Maltese vs French Bulldog
Discover the differences between Maltese and French Bulldog to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Maltese
A playful, affectionate companion with a flowing white coat and lively spirit. Thrives on attention and forms strong bonds with people of all ages.
French Bulldog
Compact, playful, and affectionate, this breed charms with its expressive face and easygoing personality. Ideal for city living, French Bulldogs make steadfast companions and loving family pets.
Quick comparison
Small
3–4 kg
Single coat, long and silky
12–15 years
3–4 kg
Moderately active
Small
9–13 kg
Short, smooth
10–12 years
8–12 kg
Low activity needs
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Maltese
Affectionate and sociable with people and pets
Learns quickly, responds well to training
Moderate activity needs, enjoys short play sessions
Lively and enjoys interactive games with owners
Adjusts well to different living environments
French Bulldog
Affectionate with people and enjoys companionship
Learns routines quickly but can be stubborn
Prefers short play sessions and moderate walks
Enjoys interactive games and gentle roughhousing
Comfortable in apartments and various environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Maltese
Dental disease, luxating patella
French Bulldog
Brachycephalic syndrome, skin allergies
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Maltese
Great choice
Easygoing and eager to please, Maltese adapt well to new dog owners.
Perfect fit
Small size and low exercise needs suit apartment living well.
Not ideal
Limited stamina may not match very energetic or highly active lifestyles.
Gentle companion
Typically patient but can be fragile around young, active children.
Highly suitable
Generally sociable and can get along with other pets if introduced early.
Prone to anxiety
Dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues.
French Bulldog
Great choice
Easygoing temperament and manageable size suit first-time owners well
Perfect fit
Quiet and compact, they adapt well to small apartments
Not ideal
They tire quickly and don’t match very active lifestyles
Highly suitable
Gentle and playful, they are patient with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and get along with other pets if introduced properly
Prone to anxiety
They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Maltese
- Affectionate with family members
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
- Quick to learn basic commands
- Gets along well with other dogs
French Bulldog
- Affectionate with families and children
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Minimal grooming requirements
- Generally quiet and not prone to barking
- Strong loyalty to owners
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Maltese
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Requires daily grooming and brushing
- Fragile, can be easily injured
- May bark excessively when bored
- Sensitive to extreme cold and damp
French Bulldog
- Prone to breathing difficulties due to flat face
- Sensitive to extreme heat and cold
- May develop separation anxiety
- Stubborn during training sessions
- High risk of obesity without portion control
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