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

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese" Compare Bichon Frise and Maltese. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese?
 
 
 
Name Bichon Frise Maltese Havanese
OriginsSpain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium Italy flagItaly Cuba flagCuba
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank463323
Reviews537
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Bichon Habanero
Bichon Havanais
Bichon Havanes
Havanese Cuban Bichon
Havaneser
Havanezer
Bichon Havanese
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese? Which is the smallest dog, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese?
Small Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Maltese? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese weight comparison:
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese height comparison:
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) 8-11 inches (21-29 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) 10 inches (25 cm)

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese? Which is more expensive?
$700-$1000 $600-$800 $900-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese?
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese intelligence:
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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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Trainability
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese trainability comparison.
Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Havanese dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese?
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese? 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 dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Companionable
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
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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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 Maltese vs Havanese?
High: Bichon Frise 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: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese social needs comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Havanese 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.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Havanese 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 dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese playfulness comparison:
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Havanese is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese?
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese?
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese 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.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Havanese 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 or Havanese?
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.
Havanese 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 vs Havanese Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Havanese 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 has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese?
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.
The Havanese 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 vs Havanese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese 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
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Chondrodysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
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.
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese lifespan comparison. How long do Bichon Frise, Maltese and Havanese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese?
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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese energy level comparison:
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.
Havanese 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 vs Havanese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese? 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.
Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese?
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.
Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese?
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. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese 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 has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese coat comparison:
Curly Feathered Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Flat
Long
Colors
What are the original Bichon Frise, Maltese and Havanese color?
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
White Black
White
Fawn
Reddish-Brown
Havana Brown
Tobacco
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese 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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Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese? Bichon Frise or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Havanese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese?
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.
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 vs Havanese 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, Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Havanese 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 is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese 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 dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese? Which dog is more friendly?
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese?
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese?
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Havanese?
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese?
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.
Yes
Havanese 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.
No
Havanese 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.
Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese 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 or Havanese? 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.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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 vs Havanese?

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.

Not really

Havanese 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 vs Havanese 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 and Havanese have?
2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies 1-9 puppies, average 4

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Havanese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
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. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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.
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
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
United Kennel Club
Havanese Club of America

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  • Diana

    Nov 3, 2019, 1:11:55 PM:

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    Sep 23, 2020, 12:03:05 PM: