[Luvmypupster]

I have both breeds. Mia (my yorkie) is actually a much sweeter dog than my maltese, she has a much better temperament than Bentley (my malt). He's yappy, she isn't. He's aggressive and very protective of me. Mia is more of a snuggler and wants to be held more than my maltese, he will allow me to hold him when it's his choice...not mine. My yorkie is also more playful than my malt, I would not consider her hyper...just more playful. Hair care in a yorkie is a breeze compared to the maltese. My maltese was easier to housebreak, she has been a challenge. I love them both so much but he has been a more difficult dog. Would I get another maltese? no. Would I ever get another yorkie? without a doubt. I firmly believe that your temerament & personality variables is influenced by breeding and no matter what breed you have, some are going to be more difficult than others (just like us humans, some are easy going and some are not) I have always heard that some top breeders are not breeding for temperament. I bought Bentley from one of the top maltese breeders in the county but it never occured to me to ask the temperament question. It's very important to ask the breeder about her lines temperament.