Bichon Frise vs. Maltese: Which Puppy Is Right for You?

The Bichon Frise and the Maltese are both small, white, low-shedding companion dogs, but they are built differently. A Maltese is a toy breed, usually 4 to 6 pounds, under 7 per the standard with a long, silky single coat. A Bichon is a sturdier dog, commonly around 10 to 18 pounds, with a curly double coat trimmed into a rounded “powder puff” look, so it tends to cope better with busy households and young children.

Why one standard measures pounds and the other measures inches

The two breed standards do not even measure size the same way.

• The Maltese standard is written by weight. It calls for a dog under 7 pounds, with 4 to 6 pounds preferred, and says overall quality should be favored over size. It gives no height at all.
• The Bichon Frise standard is written by height. It gives primary preference to dogs 9½ to 11½ inches at the shoulder, never over 12 or under 9 inches, and it gives no weight at all.

So any Maltese height or Bichon weight you see online is an observation, not a rule, and that is why sources disagree. VCA Animal Hospitals lists Maltese at about 9 to 10 inches while PetMD says 7 to 9 inches. For Bichons, VCA gives 10 to 16 pounds and PetMD gives 12 to 18 pounds. Our Maltese size chart and Bichon Frise size chart go into growth in more detail.

Side-by-side comparison

Two white coats that behave very differently

The Bichon standard says the coat should stand off the body in a “powder puff” outline, and it treats a limp, silky coat that lies down as a very serious fault. The Maltese standard asks for nearly the opposite: a single coat with no undercoat that hangs long, flat and silky, and it calls any curliness or woolly texture objectionable.

• A Bichon’s look is made with scissors. The rounded head and level topline are trimmed in, so plan on a regular groomer visit. Skip it and the curls tighten into mats close to the skin.
• A Maltese’s look is made with a comb. The long strands knot easily, so many pet owners keep a shorter trim.

Both are low-shedding, which means less hair on the couch. No dog is allergen-free, though, so if anyone at home has allergies, spend time around the breed before deciding.

Tear staining and teeth: the shared chores

Both breeds are white, so the reddish-brown tear stains that show on many dogs are very visible on these two. A gentle daily wipe under the eyes helps. If staining is heavy, or there is discharge or squinting, have your veterinarian take a look rather than just treating the coat.

Dental care matters even more. VCA Animal Hospitals and PetMD both flag gum and tooth disease as a leading concern in small breeds, and the Maltese, with an even smaller mouth, is especially prone. Start tooth brushing early with either dog and follow your veterinarian’s advice on cleanings.

Temperament in the breeds’ own words

The Bichon standard describes a dog that is “gentle mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate,” and calls a cheerful attitude the hallmark of the breed. Bichons tend to be outgoing with strangers.

The Maltese standard describes a dog that “seems to be without fear” despite its size, and that is among the gentlest mannered of little dogs while still lively and playful. Maltese often bond tightly to one or two people and may be a little reserved with newcomers.

Small children: the honest difference

This is where we are most direct with families. A 5-pound Maltese can be hurt by a toddler who squeezes too hard, trips over it, or drops it from a couch. VCA rates the Maltese 2 out of 5 for children and the Bichon 5 out of 5. If you have little ones under about six, a Bichon is usually the safer match. A Maltese does best with adults or older, gentle kids who sit on the floor to hold it.

Tiny Maltese puppies can also be prone to low blood sugar, so they need small, frequent meals at first; ask your veterinarian for a schedule.

A note for Georgia families

Neither breed is short-muzzled, but both are best kept indoors in the heat of a Georgia afternoon. A Bichon’s dense double coat holds warmth and moisture, so many local owners ask the groomer for a shorter summer trim. The Maltese, with no undercoat, feels cold more easily on winter mornings.

Choose the Bichon Frise if

• You have younger children or a busy, active household.
• You want a small dog with a bit more body and sturdiness.
• You love the rounded, teddy-bear look and are happy to book regular grooming.

Choose the Maltese if

• You want a true toy-sized companion that is easy to carry everywhere.
• Your home is adults-only or has older, careful children.
• You prefer a sleek, silky coat and do not mind daily combing.
• You want a devoted lap dog that stays close to its people.

Meeting them in person

Our puppies come from trusted local Georgia breeders and get a complete health check from our on-staff veterinarian. Read more on our Bichon Frise and Maltese pages, browse Bichon mixes and Maltese mixes, or see who is available now. If one is not in the showroom, ask about the waitlist.

Still weighing other options? Compare the Bichon Frise vs. Havanese or the Havanese vs. Maltese.

Common questions

Which is bigger, a Bichon Frise or a Maltese?

The Bichon. The Bichon standard prefers dogs 9½ to 11½ inches tall, and most adults weigh somewhere around 10 to 18 pounds. The Maltese standard calls for under 7 pounds, with 4 to 6 preferred.

Do Bichons or Maltese shed more?

Both are low-shedding. The Bichon’s loose hairs tend to get caught in its curly coat, and the Maltese has no undercoat to shed. Neither is allergen-free, so allergy sufferers should spend time with the breed first.

Which is easier to groom?

Neither is low-maintenance. A Maltese needs daily combing but can be kept in a simple short trim. A Bichon needs brushing every day or two plus regular professional scissoring to keep its rounded shape.

Is a Maltese a good choice for a family with a toddler?

Usually not. A Maltese is small enough to be injured by rough handling or a fall. A Bichon is generally a better fit for homes with young children, always with supervision.