Bichon Frise vs Maltese
Why this comparison exists: Bichon Frise (non-sporting) vs Maltese (toy) in a similar size class — a genuine either/or choice buyers actually make.
Head-to-head
| Bichon Frise | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Non-Sporting | Toy |
| Origin | France | Malta |
| Weight | 5–8 kg | 2–4 kg |
| Height | 24–29 cm | 20–25 cm |
| Lifespan | 14–15 yrs | 12–15 yrs |
| Coat | curly white double | long silky hypoallergenic |
| Trait ratings (our 1–5 editorial scoring) | ||
| Shedding | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Grooming need | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Exercise need | 2/5 | 1/5 ▲ |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid friendly | 4/5 ▲ | 2/5 |
| Apartment suitable | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Barking tendency | 3/5 ▲ | 4/5 |
| Monthly cost (est.) | $80–160 | $80–160 |
- Kid friendly: Bichon Frise 4/5 vs Maltese 2/5 — a meaningful gap.
What buyers also compare
Price. Don't let breeder listings decide this one: our dataset estimates identical upkeep for both breeds ($80–$160/month), and the grooming bill — the real cost driver at 5/5 grooming need — is the same. Buy on temperament fit, not on a purchase-price difference that vanishes inside the first year of grooming.
The Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle angles. Cross-shoppers widen this to the Shih Tzu and the Toy Poodle — both fair comparisons. The Toy Poodle is the smarter, more athletic option (trainability 5/5); the Shih Tzu is quieter (barking 3/5) but needs the same 5/5 grooming. Among the four, the Bichon Frise remains the best pick with kids (4/5), and the Maltese the smallest (2–4 kg).
- you want more kid friendly (4/5 vs 2/5)
- you simply prefer its look and temperament overall
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for families, Bichon Frise or Maltese?
For kid-friendliness: Bichon Frise scores 4/5, Maltese scores 2/5. Bichon Frise has the edge.
Which sheds more, Bichon Frise or Maltese?
Bichon Frise scores 1/5 for shedding vs Maltese at 1/5. About the same.
Which is easier to train, Bichon Frise or Maltese?
Bichon Frise: 4/5, Maltese: 4/5. Both train similarly.
Which costs more to keep, Bichon Frise or Maltese?
Estimated $80–$160/mo for the Bichon Frise vs $80–$160/mo for the Maltese. Larger, heavier-groomed breeds cost more.
Which dog breed is better, the Bichon Frise or the Maltese?
They are near-twins on lifestyle: both score 5/5 for apartment suitability and 1/5 for shedding, with identical 5/5 grooming needs and the same $80–$160/month upkeep estimate. The split: the Bichon Frise suits families with kids better (kid-friendliness 4/5 vs 2/5); the Maltese is tinier (2–4 kg vs 5–8 kg) but barkier (4/5 vs 3/5). Pick the Bichon for a family, the Maltese for the smallest possible footprint.
What is the downside of a Bichon Frise?
Grooming first: the curly white double coat scores 5/5 for grooming need — it mats without constant brushing and professional clipping. Then the companion-breed tax: barking 3/5 and a dog that hates being left alone. The temperament itself (kid-friendly 4/5, apartment 5/5) is the easy part; the brush is the hard part.
What are the four types of Bichons?
The Bichon family is usually counted as four: the Bichon Frise, the Bolognese, the Coton de Tulear, and the Havanese. (The Maltese is sometimes called a “Maltese Bichon,” but it is its own breed.) All are small white companion dogs — the Bichon Frise is simply the most common one.
Bichon Frise full profile
Maltese full profile
More comparisons
Shih Tzu vs Maltese
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Trait ratings are our editorial scoring, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough estimates and vary by location. Health notes are general guidance — consult your veterinarian.