Bichon Frise vs Maltese

Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese — at a glance

The Bichon Frise (5–8 kg, 14–15 years) and the Maltese (3–4 kg, 12–15 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.

Both breeds have similar energy demands — Bichon Frise tips slightly higher but neither is a couch dog.

If you have young children, the Bichon Frise is the clearly more child-friendly choice.

Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.

	Bichon Frise	Maltese
Group	Non-Sporting	Toy
Origin	Mediterranean	Malta / Mediterranean
Weight	5–8 kg	3–4 kg
Height	23–30 cm	20–25 cm
Lifespan	14–15 years	12–15 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

Bichon Frise

Temperament

Cheerful, gentle, playful, affectionate. Bichons are people-magnets and need to be part of the family. Generally great with children, other dogs and cats. Can be barky without training.

Exercise

30–60 minutes of daily exercise plus indoor play. Mental work and short obedience sessions are ideal.

Grooming

High maintenance: daily brushing if kept fluffy, plus a professional groom every 4–6 weeks. Tear staining around eyes is common (genetic). Hair grows continuously and doesn't shed.

Health

Generally healthy and long-lived. Watch for: bladder stones (a Bichon problem — drink lots of water, monitor urine), Cushing's disease, allergies (skin and food), patellar luxation, dental disease.

Full Bichon Frise profile →

Maltese

Temperament

Affectionate, fearless, bonded, sometimes barky. Maltese form intense bonds with one or two people and can suffer separation anxiety.

Exercise

20–30 minutes of gentle walking plus indoor play. Easy to over-exercise.

Grooming

Daily brushing if kept long — the coat tangles and mats easily. Most pet owners choose a "puppy cut" every 6 weeks. Tear staining around eyes is very common.

Health

Patellar luxation. Liver shunts. Hypoglycaemia (puppies). Dental disease. Tracheal collapse — always use a harness, never a collar.

Full Maltese profile →

Which is right for you?

Pick the Bichon Frise if

Allergy-sensitive families, retirees, apartment dwellers, multi-pet homes.

Pick the Maltese if

Apartment dwellers, retirees, allergy-sensitive owners, single-pet households.

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