Maltese vs Bichon Frise: The Ultimate Guide for Dog Lovers

As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m often asked for my opinion on different breeds. Two toy breeds that frequently come up in conversation are the Maltese and Bichon Frise. It‘s no surprise why – with their cute, fluffy white coats and playful personalities, both breeds have loyal followings. But while Maltese and Bichons may look similar, there are some distinct differences to consider when choosing between them. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll compare the Maltese vs Bichon Frise across key traits that matter most to dog owners.

Breed Overview and History

Maltese and Bichon Frise are two of the oldest toy breeds, with histories dating back hundreds of years. The Maltese originates from the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. This ancient breed was a favorite among royalty and nobility for centuries, even dating back to the Bible and Greek and Roman times. Aristotle wrote about the Maltese around 370 B.C.! In the 15th century, Maltese were brought to England and gained popularity among the upper class.

The Bichon Frise‘s history can be traced back to the 13th century, when the breed‘s ancestors were brought to Europe from Tenerife by Italian sailors. Bichons became pampered pets in royal courts across Europe, particularly in France, in the 1500s. Spanish painter Francisco de Goya even included a Bichon in several of his portraits. By the late 1800s, the Bichon‘s popularity has spread and they became popular circus performers known for charming audiences.

Today, both breeds remain popular companion dogs. The American Kennel Club‘s latest registration statistics rank the Maltese as the 37th most popular breed and the Bichon Frise 46th out of 195 breeds.

Physical Characteristics

One of the first things people notice about Maltese and Bichon Frise is their glamorous white coats. But there are some nuanced differences:

Maltese are the quintessential lap dog, typically weighing under 7 pounds. Their compact size makes them portable and adaptable to any living situation. Bichons are sturdier, usually 12-18 pounds. While still small, they are less fragile than Maltese.

The glamorous Maltese coat is straight and silky, hanging to the floor if left natural. The hair on the head is often tied up in a topknot to keep it out of the eyes. Bichons have a more "poufy" coat with a soft, dense undercoat and coarser curly outercoat. Many owners keep Bichons trimmed in a shorter puppy cut.

While neither breed sheds much, that doesn‘t mean they are low maintenance in the grooming department! Both need regular brushing and baths to prevent matting. Expect to brush a Maltese daily and a Bichon every 1-2 days. Tear staining is also common. Celebrity Maltese and Bichon owners like Halle Berry and Barbara Walters are frequently seen carrying their pristine pups!

Temperament and Personality

It‘s hard not to smile when you meet a Maltese or Bichon Frise. Both breeds are known for being affectionate, playful, and charming. They thrive on human companionship and will happily be your shadow, following you from room to room. Bred as companion dogs, they are at their happiest perched on your lap or getting belly rubs.

However, there are some general personality differences between Maltese and Bichons. Maltese tend to be more reserved with strangers, bonding very closely with their special person. Bichons are social butterflies who think everyone they meet is an instant friend, human and canine! Bichons crave attention and will do zoomies and tricks to be the center of attention.

As small companion dogs, Maltese and Bichons can be prone to developing "small dog syndrome" and behavior issues like excessive barking, separation anxiety, and guarding if not properly trained. They may also be timid around larger dogs and suspicious noises. Socialization from a young age is a must! Expose them to different people, animals, and environments and make it positive with praise and treats.

"Maltese are known for being big dogs in a little dog‘s body," says Anne R., president of the Maltese Club of America. "They are gentle but fearless. Maltese are also very in-tune with their person‘s emotions and make wonderful therapy dogs."

Bichon owner and trainer Sophia T. agrees that the breeds‘ sensitive nature is a double-edged sword. "Bichons are so smart and pick up on routines quickly, but they are also very attuned to your tone of voice and body language, so if you get frustrated during training, they notice and can shut down. The key is keeping it fun and upbeat."

Training and Exercise Needs

Speaking of training, what can you expect with a Maltese or Bichon Frise? Both breeds are intelligent and eager to please, but they can also have a stubborn streak. Positive reinforcement methods using praise, play, and high-value treats work best. Harsh corrections will only make them fearful. Keep training sessions short and fun to hold their attention.

Socialization and training should start as soon as you bring your Maltese or Bichon puppy home (usually around 8-12 weeks old). Sign up for a puppy class to learn basic obedience and get your pup used to being around other dogs. At home, work on potty training, crate training, and teaching simple cues like sit, down, and come.

Potty training can be a challenge, especially for tiny Maltese who have equally tiny bladders! The key is keeping a consistent routine and not giving too much freedom too soon. Take your Maltese or Bichon out first thing in the morning, after meals and play sessions, and before bedtime. Reward with a tasty treat and praise immediately after they go to the bathroom outside. If you work long hours, hire a dog walker to take your pup out midday.

As for exercise, Maltese and Bichons have moderate needs that are easy to meet. A couple of short 15-20 minute walks per day plus several play sessions is usually sufficient. They love learning tricks, playing fetch with small toys, and games of hide-and-seek around the house. Puzzle toys filled with kibble or treats are another great way to provide mental stimulation.

Despite their small size, many Maltese and Bichons excel in dog sports like agility, rally, and tricks. Some have even surf with their owners! The breeds‘ eagerness to please and love of applause makes dog sports a great bonding activity.

Health and Lifespan

With proper care, Maltese and Bichon Frise have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Like all breeds, they are prone to certain genetic health issues that responsible breeders screen for.

According to a 2017 study in the journal Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, the most common health problems seen in Maltese include:

• Patellar luxation: 18.4%
• Dental disease: 17.9%
• Heart murmur: 10.6%
• White dog shaker syndrome: 1.7%

For Bichon Frise, the study found the top health concerns are:

• Patellar luxation: 17.6%
• Dental disease: 15.1%
• Bladder stones: 3.1%
• Allergies/skin problems: 2.8%

Before purchasing a Maltese or Bichon puppy, ask the breeder about health screenings performed on the parents, such as patellar and cardiac exams, and for CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) certification.

To keep your Maltese or Bichon healthy, stay up-to-date on preventive care like annual vet exams, vaccines, dental cleanings, parasite prevention, and feeding a high-quality diet. Small breeds are notorious for dental issues, so daily tooth brushing at home is recommended.

Pet insurance is worth considering for toy breeds. While your monthly premium may be low thanks to their small size, one emergency vet visit for a broken leg or bladder stone removal surgery can easily exceed $3000-$5000!

Finding Your Perfect Maltese or Bichon Frise

So you‘ve decided a Maltese or Bichon is the right dog for you – congratulations! Should you get a male or female? A puppy from a breeder or an adult rescue dog?

In terms of gender, there is no significant difference between male and female Maltese or Bichons except that males tend to be slightly taller and heavier. Spaying/neutering is recommended by 6 months of age for both.

Purchasing from a reputable breeder is a great option if you want a puppy and can be there full-time for socialization and training. Review the breeder‘s health certifications and ask for references from other puppy buyers. The average price from a good breeder is $1,000-$3,000 for a pet-quality Maltese or Bichon puppy.

Adopting an adult Maltese or Bichon in need of a new home has several advantages. First, their temperament is already established – what you see is what you get. Secondly, they are usually already spayed/neutered and have some training. Finally, it‘s very gratifying to give a deserving dog a second chance! Expect adoption fees from breed rescue groups to run $300-600.

Final Thoughts: Maltese vs Bichon Frise

In the battle of Maltese vs Bichon Frise, there is no clear winner. Both breeds make wonderful companion dogs for the right person. Their compact size, outgoing personalities, and cute-as-a-button looks are hard to resist! The Maltese may win out for those wanting a portable dog to carry in a purse or take on airplanes under the seat. The Bichon is a bit sturdier and more social, ideal for active owners who entertain a lot.

Whichever breed you choose, get ready for endless snuggles and unconditional love. Just be prepared for the extensive grooming their glorious white coats require! A local owner‘s club or breeder is a great resource for groomer recommendations and more breed-specific info.

You may still be unsure if a Maltese or Bichon is right for you and that‘s okay. The best way to decide is to meet several dogs of each breed in person. Many breeders and rescue groups welcome visitors to their home to get to know the breed before committing.

When you do find "the one," get ready for your heart to melt and your lap to be forever full with a Maltese or Bichon Frise best friend by your side. Life with one of these happy-go-lucky charmers will never be boring – or quiet! But you‘ll cherish every moment with your sweet, silly little shadow.