Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Yorkshire Terrier | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Toy | Toy |
| Adult weight | 3.2 kg | Up to 3.2 kg |
| In pounds | 7 lb | Up to 7 lb |
| Adult height | 18 to 20 cm | 18 to 23 cm |
| Energy | High | Moderate |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Coat | Long silky | Long silky |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | 11 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Fine with supervision |
| Good with other dogs | Fine with supervision | Fine with supervision |
| Country of origin | Great Britain | Central Mediterranean Basin |
The main differences
- They are about the same size: the Yorkshire Terrier is 3.2 kg and the Maltese Up to 3.2 kg.
- The Yorkshire Terrier needs more exercise: high energy against moderate for the Maltese.
- Grooming is high for both.
- Life expectancy is similar: 11 to 15 years for the Yorkshire Terrier and 12 to 15 years for the Maltese.
- With children, the Yorkshire Terrier is rated reliably good and the Maltese fine with supervision.
Temperament
Yorkshire Terrier: Affectionate and sprightly, the Yorkshire Terrier is tenacious, feisty and brave, showing all the traits of a true terrier in a toy size frame.
Maltese: The Maltese is gentle mannered and affectionate, eager and sprightly in action, and despite their size has the vigour of a satisfactory companion.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Yorkshire Terrier
- Patellar luxation, with a patella evaluation recommended by the national breed club
- Eye disease, with an ophthalmologist evaluation recommended by the national breed club
Maltese
- Patellar luxation, with a patella evaluation recommended by the national breed club
- Cardiac disease, with a cardiac exam recommended by the national breed club
- Liver shunt, screened for with a serum bile acids test
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Maltese?
They are about the same size. Adults weigh 3.2 kg for the Yorkshire Terrier and Up to 3.2 kg for the Maltese, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Maltese?
The published life expectancy is 11 to 15 years for the Yorkshire Terrier and 12 to 15 years for the Maltese. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Yorkshire Terrier or the Maltese better with children?
The Yorkshire Terrier scores higher for children (5 against 3 out of 5). Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin