Dog breed comparison
Compare size, exercise, coat upkeep, trainability, family fit, and apartment suitability before you commit to a shortlist.
Treat the comparison as a practical starting point. Individual dogs still vary by health, training, age, breeder or rescue history, and daily environment.
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, lively breed known for its luxurious coat and vibrant personality. Originally bred for hunting vermin, Yorkies are now beloved companions, requiring regular exercise and grooming.
Owner fit notes
Maltese
Toy
The Maltese is a small, affectionate toy breed known for its long, silky white coat and lively personality. Ideal for families and apartment living.
Owner fit notes
Decision summary
Use this comparison as a decision aid, then open each breed guide for the full care, health, temperament, and training context.
Decision compass
Not a winner-takes-all verdict. These cards translate breed traits into everyday owner questions so you can spot the tradeoff that actually matters.
Both breeds land close enough that training, routine, and local exercise access matter more than the rating gap.
Yorkshire Terrier: apt 5/5, bark 4/5 · Maltese: apt 5/5, bark 4/5
Best next move: compare your building rules, stairs, noise tolerance, and outdoor access.
Browse apartment-friendly breedsMaltese looks more beginner-friendly when training ease and family fit are considered together.
Yorkshire Terrier: training 2/5, first-time 3/5 · Maltese: training 3/5, first-time 3/5
Best first read for a smoother first month: Maltese.
Open Maltese guideMaltese looks stronger for a shared home when family fit, child fit, and other-pet fit are weighed together.
Yorkshire Terrier: family 4/5, kids 3/5, pets 2/5 · Maltese: family 4/5, kids 3/5, pets 3/5
Best first read for a busy shared home: Maltese.
Open Maltese guideMaltese looks easier on routine cleanup when shedding and grooming ease are weighed together.
Yorkshire Terrier: shedding 1/5, grooming 2/5 · Maltese: shedding 1/5, grooming 3/5
Best first read if cleanup is your worry: Maltese.
Open Maltese guideBoth breeds can suit active owners; look at training style, play preferences, and recovery needs next.
Yorkshire Terrier: 30 min/day, energy 4/5 · Maltese: 30 min/day, energy 4/5
Best next move: compare how each breed settles after exercise, not just how much activity they can do.
Browse active breedsQuick mobile scan
Use these owner-life cards first, then open the full tables when you want every detail.
Yorkshire Terrier: 30 min/day · Maltese: 30 min/day
Yorkshire Terrier: shedding Very Low · Maltese: shedding Very Low
Yorkshire Terrier: Low · Maltese: Moderate
Yorkshire Terrier: Very High · Maltese: Very High
Keep comparing
Compare another close breed, read a guide that names one of these dogs, or use the quiz as a quick check before you choose the next breed guide.
| Yorkshire Terrier | Category | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Toy | Breed Group | Toy |
| England | Origin | Malta |
| 20–23 cm | Height | 23–25 cm |
| 2.3–3.2 kg | Weight | 1.8–3.2 kg |
| 14-16 years | Lifespan | 12 - 14 years |
| 30 min/day | Exercise | 30 min/day |
| Silky | Coat Type | Silky |
| Long | Coat Length | Long |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Trait | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
High | Energy Level | High |
Low | Trainability | Moderate |
High | Affection | High |
Very High | Intelligence | Very High |
Very Low | Shedding | Very Low |
Low | Grooming Ease | Moderate |
High | Barking | High |
Moderate | Good w/ Kids | Moderate |
Low | Good w/ Pets | Moderate |
Very High | Apartment | Very High |
High | Families | High |
Moderate | First-Time Owners | Moderate |
Very High | Playfulness | High |
Very Low | Drooling | Very Low |
Both the Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese look closely matched for family life. Compare energy, size, and supervision needs before you decide.
Maltese looks like the easier training starting point, but age, breeder or rescue history, and daily consistency still matter.
They look similar for shedding, so grooming routine, season, coat type, and individual dog variation matter more.
The Yorkshire Terrier needs about 30 minutes of daily exercise, while the Maltese requires around 30 minutes. Both need similar amounts of exercise.
The Yorkshire Terrier has an average lifespan of 14-16 years, while the Maltese lives approximately 12 - 14 years.
Both breeds look closely matched for apartment life. Compare barking, exercise, stairs, and access to outdoor space before you choose.