Maltese or Bichon Frise?

[VerityBrulee]

We have been thinking about getting a puppy for a while, and I think (and I know I am the one who will be doing all the work!) I am ready to take the plunge.

The 2 breeds I had in mind are Maltese and Bichon Frisee. It needs to be small, and non-shedding as ds1 has allergies.

I have read that Bichons have great temprements, but I'm very taken with a Maltese we meet at the park!

I'd love a bit of advice as it's a pretty big descision(the alternative is to have another baby, but we don't have enough room )

hello! I would love a dog too (trying to persuade hubby at the mo!)and have done a LOT of research on them! bichons seem to be the perfect dog to have with small children, if you have allergies ect, I actually got talking the other day to a lovely lady who said she had a Maltese but recommended a bichon cos their a bit cheaper to buy as puppies, very similar temprement though. We'd also love another baby too but are in the same position as you!

I love both these dogs but I've heard that Bichons are the better temperament too (sorry to Maltese owners).

cute baby vs cute puppy!

Yes, I think the puppy is the cheaper option, as we have had 3 babies and are much worse off for the experience

Bichonsdo seem to be a bit more robust, Maltese look a little delicate, but are just so cute. I was looking on a local site yesterday, someone was looking for 1,500 Euro for a maltese puppy, Bichons are around 600 E, thats quite a difference, but I don't want to base such a big decision just on money.

maltese are stupidly expensive, bichons are lovely and much nicer then the maltese ive met

gorgeous

He is very cute!

Any more advice?

We have a Bichon bitch. She is the gentlest sweetest little thing i have ever seen!!!

My dd's are 5 and 3 and do 'cuddle' her too tightly sometimes and do pester her too but in the 2 months we have had her she hasn't as much as growled at them.

I had heard they have a lovely temperement (sp) and so far it appears to be right.

Good luck with puppy hunting!!

My sister is geting a bichon pup in 3 weeks - they made the same decision - maltese or bichon, so met up with people to meet both breeds. The bichons were much merrier and happy around her children, where the maltese seemed more terrier-like and fiesty.
Whatever you get, though, will soon be part of your family.

Thanks! Funnily I met a lady and a lovely bichon in the park this morning, he was SOOO soft, his coat was cut quite short and felt like a really soft sheepskin, perfect for snuggling with!

So given all that's been said here, I think it's a Bichon for the Brulees!

Now I just need to inform persuade dh