Small, affectionate, and elegant: Yorkies and Maltese are both excellent companion dogs. This guide compares temperament, grooming, health, size, apartment suitability and hypoallergenic qualities to help you choose.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese: Which Is Right for You?

Quick TL;DR: Both breeds are affectionate, small enough for apartments, and often classed as hypoallergenic. Yorkies are feisty and bold with slightly higher exercise/play needs; Maltese tend to be softer in temperament but demand similar high-grooming commitment.

Quick Comparison Table

Overview

Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese are two of the most popular toy breeds worldwide. Both were bred as companion dogs and thrive on human company. They look different: Yorkies usually have steel-blue-and-tan, silky hair and a spunky expression; Maltese are known for their solid white, flowing coats and sweet faces. But when choosing between them, the right one depends less on looks and more on your lifestyle, grooming tolerance, budget, and the household environment.

Below is a side-by-side look at the most important owner-focused factors.

Temperament — Side-by-side

• Yorkshire Terrier

• Maltese

Decision tip: If you want a feisty, spirited little dog that acts like a watchdog, a Yorkie may suit you. If you prefer a softer, consistently cuddly companion, the Maltese is a good match.

Exercise & Energy

Both breeds are small but need daily mental stimulation and physical activity.

• Recommended exercise: 20–40 minutes per day (walks + play). Short walks, indoor play sessions, and training games keep them happy and prevent boredom-related behavior problems.
• Yorkie specifics: Often more reactive and curious — may enjoy brisk walks, puzzle toys, and indoor agility.
• Maltese specifics: Enjoys gentle walks and playtime; may prefer lap time and short bursts of activity.

Grooming & Coat Care

Both breeds have fine, silky coats that require consistent care.

• Yorkshire Terrier grooming

• Maltese grooming

Grooming time: Plan on 10–30 minutes daily for brushing plus periodic professional trims. Both breeds are high-maintenance if you keep a long, show-style coat.

Health & Longevity

Typical lifespan for both breeds is about 12–15 years when well cared for (AKC). Common health concerns overlap but have breed-specific tendencies.

• Yorkshire Terrier common issues

• Maltese common issues

Preventive care: Regular veterinary exams, dental cleanings, weight management, and screening tests (hip/patella checks, eye exams) reduce the risk and impact of these problems. Choosing a reputable breeder who screens breeding dogs for common issues lowers the chance of inherited disease.

References: AKC breed pages, VCA Veterinary, OFA data.

Hypoallergenic Qualities

Both Yorkies and Maltese are commonly described as hypoallergenic because they shed less than many other breeds. Important points:

• No dog is 100% hypoallergenic; allergies are typically triggered by dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine proteins rather than hair alone.
• Because Yorkies and Maltese produce less loose hair and have hair-like coats rather than a heavy undercoat, they often cause fewer allergic reactions for sensitive people.
• Regular grooming, bathing, and home cleaning reduce allergens.

Size & Apartment Suitability

Both breeds are ideal for apartment or small-space living due to their compact size and modest exercise needs. Considerations:

• Neighbor noise: Yorkies can be quite alert and vocal; early training to manage barking helps apartment harmony.
• Fragility: Both are small and can be injured by falls or rough handling; apartments with stairs require caution.

Cost — Purchase and Ongoing

• Purchase/adoption: Purebred puppies from reputable breeders typically range widely depending on pedigree and location — expect $1,000–3,000+ for well-bred Yorkie or Maltese puppies. Adoption from rescues is often less expensive.
• Annual ownership costs: Plan $1,500–2,500+ per year including food, routine vet care, vaccines, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, grooming, and supplies. Additional costs for emergency care or major surgeries can be several thousand dollars.

Pros and Cons

• Yorkshire Terrier

• Maltese

Which Breed Is Right For You?

• You live in an apartment, work from home, and want a quiet lap companion: Maltese are slightly better suited.
• You want a spirited, confident little dog that’s a bit of a “big dog in a small body”: Consider a Yorkshire Terrier.
• You have young, very active children or want a family playmate: Neither is ideal for very rough play; consider a sturdier small-to-medium breed. If you must choose, a Maltese with calm children or a Yorkie with well-supervised older kids could work.
• You have mild allergies: Both breeds are commonly tolerated by allergy sufferers — meet dogs in-person first.
• You dislike grooming: Neither breed is low-maintenance; opting for a short “puppy cut” reduces time but still requires daily brushing and frequent professional trims.
• You want a low-bark dog: A properly trained Maltese may be quieter; Yorkies can be more alert and vocal unless trained.

How to Choose a Reputable Source/Breeder

• Ask for health clearances (patella, eyes, heart) and parent health history.
• Visit the breeder’s facility or request recent photos/videos; look for clean conditions and well-socialized puppies.
• Consider rescue groups for breed-specific rescues; these dogs often come vetted and are a lower-cost option.

Key Takeaways

• Both Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese make excellent companions for apartment dwellers and those seeking a small, devoted dog.
• Temperament differs: Yorkies are bold and feisty; Maltese are typically softer and more cuddly.
• Grooming is the major time/cost commitment for both — expect daily brushing and professional trims every 4–8 weeks if keeping long coats.
• Both breeds are often described as hypoallergenic but allergies vary — test exposure before adopting.
• Health issues are typical of small breeds (dental disease, luxating patella, airway issues); buy from a reputable breeder and keep up with preventive veterinary care.

Sources

• American Kennel Club (AKC) — Breed profiles: Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese. https://www.akc.org/
• VCA Hospitals — Breed information and common health issues. https://vcahospitals.com/
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) — Health screening resources. https://www.ofa.org/
• Merck Veterinary Manual — Small animal care and common conditions. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Ready to take the next step?

If you want, tell me which lifestyle scenario fits you (apartment vs house, children, allergies, time for grooming) and I’ll recommend which breed might suit you best and list specific questions to ask breeders or shelters.

Frequently Asked Questions