Bichon Frise vs Newfoundland
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Bichon Frise
Also known as: Bichon à poil frisé, Bichon Tenerife
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog breed known for its fluffy white coat and playful, affectionate nature. Originally bred as a companion dog, it is highly sociable and adaptable, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
Small
Medium
12-15 yrs
24-29 cm
5-8 kg
Newfoundland
Also known as: Newf, Newfie, Gentle Giant
The Newfoundland is a giant, gentle breed renowned for its impressive strength, thick water-resistant coat, and remarkable swimming ability. Bred to haul fishing nets and pull carts in the freezing North Atlantic, they're often called 'gentle giants' and are famous as 'nanny dogs' for their patient nature with children. But be prepared: a 150lb dog with separation anxiety can destroy drywall in minutes, and the slobber reaches ceilings.
Extra Large
Medium
9-10 yrs
66-71 cm
55-80 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | Moderate |
| Barking Level | High | Low |
| Shedding Level | Low | High |
| Chew strength | Light | Moderate |
| Housing | Apartment | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Beginner (temperament) but Advanced (logistics/finances) |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Retirees, work-from-home professionals, or families with older children who want a constant companion and can commit to grooming. | Someone with a house and yard, works from home or flexible schedule, tolerant of slobber/hair/mess, financially prepared for giant breed costs, has or can get large vehicle for transport, and ideally has mentor or professional trainer for first-time giant breed ownership. |
Bichon Frise Dealbreakers
- Work full-time away from home without daycare
- Want a 'wash and wear' dog
- Cannot afford $1,000+/year in grooming
- Zero tolerance for potty accidents
Newfoundland Dealbreakers
- Tight budget - if $3,000 vet bill is a disaster
- Clean freak - cannot have pristine home with a Newfie
- Tiny living space - they take up physical floor space
- Hot climate without AC
- Unable to physically manage a 150lb dog
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | House soiling - owners give up after 6 months of accidents, Separation anxiety - neighbors complain about barking, Grooming neglect - cannot afford; dog gets matted; surrender out of shame | 'He got too big' - owners underestimate reality of 150lb dog in a hallway, Medical costs - giant breed vet bills are shocking to unprepared owners, Grooming/mess - drool and hair become unmanageable for some |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | Low |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | High | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Bichon Frise Social Traits
None
Loves all dogs - generally not prone to same-sex aggression
Newfoundland Social Traits
None
Generally low - tolerant of other dogs. Same-sex aggression rare but can occur in intact males.
Training
Bichon Frise
- They learn tricks quickly but need massive repetition for house training
- Never scold for accidents - increases anxiety and makes it worse
- Highly food motivated - use treats but watch calories
- Crate training essential but introduce carefully to avoid panic
Newfoundland
- Start training early while they're still manageable size
- Use social connection and food as motivators
- Harsh methods cause them to shut down completely
- Be consistent - a giant dog that ignores commands is dangerous
Bichon Frise Considerations
Bred for centuries solely to be companions - genetically wired to be with humans constantly. Cannot tolerate being alone for more than 2-4 hours. Isolation causes destructive chewing, self-mutilation (licking paws raw), and relentless barking.
Notoriously difficult to house train - small bladder and stubborn streak. Many owners report accidents well into adulthood. Expect 6-12 months to be reliable, compared to 3-4 months for most breeds.
Professional grooming required every 4-6 weeks at $50-100 per visit ($650-1,200 annually). Hair grows continuously and mats easily. Skipping leads to painful matting requiring shave-down.
Newfoundland Considerations
Newfoundlands were bred to work closely with fishermen and do not tolerate isolation well. A 150lb dog with separation anxiety can destroy drywall, doors, and furniture in minutes. They need someone home most of the time.
This is non-negotiable. Loose jowls trap saliva - when they shake their heads, 'slobber strings' reach ceilings, walls, and guests. If you're house-proud or easily grossed out, this breed is incompatible with your lifestyle.
Between 6-18 months, they're large, clumsy, and energetic with no body awareness. They accidentally injure children or elderly owners simply by bumping into them. A puppy growing 10lbs/month is logistically immense.
Everything costs 2-3x more: $100-150/month food, $100-250/month insurance, medications priced by weight. If a $3,000 vet bill is a disaster, do not get this breed.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Excellent - generally safe and often playful with cats | High safety - one of the safest giant breeds for multi-pet homes. Drive is 'chase to play' not 'chase to kill.' |
| Small Mammals | Safe with rabbits/guinea pigs - more likely to be bullied by a rabbit than hurt it | Generally safe, but supervise due to size difference |
| Birds / Reptiles | Safe - lacks terrier 'snap' reflex; generally safe around caged pets | Generally safe with livestock but may accidentally squash chickens trying to play |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | None/Arrested | Arrested |
| Biddability | High | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Medium | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | N/A |
Bichon Frise: They want to please you (unlike Terriers or Shiba Inus). Learn tricks very fast but can manipulate owners with 'cute' behaviors to get treats.
Newfoundland: Predatory sequence arrested at Eye -> Stalk -> Chase. The 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' are largely inhibited - they may chase a cat but usually just want to sniff or lick it. They are 'protection by presence' dogs - more likely to hold an intruder down or block them than bite. They assess before acting ('Newfie time') rather than responding robotically.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-12 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Challenging | Easy |
| Crate Training | Moderate | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Bichon Frise: The combination of difficult housebreaking and separation anxiety makes the first year harder than with most breeds. Coat change at 6-12 months creates 'nightmare grooming' phase.
Newfoundland: Temperamentally sweet but logistically immense. Puppy grows 10lbs/month. 'Land shark' biting on a giant breed HURTS. Joint protection is demanding - no stairs, no jumping until 2 years. Must solidify leash manners before they reach 50lbs.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 10 months | 24 months |
| Adolescence | 10-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-7 |
| Senior Onset | ~9 years | ~7 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-29 cm | 66-71 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Small | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 9–10 years |
| Litter Size | 4-6 | 6-10 |
Bichon Frise Coat
Newfoundland Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Companion dog for French/Spanish nobility - bred exclusively for human companionship, not work | Hauling fishing nets in freezing North Atlantic waters and pulling carts of catch - the 'St. Bernard of the Water' |
| Origin | Mediterranean/France, 16th century | Newfoundland, Canada - bred for immense strength, water-resistant coat, webbed feet, and gentle disposition |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | 5-15% | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Low | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | High |
| Slippery Floor Risk | High | High |
| Min Fence Height | 1m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Bichon Frise Health Issues
Newfoundland Health Issues
Bichon Frise Suggested Tests
- OFA Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (Annual)
- OFA Hip Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
Newfoundland Suggested Tests
- Cardiac (Cardiologist Echo) - CHIC required
- Hips (OFA or PennHIP) - CHIC required
- Elbows X-rays - CHIC required
- Cystinuria DNA test - CHIC required
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Very High |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | High |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Very High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Moderate | Medium |
| Food Allergies | Chicken, Beef, Dairy |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Daily (tear stains) | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Common | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Bichon Frise Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cataracts
- Arthritis
- Kidney disease
- Dental decay
Physical issues (teeth, knees, eyes) usually precede mental decline. Ramps may be needed for furniture to protect aging knees.
Newfoundland Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Hind-end weakness (mobility issues)
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
Decline can be rapid. Be prepared to assist a 150lb dog who cannot stand up - harnesses and ramps become daily tools. Quality of life decisions are complex due to physical impossibility of managing an immobile giant dog.
Grooming & Care
Bichon Frise
high maintenanceNewfoundland
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Bichon Frise Daily Life
Newfoundland Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Over 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Low | Very High |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | High | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Medium | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000-2,500 | $2,000-5,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $150–$250 | $250–$500 |
| Yearly Range | $2,000–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Food / Month | $25-40 | $100-150 |
| Insurance / Month | $40-70 | $100-250 |
| Grooming / Session | $50-100 | $100-150 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $400-600 | $800-1,500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Bichon Frise Lifetime Cost
$25,000-40,000
Newfoundland Lifetime Cost
$30,000-60,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Bichon Frise | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | None | Heavy |
| Smell When Wet | Low | Strong |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Rare |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | Low |
Bichon Frise Quirks
The Bichon Blitz
Sudden, manic running in circles (FRAP) usually in the evening. Hilarious but can knock over toddlers or elderly.
Tear Staining
Red/brown staining under eyes caused by porphyrins in tears. Requires daily wiping and filtered water to manage.
Shadow Following
Will follow you to the bathroom. True Velcro dogs that need to be in the same room as you at all times.
Newfoundland Quirks
The Newfie Lean
Will lean their entire weight (up to 150lbs) against your legs to show affection - can knock you off balance
Ceiling Slobber
Slobber strings can reach ceilings, walls, and unsuspecting guests when they shake their heads. Non-negotiable.
Water Magnet
They will try to enter ANY body of water - mud puddles, decorative ponds, kiddie pools. Also submerge their muzzle when drinking, dripping water across kitchen floors.
Lap Dog Delusion
A 150lb dog who believes they should sit in your lap. They will try.
Frequently Asked Questions
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