We have both a maltese and a yorkie.
The yorkie is my husbands and the maltese is mine.
The reason i say that is I am more layed back and my husband is go, go , go.
The way I look at is Yorkies are for ever puppies, if you have the energy and handel your puppy not doing everything when you ask then that is your puppy, they are very smart but do what they want when they want it.
This is my second maltese and I find them to be very calm dogs with engery when required. Yes there is maintance but so do yorkies.
They both should be brushed the same mount, they both have tear staining. you just don't notice it on a yorkie because of the colour.
The diffence is the personalities.
Chester is three and still acts like a puppy he dashes throu our home he does not walk. Chesley our maltese will walk unless she is with chester.
Chelsey is like my little shadow walking behind me every where. I follow Chester he does not wait for me. He is his own person/dog
Tip if you get a yorkie or maltese.. I recommend bless the beast shampoo to minimize the upkeep , no matts and less brushing.
In addition, so you are aware the personalities of both breeds are completely differnt.. don't let pictures in book in magizes confuse you... they are nothing a like. So please do your rearch on line contact some really good breeders and vist with no money in hand that way you will not make a commitment.