Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese

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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
11 to 15 years
Size:

Extra Small

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Medium

Best For

Yorkshire Terriers are best for pet parents who are able to spend the most of the day with their pup. They do better in homes without small children or other dogs. And they're good for...

Yorkshire Terriers are best for pet parents who are able to spend the most of the day with their pup. They do better in homes without small children or other dogs. And they're good for apartment-dwellers.

Yorkshire Terrier Temperament

Yorkshire Terriers are friendly and will love your family members and house guests if properly socialized as pups. However, they aren’t great with young kids and babies—or, rather, young children aren’t great with them, especially those who like to play rough and haven’t been taught how...

Yorkshire Terriers are friendly and will love your family members and house guests if properly socialized as pups. However, they aren’t great with young kids and babies—or, rather, young children aren’t great with them, especially those who like to play rough and haven’t been taught how to respect a dog’s boundaries.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a super-smart, super-cute and super-friendly dog. Like many small dog breeds, Yorkies aren’t aware of their diminutive stature. Full of confidence and spunk, your pup might take over full command of the household, not-so-gently letting you know when it’s time to wake up, put the food out and go for a walk. How? Yorkies can yap. They’re really, really, really good at it.

If their big personality—and high-pitched bark—are given run of the show, though, Yorkies can get a little too full of themselves, possibly developing aggressive temperament towards visitors and new people. But as long as your Yorkshire Terrier knows who’s boss (that would be you) and is given plenty of opportunities for social interactions with humans and canines from an early age, this breed can be a loyal, playful and friendly best bud.

Yorkshire Terriers don’t mind being handled and carried, so they’re some of the most portable pups around. Just be careful not to coddle them too much. Yorkshire Terriers still need exercise and independence so that they don’t grow afraid to be out of your arms. In fact, because Yorkies don’t love being alone, many Yorkie parents get two so they can keep each other company.

Young children aside, Yorkshire Terriers are perfect playmates for almost everyone. They can even get along with other dogs and cats if they grow up in a home with them. But beware if you have a hamster, guinea pig or other small animal; this terrier was bred to catch rodents and will chase them around the house.

Yorkshire Terrier Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
12 to 15 years
Size:

Extra Small

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

The Maltese is a small toy breed known for their luxurious white coat and affectionate temperament. With a long history serving as lapdogs to society's elite, Maltese thrive on attention and make charming companions.

Maltese Temperament

Due to their long history as companions animals, Maltese dogs have a love for laps and their people. Truly, their favorite place is to be wherever you are, and although they are not as energetic as herding breeds, they are lively and playful little dogs. These friendly dogs are f...

Due to their long history as companions animals, Maltese dogs have a love for laps and their people. Truly, their favorite place is to be wherever you are, and although they are not as energetic as herding breeds, they are lively and playful little dogs.

These friendly dogs are fairly social and generally get along well with other pets, provided they were properly trained and socialized. But even though they’re they have a gentle manner, their small weight and height make them fragile. So, they should always be supervised around very young children and babies to make sure the pup isn’t injured or overwhelmed by rough play.

The tiny Maltese has a sweet personality that makes them great therapy dogs. But more than anything else, they just want a chance to sit in your lap and be close to you.

Maltese Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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