Bichon Frise vs Maltese: How to Choose

Bichon Frise and Maltese are two of the most beloved small white companion breeds, and it is easy to see why people compare them: both are fluffy, affectionate, low-shedding lapdogs with a long history as cherished companions. But they are distinct breeds with real differences in coat, size and character. If you are torn between the two, this honest comparison covers coat and grooming, size, temperament, shedding and allergies, health and cost, to help you choose the right dog for your home.

Coat: curly double coat vs silky single coat

The biggest visible difference is the coat. The Bichon Frise has a double coat — a soft, dense undercoat beneath a coarser, curling outercoat — which is usually scissored into the breed's signature rounded, powder-puff shape. The Maltese has a single coat of fine, straight, silky, hair-like fur with no undercoat, often grown long and flowing with a topknot to keep it out of the eyes, though many pet owners keep it in a shorter clip. In short: Bichon = curly and rounded; Maltese = straight and silky. Both are white, and both stand out for it.

Grooming: both demanding

Neither breed is low-maintenance. The Bichon's curly coat traps loose hair and mats easily, so it needs brushing several times a week plus a professional groom every four to eight weeks for its trim. The Maltese's long single coat also mats and tangles and needs daily brushing, with regular bathing and either a show coat or a pet clip. Both need eye care for tear staining, regular dental care and nail trims. Whichever you choose, budget time and money for grooming — see our Bichon grooming guide for the kind of routine involved.

Size

Both are small, but the Maltese is the tinier and more fragile of the two. A Maltese typically weighs only around 3–4 kg, whereas a Bichon is a little stockier and sturdier, usually around 5–8 kg and roughly 23–28 cm at the shoulder. Neither is a robust, rough-and-tumble dog, but the Bichon's slightly more solid build can make it a touch more forgiving around gentle children, while the very delicate Maltese needs especially careful handling. Note that "teacup" versions of either breed are marketing terms, not real varieties, and breeding for abnormal tininess brings health problems — avoid them.

Temperament

Both breeds are affectionate, people-focused companions that bond closely with their owners and dislike being left alone for long. The Bichon is often described as especially bouncy, playful and outgoing — a merry, sociable dog with a circus-performer heritage — while the Maltese, though also playful, is frequently seen as a slightly more classic, devoted lapdog. Both can be vocal, both are intelligent and trainable with gentle methods, and both can be a little slower to house-train, as small breeds often are. Honestly, in day-to-day life their temperaments are more alike than different: choose on coat, size and the individual puppy rather than expecting a big personality gap.

Shedding and allergies

Both breeds are very low-shedding and are often suggested for some allergy sufferers, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic — allergens come mainly from dander, saliva and urine rather than hair. The Maltese's single, undercoat-free coat means it sheds even less hair, but this does not reliably translate into fewer allergic reactions. If allergies are the deciding factor, spend time with both breeds before committing rather than relying on the "hypoallergenic" label.

Health and lifespan

Both are long-lived, typically reaching around 12–15 years. They share some toy-breed risks — dental disease, patellar luxation and tear staining. Beyond those, their profiles differ a little: the Bichon is particularly associated with allergic skin disease, ear infections and bladder stones, while the Maltese is more associated with collapsing trachea and liver shunts. Our honest health guides for each breed go into detail — see Bichon Frise health problems. With either breed, buying from a responsible breeder and insuring early are the smartest moves.

Cost

Costs are broadly similar. Both command a meaningful purchase price from a responsible UK breeder, and both carry substantial lifetime running costs, driven especially by regular professional grooming and the breed-typical health needs. Our Bichon cost guide breaks down the lifetime picture, most of which applies to the Maltese too.

So which should you choose?

There is no wrong answer — both are wonderful companions for the right home. Lean towards the Bichon Frise if you prefer the curly, rounded powder-puff look and a slightly sturdier, bouncier dog. Lean towards the Maltese if you love the long, silky coat and a tiny, classic lapdog, and you are confident you can handle and protect a very delicate dog. Either way, be sure you can meet the grooming, company and health-care commitments both breeds share, and choose a responsible breeder over a bargain. To dig deeper into the Bichon, see our guides on temperament and lifespan.

*This is general guidance. Every dog is an individual, so meet any puppy and its mother before choosing, and speak to your vet about which breed suits your circumstances.*

Sources

• The Kennel Club — Bichon Frise breed information and health (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• PDSA — dog health, weight and preventive care (pdsa.org.uk).
• Blue Cross — caring for your dog (bluecross.org.uk).
• RSPCA — dog health and welfare (rspca.org.uk).
• RVC VetCompass — UK dog health and longevity research (rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass).