Is a Maltese or poodle bichon frise better?

The Maltese, poodle, and bichon frise are all small, fluffy white dogs that make great companion animals. However, there are some key differences between these breeds that may make one a better fit for you than the others.

Maltese

* Temperament: The Maltese is a gentle, affectionate dog that loves to be around people. They are also very intelligent and easy to train.

* Size: The Maltese is a small dog, with an average weight of 4-7 pounds.

* Coat: The Maltese has a long, silky coat that requires regular brushing and grooming.

* Health: The Maltese is generally a healthy breed, but they are prone to certain health problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and liver disease.

Poodle

* Temperament: The poodle is a highly intelligent and versatile dog that comes in three size varieties: toy, miniature, and standard. They are friendly, outgoing, and love to play.

* Size: The toy poodle weighs up to 10 pounds, the miniature poodle weighs up to 15 pounds, and the standard poodle weighs over 45 pounds.

* Coat: The poodle has a curly, non-shedding coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and silver.

* Health: The poodle is generally a healthy breed, but they are prone to certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia, von Willebrand's disease, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Bichon Frise

* Temperament: The bichon frise is a cheerful, loving dog that is always happy to see its people. They are also very social and love to play with other dogs.

* Size: The bichon frise is a small dog, with an average weight of 10-12 pounds.

* Coat: The bichon frise has a long, fluffy coat that is white in color.

* Health: The bichon frise is generally a healthy breed, but they are prone to certain health problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and allergies.

Which breed is right for you?

The best way to decide which breed is right for you is to visit a breeder or rescue organization and meet some of the dogs in person. This will give you a chance to see their temperaments and get a feel for their personalities.

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a dog:

* Your lifestyle: Do you live in an apartment or a house? Do you have children or other pets? How much time do you have to walk and groom your dog?

* Your budget: How much can you afford to spend on a dog? This includes the cost of the dog itself, as well as food, veterinary care, and grooming.

* Your ideal dog: What are you looking for in a dog? Do you want a dog that is affectionate, playful, or intelligent?

Once you have considered all of these factors, you should be able to make an informed decision about which breed is right for you.