Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Csivava or Yorkie or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese" Compare Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is better: Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Chihuahua	Yorkshire Terrier	Maltese
Origins	Mexico	England	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	32	9	33
Reviews	17	23	3
User Ratings

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

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.	2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)	2-3 kg (4-7 pounds)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	4 pounds (2 kg)	2.5 kg (5.5 pounds)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese? Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese height comparison:	6-9 inches (15-23 cm)	20-23 cm (8-9 inches)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	7.5 inches (19 cm)	21.5 cm (8.5 inches)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

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

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Smart: The Yorkshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?	Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.	Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively	Playful Independent Energetic Alert Courageous Intelligent Loyal	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese?	High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Yorkshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese social needs comparison:	Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Chihuahua dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?	Chihuahua 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.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?	Chihuahua 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.	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Yorkshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which uses mouth most during play?	Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Yorkshire Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years	12-16 years The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?	Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.	Yorkshire Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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).	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?	Chihuahua 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.	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?	Chihuahua 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.	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Yorkshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 3/4 cup 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate	Black Tan Blue Gold	White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which drools least?	The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Yorkshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fine	Fine	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. 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.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese? Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier or {name3 shedding:	Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Good With Comparison

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

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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 Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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 Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Yorkshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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.

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	4-6 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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.

Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section.	Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which has most recognition?	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	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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