Breed Comparison
Maltese vs Bichon Frisé
Side-by-side breakdown of shedding, trainability, cost, temperament, and whether either breed suits your lifestyle, with honest UK context.
Maltese
An ancient companion breed wrapped in silky white hair. Devoted, delicate, and s…
Bichon Frisé
A cloud of white fluff with a cheerful disposition. Hypoallergenic, gentle with …
Both are moderate-energy breeds. Malteses are moderately easy to train; Bichon Frisés are easy to train. Bichon Frisés tend to be better with young children than Malteses. Puppy prices: Maltese £700–£2 000, Bichon Frisé £700–£1 800 from UK breeders.
Side-by-side comparison
| Maltese | Bichon Frisé | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Weight | 2–4 kg | 3–5 kg |
| Lifespan | 13–16 yrs | 14–17 yrs longer |
| Shedding | Minimal shedding | Minimal shedding |
| Barking | Moderate barker | Moderate barker |
| Trainability | Moderate | Easy to train easier |
| Good with kids | Not ideal | Yes |
| Good with cats | Yes | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
| UK puppy price | £700–£2 000 | £700–£1 800 |
| Insurance/month | £18–£45/mo | £20–£45/mo |
Green highlight = advantage on that trait. Prices are UK averages from reputable KC-registered breeders (2024–25).
Quick verdict
Maltese
Bichon Frisé
Which should you choose?
Both the Maltese and Bichon Frisé have their merits, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and what matters most in a dog. Here is an honest breakdown of who each breed suits best.
Choose the Maltese if…
- Their temperament, gentle, affectionate, lively, matches what you are looking for
Choose the Bichon Frisé if…
- You want a breed that is easy to train. Especially if you are a first-time owner
- You have young children and need a reliably family-friendly breed
- Longevity matters to you, Bichon Frisés tend to live longer
- Their temperament, cheerful, gentle, playful, matches what you are looking for
Energy and exercise requirements
Both the Maltese and Bichon Frisé are medium-energy breeds, so their daily exercise requirements are broadly similar. Expect 60–90 minutes of activity per day for either breed.
Cost comparison
Buying a Maltese costs £700–£2 000 from a reputable UK breeder, compared to £700–£1 800 for a Bichon Frisé. Insurance is another key variable: Malteses run £18–£45/mo monthly versus £20–£45/mo for Bichon Frisés. Over a dog's lifetime, insurance and food costs typically dwarf the initial purchase price, factor both into your budget.
Which is easier to live with day-to-day?
The trainability gap is one of the most meaningful day-to-day differences between these breeds. The Bichon Frisé's easier trainability means faster results and more forgiveness of inconsistency, a real advantage for first-time owners or busy households.
The honest summary
On balance, the Bichon Frisé edges ahead on the metrics that matter most to the majority of UK dog owners, but "better" is always personal. If the Maltese's specific traits match your situation, go with the Maltese.
Both the Maltese and Bichon Frisé can be wonderful dogs in the right hands and the right home. The worst outcome is choosing based on looks or trend alone, make sure their energy level, grooming needs, and temperament fit your life before you commit.
Before you decide
Whatever breed you choose, buy from a reputable breeder who health-tests their breeding stock, not a puppy farm or pet shop. For the Maltese, check what health testing the relevant breed club recommends (KC Assured Breeders follow minimum health testing requirements). The same applies to the Bichon Frisé. A slightly higher purchase price from a responsible breeder is almost always cheaper than the veterinary bills from a poorly-bred dog.
If you're still undecided after reading this comparison, consider meeting dogs of both breeds in person, at a breed club event, through a local rescue, or by contacting a reputable breeder who allows you to meet the parents. Temperament on paper and temperament in the room are not always the same thing. Spend time with both breeds before committing: it's a 10–15 year relationship.