Maltese vs.Yorkie - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Darlene68 · 03-03-2010, 03:52 PM

My friend has a Maltese and that was the breed I was planning to get at first, I couldn't find one during that time, so I looked at yorkies and ended up getting my boy Bailey, I would not trade him for anything, he is the sweetest most loving little guy and he never barks in my house, he barks in the car in his seat and when he is out playing with other dogs, I think that is pretty normal, my friends Maltese barks at everything. You will find all dogs are different and special in their own way, If I get another dog it will be another yorkie. Good luck in your search!

cheryl19 · 03-03-2010, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovespandp

I love my Yorkie, yes they are high maintance. Between the brushing, walking, playing, feeding, cleaning, grooming..etc etc, but I wouldn't have it any other way! My yorkie isn't a yapper, but he is very aleart esp when DH isn't home he is VERY aware of what is outside~

If you dont want to deal with the hair why wouldnt you get a breed with short hair, but still small in size? Maybe even a little more stronger, not as breakable like a yorkie. I say that bc of their luxating patella and collapsed trachea issues..

Also Yorkies don't care to much for swimming. But I'm sure their are a few that do. I would get a little bigger dog but still small.

lovespandp · 03-03-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheryl19

Also Yorkies don't care to much for swimming. But I'm sure their are a few that do. I would get a little bigger dog but still small.

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.

jrsygal37 · 03-03-2010, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blondyinnh

Also, the breeder we are visiting has a friend who has asked her to sell some maltese-yorkie mixes. Would this be a better solution for us? Is a mixed breed a bad decision? Are there pro's and con's there as well? Thank you!

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

Ringo1 · 03-03-2010, 04:19 PM

My first and 'forever' dog was a maltese named Casper. He was a great dog and traveling companion and died at the ripe old age of 14.

I now have a little yorkie named Lucy so I'll tell you the differences I see:

Both are great dogs. Casper was a little easier to housetrain than Lucy and a little more independent - not quite as needy. (He was larger too).

Casper barked more than Lucy does though. Both are equally affectionate and stick to their human's like glue.

Casper was never mean or nippy . . . but not all that friendly with strangers. He was a one-person dog and could care less if some stranger on the street gave him a pat on the head.

Lucy is a little more eager for attention from strangers.

Lucy is not quite as eager to please me as Casper was - perhaps a little more stubborn?

Both coats are easy enough to maintain - IF you don't mind a puppy cut. Casper was a white dog - but he wasn't a 'down and dirty' dog or a digger so . . . not that hard to keep clean.

It IS harder to hide the puppy tear-stains on a maltese.

I think you can't go wrong with either breed - both are great companion dogs.

OwnedByJezebel · 03-03-2010, 04:24 PM

If you can't decide, you really ought to be around a few of each to see which breed, in general, that you click with.

I've had three of each, and even though dogs are individuals, I can tell you my experience. Years ago, I had two Maltese, and they lived to old age. They are very loving, gentle dogs. Very laid back, friendly. When they passed, I didn't get another for a while because of work responsibilities.

Fourteen years ago, I got another Maltese. She is very much like the first two. When she was about a year old, I decided to get another dog so that she could have a companion while we were at work during the day. I assumed any toy dog would do, and found a Yorkie that was also a year old that needed rehoming.

I had no idea what I was "in for" with a terrier, but boy did I learn fast. They are totally different. Their personality is much stronger than a Maltese. They are much more dominant, but at times can be far on the other side and be more submissive and sweeter than the Maltese. Almost like a split personality. It is like they know how they need to be to get what they want. Very smart and manipulative. (Lukily the dominance thing with a Maltese doesn't cause a problem, because mine doesn't have a dominant bone in her body and has absolutely no interest in bossing anyone or anything around).

I also find them to be better company than the Maltese, always trying to interact with their humans, and they are more amusing and comical at times.

My first Yorkie died at the age of three from an enlarged heart / heart failure, and I immediately got another Yorkie, not a laid-back Maltese. The second one lasted 11 years and died from a heart attack, and I now have my third.

Having had both, I have a clear preference. I will always have a Yorkie, and I'm sure that I will never get another Maltese. I like the strong personality, the spunk, the drive that the average Maltese doesn't have. It's a terrier thing.

You may not click with a dog with a strong personality and prefer one that is more laid back (Maltese). You just need to know what is right for *you*.

That being said, none of my dogs, of either breed, were noisy or yappy. It's all in how you raise them. And out of the six I had, the three Yorkie's coats were so much easier to maintain than the Maltese. The Maltese all tended to mat a lot more, once the Yorkies got their adult coats, mats were rare.

blondyinnh · 03-03-2010, 06:27 PM

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".

violet voon · 03-03-2010, 06:42 PM

I only have a yorkie, named Sugar.
She never barked until the 7th months, she has a total change of personality, from quiet to yappy which I have no idea why. Anyway I still love her so much, it's like a human baby, even they are naughty you will still love them from the bottom of your heart.
I wouldn't worry much about the personality, I only worry about hawks and coyotes..
Please stay in YT if you decided to get a Yorkie!

Britster · 03-03-2010, 07:00 PM

Quote:

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".

My yorkie is a bit larger at 12lbs but he's a perfect companion. He's always up for traveling with me/family, loves hanging his head out the window of the car, loves every dog he meets, will run at the dog park for hours, he's very motivated and learns super fast, he loves going swimming and will actually dive/jump right in the pool! LOL. Jackson would die to live on a lake but we live in the "country" on 3 acres of land and he just loves it. And even though he's got a ton of energy, he also loves to come home and crash on my lap while I'm watching TV. So while I wouldn't call him a "lap dog" he's definitely a mama's boy and my best friend

I say yorkie but maybe I'm biased!

blondyinnh · 03-03-2010, 07:03 PM

-just wanted to mention I agree with spending time with different breeds. Since I really don't know anyone with either breed I am trying to visit with different breeders. We met with 2 maltese breeders last weekend and then some yorkie's this weekend.

ILUVSADIE · 03-03-2010, 07:05 PM

I've had a "mutt", a Westie, and now a Yorkie, Sadie, who is four years old. I personally don't feel that Sadie is high maintenance at all. Of course, she has to be brushed and combed every day and bathed once a week - but it really isn't all that time consuming. I groom her about once a month. She doesn't shed anymore than human's do - which is a plus. She's potty pad trained - with the occasional accident.

As far as liking water - she jumps right into my pool with no hesitation if I'm in there. She's just so cute when she's swimming!!!!!

She isn't yappy but definitely barks when the UPS truck, mail truck, or garbage trucks are coming down the street - LOL - she absolutely HATES them!

She is also extremely lovable, affectionate and loves sleeping in bed with me.
At first, it was really strange to have a dog who constantly wanted to be with me no matter what I was doing - but it certainly grows on you.

They are just a terrific breed!!

jan cleveland · 03-03-2010, 07:26 PM

15 years ago I couldn't decide and went with the Maltese. She suddenly developed a hear condition and we had to let her go. I loved her but she was not perfect. She was nervous and hard to house break. She did finally get it. My son now has a Maltese who was easy to house break and is much calmer. She required a lot of maintenance, groomer etc. I used special pads to keep her eyes clean. She was a wonderful pet.

I am now looking for a Yorkie. I decided to make a change. I am in the process of visiting breeders that I got from this site. So far I have seen wonderful dogs. There is no easy answer. Some is in the breeding, some is probably just luck. My son was given the dog, never saw the parents and certainly didn't do the background checking I am going through.

Both of these dogs require a lot of maintenance and attention for the long haul. My Maltese was in excellent health until the end and ran all over the house until she wore herself out. She also was pretty yappy if someone rang the bell or came over but isn't that what a dog is supposed to do??

jrsygal37 · 03-03-2010, 07:26 PM

Hi. I thought you may be interested in also checking this site out, since you are between a Yorkie and a Maltese. I belong to both YT and SM and love both. the site is Spoiled Maltese - the largest maltese dog forum and website. It is affiliated here with Yorkietalk. We also have 4WomenTalk.com too which is a nice site, also affiliated with Yorkietalk.com. Just thought you may be interested exploring the Maltese Site. Good Luck. Elaine

blondyinnh · 03-03-2010, 07:41 PM

Thank you! Ive been checking out that site as well

misslissa · 03-03-2010, 07:55 PM

my boyfriend and i have one of both he has a 11 year old Maltese that i have known since he was a baby and he is a good dog he mats very easily and he is very yappie. however he will not use the potty in the house he has to go outside he refuses to do it. now that he is old he has arthritis (he was badly breed and the last of his line)but as a younger dog he was very very healthy he is getting mean he only likes me and my boyfriend and if someone new comes over to the house we have to lock him up we now have to shave him nearly bald because he keeps getting skin infections from the 1/2 inch matted fur

my Yorkie is a year old. he is also very very protective but he loves to meet other people and have them pet him he will go chase a person to get one more pet. he was very hard to potty train and now if we do not let him out he will potty on the kitchen potty pad(not a big deal but i wish he would hold it like two more seconds) we never have problems with his coat he has never had a mat not one in a year i brush him out every night unlike our Maltese he is not so healthy he has allergies and is very pron to hypoglycemia even at a year old he also dominates the house hold he is second only to me
this is just my dogs there is a Maltese forum called maltesetalk you should ask them the same question we all love our yorkies

03-03-2010, 03:52 PM	#16
Darlene68 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 4,923	My friend has a Maltese and that was the breed I was planning to get at first, I couldn't find one during that time, so I looked at yorkies and ended up getting my boy Bailey, I would not trade him for anything, he is the sweetest most loving little guy and he never barks in my house, he barks in the car in his seat and when he is out playing with other dogs, I think that is pretty normal, my friends Maltese barks at everything. You will find all dogs are different and special in their own way, If I get another dog it will be another yorkie. Good luck in your search! __________________ Darlene Bailey Blu & Jesse Bee

03-03-2010, 04:24 PM	#21
OwnedByJezebel YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,921	If you can't decide, you really ought to be around a few of each to see which breed, in general, that you click with. I've had three of each, and even though dogs are individuals, I can tell you my experience. Years ago, I had two Maltese, and they lived to old age. They are very loving, gentle dogs. Very laid back, friendly. When they passed, I didn't get another for a while because of work responsibilities. Fourteen years ago, I got another Maltese. She is very much like the first two. When she was about a year old, I decided to get another dog so that she could have a companion while we were at work during the day. I assumed any toy dog would do, and found a Yorkie that was also a year old that needed rehoming. I had no idea what I was "in for" with a terrier, but boy did I learn fast. They are totally different. Their personality is much stronger than a Maltese. They are much more dominant, but at times can be far on the other side and be more submissive and sweeter than the Maltese. Almost like a split personality. It is like they know how they need to be to get what they want. Very smart and manipulative. (Lukily the dominance thing with a Maltese doesn't cause a problem, because mine doesn't have a dominant bone in her body and has absolutely no interest in bossing anyone or anything around). I also find them to be better company than the Maltese, always trying to interact with their humans, and they are more amusing and comical at times. My first Yorkie died at the age of three from an enlarged heart / heart failure, and I immediately got another Yorkie, not a laid-back Maltese. The second one lasted 11 years and died from a heart attack, and I now have my third. Having had both, I have a clear preference. I will always have a Yorkie, and I'm sure that I will never get another Maltese. I like the strong personality, the spunk, the drive that the average Maltese doesn't have. It's a terrier thing. You may not click with a dog with a strong personality and prefer one that is more laid back (Maltese). You just need to know what is right for you. That being said, none of my dogs, of either breed, were noisy or yappy. It's all in how you raise them. And out of the six I had, the three Yorkie's coats were so much easier to maintain than the Maltese. The Maltese all tended to mat a lot more, once the Yorkies got their adult coats, mats were rare. __________________ Life is merrier with a Yorkshire Terrier! Jezebel & Chuy ... RIP: Barkley Loosie & Sassy

03-03-2010, 06:42 PM	#23
violet voon YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: M'sia Posts: 454	I only have a yorkie, named Sugar. She never barked until the 7th months, she has a total change of personality, from quiet to yappy which I have no idea why. Anyway I still love her so much, it's like a human baby, even they are naughty you will still love them from the bottom of your heart. I wouldn't worry much about the personality, I only worry about hawks and coyotes.. Please stay in YT if you decided to get a Yorkie! __________________ Sugar - 6th February 2009

03-03-2010, 07:03 PM	#25
blondyinnh Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NH Posts: 44	-just wanted to mention I agree with spending time with different breeds. Since I really don't know anyone with either breed I am trying to visit with different breeders. We met with 2 maltese breeders last weekend and then some yorkie's this weekend. Last edited by blondyinnh; 03-03-2010 at 07:05 PM.

03-03-2010, 07:05 PM	#26
ILUVSADIE Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York Posts: 363	I've had a "mutt", a Westie, and now a Yorkie, Sadie, who is four years old. I personally don't feel that Sadie is high maintenance at all. Of course, she has to be brushed and combed every day and bathed once a week - but it really isn't all that time consuming. I groom her about once a month. She doesn't shed anymore than human's do - which is a plus. She's potty pad trained - with the occasional accident. As far as liking water - she jumps right into my pool with no hesitation if I'm in there. She's just so cute when she's swimming!!!!! She isn't yappy but definitely barks when the UPS truck, mail truck, or garbage trucks are coming down the street - LOL - she absolutely HATES them! She is also extremely lovable, affectionate and loves sleeping in bed with me. At first, it was really strange to have a dog who constantly wanted to be with me no matter what I was doing - but it certainly grows on you. They are just a terrific breed!! __________________ Sadie's Mommy

03-03-2010, 04:19 PM	#20
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	My first and 'forever' dog was a maltese named Casper. He was a great dog and traveling companion and died at the ripe old age of 14. I now have a little yorkie named Lucy so I'll tell you the differences I see: Both are great dogs. Casper was a little easier to housetrain than Lucy and a little more independent - not quite as needy. (He was larger too). Casper barked more than Lucy does though. Both are equally affectionate and stick to their human's like glue. Casper was never mean or nippy . . . but not all that friendly with strangers. He was a one-person dog and could care less if some stranger on the street gave him a pat on the head. Lucy is a little more eager for attention from strangers. Lucy is not quite as eager to please me as Casper was - perhaps a little more stubborn? Both coats are easy enough to maintain - IF you don't mind a puppy cut. Casper was a white dog - but he wasn't a 'down and dirty' dog or a digger so . . . not that hard to keep clean. It IS harder to hide the puppy tear-stains on a maltese. I think you can't go wrong with either breed - both are great companion dogs.

03-03-2010, 06:27 PM	#22
blondyinnh Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NH Posts: 44	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".

03-03-2010, 07:26 PM	#27
jan cleveland Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 25	Maltese vs. Yorkie 15 years ago I couldn't decide and went with the Maltese. She suddenly developed a hear condition and we had to let her go. I loved her but she was not perfect. She was nervous and hard to house break. She did finally get it. My son now has a Maltese who was easy to house break and is much calmer. She required a lot of maintenance, groomer etc. I used special pads to keep her eyes clean. She was a wonderful pet. I am now looking for a Yorkie. I decided to make a change. I am in the process of visiting breeders that I got from this site. So far I have seen wonderful dogs. There is no easy answer. Some is in the breeding, some is probably just luck. My son was given the dog, never saw the parents and certainly didn't do the background checking I am going through. Both of these dogs require a lot of maintenance and attention for the long haul. My Maltese was in excellent health until the end and ran all over the house until she wore herself out. She also was pretty yappy if someone rang the bell or came over but isn't that what a dog is supposed to do??

03-03-2010, 07:26 PM	#28
jrsygal37 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 3,370	Maltese Site Hi. I thought you may be interested in also checking this site out, since you are between a Yorkie and a Maltese. I belong to both YT and SM and love both. the site is Spoiled Maltese - the largest maltese dog forum and website. It is affiliated here with Yorkietalk. We also have 4WomenTalk.com too which is a nice site, also affiliated with Yorkietalk.com. Just thought you may be interested exploring the Maltese Site. Good Luck. Elaine

03-03-2010, 07:41 PM	#29
blondyinnh Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NH Posts: 44	Thank you! Ive been checking out that site as well

03-03-2010, 07:55 PM	#30
misslissa YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: canton ohio us Posts: 1,574	my boyfriend and i have one of both he has a 11 year old Maltese that i have known since he was a baby and he is a good dog he mats very easily and he is very yappie. however he will not use the potty in the house he has to go outside he refuses to do it. now that he is old he has arthritis (he was badly breed and the last of his line)but as a younger dog he was very very healthy he is getting mean he only likes me and my boyfriend and if someone new comes over to the house we have to lock him up we now have to shave him nearly bald because he keeps getting skin infections from the 1/2 inch matted fur my Yorkie is a year old. he is also very very protective but he loves to meet other people and have them pet him he will go chase a person to get one more pet. he was very hard to potty train and now if we do not let him out he will potty on the kitchen potty pad(not a big deal but i wish he would hold it like two more seconds) we never have problems with his coat he has never had a mat not one in a year i brush him out every night unlike our Maltese he is not so healthy he has allergies and is very pron to hypoglycemia even at a year old he also dominates the house hold he is second only to me this is just my dogs there is a Maltese forum called maltesetalk you should ask them the same question we all love our yorkies __________________ Don't say I love you unless you mean it, but if you do say it a lot. People forget.