Maltese Grooming: Keeping a White Coat Clean
A well-kept Maltese looks like a drift of white silk. Keeping it that way takes steady routines. See also the Maltese breed profile.
The coat
The Maltese coat is long, straight and silky, with no undercoat. It sheds little but tangles easily. White hair shows every stain. See silky-coat grooming.
Brushing
Brush daily with a pin brush, in layers, from the skin out, and comb through. Spray with a light conditioner to reduce breakage. See how to brush a dog properly and how to prevent dog hair matting.
Haircuts
Many pet Maltese wear a short puppy cut, easy to maintain and cool in summer. Long coats need daily care, regular trimming and protection. See how to give a dog a puppy cut at home.
Keeping the coat white
- Bathe regularly. See best dog shampoo for your dog's coat for brightening options.
- Wipe the face and mouth daily.
- Wipe the paws and belly after walks.
- Keep hair short around the rear. See how to do a sanitary trim.
- Use stainless steel or ceramic food bowls.
Tear stains
Maltese are prone to tear stains. See how to remove tear stains from dogs and see your vet if tearing is heavy. Keep hair trimmed around the eyes. See how to trim the hair around a dog's eyes.
Bathing
Bathe every one to three weeks. Brush first, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, rinse thoroughly and dry completely. See how to bathe a dog at home.
Topknot
A loose topknot keeps hair out of the eyes. Use a soft band, avoid pulling and redo daily.
Ears
Maltese have drop ears with hair in the canal. Check weekly and clean as needed. See how to clean a dog's ears.
Teeth
Small breeds have dental trouble. Brush daily and see your vet regularly. See how to brush a dog's teeth.
Skin
Maltese can have sensitive skin. Watch for itching, redness and flaking. See dog skin allergies.
Nails and paws
Trim nails and keep pad hair short. See how to trim dog nails safely and how to trim hair between dog paw pads.
Sun protection
White coats and light skin can burn. Provide shade in summer. See summer grooming tips for dogs.
A daily Maltese routine
- Wipe around the eyes and mouth with a damp pad.
- Brush the coat in layers with a pin brush and comb through.
- Check the rear for soiling and wipe if needed.
- Brush teeth and offer a reward.
Stain control for light coats
Stains can come from tears, saliva, food, urine and the environment. A daily face wipe, a weekly bath, brightening shampoo used as directed and a short sanitary trim handle most of them. If staining suddenly worsens, ask your vet to check the eyes and teeth, since both can drive it.
Choosing coat length
A long Maltese coat is lovely but time consuming, and many pets are happier in a short clip. Talk to your groomer about options that keep the Maltese look without the daily tangles. See dog haircut terms to tell your groomer.
The takeaway
Daily brushing and face care, regular baths and a manageable clip keep a Maltese beautifully white.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush a Maltese?
Daily for a long coat, or a few times a week for a short clip.
Why does my Maltese have brown stains?
Tears and saliva stain light fur, and sometimes food and urine.
How often should I bathe a Maltese?
Every one to three weeks.
What is the easiest cut?
A short puppy clip.