Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Italian-Bichon?

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Italian-Bichon" Compare Maltese and Italian-Bichon. Which is better: Maltese or Italian-Bichon?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Maltese	Italian-Bichon
Origins	Italy	Spain Belgium Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	1545
Reviews	3	0
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Maltese and Italian-Bichon. What other names are these breeds known by?	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	No data available
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Maltese and an Italian-Bichon. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Cross Breed

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and an Italian-Bichon. Which breed is heavier?	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Italian-Bichon? Is a Maltese taller than an Italian-Bichon?	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	13.5 inches (34 cm)

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Maltese and an Italian-Bichon. Which breed costs more?	$600-$800	$700-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Italian-Bichon?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Italian-Bichon is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare training requirements.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Italian-Bichon dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare alertness levels.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Italian-Bichon dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare territorial behaviors.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Italian-Bichon dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Maltese and an Italian-Bichon. How do their temperaments differ?	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Agile Sensitive Intelligent Affectionate Gentle Companionable Cheerful Athletic Mischievous
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Italian-Bichon?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Italian-Bichon dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Italian-Bichon?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Italian-Bichon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Italian-Bichon social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Italian-Bichon dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Maltese vs Italian-Bichon?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Italian-Bichon dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Italian-Bichon? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Italian-Bichon dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Italian-Bichon barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Italian-Bichon is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare living space needs.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Apartment-friendly dog the Italian-Bichon breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare adaptability levels.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Italian-Bichon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Italian-Bichon?	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Italian-Bichon dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Italian-Bichon has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Italian-Bichon dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Italian-Bichon bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare average lifespans.	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Italian-Bichon: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare climate tolerances.	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 common health issues between a Maltese and an Italian-Bichon. Which breed is healthier?	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Italian-Bichon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese vs Italian-Bichon?	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Italian-Bichon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Italian-Bichon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Italian-Bichon health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Eye Problems Vaccination Sensitivity Drug Sensitivity Thyroid Problems Bladder Stones Juvenile Cataracts Alopecia

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare activity levels.	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Italian-Bichon dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese vs Italian-Bichon exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Italian-Bichon? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Italian-Bichon dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Italian-Bichon?	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Italian-Bichon dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Italian-Bichon has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare daily food needs.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare allergy friendliness.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Maltese and Italian-Bichon? Compare breed colors.	White	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Brown Yellow Buff Apricot
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Italian-Bichon requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare drooling amounts.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Italian-Bichon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Italian-Bichon has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Maltese and an Italian-Bichon? Compare fur types.	Feathered	Fine Curly
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare bathing frequencies.	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 Maltese or Italian-Bichon? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Italian-Bichon dogs?	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Italian-Bichon dogs are low shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare kid-friendliness.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Italian-Bichon dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Italian-Bichon dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Italian-Bichon? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Italian-Bichon dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Italian-Bichon?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Italian-Bichon dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Italian-Bichon? Can a Maltese and an Italian-Bichon be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with Italian-Bichon dogs?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Italian-Bichon dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs Italian-Bichon?	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Italian-Bichon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Italian-Bichon is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Italian-Bichons are commonly okay with elderly people.

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare service capabilities.	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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare therapy capabilities.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare scenting abilities.	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 Which is better for search and rescue: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare SAR abilities.	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 Which is better on boats: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Italian-Bichon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or an Italian-Bichon? Compare draft work capabilities.	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 history between Maltese and Italian-Bichon. Which has stronger military background?	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.

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Maltese and Italian-Bichon. Which has larger litters?	3-5 puppies	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Maltese and Italian-Bichon breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese and Italian-Bichon. Which needs longer recovery?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Maltese vs Italian-Bichon Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and Italian-Bichon. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and Italian-Bichon. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese and Italian-Bichon. Which is more widely recognized?	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	No data available

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