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Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Yorkie or Maltese lion dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese" Compare Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese. Which is better: Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Yorkshire Terrier Maltese
OriginsEngland flagEngland Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank933
Reviews233
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese. What other names are these breeds known by?
Yorkie Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese. Which breed is heavier?
2-3 kg (4-7 pounds) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
2.5 kg (5.5 pounds) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese? Is a Yorkshire Terrier taller than a Maltese?
20-23 cm (8-9 inches) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
21.5 cm (8.5 inches) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese. Which breed costs more?
$600-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Yorkshire Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Yorkshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare training requirements.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare alertness levels.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare territorial behaviors.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese?
Sensitive: Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese?
High: Yorkshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Yorkshire Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese? Which can be better for hunting?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare adaptability levels.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Yorkshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Yorkshire Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare average lifespans.
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese. Which breed is healthier?
Yorkshire Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese?
Rare
The Yorkshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare activity levels.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Yorkshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Blue
Gold
White
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare drooling amounts.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Yorkshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese? Compare fur types.
Fine Feathered
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese? Do Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed more than Maltese dogs?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare kid-friendliness.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese? Can a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese be friends? Do Yorkshire Terrier dogs get along with Maltese dogs?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese?
Yes
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Yorkshire Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Yorkshire Terriers are not recommended for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Yorkshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese. Which has larger litters?
4-6 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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