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Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon A Poil Frise or Cotie or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese" Compare Bichon Frise and Coton de Tulear. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Bichon Frise Coton de Tulear Maltese
OriginsSpain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium Madagascar flagMadagascar Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank468133
Reviews5103
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese breeds.
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Cotie
Coton
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 12-15 pounds (5.5-7 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 13.5 pounds (5.6 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear or Maltese? Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese height comparison:
Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) 11 inches (27.5 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.
$700-$1000 $2400-$3000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Coton de Tulear is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?
Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
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Coton de Tulear dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
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Coton de Tulear dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?
Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Coton de Tulear dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Trainable
Vocal
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Coton de Tulear dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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: Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese?
High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Coton de Tulear 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.
See more.
Social Needs
Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Coton de Tulear dogs are a social breed.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Coton de Tulear dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
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Average: The Coton de Tulear barks occasionally.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
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The Coton de Tulear is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Coton de Tulear breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?
Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Coton de Tulear 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear or Maltese?
Bichon Frise dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Coton de Tulear dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Coton de Tulear has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which uses mouth most during play?
Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Coton de Tulear dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Coton de Tulear bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Coton de Tulear: 15 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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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.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Coton de Tulear 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Bichon Frise should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Coton de Tulear 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Luxating Patella
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Coton de Tulear has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. What colors are available?
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
White White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which drools least?
The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Coton de Tulear is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Coton de Tulear has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Curly Soft Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear or Maltese? Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear or {name3 shedding:
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
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Coton de Tulear dogs are low shedders.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Good With Comparison

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

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which is best suited for service work?

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 Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Coton de Tulear 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.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which has most military use?

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.

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 4-6 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. What's recommended?

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.

Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2014 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Which has most recognition?
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
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National 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

Rate This Comparsion - Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear vs Maltese

Reviews

  • April Lewis

    Apr 21, 2020, 1:22:55 PM:

    I think of a lot of these characteristics for the Coton de Tulear are wrong. They are known for being extremely intelligent, hypoallergnic, and don't shed until they are old. My dog didn't start shedding until he was 11, and it's barely anything.

  • April Lewis

    Apr 21, 2020, 1:26:34 PM:

    My Cotie will be 12 in August. Also, he never drools not even when he sees food. There is a reason why this breed costs significantly more than the other two. My dog has no problems being by himself.