Yorkshire TerrierVSMaltese
The Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese are both glamorous toy breeds with silky coats, but the Yorkie's bold terrier spirit contrasts with the Maltese's gentler, more playful nature. Each suits a different type of owner.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Yorkshire Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in | 4–7 lbs, 7–9 in |
| Energy Level | High | Moderate |
| Shedding | Very Low | Very Low |
| Trainability | Good (terrier stubbornness) | Good |
| Good With Kids | Moderate (fragile, bold) | Moderate (fragile) |
| Apartment Friendly | Excellent | Excellent |
| Average Lifespan | ✓13–16 years | 12–15 years |
| Monthly Cost (est.) | ✓$70–$150 | $80–$180 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Yorkshire Terrier if…
Owners who want a feisty, confident toy dog with a bold personality and slightly lower grooming costs.
Choose a Maltese if…
Those who prefer a gentler, more serene companion with a sweet, people-pleasing nature.
Grooming & Shedding: Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese
Both the Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese have fine, silky coats that shed minimally, making both popular choices for owners sensitive to dog hair. Yorkshire Terriers have a straight, glossy coat that grows continuously and closely resembles human hair in texture. Show-quality Yorkies have floor-length coats requiring daily brushing, but most pet owners keep them in shorter trims. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is standard. Maltese have a long, flowing white coat that requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats, particularly around the legs and armpits. Tear staining is a notable grooming concern for both breeds — the area beneath their eyes requires regular cleaning to prevent brown discoloration. Overall grooming demands are similar for both breeds, with professional grooming essential for either.
Temperament & Family Compatibility
Yorkshire Terriers are bold, confident, and spirited dogs with the feisty independence typical of terrier breeds. Originally bred to hunt rats in textile mills, Yorkies are alert, energetic, and not easily intimidated by larger dogs. They can be stubborn in training and may be prone to barking. They form strong bonds with their owners but can be wary of strangers and rough handling. Maltese are gentler and more consistently people-pleasing than Yorkies. They are affectionate, playful, and typically easier to train due to a more cooperative nature. Both breeds can suffer from separation anxiety and are best suited to households where someone is home regularly. For a more compliant, sweet-natured companion, the Maltese wins; for a dog with feistier character, the Yorkie delivers.
Compare pet insurance for Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese
Both breeds have different health profiles — find the right coverage level before your first vet visit.
Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Are Yorkies harder to train than Maltese?
Yorkshire Terriers have a terrier's stubborn streak which can make training more of a challenge. Maltese are generally more willing to please. Both respond best to short, positive training sessions with treats, but Maltese tend to cooperate more consistently.
Which barks more?
Yorkies tend to be bolder and more alert barkers — they were originally bred to hunt rats and will vocalize when they detect anything unusual. Maltese also bark but are typically a bit less intense about it. Both breeds benefit from bark-training.
Which breed has a longer lifespan?
Both are long-lived toy breeds. Yorkshire Terriers average 13–16 years and Maltese 12–15 years. Dental disease is a key health factor for both — regular teeth brushing significantly improves longevity.
Find the perfect name for your Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese
Our name finder quiz considers your dog's breed, personality, coat color, and vibe to give you a personalized top-3 recommendation — with explanations and audio.
Find the Perfect Name — Free🐾
Track your Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese's health for free
Care log, vaccination tracker, weight trends, and health journal — all in one place. Works in your browser.
Create free account →No credit card required · Works in your browser