfire if you do it all the time.
Bichon Frizes need gentle but firm handling from the time they are puppies. Otherwise, they can become very dominant.
- Origin: France, Spain
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
- Height: 23-30 cm
- Weight: 3-5kg
- Temperament: affectionate, cheerful, friendly, playful, intelligent, sensitive, outgoing
- Suitable for homes with children / other pets: Yes
- Intelligence level: high
- Maintenance level: high (daily brushing)
- Exercise level: medium (games and daily walks).
- Coat: fine silky curls
- Colors: white, white and apricot, white and cream
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
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2. Havanese
More than 2,000 years ago, the small white dogs of the Mediterranean region developed into the Havanese, another bichon breed.
The arrival of its ancestors on the island of Cuba is not entirely clear. It is said that merchants and sailors gave this cheerful and friendly pet dog as a gift to win the favor of the richest and most influential Cuban families.
It quickly became a prized pet among the elite. Havanese puppies were never for sale, only given as gifts to show esteem and gratitude.
It is a really charming dog, whose greatest joy is being with its owner. For him, it is a necessity to accompany you, play with you, show you his affection and follow you everywhere. The attachment that he has to his people is absolute, hence he is not a viable option for those who cannot give him enough attention.
Although it is a toy-sized dog, it is considered a robust and resistant type of bichon, capable of participating in games and dog sports.
- Origin: Cuba
- Life expectancy: 14-16 years
- Height: 20-28 cm
- Weight: 3-6kg
- Temperament: affectionate, gentle, intelligent, playful, sensitive, outgoing, sweet
- Suitable for homes with children / other pets: Yes
- Intelligence level: high
- Exercise level: medium-low (daily walks)
- Maintenance level: medium (brush twice a week).
- Coat: profuse, smooth and silky, wavy or slightly curly
- Colors: white, black, brown, grey, silver, blue
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
3. Maltese
For many admirers, this is the quintessential bichon.
The Maltese are such an ancient breed that their exact origin is still unknown. One of the most accepted theories explains that Phoenician traders took it from Egypt to Malta. Others claim nomadic peoples brought it from Asia.
It is a lively, intelligent, and affectionate dog, whose true pleasure is to be with its owner and to be considered part of the family. Walks, trips, relaxation… he will want to be by your side no matter what you are doing.
His dainty appearance and refined doglike air can be quite deceiving. In reality, it is stronger and more resistant than it seems. He loves to romp, jump and get dirty just like any other dog.
As an owner, it is not advisable to overprotect or pamper your pet too much. The Maltese can become overly cocky and show resentment if attention is drawn to something or someone other than himself.
- Origin: Italy, Malta
- Life expectancy: 15-18 years
- Height: 20-25 cm
- Weight: 3-4kg
- Temperament: active, docile, relaxed, kind, intelligent, playful, sensitive, sweet
- Suitable for homes with children / other pets: Yes
- Intelligence level: high
- Exercise level: low (indoor activities)
- Maintenance level: medium (weekly brushing and occasional bath)
- Coat: long, smooth, and silky
- Colors: pristine white
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
4. Bolognese
Another type of Bichon breed is the Bolognese, named after the Italian city of Bologna.
It is said that as early as the 14th century, the ancestors of the modern Bolognese were highly favored as companion dogs among the aristocracy and nobility. Its use as a gift in the royal courts of Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, and Austria led to the spread of the breed throughout Europe.
Like its close cousins, the Bolognese was bred to be close to family. He is a dog that needs attention and to feel involved. It is not recommended to leave him alone for a long time, since he tends to develop anxiety and destructive behaviors.
While not usually as dynamic as other small dog breeds, he is playful and active with those he trusts. He is usually quite reserved with strangers.
It exhibits remarkable intelligence as a bichon. His owners need to set limits for him from the beginning.
- Origin: Italy
- Life expectancy: 13-15 years
- Height: 25-30 cm
- Weight: 2.5-4kg
- Temperament: docile, loyal, reserved, serious, witty
- Suitable for homes with children / other pets: Yes
- Intelligence level: high
- Exercise level: medium (daily walks).
- Maintenance level: high (frequent brushing and grooming, which may require professional attention)
- Coat: long, soft, and bushy
- Colors: pure white
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
5. Coton de Tulear
The name Cotón de Tulear is derived from the French word coton (cotton), and also refers to its place of origin, Tulear in Madagascar. They were kept by sailors during their long voyages at sea, also related to Bichons such as the Frize and the Maltese.
According to legend, a boat carrying several of these dogs sank near the island, but many of them managed to swim to shore. In later generations, they were crossed with native dogs to produce the bichon dog we know today.
Much admired for his cottony white fur, he is noted for forming strong bonds of affection with his human family. He is usually very friendly, even with strangers.
It is worth mentioning that the Coton de Tulear can exhibit some stubborn behavior. Some say that training them can be a challenge if you don’t start as a puppy.
- Origin: Madagascar
- Life expectancy: 14-16 years
- Height: 25-30 cm
- Weight: 5.5-7kg
- Temperament: affectionate, intelligent, active, playful, vocal
- Suitable for homes with children / other pets: Yes
- Intelligence level: high
- Exercise level: medium (daily walks).
- Maintenance level: high (daily brushing and frequent bathing)
- Coat: dense, profuse and very soft, slightly wavy
- Colors: white
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
6. Little Lion Dog or Lowchen
The origin of the wolfdog is still debated. It is said to be a descendant of Tibetan dogs. According to most official clubs and associations, it is a member of the Mediterranean bichon dog family.
Cheerful, lively, and deeply devoted in temperament, the Lowchen is a charming type of Bichon. He feels happy in the comfort of his home and what he likes most is being with his owner. The dog is not suited to living outdoors or being separated from his family for long periods of time.
This innate need for companionship is balanced by traits of stubbornness and selfishness. It is wise to educate him gently, but firmly; otherwise, you’ll want to take on the role of leader. It also exhibits some degree of territoriality and is prone to excessive barking.
His personality differs a bit from that of other bichon-type breeds.
- Origin: Germany, France
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
- Height: 25-33cm
- Weight: 4-8kg
- Temperament: active, familiar, cheerful, playful, devoted, vocal
- Suitable for homes with children / other pets: Yes (can sometimes become belligerent towards other dogs)
- Intelligence level: medium
- Exercise level: medium (daily walks).
- Maintenance level: high (daily brushing and detangling)
- Coat: soft, long and wavy
- Colors: black, black and tan, blue, brown, grey, red, silver, white
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
7. Bolonka
The Bolonka is a type of Bichon breed developed in Russia. Its origins date back to the early 18th century when King Louis IV of France presented a small Maltese-type dog as a gift to the Russian nobility.
Later, Napoleon’s army brought about the arrival of other similar dogs to Russia, which were known as French Bolonkas.
Like its relatives, this is a small, playful companion dog that is very intelligent and loyal to its family. He is described as an energetic breed, yet calm and even somewhat independent.
- Origin: Russia
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
- Height: 18-37cm
- Weight: 2-5kg
- Temperament: affectionate, relaxed, friendly, intelligent, devoted, accommodating
- Suitable for homes with children / other pets: Yes (can sometimes become belligerent towards other dogs)
- Intelligence level: high
- Exercise level: medium (daily walks).
- Maintenance level: medium (brushing 2-3 times a week)
- Coat: dense, thick, and wavy
- Colors: black, brown, grey, red, silver, white
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
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7 Types of mixed bichon
Bichons are known for their charming personalities and coat characteristics, which have inspired breeders to cross them with other popular breeds. The following are some of the most common mixed bichons:
- Chi-Chon (cross of Bichon Frize with Chihuahua)
- Poochon (a cross between Bichon Frize and Poodle)
- Morkie (cross of Maltese bichon with Yorkshire Terrier)
- Maltipoo (Maltese poodle cross)
- Goldichon (cross of bichon frise with golden retriever)
- Zuchon (a cross between bichon frise and Shih Tzu)
- Maltipom (Maltese Pomeranian cross)
Note. According to the list above, the numbers in the image correspond to the breed numbers.
