Bichon Frise vs Maltese
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Bichon Frise
A cheerful, puffy white powder puff of a dog with an irresistible personality. Bichon Frises are hypoallergenic, joyful, and get along with everyone they meet.
VS
Maltese
An aristocratic toy breed with a flowing white coat and gentle, playful personality. The Maltese has been a cherished lap dog for millennia and is surprisingly spirited for its tiny size.
Quick Answer
Choose Bichon Frise if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose Maltese if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Bichon Frise
Attribute
Maltese
small
Size
small
3–5 kg (7–11 lbs)
Weight
1–3 kg (2–7 lbs)
23–30 cm (9–12 in)
Height
18–25 cm (7–10 in)
Better14–15 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Better4/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Energy
3/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
2/5
1/5
Shedding
1/5
5/5
Grooming
5/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
Better4/5
Health
3/5
Better$700–$2,000
Price
$600–$2,500
Attribute Comparison
Family and Social Compatibility: Bichon Frise vs Maltese
Bichon Frise is better suited for families with children.
Bichon Frise
Maltese
Good with Kids
Better5/5
vs2/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs3/5
Strangers
Better5/5
vs4/5
For families with children, the Bichon Frise is the significantly stronger choice. With a kid-friendliness score of 5/5, the Bichon Frise's playful nature makes it a natural family companion.
Which Is Healthier — Bichon Frise or Maltese? Health Compared
Bichon Frise tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bichon Frise
Maltese
Lifespan (years)
Better14–15
vs12–15
Health Robustness
Better4/5
vs3/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Bichon Frise lives roughly 14–15 years while the Maltese averages 12–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Bichon Frise and Maltese Temperament: What to Expect
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Bichon Frise
Maltese
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
Better3/5
vs4/5
Energy
3/5
vs3/5
Bichon Frises from the Non-Sporting group carry a playful, curious and peppy personality, shaped by their heritage as non-sporting dogs. Malteses, belonging to the Toy group, are gentle, playful and charming — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Bichon Frise vs Maltese: Training and Intelligence
Bichon Frise is generally easier to train.
Bichon Frise
Maltese
Trainability
Better4/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
4/5
vs4/5
The Bichon Frise has a slight training edge (4/5 vs 3/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Bichon Frise tends to catch on a bit faster.
Bichon Frise vs Maltese: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Bichon Frise
Avg. Purchase$1,350
Annual Food$360
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,260
Maltese
Avg. Purchase$1,550
Annual Food$300
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,250 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $700–$2,000 for a Bichon Frise and $600–$2,500 for a Maltese. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Bichon Frise vs Maltese: Size and Coat
Both breeds are similar in size.
Bichon Frise
Maltese
Weight (kg)
3–5
vs1–3
Height (cm)
23–30
vs18–25
The Bichon Frise (3–5 kg (7–11 lbs), 23–30 cm (9–12 in)) and Maltese (1–3 kg (2–7 lbs), 18–25 cm (7–10 in)) are very close in size. You won't need different-sized equipment, and food costs will be comparable.
Bichon Frise vs Maltese: Energy and Exercise Compared
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Bichon Frise
Maltese
Energy Level
3/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (2/5) and similar energy levels (Bichon Frise: 3/5, Maltese: 3/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — a daily walk and some playtime covers both breeds' needs.
Which Sheds More — Bichon Frise or Maltese? Grooming Compared
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Bichon Frise
Maltese
Shedding
1/5
vs1/5
Grooming Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds shed at the same rate (1/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Summary and Final Take: Bichon Frise or Maltese?
The Bichon Frise comes out ahead in most categories — it's easier to train (4/5 vs 3/5), better with children (5/5), better health profile (4/5). If you can meet its low exercise needs and don't mind regular grooming, the Bichon Frise is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bichon Frise and Maltese are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Bichon Frise is much more kid-friendly. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Bichon Frise if...
- ✓You have young children — Bichon Frises are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
Choose Maltese if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bichon Frise or Maltese?
The Bichon Frise scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Maltese's 2/5. The Bichon Frise is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bichon Frise or Maltese easier to train?
The Bichon Frise is easier to train with a score of 4/5, compared to the Maltese's 3/5. The Bichon Frise is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Bichon Frise or Maltese?
A Bichon Frise puppy costs $700–$2,000 while a Maltese costs $600–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,260 for the Bichon Frise and $1,250 for the Maltese. The Bichon Frise is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bichon Frises or Malteses live longer?
The Bichon Frise lives 14–15 years on average, while the Maltese lives 12–15 years. The Bichon Frise generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bichon Frise or Maltese live in an apartment?
The Bichon Frise is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Maltese (5/5). The Bichon Frise is one of our top picks for apartment living.