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Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon A Poil Frise or Chrysanthemum Dog or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese" Compare Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Bichon Frise Shih Tzu Maltese
OriginsSpain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium China flagChina Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank462033
Reviews5153
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which is the smallest dog, Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Small Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese weight comparison:
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese height comparison:
Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which is more expensive?
$700-$1000 $800-$1200 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Trainability
Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese trainability comparison.
Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?
High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese playfulness comparison:
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Bichon Frise dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese mouthiness comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Bichon Frise should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese lifespan comparison. How long do Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu and Maltese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese energy level comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese coat comparison:
Curly Dense Feathered
Colors
What are the original Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu and Maltese color?
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?
Yes
Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Bichon Frise is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?

Not really

Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu and Maltese have?
2-5 puppies 2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies

Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Bichon Frise Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Rate This Comparsion - Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese

Reviews

  • Barry Young

    Jan 23, 2021, 11:15:21 PM:

    Very helpful and thorough

  • Zaida Benavidez

    Feb 15, 2023, 1:17:53 AM:

    Very helpful information and so very thorough