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 Japanese Terrier 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
Cheerful
Swift
Affectionate
Lively
Vigilant

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

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

Avoid Italian-Bichons as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Japanese Terriers make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Bichon Frise and Italian Greyhound

Smooth Fox Terrier, German Pinscher, Kobe Terrier

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

2000's

1600s

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Cream
Fawn
Sable
White

White
Black
Pied

Italian-Bichons have short coats.

Japanese Terriers have coats that can be either short or medium in 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 Japanese Terrier can have a litter of 12-15 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.

Italian-Bichons are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Japanese Terriers are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

While the Italian-Bichon breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Japanese Terriers typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Urolithiasis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Cataracts
Shaker Dog Syndrome

Ear Infections
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems

Urinalysis
Blood Count
Ophthalmologic Examination
Blood Chemistry

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Yearly Eye Exam
Yearly Physical Examination

Italian-Bichons are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Japanese Terriers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Italian-Bichons need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Japanese Terriers need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Italian-Bichons have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Japanese Terriers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Italian-Bichons bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

The Japanese Terrier is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

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.

Japanese Terriers 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 Japanese Terrier, it's at least 8 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 Japanese Terriers usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Italian-Bichon requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Japanese Terrier is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Slicker Brush
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

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

The average cost of a Japanese Terrier is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 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 Japanese Terrier is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $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.

Italian-Bichons are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Japanese Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

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

Japanese Terriers can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

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

Japanese Terriers are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

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

Japanese Terriers are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Italian-Bichons are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Japanese Terriers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Italian-Bichons are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Japanese Terriers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.