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Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Maltese lion dog or Bichon A Poil Frise? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise" Compare Shih Tzu and Maltese. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Maltese Bichon Frise
OriginsChina flagChina Italy flagItaly Spain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank203346
Reviews1535
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Which is the smallest dog, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Small Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Maltese? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise weight comparison:
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise height comparison:
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1200 $600-$800 $700-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise intelligence:
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Trainability
Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise trainability comparison.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise?
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise playfulness comparison:
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise?
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Bichon Frise dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise mouthiness comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise?
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Bichon Frise should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu, Maltese and Bichon Frise breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise energy level comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise coat comparison:
Dense Feathered Curly
Colors
What are the original Shih Tzu, Maltese and Bichon Frise color?
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
White Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Shih Tzu or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise?
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Bichon Frise is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise?

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Shih Tzu and Maltese and Bichon Frise have?
2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies 2-5 puppies

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Bichon Frise Club Of America

Rate This Comparsion - Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise

Reviews

  • Barry Young

    Jan 23, 2021, 11:15:21 PM:

    Very helpful and thorough

  • Zaida Benavidez

    Feb 15, 2023, 1:17:53 AM:

    Very helpful information and so very thorough