Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese

Side-by-side comparison of temperament, health, size, and care needs.

Yorkshire Terrier

Maltese

Traits Overview

Yorkshire Terrier

Maltese

Energy Level

Yorkshire Terrier

3/5

Maltese

2/5

Trainability

Yorkshire Terrier

3/5

Maltese

3/5

Good with Kids

Yorkshire Terrier

3/5

Maltese

4/5

Good with Pets

Yorkshire Terrier

3/5

Maltese

4/5

Grooming Needs

Yorkshire Terrier

5/5

Maltese

5/5

Yorkshire Terrier scores highest in energy level (3/5 vs 2/5).
All breeds share similar trainability (3/5).
Maltese scores highest in kid-friendliness (4/5 vs 3/5).
Maltese scores highest in pet-friendliness (4/5 vs 3/5).
All breeds share similar grooming needs (5/5).
Maltese tends to live longer (12-15 years) compared to Yorkshire Terrier (11-15 years).
Both breeds are prone to Patellar luxation, Portosystemic shunt, Collapsed trachea.

Attribute	Yorkshire Terrier Feisty and affectionate toy breed with a gorgeous silky coat. Big personality in a tiny package.	Maltese Gentle, playful, and charming toy breed with a stunning white coat. The quintessential lap dog.
Size	toy	toy
Weight	7 lbs	Under 7 lbs
Height	7-8 in	7-9 in
Life Span	11-15 years	12-15 years
Origin	England	Malta
Group	Toy	Toy
Energy Level
Trainability
Good with Kids
Good with Pets
Grooming Needs
Temperament	AffectionateSprightlyTomboyishConfident	GentlePlayfulCharmingAffectionate
Common Health Issues	Patellar luxation Portosystemic shunt Hypoglycemia Collapsed trachea	Patellar luxation Portosystemic shunt Progressive retinal atrophy Collapsed trachea
Exercise	Short daily walks and indoor play	Short walks and play sessions
Grooming	Daily brushing for long coat	Daily brushing, regular professional grooming
Diet	Small frequent meals of quality food	Quality toy-breed formula