Silken Windhound vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison

Silken Windhound vs Bichon Frise - Breed ComparisonBichon Frise is originated from Spain but Silken Windhound is originated from United States. Bichon Frise may grow 30 cm / 11 inches shorter than Silken Windhound. Bichon Frise may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Silken Windhound. Both Bichon Frise and Silken Windhound has almost same life span. Both Bichon Frise and Silken Windhound has almost same litter size. Both Bichon Frise and Silken Windhound requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Hound dog
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Spain
United States
Height Male:
23 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
47 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
Height Female:
21 - 29 cm
8 - 12 inches
44 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
10 - 20 kg
22 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
7 - 17 kg
15 - 38 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 19 Years
15 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 4
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Bichón Tenerife • Bichon à poil frisé Bichon
Silkens
Colors Available:
white
tuxedo marked or solid colored , white to black with brilliant brindles and solid red, in between. They can be spotted
Coat:
Medium length, silky texture with corkscrew curls
silky coats of middling length longish to very long, with feathers. Some are straight, some are very curly
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Playful, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

bichon friseContrary to the myths and many of the tales of the history of the Bichon Frise, the breed was originally developed in Spain. Later specific trait development occurred in France to give us the lap dog Bichon Frise that we know today. The original Spanish dog – the Bichon – was a water – sailing dog. It was descended from the poodle breeds crossed with either the water spaniels or the Barbet. These early dogs were friendly and happy and because of this, sailors carried them with them on their ships and even bartered them for supplies. Prior to the 14th century the Spanish probably brought them to the Canary Islands. Later in the 14th century they we discovered again by Italian sailors who returned them to Europe where they lived in the courts of the nobility. During the Renaissance and after the French fell in love with the breed while the Spanish continue to enjoy their presence.

In the late 19th century in France the breed fell out of popularity and became street dogs and circus and fair dogs. They also worked with organ grinders and assisted the blind. In the early 20th century, the Societe Centrale Canine, the National Kennel Club of France, adopted the breed’s official standard – while they were still known as both the Bichon and the Tenerife. The popularity of the breed at this time is heavily attributed to “The Adventures of TinTIn” , by Herge, which featured a small, white, fluffy fox terrier. Then the president of the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale presented a new name for the breed based on its characteristics. The name Bichon Frise kept the Bichon heritage and added “curly” the meaning of Frise. Under this name the breed was admitted to the Societe Centrale Canine stud book in October of 1934.

The Bichon Frise came to the United States for the first time in 19554 and was admitted to the American Kennel Club Stud Book in 1972. They entered the non-sporting group of the AKC in 1973. By 2001 the Bichon Frise, J.R., won the Westminster Dog Show. In 1976, the Bichon Frise came to Australia, imported by Harry and Margaret Begg who oversaw the growth of the breed there. Today there are 4 separate breeds believed to be descended from the original Bichon/Tenerife breeds – the Bichon Frise, the Bichon Bolognaise, the Maltese and the Havanese.

silken windhoundThe Silken Windhound is a breed intentionally developed by Borzoi and Deerhound breeder, Francie Stull. Although the first litter of the Windhoud was not born until 1995, their development began in discussions ten years later. Bred as a cross between her beloved Deerhounds and Borzoi, the first Society for the breed formed in 1999 and they were recognized by the UKC in 2011.

Ms. Stull wanted another breed for her kennel and decided on a smaller sighthound than her Borzoi. She wanted a long coat, a good temperament, good health, and possessing the same athletic abilities, grace and poise as the sighthounds that are larger. She developed the Silken Windhound based on this vision.

With this in mind, the kennel purchased the pick of a litter from the American and English Borzoi Champion bitch, Stillwater Virginia Reel. This puppy was eventually bred to Stillwater White Lightning and produced puppy that was a blue brindle. This dog, Stillwater Kristull Peacock, had the coat, personality and structure that Ms. Stull wanted for the new breed. She was bred to Deerhound Windsprite Autumnal Xenon to form the foundation for the Silken Windhound.

Over time champion Borzoi were bred with multi-generation Whippet based dogs and small Whippet from coursing and show lines. Finally, all of this work was rewarded with an incredible little sighthound to fit in the line of sighthounds between the giant and large breeds and the smaller whippet type breeds.

The Silken Windhound lives today in 24 different countries. They take their place in hound competitions all over the world in obedience, lure coursing, and racing. They are a Limited Stake Breed in the ASFA and competed with 40 other dogs in 2010. Then they were accepted by the NOFCA or National Open Filed Coursing Association, also in 2010. Finally, in 2011 they were fully accepted by the UKC.

The Silken Windhound is recognized in addition to the UKC, by the Dog Registry of America, the Rarities Inc., the American Canine Association, the Kennel Club of Slovenia, the American Pet Registry, Inc., the International Silken Windhound Society and the International, All-Breed Canine Association of America.

Description

bichon frise puppy - descriptionThe modern Bichon Frise is a white, small dog with a round skull and muzzle. The nose should be black and the eyes round and dark. Depending on the size of the dog, the legs and head are proportionate to the body, while the tail should be curly and long. Both the tail and the ears must not be docked. Their coat is as hypoallergenic as a dog gets. It is white, dense and for most Bichon Frise, it is curly. They should have black lips as well.

silken windhound puppy - descriptionThe Silken Windhound is a breed of beautiful, athletic medium sized dogs. They have the long coat, athletic build and classic lines of the sighthound/coursing dog. Just looking at them and you know they have strength, balance and grace in those medium sized bodies. Their running ability is exceptional. They perform well in the confirmation rings.

They are sine boned, balanced with smooth muscles – a sleek hardy looking dog. They have almond-shaped, large, dark eyes with small folded ears. Looking in their faces you see intelligence, friendliness and alertness. The head is long with a well balanced muzzle and a dark, slightly down-turned nose. Her lips are dark and full and her neck long and slender. The Silken Windhound must have a flexible loin because they have a gallop of double suspensions and are amazingly fast. A deep chest is also a must with a flexible, curving tail. Her legs are straight and long, as she is built for speed.

Characteristics

bichon frise dog - characteristicsThe Bichon Frise, according to the American Kennel Club is a cheerful and merry dog. They are gentle, playful, sensitive and affectionate. These dogs love people, are very social and like other dogs as well. They love to play with children and they are intelligent and affectionate. They were developed in their latter stages by the French to be “lap dogs” or companion animals. They are not territorial by nature but can become so if confined and encouraged. Start obedience training early and be consistent throughout their lives. They take to training easily if positive techniques are used. They do however, have a reputation for not taking well to housetraining. Be persistent

Characteristics

silken windhound dog - characteristics1. Children friendliness – they are great with children and would romp with them all day.

2.Special talents – speed and agility.

3.Adaptability Like most sighthounds they can be couch potatoes but being medium sized they can live just about anywhere as long as it is inside.

4.Learning ability - They are smart but their learning ability can be hampered by their stubbornness.

Health Problems

bichon frise puppies - health problemsThe coat of the Bichon Frise can easily become matted if not brushed or combed every day. Severe matting can lead to a hematoma in their ears. They are also very prone to ear infections so paying a lot of attention to their ears is imperative. They are will chew and scratch themselves if not groomed well and this can cause skin infections and conditions. They might have allergies to fleas, pollen, chemicals, and dust. The patella (knee cap) can be loose, diabetes, cataracts and heart disease also affect the Bichon Frise. In the United Kingdom the number one cause of death for the breed is old age -13 plus years, with 21% dying of cancer. In North America cancer is the number one killer as it is for most dogs. The Bichon might also be afflicted with hematologic disorders such as AIHA (Autoimmune hemolytic anemia) and ITP (Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia) which while less common than cancer will kill the dog much earlier in life than cancer. The other condition that the Bichon Frise is prone to are liver shunts. If found early they can be surgically corrected but most are not, and liver failure is eventually the cause of death.

silken windhound puppies - health problemsMost inherited diseases and conditions are rare. There is some drug related sensitivity, especially to ivermectin, and some dogs carry a MDR1 (multi-drug resistance gene) that is defective. Breeders are attempting to breed this out of the Silkens. A few other rare instances of concern include:

  • Cryptorchidism – a birth defect resulting in undescended testicles.
  • Lotus Syndrome – an occasional birth defect resulting in death.
  • Umbilical hernias – may require surgery.
  • Cataracts - may lead to old age sight problems
  • Deafness

Caring The Pet

Feeding

bichon frise dogs - caringBeing a small dog, the Bichon Frise is susceptible to obesity and that condition will be terminal in the end for this breed. So make sure you do not overfeed your Bichon Frise. The same is true with the use of treats. The Bichon loves treats and loves the association with treats of having pleased you. They should be fed small meals – about ¼ cup of good high quality dry food twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the Bichon Frise is susceptible to:

Hematomas and infections of the ear if not groomed well and consistently.

Cancer is number one killer.

Hematological Issues are deadlier than cancer.

Liver shunts are a very serious concern.

Exercise and games

Though the Bichon Frise is not an overly active dog, they do love to play. They are characterized by short bursts of activity followed by long periods of rest. They can be worn out just by running around the house. You must play with them everyday as well as take them on a walk each day. Bichons are fast and agile and do well in agility trials. They also like to compete in rally and obedience trials. Most of all they love to and need to play with their people every day.

silken windhound dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy This is a medium sized, active breed. They need high quality dog food with plenty of protein. Feed them 3 times a day from a food made for high energy active medium sized breeds.

2.Feeding the adult - Feed them 2 times a day from a food made for high energy active medium sized breeds.

3.Points for Good - Exceptional agility and speed.

4. Games and Exercises The breed is active, and they love to run. They need daily exercise and they usually excel at flyball, agility, obedience and therapy. Obviously, they are very good at lure coursing and racing. They love to run or jog with you.

Comparison with other breeds

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  4. Silken Windhound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
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  6. Silken Windhound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  8. Silken Windhound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Silken Windhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Silken Windhound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Silken Windhound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Silken Windhound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Silken Windhound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Silken Windhound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Silken Windhound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Silken Windhound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Silken Windhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Silken Windhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Silken Windhound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
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  25. Silken Windhound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Bichon Frise vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Bichon Frise vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Bichon Frise vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bichon Frise vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Bichon Frise vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Bichon Frise vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bichon Frise vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Bichon Frise vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Bichon Frise vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Bichon Frise vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Bichon Frise vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Bichon Frise vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Bichon Frise vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Bichon Frise vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Bichon Frise vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Bichon Frise vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Bichon Frise vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Bichon Frise vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Bichon Frise vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Bichon Frise vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Bichon Frise vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Bichon Frise vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Bichon Frise vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison