Bichon Frise vs Maltese: cost, health and care compared
The Bichon Frise and the Maltese side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Bichon Frise | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Non-Sporting Group [2] | Toy Group [3] |
| Weight | 12-18 pounds [2] | under 7 pounds [3] |
| Height | 9.5-11.5 inches [2] | 7-9 inches [3] |
| Life expectancy | 14–15+ years [2] | 12–15+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 1 of 5 [2] | 1 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 49 [4] | No. 37 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Cataracts, Allergies and itchy skin… See health costs | Luxating patella, Patent ductus arteriosus, Liver shunt See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $273 – $1,110 (small dogs, median $508) [5] | $273 – $1,110 (small dogs, median $508) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,400 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $12,200–$20,700 | $10,500–$20,700 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Bichon Frise health problems and costs and Maltese health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Bichon Frise or the Maltese?
Our yearly cost estimate is the same for both: $880–$1,400.
Which lives longer, the Bichon Frise or the Maltese?
The AKC gives the Bichon Frise a life expectancy of 14–15+ years and the Maltese 12–15+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Bichon Frise and Maltese have?
Bichon Frise: Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Cataracts and Allergies and itchy skin. Maltese: Luxating patella, Patent ductus arteriosus and Liver shunt.
Which is better with kids, the Bichon Frise or the Maltese?
The AKC rates the Bichon Frise 5 of 5 and the Maltese 3 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.