How long does a Maltese Bichon Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 13–15 years, the midpoint of the Maltese (12–15 years) and the Bichon Frise (14–15 years).

Is a Maltese Bichon Mix easy to train?

Trainability is moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Maltese Bichon Mix

A Maltese Bichon mix is a cross between a Maltese and a Bichon Frise. Most grow into small dogs of 8–12 lb and live 13–15 years.

Maltese, a purebred dog — MaltesePhoto: Maltezervereniging, Public domain, source

Bichon Frise, a purebred dog — Bichon FrisePhoto: Heike Andres, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight8–12 lbcan be 4–18 lb

Height8–10 inat the shoulder

Lifespan13–15 years

SizeSmall

How big does a Maltese Bichon Mix get?

Maltese4–7 lb

The mix8–12 lb

Bichon Frise12–18 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Maltese Bichon Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 8–10 inches at the shoulder, against 7–9 in for the Maltese and 9.5–11.5 in for the Bichon Frise.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Very low

Maltese and Bichon Frise have low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Moderate

The Maltese rates moderate and the Bichon Frise moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Very high

Expect regular brushing and professional grooming every few weeks.

Temperament

The Maltese is usually described as gentle, playful, charming. The Bichon Frise as playful, curious, peppy. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Maltese vs Bichon vs the mix

Trait	Maltese	Maltese Bichon Mix	Bichon Frise
Weight	4–7 lb	8–12 lb	12–18 lb
Height	7–9 in	8–10 in	9.5–11.5 in
Lifespan	12–15 yr	13–15 yr	14–15 yr
Shedding	very low	very low	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Toy	mixed	Non-Sporting

Questions about the Maltese Bichon Mix

How big does a Maltese Bichon Mix get?: Most grow to 8–12 pounds and 8–10 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 4–18 pounds.
How long does a Maltese Bichon Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 13–15 years, the midpoint of the Maltese (12–15 years) and the Bichon Frise (14–15 years).
Does a Maltese Bichon Mix shed?: Shedding is very low. Maltese and Bichon Frise have low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Is a Maltese Bichon Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Maltese mixes

Other Bichon mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.