A side-by-side comparison of the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.
Maltese
Yorkshire Terrier
Overall, Maltese wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.
Maltese
3 wins
Yorkshire Terrier
2 wins
More family-friendly
Maltese edges ahead on kid-friendliness, affection, and trainability.
Lower maintenance
Yorkshire Terrier sheds less and needs less grooming overall.
Longer-lived
Yorkshire Terrier typically lives longer on average.
Calmer
These breeds have similar energy levels.
Quieter
Maltese tends to bark less.
More trainable
Maltese picks up commands and new behaviors more readily.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Height | Lifespan | Energy | Shedding | Grooming | Trainable | Affection | Barking | Kids | Dogs | Cats | Apartment | First-timers | Low-allergen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 5–7 lb | 10 in | 12 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
| Small | 7 lb | 8–9 in | 12–15 yr | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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The Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.
Overall, Maltese wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.