Terrier Vs Maltese

terrier vs maltese

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In the battle of terrier vs Maltese, who will come out on top? Dog lovers have debated for centuries this age-old question across the globe. Both toy dogs have their pros and cons, but which one is the best fit for you and your lifestyle? Let’s inspect both toy breeds to find out.

Terriers

Terriers, commonly known as Yorkie, are a group of feisty and spunky dogs that were originally bred to hunt vermin. They are lively, active, and playful, and make great family pets. Terriers come in all shapes and sizes, from the small and compact Boston Terrier to the large and shaggy Airedale Terrier.

They typically have hard-wired coats that may be wiry or smooth and come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, red, and brindle. However, keep in mind that terriers are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise, so they may not be the best fit for sedentary families or those who live in urban areas with limited access to green space. Some popular terrier breeds include: 

  • Boston Terrier 
  • Jack Russell Terrier 
  • West Highland White Terrier 
  • Scottish Terrier 

Read More: How Much Exercise Does A Border Terrier Need

Common Personality Traits 

Terriers are known for being lively, feisty, and full of energy. They’re also very curious and independent by nature. Because they were bred for hunting, they have a strong prey drive and will instinctively chase anything that moves—including small children and other animals.

For this reason, it’s important to socialize your terrier from a young age so they learn how to behave around other people and animals. Without proper socialization, your terrier may become anxious or aggressive. 

Due to their independent nature, terriers can be stubborn when it comes to training. Be prepared for lots of patience and positive reinforcement when teaching your terrier basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, down, etc. Terriers are intelligent dogs and will eventually catch on—it just might take a little longer than usual. 

Like all animals, this tiny dog will have unique personality traits. However, some common personality traits are shared by most members of the breed. When choosing a terrier puppy, keep these common personality traits in mind so you can find a dog that will fit well into your lifestyle: 

  • Lively 
  • Full of energy 
  • Playful 
  • Curious 
  • Independent 
  • Stubborn 
  • Intelligent 
  • Strong prey drive  
  • Loves to dig  
terrier vs maltese

Common Health Problems  

All dog breeds have their own set of health problems that they’re more prone to than others. For terriers, some common health problems include allergies; joint problems, such as hip dysplasia; eye problems such as cataracts; heart disease; thyroid disease; von Willebrand’s disease (a blood clotting disorder).

Of course not all terriers will suffer from these health problems—it largely depends on genetics—but it’s important to be aware of them nonetheless so you can keep an eye out for any potential issues. Regular checkups with your vet are also crucial for catching any health problems early on so they can be treated effectively.  

Read More: Parson Russell Terrier Vs Border Terrier

Maltese Breed

The Maltese dogs are small dog breeds that originate from the island of Malta. They are gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs that make great companion pets. Maltese are pure white with long, silky coats that can reach the ground if left uncut. They have dark eyes and a black nose, and their small size makes them well-suited for city living.

Some people believe that Malteses are high maintenance due to their long coats, but regular brushing will help to keep their coats healthy and free of knots. Some popular Maltese mixes include: 

  • Maltipoo (Maltese/Poodle mix) 
  • Malshi (Maltese/Shih Tzu mix) 
  • MaltaDoodle (Maltese/Poodle mix)

Why Maltese Dogs Make Such Great Pets Today?

Though they may have once been the exclusive domain of royalty, today these small dogs are cherished by families all over the world. Here are just a few reasons why these pups make such great pets: 

They’re Adaptable 

Thanks to their small size, Maltese dogs can live happily in apartments or houses with limited yard space. They’re also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise; a short walk or play session each day is usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. 

Read More: Border Terrier Vs Atlas Terrier

They’re Low-Shedding

One common complaint about owning a dog is having to deal with all that fur—but you won’t have to worry about that with a Maltese! These pups are non-shedding, which means that you won’t have to vacuum constantly or deal with pesky dog hair on your clothes. 

They Get Along Well With Kids And Other Animals

Maltese dogs are known for being gentle and good-natured, which makes them great for households with children or other pets. Just be sure to introduce your new pup slowly and supervise all interactions between your dog and other members of your family (human or otherwise) until you’re confident that everyone will get along swimmingly.  

Read More: Labrador Retriever Vs Border Terrier

terrier vs maltese

Key Differences Between Maltese Vs Terrier

Still can’t decide between a terrier vs Maltese? Read on to learn more about the key differences between Yorkie vs Maltese breeds.

Size:

One of the most noticeable differences between Yorkies and Malteses is size. Yorkies are considered to be a toy breed, meaning they typically max out at around 7 pounds. Malteses, on the other hand, is considered a small breed, with most adults weighing in at around 10-12 pounds. So, if you’re looking for a smaller dog that will be easy to carry around, a Yorkie may be the better choice. But if you don’t mind a slightly larger dog, a Maltese may be more your speed. 

Coat Type:

Another big difference between Maltese and Yorkie breeds is coat type. As you might expect, both Yorkies and Malteses have long, silky coats that require regular brushing and grooming. However, there is one key difference here: Yorkies have double coats, while Malteses only have single coats. This means that Yorkies will shed more than Malteses, so if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic breed that doesn’t shed much, a Maltese may be a better option. 

Read More: Border Terrier Shih Tzu Mix

Temperament:

When it comes to temperament, Yorkies and Malteses are quite similar. Both breeds are known for being playful and friendly, and they make great companions for families with children of all ages. However, there is one key difference here: Yorkies tend to be more independent than Malteses and can be prone to barking excessively if they don’t get enough attention.

So if you’re looking for a dog that will be content being left alone for long periods, a Yorkie may be the better choice. But if you want a lap dog that will always want to be by your side, a Maltese may be more your style. 

Price:

Because they’re such popular breeds, Yorkies and Malteses can both be quite expensive. On average, you can expect to pay $ 750 for a Yorkie puppy, and $1000 for a Maltese puppy. Prices will vary depending on factors like the breeder’s reputation and whether the dog comes from champion parents. 

Lifespan:

Another important difference between these two breeds is their lifespan. Yorkshire Terriers typically live for 12-15 years, while Malteses only have an average lifespan of 9-12 years. This is something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a dog that will be a part of your life for many years to come. 

Read More: What Is An American Staffordshire Terrier Border Terrier Mix?

terrier vs maltese

Conclusion

Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese are two popular types of dogs. Both have a lot to offer potential dog owners, but there are some important differences to consider before making a decision. Terriers are bred for hunting and are known for their tenacity, fearlessness, and high energy levels. They require a lot of exercise and can be a handful if not properly trained.

Maltese, on the other hand, are bred as companion dogs and are known for their sweet dispositions and loving nature. They are relatively low-energy and can be content with a few short walks each day. When it comes to other dogs, Terriers can be aggressive, while Maltese tend to get along well with other animals.

So, if you’re looking for a playful pup to join your family, a Terrier may be the right choice. But if you’re searching for a laid-back companion to cuddle with on the couch, a Maltese may be better suited for you.

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Tony K.

Tony K.

I got our Border 3 years ago "for my daughter" and this bundle of joy became a beloved member of our family, so I thought why not share the love!

About Me

I got our Border 3 years ago “for my daughter” and this bundle of joy became a beloved member of our family, so I thought why not share the love!

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