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Originally Posted by blondyinnh  Hello,
This is my first post! My husband and I have been looking for a small dog. We were sold on a maltese but also really, really love the cuteness of a yorkie. Are they similar? We have been researching and I'd really just love to hear some feedback on what some think. I know this is a yorkie board but need honest opinions here  We liked maltese for their white color, lap dog, gentle, best friend qualities BUT we are concerned there may be too much maintenance which goes alot with their coat, eyes, etc. Yorkies are so cute but we wonder if they will be too yippy, not as affectionate and I heard their coat can smell stronger. Help please? Thank you |
Yorkies are terriers, so they are very active and require exercise to remain healthy. Mine isn't a yapper, but many can be. It depends on the socialization you provide and training as well as the individual yorkie's personality and probably a good deal on where you live and the sort of distractions available to bark at. Yorkies are high maintenance and require regular grooming and generally once a week baths. Their coats can become oily looking if not bathed regularly. They require daily brushing and combing to keep mats out of their hair. Some coats mat more easily than other coats.
Their eyes do require being cleaned every day. They generally do not do that well by themselves, either. So, if you are an active family that will not be around that much or are unable to take the yorkie with you, then I would not recommend this breed for you. Also, it is true they can be an independent and stubborn breed. Some are much more difficult to train than others. Some are more affectionate than others. You never really know the personality of your yorkie when brought home as a puppy until later, so if you aren't dedicated to the breed itself and prepared to love the puppy no matter what the personality is like then I would not recommend a yorkie for you.