Bichon Frise vs Boston Terrier
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Bichon Frise
A cheerful, puffy white powder puff of a dog with an irresistible personality. Bichon Frises are hypoallergenic, joyful, and get along with everyone they meet.
VS
Boston Terrier
Nicknamed 'The American Gentleman' for their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers are friendly, lively, and endlessly entertaining. They are compact, well-mannered city dogs.
Quick Answer
Choose Bichon Frise if you want less shedding and better health. Choose Boston Terrier if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Bichon Frise
Attribute
Boston Terrier
small
Size
small
3–5 kg (7–11 lbs)
Weight
5–11 kg (11–24 lbs)
23–30 cm (9–12 in)
Height
38–43 cm (15–17 in)
Better14–15 yrs
Lifespan
11–15 yrs
4/5
Trainability
4/5
3/5
Energy
3/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better1/5
Shedding
2/5
5/5
Grooming
1/5Better
5/5
Apartment
5/5
Better4/5
Health
3/5
$700–$2,000
Price
$600–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Which Sheds More — Bichon Frise or Boston Terrier? Grooming Compared
Boston Terrier sheds more; Bichon Frise is easier to maintain.
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Shedding
Better1/5
vs2/5
Grooming Needs
5/5
vs1/5Better
The Boston Terrier sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Bichon Frise (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Bichon Frise has a slight edge.
Which Is Healthier — Bichon Frise or Boston Terrier? Health Compared
Bichon Frise tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Lifespan (years)
Better14–15
vs11–15
Health Robustness
Better4/5
vs3/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Bichon Frise lives roughly 14–15 years while the Boston Terrier averages 11–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Bichon Frise and Boston Terrier Temperament: What to Expect
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
3/5
vs3/5
Bichon Frises from the Non-Sporting group carry a playful, curious and peppy personality, shaped by their heritage as non-sporting dogs. Boston Terriers, belonging to the Non-Sporting group, are friendly, lively and intelligent — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Bichon Frise vs Boston Terrier: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Boston Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Bichon Frise
Avg. Purchase$1,350
Annual Food$360
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,260
Boston Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $700–$2,000 for a Bichon Frise and $600–$2,000 for a Boston Terrier. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Bichon Frise vs Boston Terrier: Energy and Exercise Compared
Boston Terrier needs more exercise; Bichon Frise is lower-maintenance.
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Energy Level
3/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
The Boston Terrier needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the Bichon Frise (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have moderate to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Boston Terrier.
Family and Social Compatibility: Bichon Frise vs Boston Terrier
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs4/5
Strangers
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Bichon Frise vs Boston Terrier: Size and Coat
Boston Terrier is the larger breed; Bichon Frise is more compact.
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Weight (kg)
3–5
vs5–11
Height (cm)
23–30
vs38–43
The Bichon Frise stands 23–30 cm (9–12 in) and weighs 3–5 kg (7–11 lbs), while the Boston Terrier measures 38–43 cm (15–17 in) and 5–11 kg (11–24 lbs). The Boston Terrier is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Bichon Frise vs Boston Terrier: Training and Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Trainability
4/5
vs4/5
Intelligence
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 4/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Summary and Final Take: Bichon Frise or Boston Terrier?
The Bichon Frise comes out ahead in most categories — it's lower exercise needs (2/5), less shedding (1/5), better health profile (4/5). If you can meet its low exercise needs and don't mind regular grooming, the Bichon Frise is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bichon Frise and Boston Terrier are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Boston Terrier by roughly $200/year.
Choose Bichon Frise if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — Bichon Frises are generally more robust (4/5 health score).
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Bichon Frises tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Boston Terrier if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Boston Terriers tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bichon Frise or Boston Terrier?
The Bichon Frise scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Boston Terrier at 5/5. The Bichon Frise is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bichon Frise or Boston Terrier easier to train?
The Bichon Frise is equally easy to train with a score of 4/5, matching the Boston Terrier. The Bichon Frise is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Bichon Frise or Boston Terrier?
A Bichon Frise puppy costs $700–$2,000 while a Boston Terrier costs $600–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,260 for the Bichon Frise and $1,020 for the Boston Terrier. The Bichon Frise is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bichon Frises or Boston Terriers live longer?
The Bichon Frise lives 14–15 years on average, while the Boston Terrier lives 11–15 years. The Bichon Frise generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bichon Frise or Boston Terrier live in an apartment?
The Bichon Frise is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Boston Terrier (5/5). The Bichon Frise is one of our top picks for apartment living.