Both the Maltipoo and Yorkie are adorable small dogs with plenty of personality. These breeds have much in common: They are toy sized, sprightly, sociable, sweet, and loving. So, which one is best for you? Let’s take a closer look at these two breeds to see if either one stands out as better suited to your needs as an owner.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
Maltipoo Overview
The Maltipoo is a crossbreed dog that is a mix of Maltese and Poodle. Maltese are toy dogs with long, silky coats and a cheerful and playful temperament. Poodles have curly coats and a cheerful nature and are spunky and loving companion dogs. The result of this cross is a mix in terms of physical and behavioral traits. Maltipoos tend to be more active and energetic than the Maltese but less active than the Poodle. They also tend to be larger and have a thicker coat than the Maltese. Maltipoos are a better choice for allergy sufferers than Maltese or Poodles because they produce less dander than either of their parent breeds.
Personality / Character
Maltipoos are playful and affectionate dogs that thrive around people. These little balls of energy get along well with other dogs and pets, as well as children — if they are socialized properly as puppies. Since they are small and easily stepped on, supervision is important. They are known for being protective of their family. Despite their tiny stature, they will bark, growl, and get aggressive with strangers or at unusual sounds.
Training
If you’re looking for a dog that’s easy to train and housebreak, the Maltipoo is fairly easy and suitable for first-time owners. They are eager to please and attention seeking, so they are eager to follow your cues.
Grooming
Maltipoos have long, curly hair and require regular grooming. You can expect to brush them daily to avoid their coat getting matted, and they will require monthly trips to the groomer. However, they are slightly easier to maintain than Yorkies.
Suitable for:
This dog breed is suitable for first-time owners, seniors, singles, or families. They are not ideal for families with very young children, and older children should be supervised when interacting with the dog.
Yorkie Overview
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a toy dog with a silky, long coat that can be almost any color. Since their coat is so long, these dogs need significant grooming to keep them in good condition. The Yorkie was originally bred to hunt rodents (especially rats) and other small animals. Today, they are primarily kept as companion dogs, but they retain a mischievous streak that can lead to them getting into trouble. Their small size makes them suitable for living in an apartment or condo, although they may be too reactive for a noisy environment.
Personality / Character
Yorkies are loving and adore their families. They will follow their owners wherever they go and are usually up for any adventure. These little dogs are fairly energetic. While their small size means it doesn’t take much to tire them out, they can be mischievous when they don’t get enough exercise. Yorkie puppies in particular have a penchant for getting into trouble when not properly supervised.
Yorkies are affectionate toward people but can be aggressive toward other dogs. Despite their small stature, they don’t back down, so extra caution should be taken when interacting with other animals.
Training
Yorkies can be tough dogs to train, particularly when it comes to housebreaking. They aren’t the best choice for a first-time dog owner, as they will require extreme patience.
Grooming
Yorkies have long coats that require regular grooming. They are not hypoallergenic dogs and require daily maintenance to prevent their hair from becoming dirty and matted.
Suitable for:
Yorkies are best suited for homes where someone is home most of the time. They tend to get into things when left unsupervised and can take a long time to housebreak without vigilance. Their size makes them suitable for small living spaces or apartments; however, since Yorkies bark at noises and movement, they do best in homes that are quiet with low activity.
This breed does get along well with children. Young children should always be closely supervised, though, as the Yorkies’ tiny stature makes them vulnerable to rough play.
Key Differences Between Yorkies and Maltipoos
Which Breed Is Right for You?
If you want a dog that’s easy to train and likes to play and be around people, either a Maltipoo or Yorkie will make a great companion. If you want a dog that’s gentle and loving, you are likely to get that with either breed. For ease of grooming, maintenance, and housebreaking, a Maltipoo is ideal. If you want a quiet dog, a Yorkie is probably a better choice, but not in loud living situations, as Yorkies can be reactive to noise.
Yorkies and Maltipoos are both affectionate, friendly dogs that are relatively easy to care for. Whichever one you choose, you’re sure to end up with a dog that is a loyal and faithful companion and adores their human family.
Related Reads:
- Pomeranian vs Yorkie: The Differences (With Pictures)
- Parti Yorkie Vs. Standard Yorkie: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: (Top) Alex Boc, Shutterstock | (Bottom) Josch13, Pixabay
