Many dog lovers don't realize that there are four official Bichon-type breeds recognized by the FCI: Maltese, Bichon Frise, Havanese, and Bolognese. Although they share similar fluffy coats and friendly personalities, each breed has distinct traits in size, temperament, grooming needs, and suitability for families.
This comparison guide explains the real differences between Maltese, Bichon Frise, Havanese, and Bolognese dogs so you can choose the best companion breed for your lifestyle.
Bichon Breeds at a Glance: Quick Comparison
| Breed | Size | Temperament | Grooming | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maltese | 7–12 in / 4–8 lbs | Affectionate, alert | High | Apartments, allergy sufferers |
| Bichon Frise | 9–12 in / 7–12 lbs | Friendly, social | High | Families, children |
| Havanese | 8–11 in / 7–13 lbs | Playful, loyal | Medium–High | Active owners |
| Bolognese | 10–12 in / 7–14 lbs | Calm, devoted | High | Quiet households |
Which Bichon Breed Is Best for You?
If you want an elegant lap dog, the Maltese is a great choice. For families with children, the Bichon Frise is often the best option. The Havanese suits active owners who want a playful dog, while the Bolognese is ideal for calm households looking for a loyal, low-key companion. Keep reading to find out what makes each breed truly unique.
Maltese: Elegance and Balance
- Size: 7–12 inches
- Weight: 4–8 pounds
- Average lifespan: 12–15 years
The Maltese is a loving dog covered with a long, soft, and silky coat. Underneath that all-white fur is a compact, well-balanced body that moves with a graceful, flowing stride. They're guard dogs in their own mind — fearless, charming, and surprisingly athletic for their size.
Maltese are generally reserved but always happy to meet new people. They can have a stubborn side, but they respond beautifully to praise-based training.
Read also: Bichon Frise vs Maltese: What's the Difference
History
Among the Bichon breeds, the Maltese is the oldest. Records of these dogs trace all the way back to Ancient Egypt and were celebrated across the ancient world — Aristotle called them the favorite of women, the Greeks loved them so much they built tombs in their honor, and they were a staple of Italian nobility during the time of Emperor Claudius.
The name comes from the island of Malta, though their exact origin remains debated. Most historians consider them descendants of the Spitz. By the Renaissance, they were among the most fashionable dogs in Europe.
Appearance
The Maltese has a long muzzle, a large black nose, and oval-shaped dark eyes that give them an air of refinement. Their ears are floppy and covered in long hair, and their tail curls up over the back in a distinctive arch. The coat itself is pure white or pearly white, parted down the middle of the back, and extraordinarily fine and silky to the touch.
Personality
Maltese are affectionate with both people and other animals. They're intelligent and obedient, and they genuinely thrive in large family settings. Their sensitivity means they don't do well with harsh tones — gentle but consistent training is the way to go.
Grooming and Feeding
The coat needs regular brushing and washing to stay healthy and beautiful. Keep the fur trimmed around the eyes, ears, and paws to prevent overgrowth. Diet matters too — a poor one can cause the white coat to yellow. Good options include saltwater fish, poultry, lamb, brown rice, and avocado.
One big bonus: Maltese shed very little, which makes them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Living Conditions
This breed is perfectly suited to apartment life as long as their owner has time to give them daily attention. Their exercise needs are low, but they still enjoy a regular walk. Early socialization and basic training make a big difference in how well they behave as adults.
For a deeper dive, check out our full Maltese dog breed guide.
Bichon Frise: The Ultimate Companion Dog
- Size: 9–12 inches
- Weight: 7–12 lbs
- Average lifespan: 12–15 years
The Bichon Frise is a small, compact dog with a shaggy white coat and an irresistibly cheerful personality. They love being around people, get along wonderfully with children and other pets, and are happiest when they're part of the action.
One thing to be aware of: this breed can be prone to eye, ear, and skin issues, as well as seizures and knee dislocations. Regular vet check-ups are important.
History
Despite being strongly associated with France, the Bichon Frise actually originated in Spain — specifically in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. They became popular with European nobles and travelers thanks to their compact size and delightful personalities. French and Italian ladies of the Renaissance era were particularly fond of them.
Appearance
The Bichon Frise has a round black nose, dark spherical eyes, and long droopy ears buried under fluffy hair. Their medium-length tail curves upward and is covered in flowing hair. The coat is thick and often forms natural waves or soft curls — that signature "powder puff" look that makes them so recognizable.
Temperament
Of all the Bichon breeds, the Bichon Frise is perhaps the most sociable. They're patient and gentle with children, easy-going with strangers, and adaptable to almost any living situation. They genuinely enjoy company and form strong bonds with their owners.
Grooming
Daily combing is a must to keep that beautiful coat tangle-free, along with regular trims and baths to maintain its shape and cleanliness. It's a commitment, but most Bichon Frise owners find it a rewarding part of the routine.
Living Conditions and Training
The Bichon Frise adapts easily to its owner's lifestyle and is just as happy in an apartment as in a house. They love to tag along wherever their family goes and thrive on close bonds. Training is usually a pleasure — they pick up new skills quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement.
Related: Bichon Frise feeding guide
Havanese: Intelligent, Extroverted, and Full of Fun
- Size: 8–11 inches
- Weight: 7–13 pounds
- Average lifespan: 14–16 years
The Havanese stands out with its long, silky coat, expressive bright eyes, and lively personality. Originally a companion dog for Cuban nobles in the 19th century, they earned the nickname Velcro dog — because they simply don't want to leave your side.
They're affectionate with everyone: strangers, children, other dogs, even cats. Fast, cheerful, and full of personality, they make excellent companions for owners who want an engaged, active little dog.
History
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, developed from small breeds crossed on the island with dogs from the western Mediterranean. The breed nearly disappeared entirely but was revived in the 1970s when dedicated breeders began studying and selectively breeding the remaining dogs.
Appearance
The Havanese has a proportional, slightly trapezoidal head with a flat skull and a slightly elevated forehead. Their eyes are large, almond-shaped, and very dark. Needle-shaped ears droop down and are covered in long hair. The tail is always carried high. The coat is long, silky, dense, and smooth — with tufts of longer hair at the extremities.
Temperament
This is an extremely lively, cheerful, and loyal dog. Havanese are sociable and obedient, but they need proper socialization from a young age — without it, they can become shy, nervous, or even show aggression toward other dogs. When raised well, they're calm, friendly, and endlessly entertaining.
They can also be trained as alert or watchdogs, and their intelligence makes them surprisingly versatile.
Grooming
Brush the coat two to three times per week to prevent tangles and remove dead hair. Keep the hair on the paws trimmed short so it doesn't interfere with their movement. While their grooming needs are slightly more forgiving than the Maltese or Bolognese, they still require a consistent routine.
Living Conditions and Training
Havanese adapt easily to apartment or home life, as long as they have daily human interaction and some outdoor activity. Short, frequent walks are ideal. They're sensitive to tone of voice and genuinely want to make their owner happy, which makes training from an early age an enjoyable and rewarding process.
Also read: How to keep a dog happy and healthy in a small apartment.
Read more on the Havanese dog breed
Bolognese: Playful, Calm, and Deeply Devoted
- Size: 10–12 inches
- Weight: 7–14 pounds
- Average lifespan: 12–14 years
The Bolognese is a small Italian companion dog with pure white, fluffy hair and a calm, faithful personality. They're quiet, devoted, and most happy when settled comfortably with their family. Don't let the low-key demeanor fool you — they're also playful and funny in their own understated way.
One important note: Bolognese are prone to separation anxiety and really struggle when left alone for long periods. They need a home where someone is around most of the time.
History
Originally called the Italian Bichon, the Bolognese was brought to prominence by 15th-century sailors and bred in Bologna — hence the name. Their beauty and elegance made them prized gifts among the European elite, with royal admirers including Catherine de Medici, Catherine I of Russia, and the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.
Temperament
Intelligent, gentle, and very calm — the Bolognese is obedient and loyal to their family above all else. They're cautious and reserved around people they don't know, but warm up to familiar faces and other pets easily. Their quiet nature makes them a particularly good fit for peaceful households or older owners.
Grooming
The Bolognese coat needs daily brushing to avoid tangles, especially in areas prone to matting: the abdomen, behind the ears, and between the legs. Remove excess hair from the paws and ears regularly, and bathe them routinely to keep the white coat looking its best.
Living Conditions
This is a breed that thrives in an attentive household. Their activity level is moderate — they can handle longer outings but are equally content with shorter daily walks. What they need most is consistency, company, and a caring owner who has time to keep their coat in good shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maltese and Bichon Frise the same breed?
No. Although they both belong to the Bichon family, Maltese and Bichon Frise are distinct breeds with differences in size, coat texture, temperament, and history. The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world, while the Bichon Frise developed later in Spain and France.
Which Bichon breed is easiest to groom?
The Havanese generally requires slightly less intensive grooming than the Maltese and Bolognese, but all four Bichon-type breeds need regular brushing and coat maintenance to stay healthy and tangle-free.
Which Bichon dog is best for apartments?
All four breeds adapt well to apartment living. That said, the Maltese and Bolognese are especially well-suited to small spaces because of their calm, low-energy nature. Just make sure someone is home often — especially for the Bolognese, who doesn't handle being alone well.
Which Bichon breed lives the longest?
The Havanese has the longest average lifespan at 14–16 years, compared to 12–15 years for the Maltese and Bichon Frise, and 12–14 years for the Bolognese.
Are Bichon breeds good for first-time dog owners?
Yes — all four Bichon breeds are generally considered good choices for first-time owners. They're intelligent, eager to please, and adaptable. The main commitment to be ready for is grooming, as all four require regular coat care to stay healthy and comfortable.