Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon A Poil Frise or Maltese lion dog or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Bichon Frise and Maltese. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu?
Name | Bichon Frise | Maltese | Shih Tzu |
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Origins | Spain Belgium | Italy | China |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 46 | 33 | 20 |
Reviews | 5 | 3 | 15 |
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 |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Maltese? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu weight comparison: | 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 10 pounds (4.5 kg) | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu 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 (20-28 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) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? | $700-$1000 | $600-$800 | $800-$1200 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? | Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu intelligence: | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. |
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Trainability
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison. | Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? | Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs. | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu?
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. | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison: |
Playful Sensitive Intelligent Affectionate Gentle Cheerful |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu? | High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential. | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | Their prey drive is low. | Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison: | The Bichon Frise is a playful breed. | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu? | Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally. | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? | Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu 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. | Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? | 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. | Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Bichon Frise bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. |
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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 Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison: | Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu? | 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 Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu 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 | 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 |
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 Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Life Expectancy
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Bichon Frise, Maltese and Shih Tzu 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 |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu? | Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu?
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu 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. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? 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. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? | 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. | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? | 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. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison: | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu coat comparison: | Curly | Feathered | Dense |
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Colors
What are the original Bichon Frise, Maltese and Shih Tzu color? | Cream White Buff Apricot | White |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison: | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise or Maltese or {name3 shedding: | Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders. | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
Hypoallergenic
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu? | Low 🔽 The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu 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. | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu 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. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly? | Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? | Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? | Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? | Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu? |
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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu 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. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
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 Shih Tzu? | Not really Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
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 Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Bichon Frise and Maltese and Shih Tzu have? | 2-5 puppies | 3-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies |
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu 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 1969 as a Toy breed. |
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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 Tibetan 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 New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry |
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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