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The Maltese coat is its signature: a single layer of long, straight, silky white hair with no undercoat. It sheds very little, which many owners love, but that also means loose hair stays trapped in the coat and quickly forms tangles and mats if not brushed out. Whether you keep your Maltese in a flowing full coat or a short puppy cut, the right brushes make grooming easier and protect that fine hair from breakage. This guide covers the tools every Maltese owner needs and how to use them.
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Quick answer: For most people in 2026, the best dog grooming brush for maltese is the Pin brush (no ball tips) — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
Understanding the Maltese coat
Maltese hair is fine and similar in texture to human hair. It grows continuously and does not have a seasonal shed like double-coated breeds. Because there is no undercoat, the right tools are gentle and designed to glide through long hair without tearing it. Harsh undercoat rakes and de-shedding blades are not suitable.
MAEELOU Small Dog Brush, Skin-friendly Soft Bristles (Blue)
Included for 'Best Dog Grooming Brush for Maltese' because the listing specifies Skin-friendly Soft Bristles (Blue), details this guide uses to compare options.
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PetJoyHaven Comma-Shaped Small Dog Brush, Puppy Essentials (Blue)
Included for 'Best Dog Grooming Brush for Maltese' because the listing specifies Puppy Essentials (Blue), details this guide uses to compare options.
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MAEELOU Small Dog Grooming Brush (Light Green)
Included for 'Best Dog Grooming Brush for Maltese' as a relevant option in this category; details come from the product listing.
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MAEELOU Cloud Shape Small Dog Grooming Brush (Pink)
Included for 'Best Dog Grooming Brush for Maltese' as a relevant option in this category; details come from the product listing.
View on AmazonEssential grooming tools
See also: How to Pick a Heating Pad for an Arthritic Senior Dog • How to Transition a Picky Cat to a New Food
| Tool | Typical price range | Main use | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pin brush (no ball tips) | $10 – $30 | Daily brushing of long coat | Ball tips can snag fine hair |
| Metal comb (fine and medium teeth) | $8 – $25 | Detangling, checking for mats | Essential for full coats |
| Soft slicker brush | $10 – $25 | Short puppy cuts, small tangles | Light pressure only |
| Detangling spray | $10 – $20 | Reducing breakage while brushing | Never brush a dry coat roughly |
| Small flea comb | $5 – $10 | Face and around eyes | Gentle on tear-stain areas |
Brushing a Maltese in full coat
Mist first
Lightly mist the coat with a detangling or conditioning spray. Brushing dry hair can cause static and breakage.
Line brush
Work in sections from the skin outward. Part the hair, brush the lower layer with a pin brush, then move up. This makes sure you reach the hair near the skin, where mats start.
Comb to check
After brushing, run a metal comb through each section down to the skin. If it catches, you have found a tangle. Work it out gently with your fingers and the comb, holding the hair near the skin to avoid pulling.
Full coats need brushing daily or at least every other day. Focus on friction areas: behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar or harness, and on the belly.
Grooming a puppy cut
Many pet Maltese are kept in a shorter puppy or teddy-bear trim of about 1 to 2 inches. This reduces daily grooming, but the coat still tangles. Brush two to three times a week with a soft slicker or pin brush and comb through. Schedule professional trims every 4 to 8 weeks.
Face and eye care
Maltese often have tear staining around the eyes. Use a small flea comb to gently remove debris and crust from the hair under the eyes, and wipe the area daily with a soft damp cloth or a product made for dogs. Keep hair around the eyes trimmed or tied up in a topknot to reduce irritation. If your dog has heavy tearing, squinting, redness, or discharge, see your veterinarian, since tear overflow can have medical causes.
Handling mats
Small tangles can often be worked out with patience and spray. Large, tight mats close to the skin can be painful to brush out and may need to be clipped by a professional groomer. Never cut mats with sharp scissors near the skin; it is easy to cut the thin skin underneath.
Making grooming enjoyable
Start short grooming sessions early, use treats, and keep your touch gentle. A non-slip mat on a table at a comfortable height makes it easier for both of you. Many Maltese learn to enjoy their daily brushing time.
Skin and health checks
Regular grooming lets you spot skin redness, lumps, fleas, or ticks. The Maltese’s pink skin can sunburn in short cuts, so watch for redness after sun exposure. Report persistent itching or skin changes to your veterinarian.
FAQ
What brush is best for a Maltese?
A pin brush without ball tips and a metal comb are essential for most Maltese. A soft slicker helps with shorter cuts.
How often should I brush my Maltese?
Full coats need daily brushing. Shorter puppy cuts can be brushed two to three times a week.
Bottom line
For a Maltese, the best grooming kit is a pin brush without ball tips, a metal comb, a soft slicker for short cuts, and a detangling spray. Mist before brushing, line brush to the skin, comb to find tangles, and give the face daily care.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Pin brush (no ball tips).
Live price & availability on Amazon.
