Bichon Frise vs Maltese
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Bichon Frise | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Small | Toy |
| Adult weight | 5.4 to 8.2 kg | Up to 3.2 kg |
| In pounds | 12 to 18 lb | Up to 7 lb |
| Adult height | 24 to 29 cm | 18 to 23 cm |
| Energy | High | Moderate |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Coat | Long curly and double | Long silky |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | 14 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Fine with supervision |
| Good with other dogs | Reliably good | Fine with supervision |
| Country of origin | Belgium, France | Central Mediterranean Basin |
The main differences
- The Bichon Frise is the bigger dog: 5.4 to 8.2 kg against Up to 3.2 kg for the Maltese.
- The Bichon Frise needs more exercise: high energy against moderate for the Maltese.
- Grooming is high for both.
- The Bichon Frise usually lives longer: 14 to 15 years against 12 to 15 years.
- With children, the Bichon Frise is rated reliably good and the Maltese fine with supervision.
Temperament
Bichon Frise: Curious, peppy and playful, the Bichon Frise is an adaptable companion that gets on well with other dogs and children.
Maltese: The Maltese is gentle mannered and affectionate, eager and sprightly in action, and despite their size has the vigour of a satisfactory companion.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Bichon Frise
- Early tooth loss and gum infection where dental care is not a priority, found at a routine dental check
- Allergies, including skin reactions and flea allergy
- Patellar luxation, a weakness in the knee joints
- Genetic cataracts and other eye disease, screened by an annual ophthalmologist eye examination
Maltese
- Patellar luxation, with a patella evaluation recommended by the national breed club
- Cardiac disease, with a cardiac exam recommended by the national breed club
- Liver shunt, screened for with a serum bile acids test
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Bichon Frise or the Maltese?
The Bichon Frise. Adults weigh 5.4 to 8.2 kg, against Up to 3.2 kg for the Maltese, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Bichon Frise or the Maltese?
The published life expectancy is 14 to 15 years for the Bichon Frise and 12 to 15 years for the Maltese. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Bichon Frise or the Maltese better with children?
The Bichon Frise scores higher for children (5 against 3 out of 5). Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin