Maltipoo Vs Bichon Frise – What Is The Best Breed For You
The Maltipoo is a cross between the breeds of a Maltese and a Poodle. The breed originated in the United States. The Bichon Frise was developed in Spain and descended from the Bichon, a Spanish dog. These dogs have bred with poodle breeds that had been crossed with Water Spaniels or the Barbet.
Key Similarities
Both of these breeds have close to the same number of puppies. These are small dogs about the same height, between 7 and 14 inches. The weight is close to the same as well.
The Maltipoo and the Bichon Frise are affectionate, loyal, cheerful, and friendly dogs. They are new owner friendly and kid-friendly too. Plus, both of the breeds are easy to train.
The Maltipoo and the Bichon Frise are susceptible to ear infections because of their long ears. In addition, the ears can collect debris and need to be cleaned regularly.
Key Differences
The Maltipoo coat comes in white, cream, brown, apricot, or a combination of colors. The coat is medium to long in length and either curly or wavy.
The Bichon Frise has a white coat that is medium length. It has a silky texture with corkscrew curls.
The Maltipoo loves the indoors and will become a lap dog, but he will venture outside or a rousing game of fetch. He loves to be around family activities.
The Bichon Frise enjoys playing and will have a burst of activity followed by a long nap. They can wear themselves out just by running around the house. They need to be walked every day and played with too.
Pros of Owning a Maltipoo
If you want a small, family-oriented dog that loves children, then this dog is for you. In addition, this breed is a low shedder, so it’s a good breed for someone who has allergies to dog dander.
Pros of Owning a Bichon Frise
If you want a little dog that’s cheerful, playful, and sweet, this dog is perfect. They love people and get along well with other animals.
Who Should Own a Maltipoo?
People who don’t mind walking their dog daily, first-time owners, and seniors. Also, people who have allergies to dog dander, since this breed doesn’t shed much.
Who Should Own a Bichon Frise?
People who want a lap dog, who have allergies to dog dander, and seniors. Plus, people with children and first-time dog owners.
All About the Maltipoo
History
The hybrid was established in the 1990s to bring together the Maltese and the Poodle traits together. The other opinion was that the breed was created for people with allergies since the dander is low.
Size & appearance
These are small dogs about 11 inches in height and about 5 to 18 pounds in weight. Your dog could look like either one of his parents or both of them. The eyes are usually brown, but sometimes the eyes can be blue, although it is rare. Their ears are floppy, and the tails curl over the dog’s body.
The coat color can be any combination of their parents. For example, most of the time, a Maltipoo will have the thick and curly coat of the Poodle parent. But sometimes, the coat of the Maltese parent will show up, so the coat will be long and flowing.
Lifespan
The life span can be between 12 and 14 years.
Guard dog or Family
These dogs are known to be family dogs but can become protective of their family members. Sometimes this protectiveness can turn into guard dog behavior.
Training & behavior
The Maltipoo is somewhat easy to train if you’re consistent and use the reward method. They love to be taught new tricks, adjust well to a new environment, and settle in quickly.
Shedding, grooming, and maintenance
No matter which type of coat your Maltipoo will have, both will need to be brushed daily. Also, your dog will need to be professionally groomed about every 6 weeks.
Depending on how much Poodle your dog has in him will depend on how much he sheds. He will also need to have his ears cleaned, so your dog doesn’t get an ear infection.
Health issues
For health issues, the most problematic are luxating patella, tracheal collapse, eye issues, white dog shaker syndrome, liver issues, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
Always ask to see the health certification of both parents before buying your puppy from the breeder.
All About the Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are an adorable breed suited only to a loving home environment where it can be a companion dog or family pet.
First Impressions & History
The very first thing you’ll notice about a Bichon Frise is that it looks as if it were created in a toy factory. They are incredibly cute and affectionate.
The exact history of their genealogy is a bit of a mystery, but, believe it or not, they’ve existed naturally from as early as the 14th century.
Size & Appearance
They only grow to be between 9 and 11 inches tall and 7 to 12 pounds in weight.
They have soft, fluffy, white coats which are usually groomed and styled in their recognizable, teddy-like fashion.
Grooming & Shedding
Bichon Frises do shed, but the hair they shed get stuck in the rest of their coats and need to be removed by brushing regularly to prevent mats and tangles.
That won’t be the only grooming they need. Bichon Frises have an intense grooming schedule that involves a lot of brushing, bathing and trimming.
Lifespan
12-15 Years
Guard Dog Or Family Pet
Because it is simply too small to pose any real threat to anything, it is more suited for a role as a family pet.
Gets On With Other Pets, Animals And Children?
They are very friendly towards other animals and children, because they are so small you should always supervise them to make sure they don’t get hurt by accident.
They also need to be the centre of attention and are prone to be jealous if they feel like they are being neglected.
Who Should Consider Buiyng
If you want a beautiful dog and are prepared to invest in the necessary grooming, there are few breeds with a more iconic look than Bichon Frises. They are also good options for people with limited space, but this is not a recommended breed for first-time dog owners.
Quick Facts
- They have an iconic and elegant look, but this look requires a lot of energy invested in grooming.
- They are known to be quite difficult to house train.
- Their living expenses are higher than other breeds’.
- They are frail, young children should not be allowed to interact with them without supervision.
What About?
Temperament & Behaviour
These are friendly, happy dogs that love to spend time with their owners. The Maltipoo is loyal to a fault and has the affectionate of the Maltese mixed with the Poodles intelligence.
When socialized at a young age, they will get along with other pets and animals. These are charming dogs that are easy to love.
Exercise Needs
Maltipoos need around 40 minutes of exercise daily. This can be broken into two walks twice a day. Plus, mental stimulation is necessary, so games and playing fetch as good ways for your dog to get it.
Quick facts
- The cost of a Maltipoo puppy ranges from $400 to $2000.
- These are small dogs with small faces and short legs. Maltipoos have ears that perk up when they run and a short tail that waves gently.
- The Maltipoo isn’t recognized by either the American Kennel Club or the Kennel Club.
Bichon Frise In More Detail
Temperament & Behaviour
They have a cheerful attitude. They enjoy getting attention and is playful and charming.
They can be independent and curious, but they won’t ever want to be separated from you. They are quite prone to separation anxiety and can this can cause them to be destructive.
Intelligence Levels & Affections Levels
They are both highly intelligent and extremely affectionate. A lapdog in a very literal sense, they want to be with you 24/7.
Training & Obedience
They are known to be quite difficult to housetrain and will benefit from being taken to puppy training classes. Because they are so intelligent, proper training often yields great success with them.
Exercise Needs
Though they are very energetic and playful, they are small enough to tire out by playing indoors or by going for a short walk. This makes them a favourite among apartment dwellers.
Conclusion
The Bichon Frise is a wholly unique breed. As is often the case with any strange or exotic animal, they require quite a bit of maintenance, but if you are able to take care of them and give them the attention they need, you could find a beautiful, charming family pet in a Bichon Frise.
