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The Maltese is the picture of elegance: a small white dog draped in long, silky hair. That coat sheds very little, making the breed popular with people who dislike dog hair on furniture. But the pure white, single-layered coat stains easily, tangles quickly and needs regular care. This guide covers how to keep a Maltese clean, comfortable and tangle-free, whether you choose a long coat or a practical puppy cut.
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The Maltese Coat
Maltese have a single coat with no undercoat. The hair is long, straight and silky and grows continuously. Shedding is minimal; most loose hair stays in the coat until brushed out. The pure white color shows tear stains, food stains and dirt readily.
Choosing a Coat Style
See also: How to Pick a Heating Pad for an Arthritic Senior Dog • How to Transition a Picky Cat to a New Food
| Style | Length | Brushing | Groomer visits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy cut | About 1 inch | 2-3x per week | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Mid-length pet trim | 2-4 inches | Daily | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Full-length coat | To the floor | Daily, with oils or wraps | Weekly baths, specialist care |
Most pet Maltese wear a puppy cut or a mid-length trim, which cuts brushing time drastically.
Brushing the Maltese Coat
Maltese hair is fine and breaks easily. Always mist with a light detangling spray before brushing.
- Use a pin brush to brush in layers from the skin outward.
- Follow with a fine-toothed metal comb to check for small tangles.
- Focus on behind the ears, armpits, belly, and where the collar or harness sits.
Avoid firm slicker brushes, which can scratch the thin skin and damage the silky coat.
Tear Stains
Reddish-brown tear stains are common in Maltese because of shallow eye sockets, hair near the eyes and the white coat. To manage them:
- Wipe the eye area daily with a soft, damp cloth, then dry.
- Keep hair around the eyes trimmed or tied up in a topknot.
- Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls and fresh water.
Sudden increases in tearing, squinting or eye redness should be checked by your vet, as they can indicate blocked tear ducts, eyelid problems or infection. Avoid tear-stain products without your vet’s approval.
Keeping the Coat White
Wipe the beard after meals, as food and saliva cause staining. Wipe paws after walks. Use a gentle whitening shampoo only occasionally, if at all, as frequent use can dry the coat. Regular baths with a mild shampoo generally keep the coat bright.
Bathing and Drying
Bathe every one to three weeks. Brush out tangles before bathing. Use a gentle shampoo and a light conditioner. Blow-dry on low heat while brushing section by section. Letting a Maltese coat air-dry often leads to tangles and a frizzy texture.
Ears, Teeth and Nails
Ears
Maltese have drop ears covered with long hair and hair inside the canal. Check weekly for wax, redness and odor, and clean with a vet-approved cleaner. Ask your vet whether ear hair removal is appropriate.
Teeth
Dental disease is very common in Maltese. Brush daily if possible and schedule regular vet dental checks.
Nails and paws
Trim nails every two to four weeks. Keep hair between paw pads trimmed for traction and cleanliness.
Topknots and Face Trims
Hair on a Maltese’s head grows long enough to fall into the eyes, which both irritates them and worsens staining. You have two options. A small topknot gathered with a soft, latex-free band keeps the traditional look; redo it every day or two and never pull the hair so tight that it tugs the skin near the eyes. Alternatively, ask your groomer for a short, rounded face trim, which many owners find easier. Either way, keep the corners of the eyes clear of hair and use blunt-tipped scissors if you tidy the face at home.
Sun and Skin
Maltese have pale skin under their white coat. After a very short cut, protect them from strong sun, as the skin can burn. Watch for redness or flaking during brushing.
Professional Grooming Costs
In the US, a full Maltese groom typically costs $50 to $85. Dematting and hand-scissored styles cost more. Many owners book every four to six weeks.
FAQ
Do Maltese shed?
Very little. Their single coat sheds minimally, but loose hair gets trapped in the coat, so regular brushing is essential.
How can I stop my Maltese’s tear stains?
Wipe daily, keep facial hair short and use clean bowls. If tearing is heavy or sudden, see your vet to check for eye or tear duct issues.
Bottom Line
Maltese shed very little but need regular brushing, frequent baths and daily face care to stay white and tangle-free. A puppy cut simplifies the routine dramatically. Add weekly ear checks, daily dental care and regular nail trims, and your Maltese will look elegant and feel comfortable.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Puppy cut.
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