Is the Korean Maltese a Good Family Dog? Temperament, Health & FAQ

The Korean Maltese is one of the many varieties of the highly loved Maltese breed. This gorgeous, small, elegant dog has enjoyed immense popularity all over the globe due to its striking look, as well as its intelligence and that it enjoys the company of people. Despite sharing the common ancestry, the Korean Maltese have developed some uniqueness in them as compared to the traditional ones.

History

As an offshoot of South Korea, the Korean Maltese was first bred with a careful combination of the standard Maltese, together with some local small dog breeds like Poodles and Shih Tzus. They have since then been bred into a purebred breed that very really stands out for its very desirable characteristics like their compact size and luxurious coat, so much prized and pursued by the culture.

Differences Between Korean and Regular Maltese

Although they are of the same breed, the Korean and regular Maltese differ in several respects. The Korean Maltese is a little smaller, with an average weight of 4–7 pounds, while a regular Maltese averages 7–9 pounds. They have longer coats, which are often kept in sublime condition to be used as aesthetic measures. These dogs are a tad more active but remain an affectionate and loyal companion.

Appearance

Korean Malteses have extremely luxurious silky coats that tend to be coated long in flowing styles. Their coat is usually pure white, but some variations may include light apricot or cream-touched accents. They also have those wide, expressive eyes, a shorter snout, and much bigger ears than the standard Maltese, giving them that distinctive and exotic look.

Personality and Temperament

The Korean Maltese is the most intelligent and loyal dog. They are warm and friendly in nature, but independent and uncooperative with strangers. This characteristic makes them good companions but aloof sometimes when placed in unfamiliar social settings. Like regular Maltese, they are usually gentle and love to be by their humans.

Grooming Needs

Because the Korean Maltese has a long coat, grooming needs to be done on a regular basis to keep it looking good and to prevent matting of their hair. Brushing should be done at least twice a week, with a focus on the ear and eye regions. Many owners prefer to have themselves groomed around those areas to prevent irritation and discomfort. The dog could be groomed professionally every few weeks to keep its coat in an optimal condition.

Health and Wellness

Being a small breed dog, Korean Malteses are prone to many health issues such as patellar luxation, eye problems, and hip dysplasia. Check-up sessions with your veterinarian are highly necessary to diagnose and cure the problems early. A healthy diet and proper exercises can also help your Korean Maltese be healthy as long as it could be.

Exercise and Activity Needs

As one of the smaller breeds, the Korean Maltese turns out to be relatively energetic and requires a daily walk as well as play session. It also needs to be mentally stimulated through such activities as puzzle toys or obedience exercises. For this reason, both physical and mental stimulation serve as a very important basis for ensuring the happiness and health of a Korean Maltese.

Training and Intelligence

Korean Maltese can easily be trained because they possess a high level of intelligence and a desire to please. However, they are sometimes wayward and uncooperative because of their independent nature. Training with consistency and positive reinforcement suits them best. They may be small in size, but they can rapidly grasp commands or even become agility stars.

Korean Maltese for Families

A Korean Maltese is one of the best family friends that can even be given to families with kids. Such a dog is gentle, patient, and so full of love for children that it is great for homes with little ones. Also, friendly-natured, they normally get along well with other pets provided such animals are socialized well in their early age.

Hypoallergenic Traits

Korean Maltese are bred to be hypoallergenic, which simply means that they provide less allergen than most of the other breeds. As such, they are a great pet for any allergy patient. However, grooming must still be done to minimize dander and avoid allergic reactions.

Cost of Owning

Because they are rare, there are higher demands, causing the prices to be more expensive compared to regular maltese. Acquiring a Korean Maltese is costlier than getting a typical maltese. The price ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 or even more, depending on the breeder and lineage. Apart from the initial outlay, there will be recurrent expenditure on grooming, quality healthcare, and quality food to keep these dogs at their best.

Popularity

The Korean Maltese gained popularity for its stunning features and a small size that swept the globe. Though loved across Korea and many neighboring countries, they won the hearts of many fans in the West. They proceeded to win the hearts of dog lovers through their distinct look and temperament.

Breeders and Adoption

If you plan on welcoming a Korean Maltese into your family, be sure to find a great breeder who cares about the health and well-being of his dogs. Responsible breeders will make sure their puppies have been health-checked and are vaccinated and are sourced from healthy bloodlines. Or, you may find a Korean Maltese via a rescue organization. Due to their comparative rarity, it is often more difficult to locate one through rescues.

FAQs About Korean Maltese

What is the lifespan?
It is 10 to 14 years generally.

Are Korean Malteses hypoallergenic?
Yes. Korean Maltese is a non-shedding, hypoallergenic breed.

How big do they get?
Korean Malteses reach up to 8 to 10 inches tall and weigh about 4 to 7 pounds.

Are they good with children?
Yes. They are very gentle and patient with children around.

Do they bark excessively?
No, they are pretty quiet.

Do they require a lot of grooming?
Yes, really need daily grooming of the coat.