fellfolio
Companion dog
Bichon Frise
A small, curly-coated companion that is often interested in its people. Modest exercise needs come with a considerably greater grooming commitment.
Companion dog
Maltese
A small, people-oriented companion with a long coat that needs daily brushing.
Size: SmallActivity: ModerateGrooming: Daily + skilled grooming
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at shoulder
- 25 cm
- Weight
- 3–4 kg
- Lifespan
- over 12 years
- Activity
- Moderate
- Grooming
- Daily + skilled grooming
- Training
- Often cooperative
- Owner experience
- First dog with support
Small, friendly and happy to join in
Maltese are bright companion dogs. With good socialisation, they can learn to meet unfamiliar people calmly; their small frame calls for gentle handling.
Everyday life
Short walks and daily play can meet their baseline exercise needs. Brief scent games and trick training add mental variety.
When you need to go out
Being alone needs gradual practice. The RSPCA advises no more than four hours at a time; puppies and some adults need much shorter intervals. Arrange company during longer absences.
Day-to-day care
Brush the long coat every day to prevent tangles. Check the eyes, ears and teeth regularly.
Size and build
Measurements describe adult dogs and are a guide. Lines and individuals can vary; ask about the parents’ health, temperament and daily life.
Health
PDSA outlines breed-related health concerns and recommends discussing family history. Coat and size do not replace a health check.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- You want a small dog who enjoys being close to you.
- You can provide daily coat care and careful handling.
May be more difficult if …
- The dog would regularly be alone for long periods or exposed to rough play.
- You want a low-maintenance dog with no daily brushing.
Breed traits describe tendencies. Breeding line, socialisation, care and experience shape the individual. Children and animals always need responsible supervision.
Similar needs, different dogs.
Selected by shared size, activity, grooming and training characteristics.
Companion dog
Havanese
A cheerful companion who likes being part of family life and needs daily brushing.
Companion dog
Miniature Poodle
A responsive, agile dog in a small frame. This profile uses the FCI Miniature size category; British and American size boundaries differ.
Sources and photograph credit
Portrait · Alfredo Borba · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image cropped
