Maltese vs Bichon Frise

Both are small, white, fluffy companion dogs with black noses and dark eyes, and groomers can make them look alike. The coat is the best clue. The Maltese has a single coat of long, silky, straight hair, while the Bichon has a double coat with a curly, coarser outer layer that is usually trimmed round.

The Maltese is the smaller of the two, standing 7 to 10 inches and weighing 6 to 8 pounds, while the Bichon stands 9 to 12 inches and weighs 7 to 12 pounds. Both need daily grooming. Energy differs, since the Bichon needs a high level of daily exercise and the Maltese is happy with short walks and indoor play.

Maltese vs Bichon Frise side by side

Last verified October 2026. Typical values; individual animals, products and local prices vary.

When you are looking at which

Maltese

• The hair is long, silky and straight, hanging near the ground.
• The coat is pure white with no cream, buff or apricot shading.
• The dog weighs under about 7 pounds and stands under 10 inches.
• The dog is content with short walks and lap time.

Bichon Frise

• The hair is curly and cottony, standing up in a trimmed powderpuff shape.
• The coat shows buff, cream or apricot shading around the ears or body.
• The dog weighs 7 to 12 pounds and stands 9 to 12 inches.
• The dog is bouncy and needs daily walks plus running and play.

How this works

The quiz asks about coat feel, color, trim, size and energy. Each answer points to Maltese or Bichon Frise, and the cue line under each question explains how reliable the clue is. Coat texture is the most reliable cue, and weight is the weakest because the ranges overlap.

Haircuts change appearance, and mixes such as Maltipoos or Malshis blur the pattern. A groomed Maltese in a short puppy cut can look like a Bichon, and a Bichon left long can look like a Maltese. For a pedigree answer, ask the owner or breeder for registration papers from a kennel club.

Where these numbers come from

The figures and defaults on this page are based on:

• United Kennel Club: Maltese, Maltese size, silky single coat, white color and temperament. (checked October 2026)
• United Kennel Club: Bichon Frise, Bichon double coat, color shading, tail and temperament. (checked October 2026)
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Maltese, Maltese weight, lifespan, grooming, exercise and health notes. (checked October 2026)
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Bichon Frise, Bichon height, weight, lifespan, grooming, exercise and health. (checked October 2026)

Breed-identification guide. Individual dogs vary and mixed breeds cannot be confirmed by appearance.