Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese.

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Alaskan Klee Kai Versus Maltese: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Alaskan Klee Kai and for the Maltese. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Maltese.

Alaskan Klee Kai versus Maltese: Overview

A very important difference between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small-sized dog while the Maltese is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are Companion Dogs. This means both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Alaskan Klee Kai versus Maltese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Alaskan Klee Kai to the Maltese based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese

Factor Alaskan Klee Kai Maltese
Weight 10 to 15 pounds Up to 7 pounds
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Height 13 to 17 inches 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2760 $2580
Price Range $2500 – $3200 $1800 – $3000
Temperament Score 50.0 percent 82.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • FACTOR VII Deficiency DNA test
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PennGen
  • VetGen
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Alaskan Klee Kai in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Maltese. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Alaskan Klee Kai is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maltese is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Maltese is a better pet than the Alaskan Klee Kai. So, you should get the Maltese!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese

    Below is a list of where the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are most different:

    • Alaskan Klee Kais are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Malteses are good for new dog owners.
    • Alaskan Klee Kais have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Alaskan Klee Kais can tolerate cold weather. However, Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    The Similarities Between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese

    The Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are most similar:

    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are very easy to train.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are very playful.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Size Comparison of Alaskan Klee Kai versus Maltese

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese.

    Alaskan Klee Kais weigh 10 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Alaskan Klee Kais are 13 to 17 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Alaskan Klee Kai versus Maltese

    The lifespan of Alaskan Klee Kais is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Alaskan Klee Kais is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.

    Alaskan Klee Kais live longer than Malteses.

    Temperament of the Alaskan Klee Kai Versus the Maltese

    The Maltese has a better temperament than the Alaskan Klee Kai.

    This is because the temperament score for the Maltese is 82.4 percent while the temperament score for the Alaskan Klee Kai is 50.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 50.0 percent, the Alaskan Klee Kai has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 82.4 percent, the Maltese has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese by measuring the temperaments of 2 Alaskan Klee Kais and 17 Malteses.

    Price of Alaskan Klee Kai versus Price of Maltese

    The average price of the Alaskan Klee Kai puppy is $2760. The price of the Alaskan Klee Kai typically ranges from $2500 – $3200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 133 Alaskan Klee Kai puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Maltese puppy is $2580. The price of the Maltese typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 413 Maltese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Alaskan Klee Kai is more expensive than the Maltese.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Alaskan Klee Kai and Maltese. For different price points, the charts show how many Alaskan Klee Kai puppies or how many Maltese puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Alaskan Klee Kais. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Alaskan Klee Kais. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Malteses

    A breakdown of the prices of Malteses

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Alaskan Klee Kai puppy or the Maltese puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Alaskan Klee Kai versus Health Problems of Maltese

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Alaskan Klee Kai is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maltese.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Alaskan Klee Kai than for the Maltese.

    7 health tests are recommended for Alaskan Klee Kai while 3 tests are recommended for the Maltese.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Alaskan Klee Kais and in Malteses.

    Alaskan Klee Kai Health Problems

    Alaskan Klee Kais are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Alaskan Klee Kai puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Alaskan Klee Kai puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Alaskan Klee Kai breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Alaskan Klee Kais for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • FACTOR VII Deficiency DNA test
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PennGen
  • VetGen

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Alaskan Klee Kais here.

    Maltese Health Problems

    Malteses are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Maltese puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Maltese puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Maltese breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Malteses for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Malteses here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Alaskan Klee Kai versus Maltese

    Alaskan Klee Kais do not like to be left alone.

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Alaskan Klee Kais shed more than Malteses?

    Alaskan Klee Kais shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Maltese

    Alaskan Klee Kais do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Maltese?

    Alaskan Klee Kais are very easy to groom.

    Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Alaskan Klee Kai Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?

    Alaskan Klee Kais have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Malteses have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Alaskan Klee Kais Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?

    Alaskan Klee Kais bark and howl, but not very much.

    Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Alaskan Klee Kais Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Alaskan Klee Kais can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Alaskan Klee Kai vs. Maltese

    Alaskan Klee Kais have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Alaskan Klee Kais Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Alaskan Klee Kais cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Malteses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Maltese?

    Alaskan Klee Kais do not get along well with other dogs.

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Alaskan Klee Kais good family dogs? What about Malteses?

    Alaskan Klee Kais are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Malteses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Alaskan Klee Kais and Malteses?

    Alaskan Klee Kais get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Alaskan Klee Kai Easier to Train than the Maltese?

    Alaskan Klee Kais are very easy to train.

    Malteses are very easy to train.

    Is the Alaskan Klee Kai Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltese?

    Alaskan Klee Kais adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Maltese?

    Alaskan Klee Kais are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Malteses are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Alaskan Klee Kai versus Maltese. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Maltese better suits you and your family.