The Bichon Frise and Maltese are small, fluffy companion dogs that share many similarities. Both breeds are known for their friendly personalities and adorable appearance. You’ll find that both breeds are intelligent and easy to train. They enjoy being around people and make great companions for seniors or those living in small spaces.
While both dogs are friendly, Maltese can be better watchdogs. They tend to bark more at strangers compared to Bichon Frises. But there’s many more similarities and differences, so let’s explore them!
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Physical Characteristics
Bichon Frises and Maltese dogs have distinct physical traits that set them apart. These small breeds differ in size and coat characteristics, which can influence your choice.
Size Comparison
- Bichon Frises are slightly larger than Maltese dogs. A Bichon Frise typically stands 9.5-11.5 inches tall and weighs 11-18 pounds.
- Maltese dogs are smaller, reaching only 7-9 inches in height and weighing 5-7 pounds. This size difference makes Maltese dogs more suitable for apartment living or if you prefer a tinier companion.
- Both breeds are considered small, but the Maltese falls into the toy dog category due to its compact size.
Coat Differences
- Bichon Frises have a double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser outer coat. Their fur is curly and stands away from the body, giving them a puffy, cotton-ball appearance.
- Maltese dogs have a single coat that is silky and straight. Their hair can grow quite long, often reaching the floor if not trimmed. It’s fine in texture and doesn’t shed much.
- Both breeds require regular grooming to maintain their coats. You’ll need to brush your Bichon Frise daily to prevent matting. Maltese dogs also need daily brushing to keep their long, silky coat tangle-free.
Personality Traits
Bichon Frises and Maltese have distinct personalities that can affect your choice. Both breeds are known for being affectionate and loving, but they differ in some key ways.
Temperament
- Bichon Frises are cheerful and playful dogs. They have a happy-go-lucky attitude that can brighten your day. These dogs are often described as “clownish” due to their fun-loving nature.
- Maltese, on the other hand, are more gentle and calm. They have a sweet disposition and tend to be more laid-back than Bichons.
- Both breeds are smart and can be easy to train. However, Bichons may be more eager to please, which can make training sessions more enjoyable.
Affection Level
- When it comes to showing love, both breeds excel. Bichon Frises are very affectionate and love to be near their owners. They enjoy cuddling and will often follow you around the house.
- Maltese are known for their emotional intelligence. They form strong bonds with their owners and are very in tune with your feelings. These dogs are perfect lap companions and will shower you with love.
- Both breeds can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They thrive on human companionship and may become stressed without it.
Social Behavior
- Bichon Frises are typically very social dogs. They get along well with other pets and are usually friendly towards strangers. This makes them great for families who often have visitors.
- Maltese can be a bit more reserved with new people. While they’re not typically aggressive, they may take longer to warm up to strangers.
- Both breeds can be good with children when properly socialized. However, due to their small size, supervision is important to prevent accidental injury.
- Bichons tend to be more adaptable in various social situations. Maltese may prefer quieter environments and can be more sensitive to loud noises or busy households.
Training and Intelligence
Bichon Frises and Maltese are both smart breeds, but they have different strengths when it comes to training and intelligence. Let’s look at how they compare in trainability, smarts, and emotional skills.
Ease of Training
- Maltese dogs are generally easier to train than Bichon Frises. They pick up new tricks quickly and love to learn. You’ll find Maltese excel in activities like agility and obedience.
- Bichon Frises can be a bit more stubborn. They may lose interest in training faster than Maltese. To keep your Bichon engaged, use short, fun sessions with lots of treats and praise.
- Both breeds respond well to positive reinforcement. Harsh methods won’t work for either dog. Keep training sessions short and upbeat for the best results.
Intelligence Ranking
- Both breeds are clever, but in different ways. Maltese tend to rank higher in obedience intelligence. They learn commands faster and remember them better.
- Bichon Frises shine in adaptive intelligence. They’re great problem-solvers and can figure out new situations on their own.
- To keep either breed mentally sharp, give them puzzles and games. Rotate their toys to prevent boredom. Both dogs need regular mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
Emotional Intelligence and Therapy Uses
- Maltese and Bichon Frises have high emotional intelligence. They’re empathetic and in tune with their owners’ feelings. This makes them great companions and potential therapy dogs.
- Maltese are especially sensitive to emotions. They often know when you’re sad and will try to comfort you. Their small size makes them ideal for visiting hospitals or nursing homes.
- Bichon Frises are also good therapy dogs. They’re friendly with strangers and have a cheerful nature that can lift spirits. Their slightly larger size can be a plus in some therapy settings.
- Both breeds can be trained for therapy work. Their gentle nature and love of people make them naturals at providing comfort and support.
Health and Lifespan
Both Bichon Frises and Maltese dogs are generally healthy breeds. They share some common health concerns and have similar lifespans. Let’s look at the specific health issues and expected longevity for each breed.
Common Health Concerns
- Bichon Frises and Maltese dogs face similar health challenges. Both breeds can develop hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly in its socket. This can cause pain and mobility issues.
- Eye problems are another shared concern. Cataracts, which cloud the eye’s lens, can affect both breeds. Regular eye check-ups are important to catch these issues early.
- Luxating patellas, or loose kneecaps, are common in small breeds like these. You might notice your dog skipping or holding up a leg if they have this problem.
- Allergies can also affect both breeds. Skin irritations or ear infections may be signs of allergies in your pet.
Average Lifespan
- Good news for dog lovers! Both Bichon Frises and Maltese dogs have long lifespans. You can expect your furry friend to be with you for many years.
- Bichon Frises typically live 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet check-ups, some may even reach 17 years.
- Maltese dogs have a similar lifespan, usually ranging from 12-15 years. Some sources suggest they might live slightly longer, up to 17 years.
- Your dog’s diet, exercise, and overall care play a big role in their longevity. Regular vet visits can help catch and treat health issues early, potentially extending your pet’s life.
Grooming and Care
Both Bichon Frises and Maltese dogs have high grooming needs. Their white coats require regular attention to stay clean and tangle-free. Let’s look at the specific care requirements for each breed.
Grooming Routine
- You’ll need to brush your Bichon Frise or Maltese daily to prevent mats and tangles. Use a pin brush and metal comb to work through the coat gently. Bichon Frises have a double coat that needs more frequent grooming than the Maltese’s single coat.
- Bathe your dog every 2-4 weeks, depending on how dirty they get. Trim the hair around their eyes, ears, and paws regularly. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks helps maintain the proper coat shape and length.
- Don’t forget nail trimming and teeth brushing. Both breeds need their nails clipped every 2-3 weeks and teeth brushed several times a week.
Shedding and Allergies
- Bichon Frises and Maltese are both low-shedding breeds, making them good choices for people with allergies. They produce less dander than many other dogs.
- Bichon Frises shed minimally, with loose hair getting caught in their undercoat. Regular brushing removes this hair before it falls on your furniture. Maltese dogs shed even less, as they don’t have an undercoat.
- While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, these breeds are often better tolerated by allergy sufferers. Regular grooming further reduces allergens by removing loose hair and dander.
Activity and Exercise Requirements
Bichon Frises and Maltese dogs have different energy levels and exercise needs. You should consider these differences when choosing between the breeds.
- Bichon Frises are more active and need about 30 minutes to 1 hour of daily exercise. You can meet their needs with walks, playtime, or fun activities like fetch and agility training.
- Maltese dogs have slightly lower energy levels. They still need regular exercise, but shorter sessions can suffice. A few 15-20 minute walks or play periods throughout the day can keep your Maltese happy and healthy.
- Both breeds enjoy indoor playtime. You can use toys and games to provide mental stimulation and physical activity, especially on days when outdoor exercise isn’t possible.