Maltese vs Bichon Frise: A Complete Breed Comparison

Quick Comparison Overview

This table offers a side-by-side summary to help you quickly see the major differences between Maltese and Bichon Frise dogs.

Origins and History

Understanding a dog breed's roots can give insight into their behavior and role in human society over time. Both the Maltese and the Bichon Frise hail from the Mediterranean, but their paths diverged early on.

Maltese Heritage

The Maltese is one of the world’s most ancient toy breeds, with a lineage dating back over 2,000 years. Believed to originate from the island of Malta or nearby Mediterranean regions, these small, elegant dogs were cherished by ancient Greeks and Romans. They were often featured in artwork and known as status symbols among aristocrats and royals.

Bichon Frise Heritage

The Bichon Frise is part of the Barbichon family of dogs, which also includes the Maltese, Havanese, and Bolognese. Originating in the Mediterranean, the breed found favor in the courts of France, Spain, and Italy during the Renaissance. After declining in popularity, the Bichon Frise was revived in the 20th century and remains a beloved companion dog around the world today.

Physical Characteristics

While both breeds are small, white, and adorable, they differ noticeably in build and coat type. These differences may affect grooming time, shedding, and even allergies.

Maltese: This breed is smaller, with a fine-boned build and weighs between 3–7 pounds. They typically stand 8–10 inches tall. Their frame gives them an elegant, almost dainty appearance.

Bichon Frise: A bit larger and sturdier, the Bichon Frise weighs 12–18 pounds and stands 9–12 inches tall. They appear more robust and playful in stance, with a square, athletic posture.

Coat Differences

One of the biggest distinctions between the two breeds is their coat.

Maltese

The Maltese has a single, long, and silky coat that can grow to the floor if left untrimmed. Their hair is fine, smooth, and usually pure white, though a slight lemon tinge is acceptable. Daily brushing is essential to prevent tangles and mats.

• Single-layered coat that's straight, silky, and fine
• Grows continuously and can reach floor length if left uncut
• Pure white color (slight lemon or tan tinge on ears is acceptable)
• Requires daily brushing to prevent matting
• Hypoallergenic and minimal shedding 

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise features a dense, double-layered coat with a soft undercoat and curly outer layer. Groomed properly, it gives the dog a "powder puff" look. The coat requires daily brushing and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks to maintain its shape and avoid matting.

• Double-layered coat with a soft, dense undercoat and curly outer coat
• Texture resembles cotton or powder puff when properly groomed
• Always pure white
• Stands away from the body when properly maintained
• Hypoallergenic and minimal shedding
• Requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks 

Temperament and Personality

Both breeds are affectionate and thrive on human companionship, but they express their love differently and fit into various household dynamics.

Maltese

Maltese dogs are alert, loyal, and deeply attached to their owners. They can be wary of strangers and tend to be more vocal, making them effective watchdogs. However, their sensitivity also makes them prone to separation anxiety if left alone frequently.

Bichon Frise

Bichons are cheerful, curious, and extremely social. They love children and get along well with other pets, making them a top choice for families. They're less prone to anxiety and adjust well to changes in routine or environment.

Training and Intelligence

Both dogs are intelligent, but their training responsiveness varies slightly.

Maltese

The Maltese can be a bit stubborn, which may make housebreaking and basic obedience more challenging. Positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency are key. Early socialization helps prevent small dog syndrome and fear-based behaviors.

Bichon Frise

Bichons are eager to please and respond very well to training. They enjoy learning tricks and are suitable for agility or obedience classes. Their playful nature makes training feel like a game rather than a chore.

Exercise and Activity

While neither breed is a high-energy working dog, both need regular activity to stay healthy and happy.

Maltese

Maltese dogs are happy with short walks and indoor play. Their small size means they don't require much space, and they adapt well to apartment living. Daily mental stimulation is also important to prevent boredom-related behaviors.

Bichon Frise

Bichons need slightly more exercise—at least 30–45 minutes a day. They love outdoor adventures, interactive games, and social settings like dog parks. Their sturdy build makes them well-suited to more active families.

Health Considerations

Both breeds are relatively healthy, especially when purchased from responsible breeders. However, each has predispositions to certain conditions.

Maltese

Common health concerns include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), collapsing trachea, dental issues, and white dog shaker syndrome. Their tiny mouths make dental hygiene especially important.

• Luxating patella (kneecap dislocation)
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Collapsing trachea
• Dental problems due to small mouth size
• White dog shaker syndrome 

Bichon Frise

Bichons can suffer from allergies, hip dysplasia, bladder stones, cataracts, and Cushing’s disease. Regular vet checkups and a balanced diet help mitigate these risks.

• Hip dysplasia (less common in small dogs)
• Patellar luxation
• Bladder stones
• Allergies and skin sensitivities
• Cataracts and other eye problems
• Cushing's disease 

Grooming Needs

Both breeds are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but their coat care differs.

Maltese

They require daily brushing to prevent tangles and regular baths every one to two weeks. Their eyes and facial hair need daily cleaning to avoid tear staining, and the hair around their face is often tied up to prevent eye irritation.

Bichon Frise

Their curly coat requires daily brushing and professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. Using a special shampoo helps maintain their fluffy appearance, and regular ear and dental care are essential to prevent infections.

Making Your Choice

Choosing the right breed depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Here are some quick guidelines:

Choose a Maltese if you:

• Want a small, portable companion
• Have a quieter home or live alone
• Can dedicate time to grooming and attention
• Prefer a loyal lapdog who bonds closely

Choose a Bichon Frise if you:

• Want a playful, social family dog
• Have kids or other pets
• Enjoy training and interactive play
• Prefer a sturdy, adaptable companion

Cost Considerations

Both breeds require significant grooming expenses, but the Bichon Frise may have slightly higher food costs due to their larger size. Initial purchase prices for both breeds from reputable breeders typically range from $1,000 to $3,000. 

Conclusion

Both the Maltese and Bichon Frise are excellent companion dogs with their own unique strengths. The Maltese is ideal for individuals seeking a refined, devoted lapdog, while the Bichon Frise excels in active family homes with plenty of interaction. Consider your daily routine, living space, and experience level before choosing between these two charming breeds.

Note: Individual personality and training can vary. Proper care, socialization, and love will bring out the best in any dog.