Breed comparison

Bichon Frise
vs Maltese.

Both are small, white, cheerful companion breeds with a long history as pampered lapdogs, and both are more capable and trainable than their fluffy, decorative reputation suggests. The Bichon Frise is the slightly more playful and marginally more trainable of the two; the Maltese is the gentler, more classically affectionate lap companion.

The choice usually comes down to temperament and energy: the Bichon brings a bit more bounce and clownishness, the Maltese a bit more calm devotion.

Quick answer

Both are cheerful, low-shedding, affectionate small companions, so the decision mostly comes down to coat texture and temperament style. Choose the Bichon Frise for a bouncier, slightly more trainable, curly-coated clown; choose the Maltese for a gentler, silkier-coated devoted lap dog. Either way, plan for frequent grooming and short, positive training sessions.

Bichon Frise

Trainability
7/10
Energy
Medium
Training difficulty
45/100
Group
Non-Sporting

Maltese

Trainability
6/10
Energy
Medium
Training difficulty
57/100
Group
Toy

Scores from the TailorPup Dog Training Difficulty Index.

Key differences

Trainability

The Bichon Frise scores 7/10 vs the Maltese 6/10, both are solidly trainable and eager to please, but the Bichon is a shade more food-motivated and food-driven trick-learner. Neither is difficult; both simply need short, upbeat, reward-based sessions rather than long drilling.

Energy and temperament

The Bichon Frise is medium energy and famously playful, clownish, and outgoing, happiest in the middle of family activity. The Maltese is also medium energy but leans a touch gentler and more devoted to lap time, though still game for play.

Coat texture

Both have hypoallergenic-marketed, low-shedding coats that need serious upkeep, but the textures differ: the Bichon has a curly, cottony double coat, while the Maltese has a long, straight, silky single coat. Both mat without regular brushing and both need frequent professional grooming.

Health notes

Both are prone to tear staining around the eyes and dental crowding common in small toy breeds. The Maltese is somewhat more prone to luxating patellas; the Bichon is somewhat more prone to skin allergies. Both are generally long-lived with good care.

Which is easier to train?

Both are capable, willing students (Bichon 7/10, Maltese 6/10) that respond best to short, cheerful, food-based sessions rather than repetition-heavy obedience work. The Bichon slightly outgoing, clownish energy makes it a natural trick-learner; the Maltese gentler, more lap-devoted nature makes it just as trainable but a touch less driven to perform. House training takes patience with either, as it often does with small toy breeds.

Which one is right for you?

Choose the Bichon Frise

Owners who want a playful, clownish, slightly more trainable companion that loves being in the middle of family activity, and who will commit to regular professional grooming for the curly coat.

Bichon Frise training guide →

Choose the Maltese

Owners who want a gentler, more classically devoted lap companion with a silky coat, and the same commitment to daily brushing and tear-stain care.

Maltese training guide →

The verdict

Both are cheerful, low-shedding, affectionate small companions, so the decision mostly comes down to coat texture and temperament style. Choose the Bichon Frise for a bouncier, slightly more trainable, curly-coated clown; choose the Maltese for a gentler, silkier-coated devoted lap dog. Either way, plan for frequent grooming and short, positive training sessions.

Frequently asked questions

Which is easier to train, a Bichon Frise or a Maltese?

Both are solidly trainable and close in ability (Bichon 7/10, Maltese 6/10). The Bichon is marginally easier thanks to a more food-driven, performance-oriented streak, but both respond well to short, positive, reward-based sessions.

Which sheds less?

Both are low-shedding, hypoallergenic-marketed breeds, but neither is maintenance-free. The Bichon has a curly, cottony coat and the Maltese a long, silky one, both mat without regular brushing and need frequent professional grooming.

Which is calmer?

The Maltese tends to be the slightly gentler, more lap-devoted of the two, while the Bichon Frise is a bit more playful and outgoing. Both are medium energy and manageable in an apartment.

Whichever you pick, train it right

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