Breed Comparison
Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese
Side-by-side breakdown of shedding, trainability, cost, temperament, and whether either breed suits your lifestyle — with honest UK context.
Yorkshire Terrier
Tiny dog, enormous personality. The Yorkie doesn't know it's small and will pick…
Maltese
An ancient companion breed wrapped in silky white hair. Devoted, delicate, and s…
Both are moderate-energy breeds. Yorkshire Terriers are challenging to train; Malteses are moderately easy to train. Puppy prices: Yorkshire Terrier £800–£2 000, Maltese £700–£2 000 from UK breeders.
Side-by-side comparison
| Yorkshire Terrier | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Weight | 2–3 kg | 2–4 kg |
| Lifespan | 13–16 yrs | 13–16 yrs |
| Shedding | Minimal shedding | Minimal shedding |
| Barking | Vocal breed | Moderate barker quieter |
| Trainability | Challenging | Moderate easier |
| Good with kids | Not ideal | Not ideal |
| Good with cats | Chases cats | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
| UK puppy price | £800–£2 000 | £700–£2 000 |
| Insurance/month | £20–£50/mo | £18–£45/mo |
Green highlight = advantage on that trait. Prices are UK averages from reputable KC-registered breeders (2024–25).
Quick verdict
Yorkshire Terrier
Maltese
Which should you choose?
Both the Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese have their merits — the right choice depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and what matters most in a dog. Here is an honest breakdown of who each breed suits best.
Choose the Yorkshire Terrier if…
- Their temperament — feisty, affectionate, curious — matches what you are looking for
Choose the Maltese if…
- You already have a cat and need a dog that will coexist peacefully
- Their temperament — gentle, affectionate, lively — matches what you are looking for
Energy and exercise requirements
Both the Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese are medium-energy breeds, so their daily exercise requirements are broadly similar. Expect 60–90 minutes of activity per day for either breed.
Cost comparison
Buying a Yorkshire Terrier costs £800–£2 000 from a reputable UK breeder, compared to £700–£2 000 for a Maltese. Insurance is another key variable: Yorkshire Terriers run £20–£50/mo monthly versus £18–£45/mo for Malteses. Over a dog's lifetime, insurance and food costs typically dwarf the initial purchase price — factor both into your budget.
Which is easier to live with day-to-day?
The trainability gap is one of the most meaningful day-to-day differences between these breeds. Both breeds require patient, consistent training — neither will train itself.
The honest summary
On balance, the Maltese edges ahead on the metrics that matter most to the majority of UK dog owners — but "better" is always personal. If the Yorkshire Terrier's specific traits match your situation, go with the Yorkshire Terrier.
Both the Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese can be wonderful dogs in the right hands and the right home. The worst outcome is choosing based on looks or trend alone — make sure their energy level, grooming needs, and temperament fit your life before you commit.
Before you decide
Whatever breed you choose, buy from a reputable breeder who health-tests their breeding stock — not a puppy farm or pet shop. For the Yorkshire Terrier, check what health testing the relevant breed club recommends (KC Assured Breeders follow minimum health testing requirements). The same applies to the Maltese. A slightly higher purchase price from a responsible breeder is almost always cheaper than the veterinary bills from a poorly-bred dog.
If you're still undecided after reading this comparison, consider meeting dogs of both breeds in person — at a breed club event, through a local rescue, or by contacting a reputable breeder who allows you to meet the parents. Temperament on paper and temperament in the room are not always the same thing. Spend time with both breeds before committing: it's a 10–15 year relationship.