Breed Comparisons

Yorkie vs Maltese: Which Small White or Silky Dog Is Right for You?

Both are small, silky, low-shedding companion dogs — but they have distinctly different personalities. Here's the honest comparison between Yorkies and Maltese.

March 20, 2024 · 7 min read

The Core Personality Difference

Yorkshire Terriers are terriers — bred to hunt and think independently. They're bold, confident, and sometimes stubborn. Maltese are companion dogs bred exclusively for human companionship — gentle, affectionate, and highly people-focused. If you want a dog that's sweet and biddable, the Maltese. If you want a dog with attitude and spirit, the Yorkie.

Size and Structure

• Yorkie: AKC standard under 7 lbs. Most common range 4–7 lbs. Slightly more compact build.
• Maltese: Typically 4–7 lbs. Similar size range. Longer body proportionally, slightly more fragile bone structure.
• Both: True toy breeds. Equally inappropriate for households with very young children who play roughly.

Coat and Grooming

• Yorkie: Traditional silk coat (blue and gold in adults). Low-shedding. High maintenance — daily brushing for long coats, professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.
• Maltese: White single-layer coat. Non-shedding. Very high maintenance — tear staining around eyes is a constant management issue. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.
• Neither breed is 'low maintenance' in grooming. Both require significant commitment.

Health Comparison

• Yorkie: Liver shunts (a serious concern — can be detected via DNA), PRA, collapsed trachea, patellar luxation.
• Maltese: White dog shaker syndrome, PRA, patellar luxation, cardiac issues at older age.
• Both: Request DNA health testing results and ask about parent health history.

Which Fits Your Life?

• Choose a Yorkie if: You want a confident, spirited companion with personality, don't mind a willful learner, or want a tricolor option (parti Yorkie or Biewer Terrier).
• Choose a Maltese if: You want a softer, more compliant personality, adore white dogs, or want a companion that's slightly more consistently gentle.