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

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky" Compare Bichon Frise and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky?
 
 
 
Name Bichon Frise Maltese Shih Tzu Pomsky
OriginsSpain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium United States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Designer Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank46622557
Reviews531
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Mal-Shi
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
No data available
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky breed type comparison:
Purebred Cross Breed Cross Breed

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky? Which is the smallest dog, Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky?
Small Small Small
Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky weight comparison:
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) 7-38 pounds (3-17 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 9 pounds (4 kg) 21.5 pounds (10 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky? Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky height comparison:
Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) 10-15 inches (25-38 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) 12.5 inches (31.5 cm)

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky? Which is more expensive?
$700-$1000 $500-$800 $2500-$3500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky?
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.
Frequent: The Pomsky is easier than average to get.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky? Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Active
Curious
Playful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Adaptable
Active
Intelligent
Friendly
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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 Shih Tzu vs Pomsky?
High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Pomsky dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky social needs comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Pomsky dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Pomsky dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Pomsky dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky playfulness comparison:
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Pomsky is a playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky?
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
See more.
Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed.
See more.
A lot: Pomsky is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky?
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
Apartment-friendly dog the Pomsky breed.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Pomsky dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky?
Bichon Frise dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Pomsky 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.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky?
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Pomsky 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: Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Patellar Luxation
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Collapsed Trachea
Hip Dysplasia
Luxating Patella
Allergies
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Dental Problems
Skin Diseases
Veterinarian Visits
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.
Frequent
The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Pomsky should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky lifespan comparison. How long do Bichon Frise, Maltese Shih Tzu and Pomsky breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Pomsky: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Pomsky can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky?
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 1.5 to 2.5 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? Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky weight gain potential comparison:
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 Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Pomsky has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky coat comparison:
Curly Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Fluffy
Soft
Double
Colors
What are the original Bichon Frise, Maltese Shih Tzu and Pomsky color?
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Blue
Pure white
Grey & White
Brown or Reddish Brown
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky? Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Advanced: The Pomsky requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky? Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Pomsky dogs shed above average.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky?
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.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

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

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Pomsky dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky? Which dog is more friendly?
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Pomsky dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky?
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pomsky dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky?
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Pomsky dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky?
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Pomsky dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky?
Yes
Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Pomsky 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.
Yes
Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Pomsky 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.
Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Pomskys are commonly okay with elderly people.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky 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: Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu or Pomsky? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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: Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

Pomsky 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.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky 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 Bichon Frise and Maltese Shih Tzu and Pomsky have?
2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies 2-6 puppies

Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Pomsky Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI. 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
The Bichon Frise Club Of America
Not recognized by any clubs. Pomsky Club of America

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