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

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier" Compare Maltese and Miniature Schnauzer. Which is better: Maltese or Miniature Schnauzer or Yorkshire Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Miniature Schnauzer Yorkshire Terrier
OriginsItaly flagItaly Germany flagGermany England flagEngland
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank33189
Reviews3523
User Ratings

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

Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 11-18 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) 2-3 kg (4-7 pounds)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 14.5 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Miniature Schnauzer or Yorkshire Terrier? Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm) 20-23 cm (8-9 inches)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm) 21.5 cm (8.5 inches)

Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

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

Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Obedient
Fearless
Spirited
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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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: Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Miniature Schnauzer 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
Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs are a social breed.
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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?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Miniature Schnauzer 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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Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Miniature Schnauzer barks occasionally.
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A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Miniature Schnauzers, 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 Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
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 Miniature Schnauzer indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.

Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Schnauzer has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature Schnauzer bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Yorkshire Terrier bite force: Weak.

Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
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 cold weather conditions
The Miniature Schnauzer can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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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 Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Miniature Schnauzer 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 Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Miniature Schnauzer 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: Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Cataracts
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection (MAI)
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia

Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. What colors are available?
White Black
Silver
Pepper
Salt
Black
Tan
Blue
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Miniature Schnauzer requires a lot of grooming.
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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 Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which drools least?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Miniature Schnauzer 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 Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Schnauzer has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Yorkshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Wiry Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, 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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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Miniature Schnauzer or Yorkshire Terrier? Maltese or Miniature Schnauzer or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs shed none to minimal.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer 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?
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are generally with other pets.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Miniature Schnauzer or Yorkshire Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Miniature Schnauzer or Yorkshire Terrier?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Miniature Schnauzer or Yorkshire Terrier?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards other 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: Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Miniature Schnauzer 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
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Miniature Schnauzer 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?
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Miniature Schnauzers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Yorkshire Terriers are not recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

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

Miniature Schnauzer breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

Yorkshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, 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 Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, 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.

Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 3-6 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, 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 Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, 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.

Maltese vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier. 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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