Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Bichon A Poil Frise or Cotie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear" Compare Maltese and Bichon Frise. Which is better: Maltese or Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear?

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	Maltese	Bichon Frise	Coton de Tulear
Origins	Italy	Spain Belgium	Madagascar
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	46	81
Reviews	3	5	10
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear breeds.	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Bichon A Poil Frise Bichon Tenerife Purebred Bichon Tenerife Dog Bichon Frise	Cotie Coton
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear? Compare adult weight ranges.	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	12-15 pounds (5.5-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	13.5 pounds (5.6 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear? Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear height comparison:	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)	10-12 inches (25-30 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)	11 inches (27.5 cm)

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$700-$1000	$2400-$3000
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Coton de Tulear is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed ranks highest?	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.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Coton de Tulear dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Coton de Tulear dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	Coton de Tulear dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Sensitive Intelligent Affectionate Gentle Cheerful	Playful Intelligent Affectionate Lively Trainable Vocal
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Sensitive: Coton de Tulear dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear?	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.	High: Coton de Tulear dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Coton de Tulear dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Coton de Tulear dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.	Their prey drive is low. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally. See more.	Average: The Coton de Tulear barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Bichon Frise is a playful breed. See more.	The Coton de Tulear is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Coton de Tulear breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is most flexible?	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.	Coton de Tulear 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 or Coton de Tulear?	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.	Coton de Tulear 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.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Coton de Tulear: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which handles climate changes best?	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.	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 Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which has fewer health issues?	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.	The Coton de Tulear is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	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.	Average The Coton de Tulear should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear 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	Hip Dysplasia Luxating Patella Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is most active?	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.	Coton de Tulear 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 Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear? 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.	Coton de Tulear dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear?	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.	Coton de Tulear 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

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which is most prone to obesity?	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.	Average: The Coton de Tulear has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which needs most food?	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.	0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. What colors are available?	White	Cream White Buff Apricot	White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which drools least?	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.	The Coton de Tulear is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Coton de Tulear has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Curly	Soft
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	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 or Coton de Tulear? Maltese or Bichon Frise or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders. See more.	Coton de Tulear dogs are low shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which is best with kids?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Coton de Tulear dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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.	Coton de Tulear dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Coton de Tulear dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Coton de Tulear dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Bichon Frise or Coton de Tulear?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Coton de Tulear dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear?	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.	Yes Coton de Tulear 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.	No Coton de Tulear 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.	Coton de Tulears are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. 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 Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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 Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. 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 Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. 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 Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which is best suited for water work?	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.	Not really Coton de Tulear breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. 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 Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. 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.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	2-5 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. 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.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. How are they classified?	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.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2014 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Coton de Tulear. 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	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 Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club

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Rate This Comparsion - Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear

Reviews

April Lewis
Apr 21, 2020, 1:22:55 PM:
I think of a lot of these characteristics for the Coton de Tulear are wrong. They are known for being extremely intelligent, hypoallergnic, and don't shed until they are old. My dog didn't start shedding until he was 11, and it's barely anything.
April Lewis
Apr 21, 2020, 1:26:34 PM:
My Cotie will be 12 in August. Also, he never drools not even when he sees food. There is a reason why this breed costs significantly more than the other two. My dog has no problems being by himself.