Bichon FriseVSMaltese

The Bichon Frise is known for being playful, curious, peppy, while the Maltese is typically described as gentle, playful, charming. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

When it comes to playfulness, the Bichon Frise has the edge with a 5/5 rating compared to the Maltese's 4/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Bichon Frise is your pick.

Noise-wise, the Maltese is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Bichon Frise is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Bichon Frise may be the better choice.

The Bichon Frise is a small breed standing 23–30 cm (9–12 in) tall and weighing 3–5 kg (7–11 lbs). In comparison, the Maltese is a small breed at 18–25 cm (7–10 in) and 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Bichon Frise has a curly coat available in white, white and cream, white and apricot, while the Maltese sports a long coat in white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Bichon Frise has moderate energy (3/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The Maltese has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (1/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 5/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $500 for the Bichon Frise and $500 for the Maltese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bichon Frise has a lifespan of 14–15 years, while the Maltese lives 12–15 years. The Bichon Frise tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Bichon Frise scores 4/5 compared to the Maltese's 3/5. The Bichon Frise is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Bichon Frise include patellar luxation, bladder stones, allergies, dental disease. The Maltese is prone to patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, progressive retinal atrophy, dental disease. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $400 for the Bichon Frise and $450 for the Maltese. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Bichon Frise is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Maltese scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

For families with children, the Bichon Frise is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Maltese's 2/5. The Bichon Frise's playful nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Bichon Frise tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the Maltese (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Bichon Frise is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Bichon Frise is more welcoming to strangers (5/5), while the Maltese tends to be more reserved (4/5). If you frequently have guests, the Bichon Frise's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Bichon Frise ranges from $700–$2,000, while a Maltese typically costs $600–$2,500. The Maltese is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,260 for the Bichon Frise and $1,250 for the Maltese. The Bichon Frise is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $30 for the Bichon Frise and $25 for the Maltese. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.