Bichon Frise vs Maltese
A side-by-side breakdown of size, cost, grooming load and lifestyle fit — with a straight answer on which suits which household.
Short answer
Bichon Frise is the easier breed to live with for most first-time owners — it is easier to train (4/5 vs 3/5); it scores better with children (4/5 vs 2/5). Maltese makes more sense only if you specifically want what it offers more of.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Bichon Frise | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Species | dog | dog |
| Origin | France | Malta |
| Weight (kg) | 4–7 | 2–4 |
| Height (cm) | 23–30 | 20–25 |
| Lifespan (years) | 14–16 | 12–15 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $105 | $102 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $1260 | $1224 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $1500 | $1450 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 5 | 5 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 1 | 1 |
| Energy (1–5) | 3 | 2 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 4 | 3 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 5 | 5 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 4 | 2 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 3 | 3 |
What the numbers mean
- Bichon Frise weighs 4–7 kg and lives 14–16 years; Maltese weighs 2–4 kg and lives 12–15 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Maltese runs about $102/month versus $105/month for Bichon Frise — a difference of roughly $3 a month, or $36 a year.
- Both have the same apartment suitability score (5/5).
- Both have the same shedding score (1/5).
- Both have the same grooming requirement (5/5).
- Bichon Frise has the higher energy level (3/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Bichon Frise has the higher trainability score (4/5 vs 3/5).
- Bichon Frise has the higher kid-friendliness score (4/5 vs 2/5).
- Both have the same vocalisation score (3/5).
Cost over ten years
At the estimated monthly rates above, ten years of routine care (food, treats, grooming, medication, vet visits and supplies — excluding insurance, emergency treatment and purchase price) works out to roughly $12,600 for Bichon Frise and $12,240 for Maltese. The gap is $360 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Bichon Frise
Maltese
Both breeds are associated with Tear staining, Patellar luxation, so screening for these is worth raising with a breeder either way.
Which one should you pick?
- Choose Bichon Frise if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $105 a month.
- Choose Maltese if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $102 a month.
- Neither, if the grooming load is more than you can sustain; both need regular coat care.