How often should I cut Maltese hair

15 Maltese Haircuts & Hairstyles: White, Fluffy, and Looking Fabulous!

White, small, and cute as a button, Maltese are a popular breed, and its no wonder why!

There are a few different types of haircuts that are often bestowed upon Maltese. Well cover some of the most common cuts, along with other ideas for prettying up your pooch!

Show Cut aka Standard Cut

Long coat, often used in dog shows. Elegant, silky fur. It may seem surprising that a Malteses curly locks could ever straighten out, but after the fur gets longer, the weight can often straighten the fur and stabilize waves.

Traditionally, a Malteses show coat should nearly tough the floor. Its common for long coat Maltese to have their head hair long as well, but its also fine to put your Malteses face fur in a single or double top knot. Alternatively the fur can also be left to hand on the side of the dogs face.

This cut can be quite a bit of work to maintain, and should only be worn by dogs who have owners with plenty of time to spare grooming.

Puppy Cut

This cut is named the Puppy Cut because its commonly found on puppies, whose fur is still growing and hasnt reached a full length. However, this cut is great for adult Maltese as well, especially because its easier to maintain than a traditional standard cut, and is pretty darn cute!

For this cut, the Malteses fur is clipped the same length across their body, face, ears, tail, etc. Most owners opt for between 1/4 inch 1 inch. Its simple as that!

For most owners, the big choices will be between the puppy cut or the show cut. One is cute, easy-to-maintain, and short. The other involves long fur, looks elegant, but is lots of work to keep up with!

While these are the two main cuts most owners will find themselves deciding between, there are other options as well, including:

Teddy Bear Cut

The teddy bear cut is pretty adorable, as its name implies. This cut is really considered a cross between a standard Cocker Spaniel cut and a Maltese puppy cut.

For this cut, it is recommended that you use dog hair clippers to trim your pups side and back hair to 1/4 inch, but fur everywhere else is left longer (its up to the owner how long theyd like to keep the rest of the fur, although 1/2 inch is most common).

Next, trim around the dogs face until it looks round and full like a teddy bear! Make sure to keep the fur rounded off at the forehead to match the coat length

Lastly, leave enough head hair to put the fur into a top knot (if youd like).

This video shows a nice demo of how to cut a teddy bear head:

Maltese Bob Cut

The Maltese bob cut is actually not so different from a human bob cut. The dogs head hair is parted down in the middle and allowed to grow longer (along with the ear fur), while the rest of the body hair is kept in a short cut.

This is a pretty cute and easy style, making it a popular one for owners!

Maltese Short Cut

The short cut is actually a style that is more commonly seen on Bichon Frise or Poodles, but it can be done on Maltese as well!

In a traditional Maltese short cut, the dogs fur is trimmed short across their torso the back and sides are generally 1/4 inch.The front of the neck, the stomach, the chest, and the dogs butt are trimmed close, around 1/16 inch.

However, on the legs, the fur is left longer (around 1 1/2 inches) and feathery. The top of the head is rounded, while the ears are trimmed bob style. The tail is also left with a 2 inch fringe.

Working With Whats Best For Owners

Ultimately, the best hairstyle for a Maltese will be a hairstyle that the owner can maintain. If youre not sure where to start, this home DIY tutorial is a nice place to start:

Other Things to Do With Your Malteses Hair

Dont feel like you need to stick with conventions Maltese are adorable dogs, and often lend themselves to fun and cute hair styles that may not work on other dogs! Here are a few fan favorite Maltese hair styles.

Groomed Ears

You can do all kinds of fun things with your Malteses ears, but make sure to be gentle and careful since the ears are very delicate, thin, and easy to damage.

Here are a few ideas for ear-based styles:

Top Knot

A top knot can be done with basically any Maltese haircut, so long as the head hair is left long enough.

Add a Bow Tie!

Bow ties are a great way to add some flash to your dogs fur.

Put a Bow in The Hair

Bow ties for the boys, hair bows for the ladies.

Koran Face

Korean face is another unique style of Maltese grooming that is popular with some owners. You can see a video tutorial here:

Go Ultra Long & Fancy

Long and Beautiful Braids

Add Accessories

Flair Those Fluffy Feet

Want an intro on how to master this fluffy feet style? Check out this video tutorial:

Snip It Super Short For Summer!

This hairstyle is ultra short. Short fur can be great for keeping cool in the summer. However, try not to trim too short, as if the fur isnt long enough, you could put your pup at risk for sun burns.

If you can see your dogs skin beneath the fur, you may need to invest in dog sunscreen to keep your canine safe.

Whats your favorite Maltese hairstyle? Share your top picks in the comments!

If youre a proud owner of a majestic Maltese, consider also checking out our articles on:

1. The best dog food for Malteses
2. The best dog whitening shampoo (gotta keep that pretty coat clean)!
3. Our collection of 8 awesome Maltese mixed breeds!
4. How to remove dog tear stains

How Often Should I Give My Maltese A Haircut?

As a Maltese dog owner, you may be wondering how often you should give your furry friend a haircut. It is important to keep your dogs coat trimmed and well-groomed, not only for appearance but also for their overall health and well-being. In this article, we will discuss the ideal frequency of Maltese haircuts and answer some common sub-questions.

How often should I give my Maltese a haircut?

The frequency at which you should give your Maltese a haircut depends on the length and style of hair you prefer for your dog. Maltese dogs have hair, not fur, so their hair grows continuously and can become long and matted if not properly maintained.

If you prefer to keep your Malteses hair short, you may need to give them a haircut every 4-6 weeks to maintain their desired length. If you prefer to keep their hair longer, you may be able to wait 6-8 weeks or longer between haircuts, depending on how quickly their hair grows and how well you are able to maintain it in between haircuts.

Its important to keep in mind that regular grooming is essential for the health and well-being of your Maltese, regardless of their hair length. This includes brushing their hair daily to prevent matting, trimming hair around their eyes and ears to prevent irritation, and regular baths to keep their coat clean and shiny. Its also a good idea to take your Maltese to a professional groomer every few months for a thorough grooming session, including a haircut if needed.

What is the best haircut for Maltese?

The Maltese breed has a long, silky, and straight coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking neat and healthy. When it comes to haircuts, there are several options that you can consider, depending on your preferences and your dogs lifestyle.

1. Puppy cut: This is a popular choice for Maltese dogs, particularly if you prefer a shorter and low-maintenance haircut. The puppy cut involves trimming the hair all over the body to a length of around 1-2 inches, giving your dog a cute and fluffy appearance.
2. Show cut: If you plan to show your Maltese in competitions, a show cut is the way to go. This involves keeping the coat long and flowing, with the hair parted down the middle and tied up in a topknot. However, this style requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
3. Teddy bear cut: This is a cute and practical cut for Maltese dogs, particularly if you live in a hot climate. The teddy bear cut involves trimming the hair short all over the body, leaving a longer, rounded shape around the face and ears.

Can I cut my Maltese puppys hair?

Yes, you can cut your Maltese puppys hair, but its important to do so carefully and with the right tools. Maltese dogs have long, silky hair that can become matted and tangled if not groomed regularly. Some owners prefer to keep their Malteses hair short for easier maintenance and to prevent matting. However, its important to note that cutting a Malteses hair too short can be damaging to their skin, as it provides less protection from the sun and cold. If youre planning to cut your Malteses hair, its best to consult with a professional groomer for guidance and to ensure a safe and even cut.

How often should I bathe my Maltese?

Maltese dogs typically require regular grooming and bathing to maintain their beautiful coat and keep them clean and healthy. However, the frequency of bathing will depend on several factors, such as the dogs activity level, lifestyle, and skin and coat condition.

As a general rule, Maltese dogs should be bathed once every three to four weeks. However, if your Maltese spends a lot of time outdoors, gets dirty or smelly, or has skin issues, you may need to bathe them more frequently.

Over-bathing your Maltese can strip their coat of its natural oils, leading to dry skin and irritation. Therefore, it is essential to use a gentle shampoo specifically designed for dogs and avoid using human shampoo or other harsh cleaning agents.

Additionally, regular grooming, including brushing your Malteses coat, can help to remove dirt and tangles, distribute natural oils throughout the coat, and keep your dog looking and feeling clean between baths.

Can I trim my Malteses hair at home or should I take it to a professional groomer?

While it is possible to trim your Malteses hair at home, it is generally recommended that you take them to a professional groomer. Maltese dogs have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Trimming their hair requires a steady hand and a good understanding of their coat type and grooming needs.

Professional groomers have the necessary skills and equipment to groom your Maltese properly, including clippers, scissors, and brushes designed for their specific coat type. They can also provide valuable advice on how to care for your Malteses coat between grooming appointments.

If you do decide to trim your Malteses hair at home, make sure you use the right tools and techniques to avoid hurting your dog or damaging their coat. Its important to use sharp, high-quality scissors and clippers designed for pet grooming, and to work slowly and carefully to avoid cutting your dogs skin.

In general, unless you have experience in grooming dogs and feel confident in your abilities, its best to leave the grooming of your Maltese to a professional. This will ensure that your dogs coat is properly cared for and that they stay happy and healthy.

What should I do if my Maltese hair is already matted or tangled?

If your Malteses hair is already matted or tangled, its important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent the matting from getting worse or causing discomfort to your dog. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Use a detangling spray: Spray a detangling solution on the matted area to help loosen the tangles. You can find detangling sprays specifically made for dogs at pet stores or online.
2. Use a slicker brush: Gently brush the matted hair with a slicker brush. Start at the edges of the mat and work your way inwards, using short, gentle strokes. Be patient and take your time, as pulling too hard can cause pain and discomfort to your dog.
3. Use a dematting tool: If the mat is particularly stubborn, you can use a dematting tool to gently cut through the mat. Be careful not to cut your dogs skin, and always use caution when using any sharp tool around your pet.
4. Bathe your dog: If the matting is particularly severe, you may need to give your Maltese a bath to help loosen the tangles. Use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to help untangle the hair.
5. Seek professional help: If the matting is extensive or your dog is particularly sensitive, it may be best to seek the help of a professional groomer or veterinarian. They can safely and effectively remove the matting while minimizing discomfort to your pet.

How can I keep my Malteses coat healthy and shiny?

To keep your Malteses coat healthy and shiny, regular grooming is essential. This breed has long, silky hair that can easily become matted and tangled if not brushed regularly. Brush your Maltese daily to prevent mats and tangles, and use a high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner when bathing. Additionally, consider adding a supplement to their diet that promotes healthy skin and coat, such as omega-3 fatty acids. Keeping your Malteses coat healthy will not only improve their appearance but also contribute to their overall well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, giving your Maltese a haircut is an important part of their grooming routine. The frequency of haircuts depends on several factors such as the length of the hair, the season, and personal preferences. Generally, it is recommended to give your Maltese a haircut every four to six weeks to maintain their coats health and prevent matting or tangling.

It is important to note that proper grooming, including regular brushing, bathing, and trimming, will help keep your Maltese coat healthy and shiny. In addition, it is essential to use the right tools and techniques when giving your Maltese a haircut to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

If you are unsure about how often to give your Maltese a haircut, consult with a professional groomer or your veterinarian. They can offer valuable advice and guidance on maintaining your Malteses coat and overall health. With proper care and attention, your Maltese can have a beautiful, healthy coat that will make them the envy of all their furry friends.