Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier

Where Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier differ most

• Good with kids: Maltese 3/5 · Yorkshire Terrier 2/5Maltese rated higher

Full trait-by-trait breakdown

Which one should you choose?

Both are tiny companion breeds with coats demanding serious regular grooming, but the Yorkie carries more genuine terrier feistiness and boldness where the Maltese tends toward gentler, quieter devotion. The Yorkie can be more prone to vocal alerting at sounds and movement; the Maltese is generally calmer and more content simply staying close to its owner. Both do best with attentive, patient handling. Families wanting a spirited, bold personality should lean Yorkshire Terrier; those wanting a consistently gentle, quiet lap companion are better matched with the Maltese. A small apartment suits either dog just fine, though the Yorkie's more assertive streak sometimes surprises new owners expecting a purely decorative lapdog rather than a genuine terrier personality. Long stretches alone wear on either dog over time, so an owner who's reliably home suits both breeds noticeably better than an empty house. Dental care deserves real attention with both toy breeds, since crowded mouths in a small skull make cleanings and checkups a routine part of ownership rather than an occasional afterthought. First-time small-dog owners often underestimate how much daily brushing a coat this length actually demands, regardless of which of the two they end up choosing.