Bichon Frise vs Maltese
Non-Sporting · Small vs Toy · Toy
Bichon FriseSmall
A playful, curious, peppy white powder-puff lapdog from the French Riviera — Mediterranean cheerfulness.
Weight: 12–18 lbsLifespan: 14–15 years
MalteseToy
A gentle, playful, charming aristocrat — ancient Mediterranean lapdog with a flowing snow-white coat.
Weight: 7 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Bichon Frise is the larger breed at 12–18 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Maltese.
- • The Bichon Frise typically lives longer (14–15 years).
- • The Bichon Frise has higher daily energy needs.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Bichon Frise | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
Group | Non-Sporting | Toy |
Size | Small | Toy |
Origin | France | Malta |
Height (male) | 9.5–11.5" | 7–9" |
Height (female) | 9.5–11.5" | 7–9" |
Weight (male) | 12–18 lbs | 7 lbs |
Weight (female) | 12–18 lbs | 7 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–15 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a playful, curious, peppy white powder-puff lapdog from the French Riviera — Mediterranean cheerfulness. Originally from France, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 12–18 lbs and lives 14–15 years. Breeders describe them as playful, curious, peppy.
About the Maltese
The Maltese is a gentle, playful, charming aristocrat — ancient Mediterranean lapdog with a flowing snow-white coat. Originally from Malta, this toy toy breed typically weighs 7 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as gentle, playful, charming.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Bichon Frise health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Allergies
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Patellar luxation
- • Cataracts
Maltese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Liver shunt
- • Dental issues
- • White shaker syndrome