Comparison: Bolognese and Maltese

Bolognese and Maltese are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

	Bolognese	Maltese
FCI group	9. Companion and Toy Dogs	9. Companion and Toy Dogs
Country of origin	Italy	Malta
Category	Small	Very small (toy)
Height at withers	25–30 cm	21–25 cm
Weight	2.5–4 kg	3–4 kg
Life span	–	12–15 years
Recognition features	Pure white, long, fluffy coat forming flocks, without fringes Small, stocky, square-built dog with a black nose and dark eyes High-set, long, hanging ears, rather rigid at the base	Long, silky pure white coat to the ground Black nose and dark round eyes Small dog up to 3 kg with a tail curled over the back
Coat	Long all over the body, shorter on the muzzle; forms long flocks of the same texture, rather off-standing, never falling flat and never showing fringes. Pure white; very slight shades of ivory are not disqualifying.	Long, silky, straight coat, white.
Purpose	Companion dog.	An ancient Mediterranean lap dog favoured by classical nobility; bred purely as a companion.

Breed page: Bolognese · Breed page: Maltese

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.