Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Bichon A Poil Frise or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd" Compare Maltese and Bichon Frise. Which is better: Maltese or Bichon Frise or German Shepherd?

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	German Shepherd
Origins	Italy	Spain Belgium	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	46	2
Reviews	3	5	21
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd breeds.	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Bichon A Poil Frise Bichon Tenerife Purebred Bichon Tenerife Dog Bichon Frise	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Bichon Frise or German Shepherd? Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd 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)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 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)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$700-$1000	$800-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Bichon Frise or German Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are 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 German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Sensitive Intelligent Affectionate Gentle Cheerful	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful
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: German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd?	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: German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. 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.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. 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.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. 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 German Shepherd. 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.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd?	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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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 German Shepherd. 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.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
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.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd 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	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Bichon Frise or German Shepherd? 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.	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Bichon Frise or German Shepherd?	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.	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?	White	Cream White Buff Apricot	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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 German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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 German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Curly	Fuzzy
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Bichon Frise or German Shepherd? Maltese or Bichon Frise or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very 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.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Bichon Frise or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Bichon Frise or German Shepherd?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd?	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 German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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 German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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 German Shepherd. 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.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	2-5 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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 German Shepherd. 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 German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd. 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 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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Maltese vs Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd

Reviews