Is a Korean Maltese Different Than a Regular Maltese? Key Differences & FAQ
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The Korean Maltese is a rare and exotic breed of dog that has become increasingly popular in recent years. While there are several different varieties of the Maltese, the Korean Maltese stands out as having its own unique characteristics. The Korean Maltese has a couple of differences in their looks, energy levels, costs, and popularity compared to a standard Maltese.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Korean Maltese different from regular Maltese dogs and why they have quickly gained fans all over the world.
History of the Korean Maltese
The Korean Maltese is a hybrid breed that was first developed in South Korea. It was created by crossing the popular Maltese breed with other small-sized breeds from the area, such as Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Bichon Frises, but is now considered a purebred dog and has the same lineage as the standard Maltese. The resulting hybrid is smaller than most purebred Maltese, but it still retains much of the characteristic look and personality of its Maltese parentage.
Appearance of the Korean Maltese
The first thing you will notice when you meet a Korean Maltese is their striking appearance. These pups are known for their beautiful long coats, which can range from white to cream with light apricot tips. Their eyes are often larger than average and very piercing, giving them an inquisitive gaze. They also tend to have a slightly shorter snout and larger ears than many other Maltese varieties, giving them an exotic look.
Personality of the Korean Maltese
Just like their appearance, the Korean Maltese’s personality is distinct from that of a standard Maltese. While they are still very loyal and loving companions, they can be quite independent and stubborn at times. They are known to be very intelligent and have a strong sense of loyalty, making them excellent guard dogs. However, they can also be somewhat aloof with strangers and may take some time to warm up to people outside of their family or pack. The Korean Maltese is not known to be a particularly loud breed. They tend to bark only when they are alerting someone of danger or playing in the yard, making them great pets for apartment dwellers.
Grooming a Korean Maltese
Due to the long fur of the Korean Maltese, regular brushing is required in order to keep their coat healthy and free from tangles or mats. It’s important that you brush your pup at least twice a week in order to maintain its beautiful locks. Additionally, it’s also important to pay attention to any tangles as these can become matted if left unattended for too long. Finally, trimming the hair around their eyes and ears is also recommended in order to prevent irritation.
Korean Maltese Intelligence
The Korean Maltese is known for its intelligence and ability to learn quickly. They are often eager to please their owners, making them highly trainable. However, they can also be quite independent thinkers and may need a bit of patience when it comes to training. Despite this, they are generally obedient and responsive if treated kindly and with respect.
Korean Maltese Exercise Needs
The Korean Maltese is an active breed and needs regular exercise in order to stay healthy. They love taking long walks, playing fetch, or running around a fenced-in yard. Additionally, they are also highly intelligent and can benefit from activities that involve problem solving or learning new tricks.
Korean Maltese Breeding
The Korean Maltese is still a relatively new breed, so it can be hard to find a breeder with high standards. You should always make sure that you purchase from a reputable source and that their puppies have been properly health-checked and vaccinated before you bring them home. Additionally, be prepared to answer questions about your home environment and lifestyle in order to ensure that the pup will be placed in the right home.
Health Problems
The Korean Maltese is generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to some health issues. These include patellar luxation (dislocated kneecaps), eye problems, hip dysplasia, and heart conditions. It’s important that you take your pup for regular vet checkups in order to stay on top of any potential health concerns.
Overall, the Korean Maltese is a unique breed that brings together some of the best qualities from several different small-breed dog varieties. They have an exotic look combined with a loving personality which has made them quite popular in recent years. However, they do require regular grooming and exercise in order to stay healthy and happy – so make sure you are prepared to meet their needs before bringing one home!
Other FAQs About Korean Maltese
What is the lifespan of a Korean Maltese?
The average lifespan of a Korean Maltese is between 10–14 years.
Are Korean Malteses hypoallergenic?
Yes, the breed is generally considered to be hypoallergenic and suitable for people with allergies.
How big do Korean Malteses get?
Korean Malteses usually reach a height of 8 to 10 inches and can weigh between 4 and 7 pounds when fully grown.
Are Korean Malteses good with children?
Yes, they are incredibly patient and gentle with children, making them a great family pet.
Do I need to groom my Korean Maltese regularly?
Yes, regular brushing and grooming are essential in order to keep their coat healthy and free from tangles or mats.
Are Korean Malteses hard to train?
No, this breed generally picks up commands quickly and loves to please its owners. However, it’s important not to scold your pup too harshly as they can become easily intimidated by stern voices or tones.
Do Korean Malteses bark a lot?
No, this breed generally isn’t known for being overly vocal and won’t bark excessively.
Are Korean Malteses good with other pets?
Yes, these dogs are typically friendly with other animals and can get along well in households that already have pets.
Do Korean Malteses need lots of space?
No, they don’t require too much room to roam around as they tend to be relatively low-energy dogs. As long as they have enough area to play and explore, they’ll be happy.
Are Korean Malteses easy to travel with?
Yes, this breed is generally very adaptable and can handle plane rides or car trips quite well.
Differences Between Korean Maltese and Standard Maltese
- The Korean Maltese is slightly larger than the standard Maltese, with an average height of 8–10 inches compared to the 7–9-inch height of a Maltese.
- The Korean Maltese has a longer coat and more luxurious fur than the Maltese.
- The coloration of the Korean Maltese can vary quite dramatically while the traditional white of a standard Maltese remains consistent.
- Both breeds are relatively low-energy dogs but the Korean Maltese tends to have slightly higher activity levels than the standard Maltese.
- The average cost of purchasing a Korean Maltese is significantly higher compared to that of a purebred Maltese due to their rarity and popularity.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Korean Maltese is a unique breed that has gained popularity due to its striking appearance and loyal personality. While they may require more grooming than standard Maltese, their exotic look makes them stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking for an intelligent and devoted dog who will stay by your side no matter what, then the Korean Maltese could be just the companion for you!
Featured Image Credit: Korean Maltese Dog (Image Credit: 칼빈500, Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0)
