Comparison: Bichon Frise and Italian Volpino

Bichon Frise and Italian Volpino are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Bichon Frise
Photo: Alex D Stewart, CC BY 2.0, source
Italian Volpino
Photo: Lilly M real name: Małgorzata Miłaszewska, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Bichon FriseItalian Volpino
FCI group9. Companion and Toy Dogs5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originFranceItaly
CategorySmallSmall
Height at withers23–30 cm–
Weight5–8 kg–
Life span12–15 years–
Recognition features
  • White ´curly´ powder-puff coat
  • Dark round eyes and black nose
  • Tail carried in a curve over the back
  • Small compact spitz with a long, straight, stand-off coat
  • Abundant ruff and very long-haired tail carried over the back
  • Bright white or red coat; strong guarding instinct
CoatFine, dense, curly coat, white.–
PurposeA Mediterranean bichon, popular at medieval European courts; later a circus and street dog.Small Italian spitz used as guard and companion; prized by both nobles and commoners.

Breed page: Bichon Frise · Breed page: Italian Volpino

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.