Differences Between Maltese & Yorkie Dogs

With their small size and long, silky fur, the Maltese and Yorkshire terrier look like they could be first cousins in the dog world. In fact, the development of the two breeds are at least one continent and more than 1,000 years apart. Maltese and Yorkie dogs differ in appearance and breed history, but they have been companions to many generation of humans.

  1. Maltese History

    • Maltese dogs have existed for more than 2,000 years.

      The Maltese dog breed has existed for at least 2,800 years. The Greeks built tombs to their Maltese dogs and in the first century AD the governor of the island of Malta had poetry written about his beloved Maltese. The American Kennel Club started registering the breed in 1888, although it was shown for the first time in the U.S. at the 1877 Westminster Kennel Club show. It was called a Maltese Lion Dog.

    Yorkshire Terrier History

    • The Yorkshire terrier is a more recently developed breed. It comes from selective breeding of the Waterside terrier, the black-and-tan English terrier and a variety of other small British dogs. Scottish weavers brought the dog to the Yorkshire region of England in the mid-1800s. When exhibited in a dog show for the first time in 1861, the dog was called a broken-haired Scotch Terrier. The name was changed to Yorkshire terrier in 1870. The AKC officially recognized Yorkies in 1885. Both Yorkies and Maltese dogs are in the toy group classification.

    Coat

    • While Maltese and Yorkie dog coats appear similar, the breeds' colors set them apart from each other. The Maltese has silky, long white hair and no undercoat. Sometimes the breed will have lemon or light tan shading on the ears. Yorkies also have glossy, long hair but are blue and tan. The AKC standard for the blue shade is a "dark steel-blue." The tan color is on the Yorkie's head and legs. White markings are only permitted on a 1-inch area of the chest. Neither Yorkie nor Maltese dogs can have wavy or curly hair. Yorkie and Maltese dogs have a similar standard grooming style that allows their long coats fall to just above the floor, hiding their legs.

    Body

    • Both dogs are similar in size, weighing 7 lbs. or less. One major difference is the Maltese breed standard requires an intact tail. The dog's tail is carried over its back and covered with long hair. The Yorkie's tail is usually docked, or cut off, soon after birth. The Maltese's head is slightly round on the top, while the Yorkie's skull is more flat. The dogs' ears are also different. The Maltese has low-set, drop ears. The Yorkie has perky, V-shaped ears set higher on the head.