🐶 Maltese
Temperament
Affectionate, fearless, bonded, sometimes barky. Maltese form intense bonds with one or two people and can suffer separation anxiety.
Exercise
20–30 minutes of gentle walking plus indoor play. Easy to over-exercise.
Grooming
Daily brushing if kept long — the coat tangles and mats easily. Most pet owners choose a "puppy cut" every 6 weeks. Tear staining around eyes is very common.
Health
Patellar luxation. Liver shunts. Hypoglycaemia (puppies). Dental disease. Tracheal collapse — always use a harness, never a collar.
Full Maltese profile →
🐶 Yorkshire Terrier
Temperament
Confident, brave, affectionate, sometimes feisty. Yorkies often think they're the size of a German Shepherd and will challenge larger dogs. Bond very closely with one person. Can be yappy without training.
Exercise
30–45 minutes a day plus indoor play. Two short walks plus mental work is enough. Yorkies are easy to over-exercise — their joints are tiny.
Grooming
Daily brushing if kept in a long coat. Most owners opt for a "puppy cut" every 6–8 weeks. Hair grows continuously and doesn't shed (good for allergies). Tear staining around eyes is common — wipe daily.
Health
Tracheal collapse (use a harness, never a collar). Patellar luxation. Liver shunts (puppy screen test). Dental disease (small mouths, crowded teeth — daily brushing essential). Hypoglycaemia in young puppies.
Full Yorkshire Terrier profile →
