Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier — Complete Comparison
Choosing between the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier comes down to lifestyle fit, living space, and the time you can commit to training and grooming. Both breeds are small-sized dogs, so their space and feeding requirements are broadly similar. Both breeds have comparable exercise needs, though individual dogs will vary. Neither breed is particularly recommended for households with young children without careful supervision.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Bold green indicates the better result for that trait. Exercise, grooming and shedding: lower is easier to manage. Trainability and lifespan: higher is better.
Health Comparison
Understanding each breed's health profile helps owners budget for insurance, schedule appropriate screening, and make informed decisions before purchasing.
Maltese (5 conditions)
Conditions shared by both breeds: patellar luxation , portosystemic shunt , progressive retinal atrophy , hypoglycemia , tracheal collapse .
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Based on data across health, exercise, trainability, and temperament, here is how the two breeds compare across common owner priorities:
Explore Each Breed in Depth
Maltese
One of the oldest toy breeds, the Maltese has been a prized companion of Mediterranean nobility since ancient times, dep…
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in 19th-century Yorkshire by mill workers who needed a small, fearless terrier to ca…
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger — a Maltese or a Yorkshire Terrier?
The Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier are very similar in size. The Maltese weighs 1.4–3.2 kg and the Yorkshire Terrier weighs 1.8–3.2 kg.
Which breed lives longer — Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
The Yorkshire Terrier generally has a longer lifespan (13–16 years) compared to the Maltese (12–15 years). Smaller breeds typically outlive larger ones, and individual genetics, diet, and preventive care all play significant roles.
Are Malteses or Yorkshire Terriers easier to train?
The Maltese (trainability 4/5) is generally easier to train than the Yorkshire Terrier (3/5). Malteses tend to respond quickly to reward-based training, while Yorkshire Terriers may require more patience and consistency.
Which needs more grooming — Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
Both breeds have similar grooming requirements (5/5). Regular brushing and routine coat maintenance apply equally to both.
Which breed is better for families — Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
Neither breed is typically recommended as the best choice for households with very young children without careful management and thorough early socialisation. Close supervision is advised with either breed.
Do Malteses and Yorkshire Terriers have the same health problems?
Some health conditions are shared between both breeds, including patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, progressive retinal atrophy. The Maltese has 5 documented conditions overall and the Yorkshire Terrier has 5. Pet insurance is strongly recommended for both.
Get Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier tips and breed health guides
Expert advice on breed health, common conditions, and preventive care — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.