Maltese vs.Yorkie

[ellaYORKIE]

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

I adore my yorkie, and yorkies in general. I have never owned a maltese. From my yorkie experiences i know that they are super affectionate, i get more loving from Ella than by boyfriend (ha ha), all the yorkies that my family and i own yap when they are exicted or when a stranger comes to the house. They are not all that way though. As far as having a smelly coat, idk about other yorkies but Ella needs bathed ever 3-4 days. Though i do take her outside alot. Then again my sister's yorkie also goes outside alot but doesn't get nearly as stinky as Ella. Of course if anyone asked me maltese or yorkie i'd say 100% yorkie all the way b/c i'm sold on them. I would say though to do your research. They two breeds in m opinion are very different and have different needs. Whichever dog is more compatible for you and your needs is the one to go with. Don't take on a dog that you think will be too high maintenance for you to handle. =]

[Ava Mae]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

I was actually going to suggest a small mixed breed. As I said I have a Yorkie/Maltese. The only thing I'd like to suggest is if you are going to go for a mixed breed, please consider rescue rather then buying a mix. You can go to Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder and type in either maltese or yorkie and your zip code and it will bring up all that is available in your area. The great thing with rescue or adopting from a shelter is that the fee you donate not only helps another dog in need but your dog will come to you vetted, complete with shots, and will be spay or neutered for that price. The fees generally are about $250 - $400 which is a great deal considering a spay here in NJ costs $350 or more, plus consider that an office visit alone is around $50 and the cost of shots etc. Also, the rescue is always up front and will always take the pup back if it does not work out. If it means anything, I have five that are rescues and they are really the best. They are so grateful for a good home that they are eager to please and train. And, most end up in shelters and rescues through no fault of their own. In a lot of instances their owners have died. And, being you are open to a mix you can find a pup or a very young dog. Now a days with the economy as it is even full breeds such as the Yorkie are being turned in left and right and a lot of babies. Best of Luck.

Elaine

I have a Morkie (Maltese/Yorkie) and at 4 months, she's a little sweetie. Affectionate, obedient and smart. I would recommend this cross breed to anyone!

[AbbysMom08]

Originally Posted by blondyinnh

Thank you thank you for all replies. They are helping very much. I'm really leaning towards a yorkie at this point. I really think it just all depends on the dog as many of you have said. Also I just think its imperative to find a good breeder. Someone who is going to pick that little baby up and make them feel loved seems like such an important part of this. I don't know how some of these places with several dogs can devote time to each puppy.

As for the swimming I'd love for the dog to enjoy water but not a big deal if they don't. As I said we live on a lake and the grandparents have their dachshund who they put on our jetski and he goes around the lake. Yes that would be cool but not necessary

I am finding a greater amount of people near me who are breeding yorkie's compared to Maltese. Maltese are just so few are far up here in New England. My search was originally for a full grown maltese at 4 pounds. But Im also realizing they change their looks significantly from puppy to adulthood in my opinion. I want a dog who keeps their puppy "look".

Hi,

I have had 3 yorkies and I have to say none of mine kept their "puppy look", They change so much in appearance over time. Check out some of the members pages and their albums. Some have pictures of their yorkies at varies ages and you will see what I mean.
Good luck with what ever breed you decide on.
Let us know what you decide and post pictures when you get you furbaby.

[Thomas J]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

True. I have seen some Yorkies LOVE water... Mine does not~ but he does love going on the boat. I think if you are going to be really active try to get a dog breed that enjoys those activites. B/C you will have a 50/50 chance with a yorkie.

same here..mine loves the boat..but not the water

[TaylorWoods]

Well, I speak for myself when I say I'm totally biased! I had a Maltese while I was growing up and she was a super sweet little dog...but my Yorkie is my life! I will never have a different small dog!

They're FULL of energy, have superb characters, they don't shed hair at all and anyone who tells you they aren't lap dogs is lying! Taylor can be very independant but when it comes to comfort she knows where her bread is buttered! They have their faults and health issues I suppose but so do the Maltese.

My puppy has had her first hair cut and the maintenance is low - just a daily brush and her regular baths which she very willingly takes in our shower!

She even loves to swim which I never thought she would! And plays the best game of fetch out of any of my previous dogs which included a Border Collie and a Jack Russell!

The other option you could consider is a Yorktese - a mix breed between the 2? Consider your personal circumstance and the amount of time you have to put into any dog.

The Yorkie has just got so many special qualities, you'll never regret getting one! I'm a fan, can you tell?!

[janetvav]

I have a yorkie and a maltese and I keep both of them cut short so we don't deal with the hair issue. My maltese is more laid back than my yorkie is. She used to have a terrible time with eye stains until I finally changed to a better food and they are gone now amazing what a difference it made. My maltese does have trachea problems but that happens in several types of dogs. I love them so much they are both very special to me.

[tonyag9]

If you DO decide to go with a mix from the shelter, I personally would recommend a yorkie/chi mix (a/k/a "chorkie"). Of course I'm biased, because that's what my little boy Pixel is He was being rehomed and their loss was definitely my gain!! I don't ever HAVE to brush him (he doesn't mat), though I do sometimes anyway, and he is 1 1/2 years old now and hasn't had to be groomed yet. I just bathe/condition him every week or 2 and he's good to go. Very easy and such a great personality!! He also enjoys being in the pool with me being pushed around on his raft (see attached pic) He's not nippy at all - SUPER sweet (to both people and other animals) and loves to cuddle.

He's small enough to go everywhere with me (even flown to Texas with me multiple times), but is also sturdy and strong for his size.

Of course with a mix you never know what you will get, but I've heard of other yorkie/chi mix owners who were as happy as I am with their own little ones

Good luck in whatever you end up deciding!

[blondyinnh]

Thank you so much for the replys. I have so many opinions Im having a hard time deciding. Im indecisive as it is LOL. I guess I need to figure out who fits better with our personal lifestyle. Honestly its really the white fur thats scaring us off. I love the personality of the maltese and really want a best buddy but I guess I could have that in either breed. I hate making decisions lol

[blondyinnh]

Wish me luck, I am going to see a breeder in NH tomorrow afternoon. I think it is important to see some different yorkie breeders in my area to see who I'm most comfortable with. I think spending time with these breeds it will help learning what is best for us.

[AmyChristine]

Originally Posted by blondyinnh

Wish me luck, I am going to see a breeder in NH tomorrow afternoon. I think it is important to see some different yorkie breeders in my area to see who I'm most comfortable with. I think spending time with these breeds it will help learning what is best for us.

I agree with you 100%... I am head over heels for the yorkie breed and I adore the terrier in them I feel like it makes them more confident, smart, and fiesty than other toy breeds. They are like little people, full of attitude My sister doesn't like that aspect of the yorkie she says it makes them challenging, bossy and needy haha she prefers the temperment of her maltese and shih tzu. We agree to disagree but the best way to know what you like is to see them in action

[Ladymom]

I am so glad you are researching both breeds to see which is the best fit for your family. Picking between a Maltese and a Yorkie is like choosing white or dark chocolate! A delicious, but difficult decision.

Just a word of advice......

You will find more Yorkie puppies available in your area than Maltese. Due to their popularity, Yorkies are a favorite of backyard breeders (greeders) so they are more easily found. If you get a puppy of either breed from a BYB, you won't get a good representation of a Maltese or Yorkie anyway so your careful research will be wasted. The only way to guarantee you will get a puppy who will grow up to look and act like a Maltese or Yorkie is supposed to is to get one from a reputable breeder.

I suggest you start with breeders recommended by the breed club and go from there. They will be able to direct you to other breeders.

American Maltese Association Breeder Referral

Yorkshire Terrier Club of America

This is a wonderful article no matter what breed you choose:

Maltese Show Dog Versus Maltese Pet.....What is the difference?

Here is a great guide to finding a reputable breeder:

Backyard Breeder vs Reputable Breeder

[TaylorWoods]

My Yorkie isn't nippy at all! She loves everyone and every animal she meets! The excitment on her face when someone walks past is just too much!

[TaylorWoods]

She isn't yappy either I must add. She hardly ever barks unless she's playing a serious game of "attack your ankles"! But she is very alert and when she hears a funny noise outside she will bark and let me know she is unhappy about something but it is never endless yapping

[AbbysMom08]

Abby rarely barks either, unless she hears something outside. Then she'll bark a couple of times.
I've been lucky. I've had 3 yorkies over the years and none of them were "yappy".

[blondyinnh]

Thank you again. I did look at the links. Unfortunately the breeders in my area are not breeding now. Hopefully today I will get some more answers visiting a yorkie breeder seeing the personailites and such.