Maltese or Yorkie ....

[Rotts&ChisMom]

I am planning to add a maltese or Yorkie to the family in the future or maybe even both who knows. It will probably be at least a year from now but, I am starting my research about them now. So I would like some input from your experiences. So if you have experiences please answer my questions below.

1. What health problem have you noticed or know the breed to have?

2. How do they do with other dogs?

3. What the best way to potty train these dogs?

4. what sales gimmick should I be aware of?

5. what are the personalities like with these dogs?

6. if I should look at one or both of these dogs in a shelter where I am looking the dog over by myself what should I beware of to check for?

7. Do you have any recommended websites or books for me to read through?

[Chelsea]

Definately check out the [American] parent clubs, which can be found at akc.org

You can have all of your questions answered by a knowledgable breeder/breed club member by finding contacts listed on the parent club homepages.

[Tim]

**Edit - Please do not post links to other web sites within your posts. Thanks **

[k9hullio_sam]

I have a little female maltese and she is really healthy for the most part (One day she had a little eye problem, but it was gone that same day. )
Maltese are pretty social dogs, and will play with just about any dog. My puppy is a little nervous with really big dogs, but that is our fault cuz we didn't really expose her to big dogs like that when she was younger. Her parents were so sweet and seemed pretty fearless.
I trained my dog to go outside, which she learned pretty quickly. I was going to try in the future sometime to train her to go in a litter box, because if she can co upstairs while we are at school/work then she will not hold her poo (she restrains herself to the small little tablecloth thing we have up there though). If you are going to be gone during the day, I would recommend lotter box training. I just think that is easier.
I am not really sure about the sales gimmick thing. I guess the only thing I would worry about is if they advertise "teacup" maltese, because that is non exsistent. It is just a term to make you pay more for their small maltese. Other than that, I have no clue.
My pup is friendly and LOVES to be held and sit in your lap. She is fearless in most situations. She doesn't really bark to much. She didn't use to at all, but we encouraged it because once she barked we thought it was the cutest thing. So now she barks and growls at her toys and when you are playing with her. She follows me around the house. (I love my puppy! hehe)
The shelter thing...I have no idea. Just make sure you get along with it, which I am sure you already knew. You could check for other traits that you like in a dog as well, for instance the maltese and yorkie don't shed, etc.
I mostly read about dogs in general. I went to the AKC web site, as well as the Dog Breed Info website and the parent club too. If you search on google or something for breeders, some of them have breed information there to.
Hope that helps! Sorry for blabbing! lol Good luck with you new puppy.

[flyndog]

I researched both and decided to go with a Yorkie because it fit my personality and lifestyle better than a Maltese.
1. Both breeds are prone to luxating patella and liver shunt. Maltese may have White Shaker Syndrome.
2. Yorkie are true terriers. They get along fine with other dogs if they are well socialized. They do not realize they are tiny. They do not do well with small animals like hamsters, mice, etc.
3. Housetraining toy dogs takes patience. They usually take longer to housetrain than larger dogs.
4. Teacup is a gimmick. "Tinies" are a marketing ploy. There are no teacup anythings.
5. If you want a lap dog, get a Maltese. If you want a mighty hunter, get a Yorkie.
6. No different than any other dog, however, pay more attention to the teeth as toy dogs, especially these are prone to plaque and gum disease.
7. Get a copy of the Yorkshire Terrier Journal. I'm not sure of the Maltese equivalent, but there is a Maltese Magazine.

Finally, a small part of my decision was environment. A white dog would have been a real mess in the dusty environment of West Texas.

[k9hullio_sam]

Originally Posted by flyndog

A white dog would have been a real mess in the dusty environment of West Texas.

Hahaha!
So true! She gets really dirt, but when she is inside after that for a while, you can't tell that she looks dirty. (but she is) Taking her to the horse farm always ends in a bath!
At first Mandi didn't like dogs at all (we had to work with her on that) and the first friend that she made was a yorkie...they are best buds! lol
SAM

[cszmommy]

Research, research, and research some more. You have a while to figure it out and that is great. There are some great websites out there. Google them such as typing in AKC or reputable breeders of ...etc...
If you know someone who has a yorkie talk with and visit them with their dogs.
You have some great responses here on this link to get started so I won't repeat them.
Good luck and don't give up. You know you need a friend and you have narrowed it down.

[calgal]

Both these breeds are high maintenance, non-shedding, loyal, loving & intelligent. However they can also be difficult to house train. I have two Yorkies that are a year old now, but still can't trust them to have run of the house too often and only after they just did their potty outside. I've ordered "Poochie-Bells" you hang on the door knob and will train them to ring it to go out. Right now the only way they let me know is by jumping on me, or licking my hands if I'm sitting down. This isn't always wanting out though, sometimes it's to play. So anyway I hope this new training aid will help them.