• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

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

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Bichon Frise" Compare Maltese and Bichon Frise. Which is better: Maltese or Bichon Frise?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Bichon Frise
OriginsItaly flagItaly Spain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3346
Reviews35
User Ratings

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

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Maltese or a Bichon Frise? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and a Bichon Frise. Which breed is heavier?
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Bichon Frise? Is a Maltese taller than a Bichon Frise?
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Price and Availability Comparison

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

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Maltese and a Bichon Frise. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Bichon Frise?
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: Maltese vs Bichon Frise?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Maltese vs Bichon Frise social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Bichon Frise 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 Maltese vs Bichon Frise?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Bichon Frise? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Their prey drive is low.
See more.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or a Bichon Frise? Compare adaptability levels.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Bichon Frise dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or a Bichon Frise? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese or a Bichon Frise? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Health and Lifespan Comparison

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

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or a Bichon Frise? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Maltese or a Bichon Frise? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

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

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Maltese or a Bichon Frise? Compare kid-friendliness.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Bichon Frise? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Bichon Frise? Can a Maltese and a Bichon Frise be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with Bichon Frise dogs?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs Bichon Frise?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Bichon Frise is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Maltese or a Bichon Frise? 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 Maltese or a Bichon Frise? 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 Maltese or a Bichon Frise? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or a Bichon Frise? 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 Maltese and Bichon Frise. 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.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Reproducibility Comparison

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

Maltese vs Bichon Frise Recognition Comparison

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

Popular Dog Compares

    Rate This Comparsion - Maltese vs Bichon Frise

    Reviews

    • Zaida Benavidez

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

      Very helpful information and so very thorough