A Maltese coat demands daily attention—skip a day and mats form fast. Unlike short-haired breeds, the single-layer hair tangles at the skin level where you can’t see it. The full routine takes about 20 minutes for maintenance and up to two hours for a bath-and-blow-dry session. Below is the exact order that prevents pain, coat damage, and expensive vet fixes.
Daily Brushing: The Non-Negotiable
Brushing a Maltese is not a quick swipe over the top of the coat. The hair must be parted and brushed in sections all the way to the skin. Use line brushing: part the coat horizontally, hold the upper hair out of the way, brush the exposed layer from the skin outward with a slicker brush, then move the part down a finger-width and repeat. After each section, run a stainless-steel comb through it; if the comb snags at all, that section is not fully brushed.
For a show coat, brush twice daily. For a short puppy or kennel cut, every three days is usually enough. Our tested roundup of the best brushes for Maltese coats covers which slicker, pin, and steel combs actually reach the skin without scratching.
Brush the entire coat mat-free before the bath. Use a detangling spray lightly on stubborn tangles, avoiding the face.
Bathing and Drying Every 3–4 Weeks
Use lukewarm water and dilute the shampoo before applying. A whitening shampoo with optical brighteners (never bleach or bluing agents) keeps the white coat brilliant. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly—residue causes skin irritation. Follow with a conditioner formulated for long-haired dogs.
Wrap the dog in a towel first to pull moisture, then use a blow dryer on low or cool heat while brushing sections. Keep your hand between the nozzle and the coat to check temperature; heat damage to a Maltese’s sensitive skin is permanent.
Face, Nails, Ears, and Teeth
Wipe eyes daily with warm water or a gentle tear stain remover to keep the white fur around the eyes clean. Trim stray hairs around the eyes, ears, and paw pads with straight grooming scissors—never dull household shears.
Clean ears once per week with a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls (never cotton swabs inserted into the canal). Brush teeth at least weekly with dog-specific toothpaste, focusing on the gum line where tartar builds fastest. The American Maltese Association recommends twice-weekly brushing for best results.
Professional Grooming Every 6–8 Weeks
Even with perfect home care, a professional groomer handles the haircut, foot shaping, face trim, and sanitary clip that are difficult to do well at home. The groomer also checks for hidden mats near the skin and can address tear stains at their source. Schedule the appointment to land near your dog’s bath week so home and pro care stay in sync.
Below is a quick-reference table of the full routine:
| Task | Frequency | Key Tool or Product |
|---|---|---|
| Line brushing | Daily (twice for show coats) | Slicker brush, steel comb |
| Bathing | Every 3–4 weeks | Whitening shampoo (optical brighteners) |
| Nail trimming | Weekly | Pet nail clippers |
| Ear cleaning | Weekly | Vet-approved ear cleaner, cotton balls |
| Eye wiping | Daily | Warm water or tear stain remover |
| Teeth brushing | Twice weekly | Dog toothpaste, soft toothbrush |
| Professional groom | Every 6–8 weeks | Full haircut and sanitary trim |
Common Mistakes That Ruin a Maltese Coat
FAQs
Can I use a human hair dryer on my Maltese?
How do I get rid of tear stains on a Maltese without bleach?
Daily wiping with warm water or a pet-safe tear stain remover prevents stains from setting. Whitening shampoos with optical brighteners (never bleach) help fade existing stains. Persistent stains may be dietary; check with your vet about additives or food changes.
Should I shave a Maltese completely for summer?
References & Sources
- American Maltese Association. “Maltese Grooming.” Comprehensive guide on brushing technique, bathing frequency, and coat safety for Maltese dogs.