A side-by-side comparison of the Bichon Frise and Maltese across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.
Bichon Frise
Maltese
Overall, Bichon Frise wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.
Bichon Frise
1 win
Maltese
0 wins
More family-friendly
These breeds score equally well with families.
Lower maintenance
Bichon Frise sheds less and needs less grooming overall.
Longer-lived
These breeds have a similar expected lifespan.
Calmer
These breeds have similar energy levels.
Quieter
These breeds bark about as much as each other.
More trainable
These breeds are equally trainable.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Height | Lifespan | Energy | Shedding | Grooming | Trainable | Affection | Barking | Kids | Dogs | Cats | Apartment | First-timers | Low-allergen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 11–15 lb | 9–11 in | 12 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
| Small | 5–7 lb | 10 in | 12 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Dog Cost Calculator
What a dog really costs — upfront, monthly, and lifetime — adjusted for your country and dog size.
Dog Food Calculator
How much to feed your dog per day, from daily calorie needs (RER/MER) and your food’s calories.
Dog Age Calculator
Convert your dog’s age to human years using the modern, size-adjusted formula.
The Bichon Frise and Maltese are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.
Overall, Bichon Frise wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.