Maltese vs Bichon Frise: Which Dog Is Right for You in 2026?
Both the Maltese and Bichon Frise are excellent dogs — the right choice depends entirely on your lifestyle. The Maltese wins for owners who want ancient, silky-white toy companion breed beloved for millennia, while the Bichon Frise is the better pick for those seeking cheerful, low-shedding powder-puff companion with sunny disposition. Read the full breakdown below to find your match.
| Characteristic | Maltese | Bichon Frise |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Weight (adult) | Under 7 lbs | 12–18 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–15 yrs | 14–15 yrs |
| Energy Level | Low–Moderate | Moderate |
| Shedding | Very Low | Very Low |
| Trainability | Good | Good |
| Good with Kids | Moderate (fragile; best with gentle older kids) | Excellent |
| Barking Tendency | High | Moderate |
| Grooming Needs | High | High |
| Est. Monthly Cost | $100–$260 | $120–$280 |
Size & Appearance
The Maltese is a toy dog weighing Under 7 lbs, known for its gentle and distinctive appearance. The Bichon Frise is a small breed weighing 12–18 lbs, with a look that reflects its playful character.
Size matters for practical reasons: food costs, space requirements, and how the dog interacts physically with children all scale with body weight. If you live in an apartment or have limited space, the smaller of the two may be the pragmatic choice. Both breeds fit comfortably in suburban family settings when their exercise needs are met.
Temperament & Personality
Maltese Temperament
The Maltese is described as gentle, playful, charming, fearless, responsive. Ancient, silky-white toy companion breed beloved for millennia. This breed forms strong bonds with family members and generally does well in social settings. Their personality makes them apartments.
Bichon Frise Temperament
The Bichon Frise is known for being playful, curious, peppy, affectionate, sociable. Cheerful, low-shedding powder-puff companion with sunny disposition. This breed’s character lends itself to allergy sufferers households that can match their needs.
Bottom line: Both are rewarding companions. The Maltese suits owners who want ancient, silky-white toy companion breed beloved for millennia, while the Bichon Frise is better for those seeking cheerful, low-shedding powder-puff companion with sunny disposition.
Health & Lifespan
Maltese Health
- Lifespan: 12–15 yrs
- Key health concerns: Patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, dental disease, collapsed trachea
- Tip: Pet insurance is strongly recommended; enroll at puppy age before conditions develop.
Bichon Frise Health
- Lifespan: 14–15 yrs
- Key health concerns: Allergies, patellar luxation, bladder stones, dental disease
- Tip: Regular vet checkups and breed-specific health screenings are essential.
Both breeds benefit from health-tested parents. Always request OFA/CAER/breed-specific test results from reputable breeders. Shop on Chewy for veterinary-recommended supplements to support joint and heart health.
Exercise & Training
Maltese Exercise & Training
- Daily exercise: 20–30 min/day; easily exercised indoors
- Trainability: Good
- The Maltese’s gentle nature means training sessions should be consistent, positive, and structured. This breed responds best to reward-based methods.
Bichon Frise Exercise & Training
- Daily exercise: 30–45 min/day
- Trainability: Good
- The Bichon Frise is curious in training contexts. Consistent early socialization and obedience work produce the best outcomes.
Training verdict: Both breeds are capable learners. The more trainable of the two has a slight edge for first-time owners or those pursuing competitive obedience/sport work.
Grooming
Maltese Grooming
Daily brushing for long coat; professional trim every 6–8 weeks
Bichon Frise Grooming
Professional groom every 4–6 weeks; brush every few days to prevent mats
Grooming is often the deciding lifestyle factor for new dog owners. Lower-maintenance coats save time and money over a dog’s lifetime — a meaningful difference when compounded across 10–15 years. Shop on Chewy for grooming tools, shampoos, and de-shedding supplies for both breeds.
Cost of Ownership
Maltese Costs
- Puppy $1,000–$3,500; annual care $1,000–$2,500
- Monthly estimate: $100–$260
- Best for: Apartments, seniors, adults without young children
Bichon Frise Costs
- Puppy $1,000–$3,000; annual care $1,000–$2,500
- Monthly estimate: $120–$280
- Best for: Allergy sufferers, families, apartments, older adults
Ongoing costs include food, vet care, grooming, supplies, training, and pet insurance. Giant and brachycephalic breeds tend toward the higher end of lifetime costs. Budget an emergency fund of $2,000–$5,000 for unexpected veterinary needs.
Which Is Right for You?
Choose the Maltese if:
- You want a dog that is gentle, playful, charming, fearless, responsive
- Your lifestyle fits: Apartments, seniors, adults without young children
- You can commit to: 20–30 min/day; easily exercised indoors and daily brushing for long coat
- Your budget accommodates: $100–$260/month
Choose the Bichon Frise if:
- You want a dog that is playful, curious, peppy, affectionate, sociable
- Your lifestyle fits: Allergy sufferers, families, apartments, older adults
- You can commit to: 30–45 min/day and professional groom every 4–6 weeks
- Your budget accommodates: $120–$280/month
Related Guides
- Maltese Guide — Complete Maltese breed guide
- Bichon Frise Guide — Complete Bichon Frise breed guide
- Best Dog Food for Malteses
- Best Dog Food for Bichon Frises
- Pet Insurance for Malteses
- Pet Insurance for Bichon Frises
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a Maltese or Bichon Frise better for families with children?
A: Both breeds can thrive with children when properly socialized. The Maltese is rated “Moderate (fragile; best with gentle older kids)” with kids, while the Bichon Frise is rated “Excellent.” Supervision is always recommended with any dog and young children, regardless of breed. Energy levels, size, and individual temperament matter more than breed alone.
Q: Which breed sheds more — Maltese or Bichon Frise?
A: The Maltese has very low shedding, while the Bichon Frise has very low shedding. Factor this into your decision if allergies or household cleanliness is a priority. No dog is truly non-shedding, but lower-shedding breeds significantly reduce fur around the home.
Q: Are Malteses or Bichon Frises easier to train?
A: The Maltese offers good trainability, and the Bichon Frise offers good trainability. Both respond best to positive reinforcement. For first-time owners, the more trainable of the two may offer a smoother introduction to dog ownership.
Q: What is the lifespan of a Maltese vs Bichon Frise?
A: The Maltese typically lives 12–15 yrs, while the Bichon Frise has a lifespan of 14–15 yrs. Lifespan varies based on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care. Purchasing from health-tested breeders and maintaining routine vet visits maximizes longevity for either breed.
Q: Which breed costs more to own — Maltese or Bichon Frise?
A: Monthly ownership costs are approximately $100–$260 for the Maltese and $120–$280 for the Bichon Frise. Beyond routine costs, factor in health risks, potential surgery costs, and pet insurance premiums. Lifetime costs for either breed over 10–15 years typically range from $15,000–$40,000+ depending on health outcomes.
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