French Bulldog vs Maltese
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
French Bulldog
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
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 French Bulldog if you want better with kids. Choose Maltese if you want less shedding and better health.
Quick Comparison
French Bulldog
Attribute
Maltese
small
Size
small
8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)
Weight
1–3 kg (2–7 lbs)
28–33 cm (11–13 in)
Height
18–25 cm (7–10 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrsBetter
3/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Energy
3/5
Better4/5
Good with Kids
2/5
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better1/5
Grooming
5/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
2/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,500–$5,000
Price
$600–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
French Bulldog vs Maltese: Grooming Routine and Shedding
French Bulldog sheds more; Maltese is easier to maintain.
French Bulldog
Maltese
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs5/5
The French Bulldog sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Maltese (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Maltese has a slight edge.
French Bulldog vs Maltese: Common Health Issues
Maltese tends to be the healthier breed overall.
French Bulldog
Maltese
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs12–15Better
Health Robustness
2/5
vs3/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. Malteses live 12–15 years on average, while French Bulldogs live 10–12 years.
Cost to Own: French Bulldog vs Maltese
Maltese is less expensive to own annually.
French Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$480
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,380
Maltese
Avg. Purchase$1,550
Annual Food$300
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,250 ✓
Be prepared for sticker shock: the French Bulldog costs $1,500–$5,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Maltese's $600–$2,500. That's a $1,700 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Temperament Differences: French Bulldog and Maltese
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
French Bulldog
Maltese
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs4/5
Energy
3/5
vs3/5
When you live with a French Bulldog, you'll notice their playful, adaptable and affectionate character in everything they do. A Maltese, by contrast, shows a gentle, playful and charming nature.
French Bulldog or Maltese for Your Family?
French Bulldog is better suited for families with children.
French Bulldog
Maltese
Good with Kids
Better4/5
vs2/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs3/5
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
If kids are part of the equation, the data is clear: the French Bulldog scores 4/5 with children while the Maltese manages 2/5. The French Bulldog is naturally patient and gentle around young ones.
Size & Build: French Bulldog vs Maltese
French Bulldog is the larger breed; Maltese is more compact.
French Bulldog
Maltese
Weight (kg)
8–13
vs1–3
Height (cm)
28–33
vs18–25
There's a noticeable but not extreme size difference. The French Bulldog (8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)) is somewhat heftier than the Maltese (1–3 kg (2–7 lbs)).
Training: French Bulldog vs Maltese
Both breeds are equally trainable.
French Bulldog
Maltese
Trainability
3/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
3/5
vs4/5Better
Both breeds score 3/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are moderately responsive and benefit from consistent training sessions.
How Much Exercise Do French Bulldogs vs Malteses Need?
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
French Bulldog
Maltese
Energy Level
3/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the French Bulldog and Maltese need low daily activity (2/5). Neither breed will overwhelm you with exercise demands.
Summary — French Bulldog or Maltese: Which Is Right for You?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the French Bulldog if you value better with children (4/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The French Bulldog and Maltese are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: French Bulldog is much more kid-friendly. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose French Bulldog if...
- ✓You have young children — French Bulldogs are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
Choose Maltese if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — Malteses are generally more robust (3/5 health score).
- ✓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, French Bulldog or Maltese?
The French Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Maltese's 2/5. The French Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a French Bulldog or Maltese easier to train?
The French Bulldog is equally easy to train with a score of 3/5, matching the Maltese. The French Bulldog is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a French Bulldog or Maltese?
A French Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Maltese costs $600–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $1,250 for the Maltese. The French Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do French Bulldogs or Malteses live longer?
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 years on average, while the Maltese lives 12–15 years. The Maltese tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a French Bulldog or Maltese live in an apartment?
The French Bulldog is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Maltese (5/5). The French Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.