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Maltipoo vs Yorkie: The Key Differences (With Pictures)

Eleanor Glaum

By Eleanor Glaum

Maltipoo vs Yorkie

If you could, you’d likely get one of each. How can you possibly decide between these two little cuties of the canine world? Maltipoos and Yorkies have each got more than their fair share of sparkling personality and doting companionship to offer!

You can’t go wrong choosing either breed to take home, but some differences between the two could make one a more suitable choice for your particular circumstances.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at the Maltipoo and Yorkie to get to know these pooches better.

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Visual Differences

Maltipoo vs Yorkie side by side
Image Credit: (L) Master1305, Shutterstock | (R) Jumpstory

At a Glance

Maltipoo
  • Average height (adult): 5–15 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 4–25 pounds
  • Lifespan: 9–13 years
  • Exercise: 30+ minutes a day
  • Grooming needs: Moderate
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Yes
  • Trainability: High
Yorkie
  • Average height (adult): 7–9 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 4–9 pounds
  • Lifespan: 11–15 years
  • Exercise: 30–60 minutes a day
  • Grooming needs: High
  • Family-friendly: Yes, often
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Moderate

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Maltipoo Overview

two red maltipoo dogs
Image Credit: dezy, Shutterstock

The Maltipoo is endearing little hybrid breed obtained by crossing a Maltese with a Poodle. Referred to as designer dogs, they can vary substantially in appearance, as the type of Poodle used in the cross differs. They invariably have scruffy, curly, or wavy coats that can be just about any color you can imagine, as well as interesting combinations of colors.

The breed has been around for about 30 years and continues to gain in popularity, for obvious reasons. Read on to see why.

Personality / Character

You’re not likely to meet an unlikable Maltipoo. They appear to be constantly happy with life and that is probably because they are! They’re easy-going and obliging little canines. Your visitors, as well as strangers in the park, are just as likely to receive love and cuddles from your affectionate Maltipoo as you are.

They are considered to be intelligent and obedient. They are not only friendly towards adult humans, as kids of all ages are deemed equally worthy of their affection. They aren’t likely to shun the other household pets either—they are perfectly happy sharing a space with other dogs, cats, rabbits and more.

Their devotion to their human(s) is unequivocal, and they don’t like to be left alone for long periods. They’re not afraid to voice their unhappiness if they are.

Training & Exercise

Their high level of intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to work with and train. They are athletically adaptable. They are happy with as little as 30 minutes of gentle exercise per day but will do equally well in a very active environment.

It is possible to train Maltipoos to a high level to perform very specific tasks and tricks. However, they are not likely to develop any habitually bad behavior if they receive only moderate exercise and stimulation. They enjoy any kind of interaction with their humans.

Maltipoo puppy outdoors
Image Credit: OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock

Health & Care

For a crossbreed, surprisingly, they are not particularly long-lived. Most tend not to live much beyond 13 years of age. They are a reasonably healthy breed of dog, not being predisposed to many of the genetic conditions from which many purebred dogs suffer.

There are, however, a few health concerns to be on the lookout for in Maltipoos. Though they are not at significantly high risk for them, the following diseases and conditions have been noted as more prevalent amongst Maltipoos than other conditions:

  • White Shaker Syndrome (especially in white dogs)
  • Dental problems
  • Patella luxation

They have an easy-to-maintain, low-shedding coat but will still require brushing a couple of times a week to keep their coat mat-free. Like all dogs, they will need their toenails clipped regularly. Considering their predisposition to dental problems it would be a good idea to include an appropriate oral hygiene schedule in their care regime.

Breeding & Availability

Maltipoos are readily available, depending on the specific cross you want (remembering that there are several Poodles that can be chosen from to create a Maltipoo). You may have to do some research before you find the Maltipoo of your dreams. You can expect to spend between $400 and $2,000 on your Maltipoo pup. The Maltipoos on the expensive end of the scale are those that fall into the teeny tiny Teacup size category.

maltipoo swimming in the water
Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock

Suitable for:

Maltipoos are suitable for just about any home or environment. They would be happy to pass the days away as Grandad’s lap dog, but just as happy running around with the toddlers all day long. They adjust very well to apartment living and are not going to pop at the seams if they miss a day’s exercise on the odd occasion.

They will, however, be happier if their human works from home, as they do not tolerate being left alone for long periods. They become very vocal when distressed from being left alone. They enjoy plenty of company, whether it be human or canine.

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Yorkie Overview

Yorkshire Terrier dog sitting on the sand
Image Credit: Digoarpi, Shutterstock

These tiny silky canines are so universally adored that they are commonly referred to as Yorkies, their nickname. The actual breed’s name is Yorkshire Terrier.

Originally bred over 200 years ago as a ratting terrier, the Yorkshire Terrier still retains some of its “hunting” blood. This can be observed in its alert and energetic demeanor.

They have long, glossy coats with a beautiful metallic sheen, provided they are groomed regularly. Their hair is singularly impressive, being fine and silky and predominantly straight. They tend to be a steely gray and golden tan color.

Personality / Character

The saying that “dynamite comes in small packages” could not be truer for these giant personalities packaged in lively little bodies. Yorkies fall into the companion dog breed category. There is no denying that they make terrific companions for any human lucky enough to own one.

They have lost none of their former sense of important purpose and this comes across in their tenacity and courageous personality. They don’t seem to realize how little they are, as they certainly behave like a “big” dog most of the time!

Their confidence can border on bossiness. This is an aspect of their character that may need some remediation through training and socialization to ensure they don’t become unpleasant or difficult to handle.

Training & Exercise

Considering their working dog roots, Yorkies require some dedicated exercise time each day. Neglecting this may result in undesirable behavioral issues, such as sulkiness or snappiness.

Don’t be fooled by their tiny and cute packaging, these little dogs have an athletic streak. That doesn’t mean that you have to spend hours exercising your Yorkie—30 minutes to an hour of moderate exercise per day will suffice.

Their willfully self-assured personality can make them challenging to train and work with. You need to approach their training with confidence and persistence if you aim to meet certain goals. Many a Yorkie have been known to best their human handler.

Yorkies are intelligent doggies and they love to play games. Include some mental stimulation activities as part of their daily play routine.

Yorkshire Terrier
Image Credit: Nel Botha, Pixabay

Health & Care

Apart from the usual attention to diet and exercise, the next most demanding activity in your Yorkie’s care regime is grooming. That long, silky coat requires daily brushing to keep it knot and tangle-free. Their hair can be breed-appropriately trimmed to make it more manageable.

Regular toenail clipping needs to be carried out. Additionally, it’s advisable to include an oral hygiene schedule in your Yorkie’s care regime.

Yorkies are known to be a healthy breed of canine. Provided they receive the appropriate routine care, they are likely to lead a long and healthy life of around 15 years. However, like most breeds of dogs, particularly those that are purebred, there are some health issues to be aware of. These are:

  • Hypoglycemia
  • Dental disease
  • Liver Shunt
  • Patellar luxation
  • Tracheal collapse

Breeding & Availability

Yorkies are easy to come by due to their enormous popularity. You can expect to pay between $800 and $3,000 for a Yorkie puppy from a breeder. It’s not unheard of for them to cost even more than this if the breeder is reputable and the bloodlines are good.

Chocolate Yorkshire Terrier
Image Credit: dezy, Shutterstock

Suitable for:

Yorkies are delightful, sprightly little dogs known to become rewarding companions to their humans. Their small size makes them well suited to apartment living, though they are going to need their daily walkies or dedicated playtime.

Their sometimes unyielding assertiveness makes them less suitable for first-time dog owners. This is a suggestion, however, not a rule. If you are a first-time owner who is informed, aware, and fully prepared to put in the work and training, nothing should hold you back.

Because of their low tolerance for other pets, a one or two-Yorkie-only household would be most harmonious. They can be affectionate with small children, although some might not be naturally so. They will warm up and become comfortable around children following suitable socialization, if necessary.

Yorkies make fantastic guard dogs! OK, so they’re not going to be able to fight off an intruder, but they are extremely alert and never miss a thing. They will let you know right away if something is amiss.

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Which Breed Is Right for You?

Although either special pooch would make an amazing pet, some key differences might make one stand out from the other for you.

The most obvious is that the Yorkie is substantially smaller than the Maltipoo, but it does require somewhat more exercise and stimulation. Yorkies are longer-lived than Maltipoos, so if longevity is important to you, then a Yorkie might be the better choice.

Both dogs are considered hypoallergenic, but the grooming needs of a Yorkie outweigh those of a Maltipoo. For a lower-maintenance pooch, the Maltipoo is the best choice.

Maltipoos happily embrace busy households full of people and pets, whereas Yorkies are rather selective about the company they keep.

Both breeds are happy living in either an apartment or bigger digs. Bear in mind that regardless of what kind of home you have, your Maltipoo will not want to be left alone in it for long. A Yorkie will tolerate slightly more alone time than a Maltipoo, but it too becomes anxious if left alone for too long.

If you have to make the difficult choice between one of the other, hopefully, you now have a clearer leaning in one direction or the other.


Featured Image Credit: (L) marketlan, Shutterstock | (R) Ramiro Pianarosa, Unsplash

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