MalteseVSYorkshire Terrier

The Maltese is known for being gentle, playful, charming, while the Yorkshire Terrier is typically described as spirited, bold, affectionate. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 4/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the Yorkshire Terrier is more vocal with a barking level of 5/5, while the Maltese is quieter at 4/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Maltese may be the better choice.

The Maltese is a small breed standing 18–25 cm (7–10 in) tall and weighing 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs). In comparison, the Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed at 18–23 cm (7–9 in) and 2–3 kg (4–7 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Maltese has a long coat available in white, while the Yorkshire Terrier sports a long coat in blue and tan, black and gold. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Maltese has moderate energy (3/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The Yorkshire Terrier has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (1/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 5/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $500 for the Maltese and $500 for the Yorkshire Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Maltese has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Yorkshire Terrier lives 13–16 years. The Yorkshire Terrier generally has a longer lifespan.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Maltese include patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, progressive retinal atrophy, dental disease. The Yorkshire Terrier is prone to patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, tracheal collapse, dental disease. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $450 for the Maltese and $450 for the Yorkshire Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Maltese leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Yorkshire Terrier, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

Both breeds score 2/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

If you have other pets, the Maltese tends to get along better with other dogs (3/5) than the Yorkshire Terrier (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Maltese is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Maltese is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Yorkshire Terrier tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Maltese's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Maltese ranges from $600–$2,500, while a Yorkshire Terrier typically costs $800–$3,000. The Yorkshire Terrier is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,250 for the Maltese and $1,250 for the Yorkshire Terrier. Annual ownership costs are comparable.

Monthly food costs run about $25 for the Maltese and $25 for the Yorkshire Terrier. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.