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Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Little Blue Dog or Maltese lion dog or Yorkie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier" Compare Australian Shepherd and Maltese. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd Maltese Yorkshire Terrier
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Italy flagItaly England flagEngland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank17339
Reviews7323
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier breeds.
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Yorkie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Large Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 2-3 kg (4-7 pounds)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier? Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier height comparison:
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 20-23 cm (8-9 inches)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) 21.5 cm (8.5 inches)

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $600-$800 $600-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Yorkshire Terrier is quite easy to get.

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Smart: The Yorkshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier?
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Yorkshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier social needs comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Yorkshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Yorkshire Terrier bite force: Weak.

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Yorkshire Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Yorkshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Shepherd or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Shepherd or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Yorkshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
White Black
Tan
Blue
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which drools least?
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Yorkshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Feathered Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier? Australian Shepherd or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier?
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Yorkshire Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Yorkshire Terriers are not recommended for elderly people.

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Yorkshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has most puppies?
6-9 puppies, average 7 3-5 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Australian Shepherd, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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