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Compare Maltese and French Bulldog side by side: temperament, energy, trainability, apartment fit, shedding, lifespan, weight and free adoption listings.

Breed traits

Character & behavior

Energy level

Playfulness

Intelligence

Trainability

Protectiveness

Sociability

Can stay alone

Lifestyle fit

Apartment-friendly

Yes

Good with kids

Yes

Good for first-time owners

Yes

Shedding

Noise level

Exercise needs

Physical & general

Life span

12–15 years

10–14 years

Weight

3.5–4.5 kg

8–14 kg

Height

20–25 cm

30–33 cm

Origin

Malta

France

Grooming effort

Nutrition sensitivity

Health risk

Heat tolerance

Cold tolerance

The Maltese and French Bulldog are both popular companion breeds known for their friendly nature and adaptability to apartment living. The Maltese, originating from Malta, is a small breed with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, while the French Bulldog, hailing from France, has a slightly shorter lifespan of 10 to 14 years. In terms of size, the Maltese is lighter, weighing between 3.5 to 4.5 kg, compared to the French Bulldog's weight range of 8 to 14 kg. Both breeds share similar energy levels and playfulness, making them suitable for families and first-time owners. However, they differ in grooming needs and health risks, with the Maltese requiring more grooming and the French Bulldog having a higher health risk. Understanding these differences can help potential owners make an informed decision based on their lifestyle and preferences.

Maltese — Advantages

- Longer lifespan (12-15 years)
- Lighter weight (3.5-4.5 kg)
- Higher intelligence and trainability (4)
- Lower shedding level (1)
- Very sociable (5)

Disadvantages

- Higher grooming difficulty (4)
- Moderate noise level (3)
- Can be sensitive to nutrition (2)

French Bulldog — Advantages

- Good for families and first-time owners
- Lower grooming difficulty (2)
- Similar energy level and exercise needs (2)
- Adaptable to hot climates (3)