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Breeds  /  Korean Maltese
Breed guide

Korean Maltese

Royalty Pets raises Korean Maltese puppies in Bird In Hand, Pennsylvania. Korean Maltese are still purebred Maltese; the name describes Korean bloodlines and a look often associated with a compact build, dark expressive eyes, and a soft, rounded expression. We value that beautiful appearance, but health, sound temperament, and the right family match always come first.

Serenity, Korean Maltese dam at Royalty Pets
At a glance

Breed overview

A tiny, affectionate companion with a silky white coat, bright intelligence, and a strong desire to stay close to family. Our Korean Maltese combine the beloved Maltese temperament with the distinctive expression associated with carefully selected Korean lines.

Breed groupToy Group
SizeTypically under 7 pounds
Height7–9 inches
Lifespan12–15 years
TemperamentAffectionate, playful, alert
Energy levelModerate
Good with kidsBest with gentle children
Good with other petsUsually yes, with socialization
Honest fit check

Is a Korean Maltese right for you?

A great fit if you want…
You want a small companion who bonds closely with family
You can provide daily coat and dental care
You prefer a playful dog with moderate exercise needs
You value health, temperament, and responsible breeding over labels
Personality

Temperament

The temperament is the biggest reason this breed is so loved.

Devoted companion

Maltese form strong bonds and are happiest when they can be part of everyday family life.

Playful personality

Small in size but full of character, they enjoy games, attention, and short bursts of lively activity.

Bright and trainable

They learn quickly with calm routines, short sessions, and positive reinforcement.

Alert without being large

A Maltese often notices visitors and household changes quickly. Early guidance helps keep alert barking in balance.

Appearance

Distinctive by design

Compact toy-dog build with a balanced, graceful outline
Silky white coat that can be kept long or in a practical puppy cut
Dark eyes, black nose, and an expressive face
Korean lines are often selected for a soft, rounded expression
Recognized coat colors
White
The classic Maltese coat color
Grooming & care

Keeping a Korean Maltese healthy

Frequent brushing
Brush several times each week—and daily for a longer coat—to prevent tangles and mats.
Regular grooming
Many families choose a puppy cut and schedule professional grooming about every four to six weeks.
Face and eye care
Gentle daily cleaning around the eyes helps keep the white facial coat neat and comfortable.
Dental care matters
Small breeds benefit from regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental guidance throughout life.
Training

Trainability

Consistent house-training
Toy breeds have small bladders, so a predictable schedule, close supervision, and patience matter.
Positive reinforcement
Short, upbeat sessions build confidence and make good use of the Maltese's intelligence.
Early socialization
Calm exposure to people, sounds, surfaces, handling, and other healthy dogs helps create a confident companion.
Health considerations

Why responsible breeding matters

Maltese are often long-lived companions, but their small size does not remove the need for thoughtful health screening. Responsible breeding considers the whole dog—structure, heart, eyes, knees, temperament, and family history.

Korean Maltese are not a separate breed, so the same Maltese health priorities still apply. The term should never replace documentation. Ask what was tested, request the results, and make sure extremely small size is never valued ahead of health.

Have the knees been evaluated?
Patellar luxation can affect toy breeds. Ask how the parents' knees were assessed and whether results are available.
What cardiac screening was completed?
A responsible Maltese breeder should discuss heart health plainly and provide documentation for completed evaluations.
What eye and genetic testing was done?
Ask which eye examinations and DNA tests apply to the parents, what the results mean, and what has not been tested.
Can I review the records?
Health claims are more useful when families can see the supporting reports, parent information, veterinary care, and written guarantee.
Modern lifestyles

A breed that fits the way we live now

Apartment friendly

Their small size and moderate exercise needs can fit apartment or city living when they still receive walks, play, and companionship.

Close family companion

Maltese generally prefer being near their people and may not be the right fit for a home that is empty most of every day.

Portable—but still a dog

Their size makes travel easier, but they still need training, exercise, boundaries, and careful handling.

Our story

What “Korean Maltese” really means

Families often search for Korean Maltese puppies because they love the compact size and soft, baby-doll expression associated with Korean breeding lines. It is important to be clear: Korean Maltese are Maltese, not a separate AKC breed or a mix. The distinction is lineage and selection, not a different breed standard.

Korean lineage
The term points to dogs from Korean bloodlines or programs influenced by Korean breeding preferences.
Still a Maltese
They share the same breed identity, care needs, temperament range, and health responsibilities as other Maltese.
Health before appearance
A rounded face or tiny frame should never matter more than sound structure, breathing, movement, and long-term health.
Transparency matters
Families should be able to ask about parent dogs, lineage, health testing, socialization, and guarantees without pressure.

At Royalty Pets, our goal is a healthy, confident Korean Maltese puppy whose temperament and needs fit your family—not simply a particular look.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about Korean Malteses

A Korean Maltese is a Maltese from Korean bloodlines or a breeding program influenced by traits often favored in Korea, such as a compact build and soft, rounded expression. It is not a separate breed. Korean Maltese share the same core breed identity and care needs as other Maltese.
Additional resources

Think a Korean Maltese is your match?

See who's available now, or join the waitlist for an upcoming litter.

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