Maltese vs. Bichon Frisé: How to Tell These Fluffy White Dogs Apart
You’re at the dog park, or maybe scrolling through adoption photos, and you see it: a small, white, fluffy dog that stops you in your tracks. Adorable. But wait — is that a Maltese or a Bichon Frisé? These two breeds look strikingly similar at first glance, and the mix-up is incredibly common. At Dunedin Animal Medical Center, we see both breeds regularly, and we’re here to help you tell them apart — and understand what makes each one unique.
Physical Differences: More Than Meets the Eye
Coat Texture and Maintenance
At first glance, both dogs appear to have fluffy white coats — but the similarities mostly end there.
The Maltese has a long, silky, single-layer coat that flows straight down from its body, almost like a veil. That beautiful coat doesn’t shed much, but it requires daily brushing and regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Many Maltese owners keep their dogs in a shorter “puppy cut” for easier maintenance.
The Bichon Frisé (pronounced “BEE-shon Free-ZAY,” meaning “curly lap dog” in French) has a thick, soft, double-layer coat with a characteristic springy, curly texture. This coat also sheds minimally, making both breeds popular choices for allergy-sensitive families. The Bichon’s coat is typically kept in a rounded, fluffy trim that gives it that distinctive powder-puff look.
Nose Color and Facial Features
One of the easiest ways to tell these two apart: look at the nose. The Maltese has a black nose, dark eyes, and very fine, delicate features. The Bichon Frisé also has a black nose, but its face appears rounder and more “cushioned” due to the fluffy coat framing it. The Bichon’s eyes are typically dark and set deeper within that round facial fur, giving it a slightly more teddy-bear-like appearance.
Body Shape and Size
Both are small dogs, but there are subtle differences:
- Maltese: Typically 4–7 pounds. Low to the ground with a compact, fine-boned build. Their legs are often hidden under their long flowing coat.
- Bichon Frisé: Slightly larger at 12–18 pounds. More square-bodied, with a sturdier frame and legs that are more visible when the coat is trimmed.
In short, the Bichon is noticeably larger and more solidly built than the dainty Maltese.
Personality and Temperament
The Maltese: Devoted and a Little Dramatic
Maltese dogs are famously devoted to their owners — sometimes to a fault. They tend to bond deeply with one or two people and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too often. They’re affectionate, playful, and surprisingly fearless for their size. Maltese can be a bit feisty with strangers or other dogs, and some can be stubborn during training. With patience and positive reinforcement, though, they learn well.
They’re great lap dogs and thrive in homes where they get plenty of attention. Because of their small size, they do well in apartments.
The Bichon Frisé: Cheerful, Adaptable, and Social
Bichons are known for their happy, outgoing temperament. They tend to get along well with children, other pets, and strangers, making them excellent family dogs. They’re playful and enjoy being the center of attention — but they’re generally more adaptable than Maltese when it comes to being left alone for moderate periods. Bichons are also considered one of the easier small breeds to train, thanks to their eager-to-please nature.
Both breeds are low-energy enough for apartment living and love a cuddle session as much as a walk.
Health Considerations
Bichon Frisé Health Concerns
Bichons are prone to skin allergies and atopic dermatitis — a condition we see fairly often in Florida, where environmental allergens like mold, grass, and pollen are year-round issues. Signs include itching, redness, and recurrent skin or ear infections. Regular grooming, a hypoallergenic diet, and routine vet visits can help manage these conditions. Bichons may also develop bladder stones and cataracts as they age.
Maltese Health Concerns
Maltese dogs are particularly prone to dental disease — a common issue in small breeds with crowded teeth. Professional dental cleanings, home brushing, and dental chews are important parts of Maltese care. They can also be susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially as puppies, and luxating patellas (loose kneecaps) are relatively common in the breed.
Both breeds are generally long-lived, with lifespans averaging 12–15+ years with proper care.
Which Breed Fits the Florida Lifestyle?
Here in Florida, heat and humidity are facts of life — and both breeds have some advantages.
Neither the Maltese nor the Bichon Frisé has the flat face (brachycephalic) issues that make breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs struggle in the heat. Both are small enough that a short indoor play session counts as real exercise on a brutally hot summer day. However, their white coats make them susceptible to sunburn — especially on the nose and ear tips — so sun protection matters for outdoor time.
If you have kids or other pets, the Bichon may be the easier fit for a busy Florida family. If you want a lap dog that’s completely devoted to you (and only you), the Maltese might be your match.
The Bottom Line
Both the Maltese and the Bichon Frisé are wonderful, loving companions who thrive in Florida homes. The key differences come down to size (Bichon is larger), coat texture (Maltese is silky, Bichon is curly), temperament (Bichon is more social, Maltese is more devoted), and health tendencies (dental care for Maltese, allergy management for Bichon).
Knowing your dog’s breed helps us provide better, more targeted veterinary care — which is exactly what your pet deserves.
Have a Maltese or Bichon Frisé? We’d Love to Meet Them!
Whether you’re trying to identify your new rescue or you’ve had your fluffy white companion for years, the team at Dunedin Animal Medical Center is here to help with everything from wellness exams to breed-specific health concerns. Contact DAMC today to schedule an appointment — your dog will be in great hands.