For some reason I am having trouble bringing your photos up. Might be my server. I'll keep trying to look at your web page.
I have a bichon and her hair is fairly different than Sadie's. What is Lulu's hair like? A bichon's hair isn't as curly as a poodle's, but it is more curly/wavy than a Maltese's hair. Also it is more cottony and not really silky. When Jolie's hair is grown out longer it really doesn't lay down flat on her head - instead it kind of puffs out like a cotton ball. She mats really easily and we have to keep on top of that every day. Also, how big is Lulu? If she had some bichon in her she would probably be somewhat bigger than a standard maltese. I will say this though, even though I know nothing about mixed breed dogs, bichons have very nice temperments and are very open and loving. They get along well with other dogs and are easy to socialize. Unfortunately they've become popular which means not so great breeding practices by some breeders. If your Lulu does have some bichon parentage she will probably still have all of the nice qualities that you were looking for in a maltese. The things that I like better about the Maltese is the smaller size and the hair. I like that the bichons are a little sturdier. Personality wise they aren't that different. Both breeds love their people and want to be with them. Bichons are probably slightly (only slightly) more independent. At least this has been our experience with Jolie who will be 10 in January.