Puppy Information for Yorkies & Bichons

Yorkshire Terriers and Bichon Frises are both small dog breeds often owned by apartment dwellers or seniors. Both are friendly, loyal breeds which make good pets. Yorkie and Bichon puppies are tiny, inquisitive creatures that love learning and being with their families.

  1. History

    • Yorkies originated in York, England in the 1800s as rat catching dogs. They were mainly used in clothing mills by the working class. Bichons were originally bred in the 13th century in Spain and became the breed of choice of the French royals in the 1500s. Today both breeds are used mainly as companions.

    Identification

    • Bichon Frise puppies are small and white, with a soft, curly coat similar to a Poodle. Owners often cut Bichon puppies' coat into a Poodle-type style, or just clip the muzzle and feet. Yorkie puppies are toy dogs with long, glossy, brown, black and tan coats. Their ears stand up and their tails are often docked. Older Yorkie puppies' coats turn blue and tan as they grow.

    Size

    • Yorkie puppies are very small, and eventually grow into toy dogs weighing approximately seven pounds at adulthood. Bichons are similarly small puppies, and average between seven and 12 pounds when fully-grown adults.

    Temperament

    • Bichon puppies are lively, friendly and bold creatures. They are smart and enjoy learning and being part of the family. Yorkie puppies are adventurous, loyal, brave and smart. They are affectionate to their families but can be wary of strangers. Both breeds are prone to developing small dog syndrome. This occurs because owners often treat small dogs differently that larger dogs, picking them up often and making a fuss of them. Allowing small dogs to get away with things a larger dog wouldn't makes them feel like they are special and immune to the house rules. This can lead to yappy, aggressive small dogs.

    Health

    • Yorkie puppies are prone to certain health problems when they become older. Bronchitis, eye infections, early tooth decay, herniated disks, delicate digestion and poor tolerance of anesthetic are all examples of potential health problems in a Yorkie. Similarly, Bichons are prone to watery eyes, cataracts, dislocated kneecaps, skin and ear ailments and epilepsy.