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Bichon Frisé vs Maltese
Bichon Frisé vs Maltese side by side: lifespan, setup and monthly costs, difficulty, space, noise and bonding.
Bichon FriséCanis lupus familiaris
MalteseCanis lupus familiarisIn short
- Difficulty: higher for Bichon Frisé
- Noise: higher for Maltese
- Fur, smell & mess: higher for Maltese
| Group | Mammals | Mammals |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 24-30 cm at the shoulder, 4-8 kg | 20-25 cm at the shoulder, 2-4 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Setup cost | ≈ $360–790 | ≈ $360–790 |
| Monthly cost | ≈ $86–180/mo | ≈ $71–140/mo |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Easy |
| Space needed | Corner of a room | Corner of a room |
| Noise | Moderate | Sometimes loud |
| Fur, smell & mess | Almost none | Low |
| Daily care time | 1–2 hours | 1–2 hours |
| OK alone all day | Not great | Not great |
| Bond with people | Very high | Very high |
| Good with kids | Good | Okay |
A cheerful 4-8 kg dog with a powder-puff white coat. Sociable and low-shedding, but the coat mats easily, grooming is costly, and allergies and bladder stones are common.
👍 Families wanting a sociable dog, homes with other pets, and owners ready for daily brushing and regular grooming.
✋ Not for people away all day or anyone who cannot cover grooming and ongoing skin or urinary care costs.
A tiny 2-4 kg companion with a pure white coat and dark eyes. Devoted and cuddly, but prone to barking, separation anxiety, tear stains and kneecap problems.
👍 People who are home a lot, including small households and retirees, who want a small, affectionate dog by their side.
✋ Not ideal for those out most of the day, homes where barking is a problem, or anyone unwilling to keep up with grooming and eye care.