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

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese" Compare Bichon Frise and Whippet. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Bichon Frise Whippet Maltese
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Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank466133
Reviews523
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Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese breeds.
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Snap Dog
English Whippet
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?
Small Medium Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese? Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese height comparison:
Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) Male: 18.5-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (44-48 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) Male: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.
$700-$1000 $800-$1200 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Whippet is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?
Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
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Whippet dogs are easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
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Whippet dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?
Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Outright
Companionable
Adaptable
Quiet
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.
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Sensitive: Whippet dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese?
High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Whippet dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Whippet dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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The wanderlust potential of the Whippet is strong enough to escape from home.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
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Whippet dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
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Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
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Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Whippet breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?
Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Whippet 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bichon Frise or Whippet 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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 Whippet vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Whippet bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. 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 Whippet 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.
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 Whippet 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Hypothyroidism
Von Willebrand's Disease
Heart Problems
Deafness
Vaccination Sensitivity
Drug Sensitivity
Arthritis
Kidney Issues
Addison's Disease
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?
Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Whippet dogs are high-energy 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 Whippet vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Whippet dogs have an average exercise need.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese?
Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Whippet dogs don't need too much sleep.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. 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.
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Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 2 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.

Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. What colors are available?
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Fawn
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which drools least?
The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Whippet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Curly Fine
Short
Close in texture
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. 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.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese? Bichon Frise or Whippet or {name3 shedding:
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
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Whippet dogs are low shedders.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are 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.
Whippet dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese?
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or Whippet or Maltese?
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards other 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 Whippet vs Maltese?
Yes
Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Whippet 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
Whippet 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.
Whippets are usually recommended for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. 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, Whippet, and Maltese. 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, Whippet, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Whippet breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

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

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. 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 Whippet vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 4-8 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. 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, Whippet, and Maltese. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Bichon Frise vs Whippet vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. 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 Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Bichon Frise, Whippet, and Maltese. 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
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
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

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