The Maltese is one of the most glamorous little dogs there is, a tiny, gentle companion draped in a long, pure white, silky coat. It's a breed that has been pampered for centuries, and that coat is exactly why. But behind the show-ring photos is a coat that needs real, consistent care, and I'd rather be honest with you about that up front than have you struggle with mats at home. Here's what a Maltese coat actually needs and what to expect when you bring one to the salon.
For the breed background, the Royal Kennel Club Maltese page is a lovely starting point. My focus here is the coat.
A long, silky, single white coat
A Maltese has a single coat: one layer of long, fine, silky white hair with no woolly undercoat underneath. Like a Yorkie, it's much more like human hair than typical dog fur. That means two things. First, they shed very little, which is part of their appeal. Second, and this is the catch, the hair keeps growing and tangles very easily, and any loose hair stays in the coat instead of dropping out.
Left to grow, a Maltese coat can reach the floor. It's beautiful, but that fine white silk mats at the slightest friction, and a matted coat is uncomfortable and can hide skin problems underneath.
Why it mats, and how to stay ahead of it
The Maltese coat mats fastest in the high-friction spots: behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar and harness line, and on the chest and tummy. Because the coat is so fine, a small tangle becomes a tight mat quickly if it isn't combed out.
Staying ahead of it comes down to routine, not effort in one big burst:
- Comb through daily with a fine metal comb, working right down to the skin rather than just skimming the surface.
- Use a slicker to lift the coat, then follow with the comb to check nothing is hiding underneath.
- Pay special attention to the friction zones and anywhere a harness or collar sits.
Groomer's tip: If a coat has become badly matted, please don't try to cut the mats out at home with scissors, it's very easy to nick the thin skin underneath. The kindest, safest fix is usually to clip the coat off gently and start fresh. It grows back, and your dog will be far more comfortable for it.
Puppy cut vs full coat
You've got two realistic choices, and I genuinely recommend the practical one for most pet Maltese.
- The full long coat is the classic Maltese look and it's gorgeous, but it demands daily combing and careful maintenance to keep it from matting and breaking. It's a real commitment.
- A puppy cut keeps the whole coat short, soft and easy to manage. It's comfortable, far quicker to look after, and what most of my Maltese owners choose. Tangling drops right down and daily life is simpler for everyone.
There's a happy medium too, a shortish coat with a tidy face and feet. Tell me how much home grooming you'll realistically do and we'll choose accordingly.
Tear staining and the face
Maltese are particularly prone to tear staining, the reddish-brown marks under the eyes where tears run onto that bright white coat. It's very visible on white fur, so it's worth managing:
- Gently wipe under the eyes every day with cooled boiled water or a vet-approved eye wipe.
- Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short so it doesn't wick tears across the face.
- Keep the beard and mouth area clean, as food and water staining shows up just as easily.
If the eyes are very watery, red or sore, or the tearing comes on suddenly, that's worth a vet check rather than just more wiping, as heavy tearing can have a medical cause.
Grooming frequency, ears and nails
Most Maltese do well with a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks, with daily combing at home as the real secret to a comfortable, tangle-free dog. Between us, the salon visit resets the coat and the daily combing keeps it that way.
We'll also check ears, Maltese can grow hair in the ear canal that needs gentle tidying, and keep those tiny nails clipped, as they rarely wear down on their own.
Frequently asked questions
Do Maltese dogs shed?
Barely. They have a single, silky, hair-type coat with no undercoat, so very little drops around the house. The trade-off is that the coat mats easily and needs daily combing, because loose hair stays trapped in the coat rather than falling out.
Should I keep my Maltese in a puppy cut or full coat?
For most pet Maltese I'd suggest a puppy cut, it's comfortable, easy to maintain and keeps matting down. The full long coat is stunning but needs daily combing and serious commitment. Choose based on how much grooming you'll genuinely do at home.
How do I deal with tear stains on my Maltese?
Wipe gently under the eyes daily with cooled boiled water or a vet-approved wipe, and keep the hair there trimmed short. Stains show up strongly on white coats. If the tearing is heavy or the eyes look sore, have your vet check for an underlying cause.
How often should a Maltese be groomed?
Around every 4 to 6 weeks professionally, paired with daily home combing. A full show coat needs the same salon visits plus considerable daily maintenance to prevent matting.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. Whether you dream of a flowing white coat or a soft, easy puppy cut, we'll keep your Maltese comfortable and looking beautiful. Book your Maltese in.