Yorkshire Terrier VS Maltese

Quick Comparison

Rating Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Bred to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines in northern England, their small size allowed them to squeeze into tight spaces where vermin hid.. Bred purely as companions and comfort dogs for centuries of Mediterranean aristocracy. Ancient Greeks built tombs for their Maltese, and Romans wrote poetry about them.. Both breeds remain popular in 2026, but they offer very different ownership experiences.

Size and Appearance

At 4–7 lbs and 7–8" tall, the Yorkshire Terrier is a small-sized dog. The Maltese stands 7–9" and weighs 4–7 lbs (small size). This difference matters for living space, transportation, and physical handling.

Temperament

The Yorkshire Terrier brings energy (3/5), trainability (3/5), and a kid-friendliness score of 3/5. The Maltese offers energy (3/5), trainability (4/5), and kid-friendliness of 3/5. Yorkies are feisty, affectionate, and surprisingly brave. They bond deeply with their owners and can be territorial despite their diminutive stature. Gentle, playful, and surprisingly spirited, Maltese combine a trusting nature with bold confidence. They are affectionate without being overly dependent and lively without being hyperactive.

Health and Lifespan

Yorkshire Terrier: 11–15 years, watch for Patellar Luxation. Maltese: 12–15 years, watch for Patent Ductus Arteriosus. Both breeds need health-tested parents to minimize genetic risks.

Cost

Initial cost: $1000–$2500 (Yorkshire Terrier) vs. $1000–$3000 (Maltese). Monthly: ~$108 vs. ~$116. First-year total: ~$3,821 (Yorkshire Terrier) vs. ~$3,985 (Maltese).

Grooming and Maintenance

Yorkshire Terrier: silky coat, grooming 5/5, shedding 1/5. Maltese: long silky coat, grooming 5/5, shedding 1/5. The Yorkshire Terrier is hypoallergenic. The Maltese is hypoallergenic.

Living Situation

Apartment: 5/5 vs. 5/5. Exercise: 2/5 vs. 2/5. Barking: 4/5 vs. 4/5. Consider these factors carefully if you're in a shared-wall living situation.

Size and Physical Differences

When comparing the Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese side by side, the physical differences become immediately apparent and play a significant role in determining which breed suits your home environment. The Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4–7 lbs, while the Maltese comes in at 4–7 lbs. In terms of height, the Yorkshire Terrier stands 7–8" tall compared to the Maltese at 7–9". These measurements directly impact how much space the dog needs to move comfortably, the size of crate and bed required, and even the cost of food and medication dosing since larger dogs require proportionally more of both.

Lifespan is another critical physical factor - the Yorkshire Terrier typically lives 11–15 yrs, whereas the Maltese has an expected lifespan of 12–15 yrs. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans due to faster cellular aging and greater strain on joints and organs. This difference means a potentially longer commitment with one breed versus the other, affecting everything from total lifetime costs to the emotional timeline of companionship. Consider which lifespan range aligns with your family situation and long-term plans before making a decision between these two breeds.

Temperament and Lifestyle Fit

Beyond physical traits, the temperament profiles of the Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. Both breeds share an energy level of 3/5, meaning exercise demands are comparable. The Maltese edges ahead in trainability at 4/5 compared to 3/5 for the Yorkshire Terrier, suggesting faster learning during obedience training.

Both breeds are equally vocal at 4/5 for barking tendency. Consider which temperament profile aligns with your household dynamics, daily schedule, and activity preferences before choosing between these two breeds.

Cost of Ownership

The initial purchase price differs between these breeds: the Yorkshire Terrier typically costs $1000–$2500, while the Maltese runs $1000–$3000. However, the purchase price represents only a fraction of the total cost of dog ownership. First-year expenses including supplies, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and early training classes typically add $1,000–$2,500 on top of the acquisition cost regardless of breed. Larger breeds generally incur higher ongoing costs because they consume more food, require larger doses of medications, and need bigger crates, beds, and accessories.

Monthly costs for either breed include food ($30–$100 depending on size and dietary needs), pet insurance ($30–$60), routine grooming ($0–$100 depending on coat type), and miscellaneous supplies. Annual veterinary care adds $300–$800 for healthy dogs, with senior dogs and those with chronic conditions requiring significantly more. Over a full lifespan, total ownership costs for medium to large breeds commonly reach $15,000–$30,000, not including emergency veterinary care. Before deciding between the Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese, create a realistic budget that accounts for these ongoing expenses to ensure you can provide excellent care throughout the dog's entire life without financial strain.

Hidden costs that prospective owners frequently overlook include professional training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75 per night), dog-proofing your home ($100–$300), and replacement of items damaged during puppyhood. Renters should factor in pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75) that many landlords charge. Pet insurance at $30–$60 per month is strongly recommended regardless of which breed you choose, as a single emergency can easily cost $3,000–$8,000. Establishing an emergency veterinary fund alongside insurance provides a financial safety net that prevents care decisions from being driven by budget constraints during your dog's most vulnerable moments.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Choose the Yorkshire Terrier if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Yorkshire Terrier's specific combination of traits and temperament characteristics outlined above. Consider this breed if your living situation, activity level, and experience with dogs align well with what the Yorkshire Terrier demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Yorkshire Terrier profile for detailed information on health issues, grooming requirements, training tips, and real ownership costs broken down by category.

Choose the Maltese if: Your lifestyle and preferences align more closely with the Maltese's temperament and physical characteristics. Review the complete Maltese breed profile for in-depth coverage of health, temperament, cost breakdowns, and practical ownership advice. Spending time with both breeds before making a final decision is strongly recommended - attend breed-specific events, connect with local breed clubs, or visit reputable breeders and rescue organizations to interact with dogs of each breed in person.

Still undecided? Use our Dog Age Calculator and Puppy Weight Calculator to understand the growth and aging trajectory for each breed. Browse our expert guides for advice on training, nutrition, health care, and choosing the right breed for your specific situation. The right dog is not simply the most popular or the most attractive breed - it is the one whose daily needs, temperament, and care requirements align with what you can realistically provide over the next decade or more. Take the time to meet dogs of both breeds in person before committing - the investment in research and firsthand experience prevents the heartbreak of rehoming a dog that does not fit your lifestyle.