Bichon Frise vs Bichon Maltese: Understanding the Similarities and Differences

As you consider bringing home a new furry friend, you may be torn between two adorable options: the Bichon Frise and the Bichon Maltese. Both breeds are small, playful, and affectionate, making them perfect companions for many families.

The Bichon Frise and Bichon Maltese are both known for their low-shedding coats, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting. Their small size also makes them ideal for apartment living.

One key difference between the two breeds is their lifespan, with the Bichon Frise typically living 12-15 years, while the Bichon Maltese can live up to 18 years. This difference may be a significant consideration for families looking for a long-term companion.

A different take: Small Breed Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise vs Bichon Maltese - what's the difference? Well, Bichon Frises are generally a bit bigger than Bichon Malteses, coming in at around 11 to 18 pounds.

One of the main differences between the two breeds is their temperament. Bichon Frises are known for being friendly to everyone, whereas Bichon Malteses can be more protective and jealous if not properly socialized.

Bichon Frises have a more developed protective instinct, which can lead to barking and jealousy. On the other hand, Bichon Frises are perfect pets for someone who has never had a dog before - they're gregarious, playful, intelligent, obedient, and not aggressive at all.

Training a Bichon Frise is simpler than training a Bichon Maltese, as they are eager to please and quick to learn. However, Bichon Frises can be a bit more challenging to housebreak due to their excitable nature.

Here are some key differences between Bichon Frises and Bichon Malteses:

Both Bichon Frise and Bichon Maltese are generally long-lived and healthy, but they can suffer from certain breed-specific conditions. The Bichon Maltese is prone to genetic ocular diseases.

The Bichon Frise can experience ocular problems such as lacrimal blockage or cataracts.

Bichon Maltese specimens may also suffer from patellar luxation, dyskinesis, hydrocephalus, and entropion.

The Bichon Frise variety can experience kneecap dislocation as well as episodes of epilepsy.

The Bichon Frise and Bichon Maltese are both small dogs, but the Bichon Frise is slightly larger, weighing between 7-12 pounds, while the Bichon Maltese weighs between 4-8 pounds.

Their size is just one of the many differences between these two breeds.

The Bichon Frise has a long history, dating back to the 13th century, where they were bred as companions for nobility.

When it comes to size, Maltese and Bichon Frises are both small dogs.

Maltese dogs weigh only 3 kg, while Bichons weigh 3-5 kg.

Bichons are slightly taller than Maltese, with males ranging from 22-27 cm and females from 22-27 cm in height.

Maltese males are 20-25 cm tall, and females are 20-22 cm tall.

Both Maltese and Bichon Frises are classified as Toy dogs by the United Kingdom Kennel Club.

The Maltese has a rich history dating back around 2,000 years. They're one of the oldest Toy breeds, and their ancient origins are still shrouded in mystery.

The Maltese is believed to have originated from the Mediterranean island of Malta, but some historians think they might have come from Italy or Asia instead. They've been given many nicknames over the years, including "The Comforter", which they earned from the ancient Egyptians who thought they could cure people of disease.

Maltese dogs were highly valued by royalty across Europe, and were even featured in paintings by famous artists like Goya and Sir Joshua Reynolds. They were a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Queen Victoria.

The Maltese is thought to be an ancestor of the Bichon Frise, another beloved breed. The Bichon Frise has its own fascinating history, dating back to the 14th century when French sailors brought them home from Tenerife.

The Bichon Frise is a small but sturdy dog, weighing between 11 to 18 pounds. They have a bright white coat that's curly and fluffy, similar to a Poodle's.

One of the things that sets Bichon Frises apart from other small breeds is their friendly nature. They get along great with strangers, which makes them a great choice if you want to take them out of the house with you.

Bichon Frises are energetic dogs that need a little more space to exercise than some other small breeds. They're still relatively easy to exercise, but they do require some regular physical activity.

Here are some key characteristics of the Bichon Frise breed:

Keep in mind that Bichon Frises can be a bit high-maintenance when it comes to their coat, and they may have some trouble with bladder control during housebreaking.

Choosing the right breed for you and your family is a big decision, and it's essential to consider your personal preferences and lifestyle. Both Bichon Frise and Maltese dogs have high grooming needs, which means they require regular brushing and grooming sessions to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Take a look at this: How to Groom a Bichon Frise

Maltese dogs are generally smaller than Bichon Frise dogs, but they are otherwise quite similar in terms of their exercise needs and friendly, family-oriented personalities. This makes them a great choice for families with smaller living spaces.

If you have allergies, neither Bichon Frise nor Maltese dogs are a bad choice, as they produce very little dander. This is great news for those who suffer from allergies.

Here are some key differences between Bichon Frise and Maltese dogs:

Bichon Frise dogs tend to be a little friendlier with strangers and have higher energy, while Maltese dogs are more alert and empathetic. This means that Bichon Frise dogs may be a better fit for families who live in apartments or have a lot of social interactions, while Maltese dogs may be a better fit for families who value a more laid-back, low-maintenance pet.