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Bichon Frise vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Bichon A Poil Frise or Maltese lion dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs Maltese" Compare Bichon Frise and Maltese. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Bichon Frise Maltese
OriginsSpain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank4633
Reviews53
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Bichon Frise and Maltese. What other names are these breeds known by?
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Bichon Frise and a Maltese. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Bichon Frise and a Maltese. Which breed is heavier?
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Maltese? Is a Bichon Frise taller than a Maltese?
Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 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) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Bichon Frise and a Maltese. Which breed costs more?
$700-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare training requirements.
Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare alertness levels.
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare territorial behaviors.
Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Bichon Frise and a Maltese. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Bichon Frise vs Maltese?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bichon Frise vs Maltese?
High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Bichon Frise vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Bichon Frise vs Maltese?
Bichon Frise 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? What's the difference between Bichon Frise vs Maltese? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
See more.
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare play drive and energy.
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare adaptability levels.
Bichon Frise 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 Maltese?
Bichon Frise 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 vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Bichon Frise 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
Which has a stronger bite: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Bichon Frise and a Maltese. Which breed is healthier?
The Bichon Frise 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: Bichon Frise vs Maltese?
Average
The Bichon Frise 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 Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare activity levels.
Bichon Frise 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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bichon Frise vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bichon Frise or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bichon Frise or Maltese?
Bichon Frise 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 vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare daily food needs.
1/2 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 Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Bichon Frise and Maltese? Compare breed colors.
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
White
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare drooling amounts.
The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Bichon Frise and a Maltese? Compare fur types.
Curly Feathered
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare bathing frequencies.
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 Maltese? Do Bichon Frise dogs shed more than Maltese dogs?
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare kid-friendliness.
Bichon Frise 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.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese?
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese? Can a Bichon Frise and a Maltese be friends? Do Bichon Frise dogs get along with Maltese dogs?
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Bichon Frise vs Maltese?
Yes
Bichon Frise 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
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.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare service capabilities.

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
Which is better for therapy work: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Bichon Frise 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
Which is better at pulling: a Bichon Frise or a Maltese? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Bichon Frise and Maltese. Which has stronger military background?

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 Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Bichon Frise and Maltese. Which has larger litters?
2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Bichon Frise and Maltese breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Bichon Frise and Maltese. Which needs longer recovery?

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 Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Bichon Frise and Maltese. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Bichon Frise and Maltese. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Bichon Frise and Maltese. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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 Maltese

Reviews

  • Zaida Benavidez

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

    Very helpful information and so very thorough