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

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.

Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive

Playful
Agile
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Companionable
Cheerful
Athletic
Mischievous

BoShihs aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

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

Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu

Bichon Frise and Italian Greyhound

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

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

Unknown

2000's

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Red
White
Gray

Cream
Fawn
Sable
White

BoShihs have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Italian-Bichons have short coats.

Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Reverse Sneezing

Urolithiasis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Allergies

Cataracts
Shaker Dog Syndrome

X-Rays
CT Scan
Physical Examination
Allergy Testing

Urinalysis
Blood Count
Ophthalmologic Examination
Blood Chemistry

BoShihs are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

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

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

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

BoShih dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

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

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For BoShih, it's at least 6 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 Italian-Bichon, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most BoShihs 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.

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.

Ideally, BoShih should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Italian-Bichon should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Scissors
Nail Clipper

The average cost of a BoShih is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BoShihs are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Italian-Bichons are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

BoShihs have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

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