The Maltese coat is one of the most beautiful in the dog world, a flowing white curtain of fine, hair-like fur, and it is also one of the most demanding to keep up. Unlike most breeds, the Maltese has a single coat with no undercoat, which means it sheds very little but tangles easily and mats fast if neglected. I have helped countless owners learn that a few minutes of grooming every day saves hours of painful detangling later.
In this guide I will walk you through everything that keeps a Maltese looking and feeling its best, from daily brushing technique to bathing, nail care, ear cleaning, and managing those telltale tear stains. Whether you want to maintain a long show coat or, like most pet owners, keep your dog in an easy short trim, the fundamentals are the same. Consistency beats intensity every time.
What You Will Need
Good grooming starts with the right tools. You do not need a salon’s worth of equipment, but a few quality items make the job faster and gentler on your dog.
- A pin brush and a fine-tooth metal comb for daily detangling.
- A gentle, tearless dog shampoo and a light conditioner.
- Dog nail clippers or a grinder, plus styptic powder for accidents.
- Damp cloths or vet-approved eye wipes for the face.
- A non-slip mat for the sink or tub and several towels.
- Blunt-tip scissors or a small clipper for sanitary and face trims.
Step by Step: How to Groom a Maltese
Build a routine that mixes quick daily care with a fuller session every couple of weeks. Here is the order I recommend working through.
Brush Daily, Down to the Skin
Work in sections with the pin brush, then follow with the comb to catch mats forming near the skin. Be gentle around the legs, behind the ears, and under the arms where tangles hide.
Bathe Every Two to Three Weeks
Brush out all mats first, since water tightens them. Wet thoroughly, lather a gentle dog shampoo, rinse completely, and apply a light conditioner. Rinsing well prevents residue and itching.
Dry and Comb Through
Towel dry, then use a low-heat dryer while combing to keep the coat smooth and tangle free. Air drying alone often leaves the fine coat matted.
Trim Nails Every Few Weeks
Clip a small amount at a time to avoid the quick, the pink blood vessel inside the nail. If you nick it, apply styptic powder. Keep treats handy to build a positive association.
Clean Face, Eyes, and Ears
Wipe under the eyes daily, trim the hair away from the eyes, and check ears for odor or debris. Clean ears only with a vet-approved cleaner, never push anything into the canal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning owners make a few grooming errors that lead to mats, skin trouble, or a dog that dreads the brush. Steer clear of these.
Bathing a matted coat is the most common mistake, since water shrinks tangles into tight knots that often have to be shaved out. Brushing only the top layer is another trap, because mats form against the skin where you cannot see them. Avoid human shampoo, which disrupts a dog’s skin balance, and never cut a mat out blindly with scissors, as it is alarmingly easy to nick the skin underneath.
Tips for Success
A few small habits turn grooming from a battle into a calm routine your dog tolerates and even enjoys.
Start grooming sessions short and positive when your dog is a puppy, pairing the brush and clippers with treats and praise. Choose a practical puppy cut if you cannot commit to daily long-coat care, since a tangle-free short dog is happier than a matted glamorous one. Keep the hair trimmed away from the eyes to reduce tear staining and irritation, and groom in the same quiet spot each time so the routine becomes familiar and low stress.
When to Get Professional Help
Home grooming covers most needs, but there are clear moments when a professional groomer or your veterinarian is the right call.
See a groomer if your dog’s coat has tightened into widespread mats, since shaving them out safely is best left to experienced hands. Many owners also book a professional every four to six weeks for bathing, trimming, and nail care, then maintain in between at home. Loop in your veterinarian instead if you notice red, smelly, or itchy skin, persistent tear staining that may signal a blocked duct or eye problem, or any ear that looks inflamed or has a strong odor. Skin and eye issues are medical, not cosmetic, and deserve a real diagnosis.
Safety note: Keep grooming products such as shampoos, conditioners, and any essential oils stored safely away from your dog, and if your Maltese swallows a grooming product, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435.