• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon A Poil Frise or Maltese lion dog or Yorkie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier" Compare Bichon Frise and Maltese. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Bichon Frise Maltese Yorkshire Terrier
OriginsSpain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium Italy flagItaly England flagEngland
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank46339
Reviews5323
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier breeds.
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Yorkie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 2-3 kg (4-7 pounds)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds)
Height
Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier height comparison:
Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 20-23 cm (8-9 inches)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) 21.5 cm (8.5 inches)

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$700-$1000 $600-$800 $600-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Yorkshire Terrier is quite easy to get.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Smart: The Yorkshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier?
High: Bichon Frise 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.
High: Yorkshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier social needs comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier 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.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
See more.
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Bichon Frise 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.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
Bichon Frise 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.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Yorkshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Bichon Frise dogs have an 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.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Yorkshire Terrier bite force: Weak.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
The Bichon Frise 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.
Yorkshire Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
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 Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Yorkshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Bichon Frise 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.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bichon Frise or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
Bichon Frise 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.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The Yorkshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. What colors are available?
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
White Black
Tan
Blue
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which drools least?
The Bichon Frise 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.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Yorkshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Curly Feathered Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bichon Frise or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier? Bichon Frise or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier?
Yes
Bichon Frise 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.
Yes
Yorkshire Terrier 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
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Yorkshire Terrier 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.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Yorkshire Terriers are not recommended for elderly people.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

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 Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Bichon Frise 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.

Not really

Yorkshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has most military use?

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 Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. What's recommended?

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.

Bichon Frise vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has most recognition?
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
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 Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier

Reviews