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West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Comparison - Dog breed selector: Roseneath Terrier or Maltese lion dog or Bichon A Poil Frise? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise" Compare West Highland White Terrier and Maltese. Which is better: West Highland White Terrier or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
 
 
 
Name West Highland White Terrier Maltese Bichon Frise
OriginsScotland flagScotland Italy flagItaly Spain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium
Group Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank423346
Reviews135
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise breeds.
Roseneath Terrier
Westie
Westy
White Roseneath Terrier
Poltalloch Terrier
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg), Female: 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, West Highland White Terrier or Maltese or Bichon Frise? West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise height comparison:
Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) 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: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) 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)

West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Find price differences between these breeds.
$900-$1200 $600-$800 $700-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, West Highland White Terrier or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
Very frequent: The West Highland White Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.

West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which is easiest to train?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most alert?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most protective?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise? Compare temperaments.
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
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?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise?
Average to High: West Highland White Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise social needs comparison:
West Highland White Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
West Highland White Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most playful?
The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 West Highland White Terrier indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.

West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most flexible?
West Highland White Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
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: West Highland White Terrier or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
West Highland White Terrier 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 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.

West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which uses mouth most during play?
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

West Highland White Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which breed lives longest?
12-16 years
The average lifespan of West Highland White Terrier: 14 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The West Highland White Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which has fewer health issues?
Very healthy dog breed.
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?
Rare
The West Highland White Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
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: West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Atopic Dermatitis
Hyperplastic Dermatosis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
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

West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most active?
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
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
West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: West Highland White Terrier or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
West Highland White Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: West Highland White Terrier or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
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.

West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the West Highland White Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which needs most food?
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. 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. What colors are available?
White White Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which drools least?
The West Highland White Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Feathered Curly
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more West Highland White Terrier or Maltese or Bichon Frise? West Highland White Terrier or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
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West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which is best with kids?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
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?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are generally with other 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 West Highland White Terrier or Maltese or Bichon Frise? Which dog is more friendly?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly West Highland White Terrier or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly West Highland White Terrier or Maltese or Bichon Frise?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise?
Yes
West Highland White Terrier 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
Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
West Highland White Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
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?
West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.

West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. 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 West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. 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 West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

West Highland White Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. 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.

West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. 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.

West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed. 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 groups for West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. 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 breed recognition status of West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Bichon Frise. 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
Club Espanol De Terriers
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

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