Bichon Frise vs Maltese
Which breed is right for you?
Quick verdict
Both the Bichon Frise and the Maltese are merry, low-shedding white companion dogs that adore people and suit apartment life, but the biggest difference is size and sturdiness. The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy dog (5 to 8 kg) rated excellent with kids, while the Maltese is a tiny, fragile toy (1.5 to 3 kg) that does best with older, gentle children. Pick the Bichon for a more robust family pet and the Maltese if you want a smaller, lighter lap dog.
At a glance
| Bichon Frise | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Non-Sporting | Toy |
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Weight | 5-8 kg | 1.5-3 kg |
| Height | 23-30 cm | 18-23 cm |
| Lifespan | 14-15 yr | 12-15 yr |
| Origin | Mediterranean (France and Belgium) | Malta / Mediterranean |
| Energy | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Trainability | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Friendliness | 5 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Shedding | 1 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Barking | 3 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Good with kids | Excellent | Older kids best |
| With other dogs | Very good | Good |
| With cats | Good | Usually fine |
Choose the Bichon Frise if:
Choose the Bichon Frise if you want a sturdier small dog that is excellent with children and other pets, and you can commit to professional clipping every four to six weeks.
Full Bichon Frise profileChoose the Maltese if:
Choose the Maltese if you want a tiny, elegant lap companion for a calmer or adult household, prefer the smallest possible dog, and do not mind that it is delicate and can be more vocal.
Full Maltese profileFrequently asked questions
Which is better for families with young children?
The Bichon Frise is the safer pick, as it is sturdier and rated excellent with kids. The Maltese is tiny and fragile, so it does best with older, gentle children who will not handle it roughly.
Which one sheds less and is better for allergies?
Both shed very little (each rated 1 out of 5) and are often tolerated by people with mild allergies. Neither dog is truly hypoallergenic, and both need regular grooming to keep dander and loose hair down.
Which barks less?
The Bichon Frise tends to be a bit quieter, rated 3 out of 5 for barking versus 4 out of 5 for the Maltese. Both can be vocal at strangers and noises, so early training helps with either breed.