While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Italian-Bichons are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Cortese is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Playful
Agile
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Companionable
Cheerful
Athletic
Mischievous

Active
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Going
Tempered
Sweet
Cheerful
Easygoing

Italian-Bichons are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Corteses are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Bichon Frise and Italian Greyhound

Maltese, Welsh Corgi

2000's

2000

Brown

Brown

Black

Black
Brown

Cream
Fawn
Sable
White

Black
Brown
Red
White
Blue

Italian-Bichons have short coats.

Corteses are known for their coat length.

An Italian-Bichon can have a litter of 2-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Cortese can have a litter of 3-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Urolithiasis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Cataracts
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Cataracts
Shaker Dog Syndrome

Retinal Dysplasia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Urinalysis
Blood Count
Ophthalmologic Examination
Blood Chemistry

X-Rays
CT Scan
Eye Examination
Urinalysis
Blood Tests

Italian-Bichon has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Cortese has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Italian-Bichons are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Corteses are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Italian-Bichon, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Cortese, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Italian-Bichons usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Corteses usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Slicker Brush
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

For an average 12-18 pound (5 - 8 kg) Italian-Bichon feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 8-28 pound (4 - 13 kg) Cortese feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of an Italian-Bichon is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.

The average cost of a Cortese is somewhere $1.40 - $2.80 per day.

The average per month expenses of an Italian-Bichon is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Cortese is between $42 - $84. This makes an average of $504 - $1008 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

The Italian-Bichon is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Corteses make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Italian-Bichons have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Corteses make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Italian-Bichons are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Corteses are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.