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

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

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

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Size and Weight Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Price and Availability Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Chihuahua 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 Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Chihuahua. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Chihuahua. Which breed lives longest?	12-16 years The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Chihuahua. Which handles climate changes best?	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.	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 Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Chihuahua. Which has fewer health issues?	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.	Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	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.	Rare The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua health problems comparison:	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	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most active?	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.	Chihuahua 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 Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese or Chihuahua? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Yorkshire Terrier dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese or Chihuahua?	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.	Chihuahua 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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Good With Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Reproducibility Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Recognition Comparison

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