I have both a yorkie and a maltese, and I have to say that I love both breeds. My yorkie is a male and he is so incredibly loving. My maltese is a female and she's really a sweetheart.
My biggest recommendation to you would be to get a larger one (10lbs or so) since you are planning on having children. Ten pounds is still a tiny dog, and you will still have to be very careful with him/her. Never leave a child unsupervised with a yorkie or a maltese. It's too dangerous even if they are "bigger".
The thing about maltese is the fact that they are so white, and it takes a little more to keep them looking clean. One time playing outside, and they look dirty. LOL
Sometimes they get tear stains as well.
You might want to also join
www.maltesetalk.com to get more info on maltese.