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

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Bichon Frise and Whippet. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese Shih Tzu?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Bichon Frise	Whippet	Maltese Shih Tzu
Origins	Spain Belgium	England	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	46	61	622
Reviews	5	2	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds.	Bichon A Poil Frise Bichon Tenerife Purebred Bichon Tenerife Dog Bichon Frise	Snap Dog English Whippet	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Cross Breed

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

Size Classification Compare size differences between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Medium	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)	9 pounds (4 kg)
Height Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison:	Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)	Male: 18.5-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (44-48 cm)	10-12 inches (25-30 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: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)	11 inches (27.5 cm)

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

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.	$700-$1000	$800-$1200	$500-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Whippet is quite easy to get.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

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

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?	Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Whippet dogs are easy to train. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?	Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Whippet dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?	Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

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

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.	Playful Sensitive Intelligent Affectionate Gentle Cheerful	Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Lively Gentle Outright Companionable Adaptable Quiet	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable
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: Whippet dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: Whippet dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Whippet dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Whippet is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu 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. See more.	Whippet dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

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

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?	Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally. See more.	Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal. See more.	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?	The Bichon Frise is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Whippet breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

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

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most flexible?	Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Whippet 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.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese 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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Whippet has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?	Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Whippet dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Whippet bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

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

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?	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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 Whippet 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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 Whippet 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Vaccination Sensitivity Bladder Stones Juvenile Cataracts	Heart Murmurs Hypothyroidism Von Willebrand's Disease Heart Problems Deafness Vaccination Sensitivity Drug Sensitivity Arthritis Kidney Issues Addison's Disease	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome

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

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most active?	Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Whippet dogs are high-energy 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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.	Whippet dogs have an average exercise need.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Whippet dogs don't need too much sleep.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

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

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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. See more.	Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics. See more.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

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

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. What colors are available?	Cream White Buff Apricot	Black Red Blue Cream White Fawn	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which drools least?	The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Whippet 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.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Curly	Fine Short Close in texture	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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.	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise or Whippet or {name3 shedding:	Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders. See more.	Whippet dogs are low shedders. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?	Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Whippet dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Whippet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Whippet dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Whippet dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Yes Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Whippet 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.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Bichon Frise is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Whippet is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.	Whippets are usually recommended for elderly people.	Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?	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.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Whippet 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.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best for draft work?	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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?	2-5 puppies	4-8 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 Whippet vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Hound breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale 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	Not recognized by any clubs.

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