Dog breed comparison
Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Yorkshire Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 4 to 6 pounds | Up to 7 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Energy
The Yorkshire Terrier has more energy than the Maltese.
Exercise needs
The Yorkshire Terrier needs more exercise than the Maltese.
Easy to train
The Maltese is easier to train than the Yorkshire Terrier.
Intelligence
The Maltese is quicker to learn than the Yorkshire Terrier.
Good with children
The Maltese is better with children than the Yorkshire Terrier.
Good with other dogs
The Maltese gets on better with other dogs than the Yorkshire Terrier.
Which to choose
Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?
Choose the Yorkshire Terrier if…
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
Choose the Maltese if…
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Maltese?
The Maltese is generally easier to train than the Yorkshire Terrier. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Maltese?
The Maltese is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Yorkshire Terrier can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
