Maltese Grooming Guide: Coat Care, Tear Stains & Tips (2026)

Maltese Coat Overview

The Maltese is renowned for its stunning, floor-length white coat—a defining feature of the breed that requires dedicated grooming. Understanding the unique characteristics of the Maltese coat is the first step to caring for it properly.

Unlike most breeds, the Maltese has a single-layer coat with no undercoat. Their hair is silky, straight, and white, more similar in texture to human hair than typical dog fur. This single-coat structure is what makes Maltese dogs one of the lowest-shedding breeds—great news for allergy sufferers, but it comes with its own set of grooming demands.

Key characteristics of the Maltese coat:

• Single layer (no undercoat): Only one layer of silky, straight hair—no dense, fluffy undercoat beneath
• Silky white texture: Fine, smooth hair that feels similar to human hair
• Minimal shedding: One of the lowest-shedding breeds, making them popular for allergy sufferers
• Continuous growth: Hair grows long and requires regular trimming unless maintained in a show coat
• Mat-prone: Despite being silky, the fine hair tangles easily, especially around the legs, armpits, and behind the ears
• Pure white: The breed standard calls for a pure white coat, which makes staining (tear stains, food stains, urine) highly visible

Because of these coat characteristics, the Maltese is considered a high-maintenance grooming breed. The combination of fine, silky hair that mats easily and a bright white coat that shows every stain means daily attention is non-negotiable for Maltese owners who want their dog looking its best.

Daily brushing is essential for Maltese dogs to prevent matting in their fine, silky coat

How Often to Groom a Maltese

Maltese dogs need a consistent grooming schedule that balances daily at-home care with regular professional sessions. Their single-layer coat may not shed much, but it mats and stains quickly without attention. Here's the recommended frequency:

• Professional grooming: Every 4-6 weeks (do not exceed 8 weeks)
• Brushing: Daily (10-15 minutes minimum)
• Face and eye cleaning: Daily (critical for tear stain prevention on white fur)
• Bathing: Every 2-3 weeks (white coats need more frequent washing to stay bright)
• Ear cleaning: Weekly
• Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks
• Teeth brushing: 2-3 times per week (small breeds are prone to dental disease)

If you keep your Maltese in a longer coat style or a full show coat, daily brushing may take 20-30 minutes, and you'll likely need to brush twice daily to prevent tangles from turning into mats. Shorter styles like the puppy cut reduce brushing time significantly but still require daily face and eye care.

Skipping grooming appointments beyond 6-8 weeks almost always leads to matting. A matted Maltese often requires a full shave-down, which can be stressful for the dog and more expensive than regular maintenance. Keeping a consistent schedule is always the more affordable and humane approach.

Step-by-Step Grooming Routine

Whether you're handling daily at-home maintenance between professional grooms or tackling a more thorough session, here's the proper routine for your Maltese:

1. Daily Brushing

Brushing is the single most important thing you can do for your Maltese's coat. Their fine, silky hair tangles quickly, and small tangles become tight mats within a day or two if left unattended.

1. Lightly mist the coat with a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner (never brush a completely dry Maltese coat—it causes breakage)
2. Start at the feet and work upward, brushing in small sections using a pin brush
3. Use gentle, long strokes that go all the way from the skin to the hair tips
4. Switch to a fine-tooth metal comb to check for hidden tangles close to the skin
5. Pay extra attention to behind the ears, armpits, chest, belly, and between the hind legs
6. For any tangles, hold the hair above the knot and gently work it apart from the ends using your fingers or a dematting comb

2. Bathing

Maltese dogs benefit from bathing every 2-3 weeks to keep their white coat clean and bright. Their white hair shows dirt, food stains, and discoloration more than any other coat color, so more frequent bathing is appropriate. Always brush out all tangles before bathing—water tightens mats and makes them nearly impossible to remove.

1. Brush thoroughly before the bath to remove all tangles
2. Use lukewarm water and wet the coat completely
3. Apply a whitening or brightening dog shampoo formulated for white coats
4. Work the shampoo through the coat in the direction of hair growth (avoid circular motions that cause tangling)
5. Rinse thoroughly—shampoo residue dulls the coat and irritates the skin
6. Apply a silky coat conditioner, let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then rinse completely
7. Gently squeeze excess water out with a towel (avoid rubbing, which causes tangles)
8. Blow-dry on a low, cool setting while brushing straight to prevent tangles and achieve a smooth, silky finish

3. Face and Eye Area Cleaning

Tear stain management is the number one daily grooming task for Maltese owners. The reddish-brown streaks beneath the eyes are caused by porphyrin, a pigment in tears that oxidizes when exposed to air—and they are extremely visible on a white coat.

• Wipe around the eyes with a warm, damp cloth or pet-safe eye wipe every morning and evening
• Gently remove any crusty buildup from the corners of the eyes
• Keep facial hair trimmed short around the eyes to prevent irritation and wicking of tears
• Clean the beard area after meals to prevent food staining on the white hair
• Dry the face thoroughly after cleaning—moisture left on the coat causes discoloration

For a comprehensive approach to managing this common challenge, see our detailed guide on Maltese tear stain removal and prevention.

4. Nail Trimming

Trim nails every 2-3 weeks. Maltese dogs are small and spend much of their time indoors, so their nails don't wear down naturally on pavement. Overgrown nails cause discomfort, affect gait, and can curl into the paw pads. Use a small nail clipper or grinder designed for toy breeds, and trim just the tip to avoid the quick. The Maltese's white nails make it easier to see the pink quick compared to dark-nailed breeds.

5. Ear Care

Maltese dogs have drop ears covered in long hair, which restricts airflow and creates a warm, moist environment perfect for bacteria and yeast. Clean ears weekly with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner. Check for redness, discharge, or foul odor—these signal infection that needs veterinary attention. Many groomers also pluck excess hair from the ear canals during professional sessions to improve ventilation.

Regular baths every 2-3 weeks with a whitening shampoo help keep the Maltese's white coat bright and clean

Popular Maltese Haircuts

Maltese dogs are versatile when it comes to haircuts. From practical short clips to the elegant floor-length show coat, here are the most popular styles:

Puppy Cut

Best for: Low-maintenance owners, active families, warm climates

The puppy cut is by far the most popular Maltese haircut. Hair is trimmed to 1-2 inches uniformly across the body, giving your Maltese a youthful, puppy-like appearance at any age. This cut dramatically reduces daily brushing time and makes tear stain maintenance easier since there's less facial hair to absorb moisture. Most groomers charge the standard rate ($45-$60) for this cut.

Show Coat (Full-Length)

Best for: Show dogs, dedicated owners committed to daily coat maintenance

The classic Maltese show coat features a long, silky, floor-length white coat that flows as the dog moves. The hair on the head is typically gathered into a single or double top knot held with a bow. This is the breed standard look and demands the highest maintenance commitment—daily brushing (often 30+ minutes), regular conditioning, coat wrapping to prevent breakage, and bathing every 1-2 weeks. Most pet owners find this impractical, but it's a breathtaking style for those willing to put in the work.

Teddy Bear Cut

Best for: Owners who want an adorable, rounded look without extreme maintenance

The teddy bear cut keeps the body at 1-2 inches but leaves the face fuller and rounded, creating a fluffy, stuffed-animal appearance. The legs may be left slightly longer for a soft, plush silhouette. This style requires a bit more face brushing than the puppy cut to maintain the rounded shape, but it's still very manageable for most owners.

Short Summer Trim

Best for: Hot climates, outdoor-loving dogs, owners wanting minimal grooming

The short summer trim clips the body to 1/2 inch or shorter, keeping the Maltese cool and comfortable in warm weather. The face is neatly trimmed and the ears may be shortened as well. This is the lowest-maintenance cut available. However, it's important to note that the Maltese's single-layer coat with no undercoat offers limited sun protection—a very short trim increases the risk of sunburn on their pink skin. Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas if your Maltese spends time outdoors.

Professional groomers use specialized scissors and clippers to achieve clean, precise Maltese styles

Maltese Grooming Cost

Maltese dogs are a small breed, which generally means lower grooming costs per session compared to larger dogs. However, their frequent grooming needs and the extra attention required for their white coat add up over the year. Here's what to expect:

These prices assume a coat in good condition. Severely matted Maltese dogs may be charged extra or require a full shave-down. Keeping your Maltese on a regular grooming schedule is always more cost-effective than dealing with a neglected coat.

For a broader comparison across breeds, see our complete dog grooming cost guide. And don't forget to factor in a tip for your groomer (15-20% is standard).

Common Grooming Challenges

Maltese dogs present some unique grooming challenges due to their pure white coat, fine hair texture, and lack of an undercoat. Here are the most common issues and how to address them:

Tear Staining (The #1 Issue)

Tear staining is far and away the most common and visible grooming issue for Maltese owners. The reddish-brown streaks below the eyes are caused by porphyrin, a pigment in tears that oxidizes when exposed to air. While many breeds experience tear staining, it's dramatically more noticeable on the Maltese's pure white coat.

Prevention and treatment:

• Wipe the eye area with a warm, damp cloth or pet-safe eye wipe every morning and evening
• Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short so it doesn't wick tears onto the face
• Use stainless steel water and food bowls (minerals in plastic bowls can worsen staining)
• Feed a high-quality diet free of artificial dyes, fillers, and common allergens
• Use filtered or distilled water if your tap water has high mineral or iron content
• Keep the face dry after cleaning—moisture promotes bacterial growth that darkens stains
• Consult your vet if staining is excessive or sudden—it may indicate blocked tear ducts, allergies, eye infections, or teething in puppies

For a complete deep-dive on this topic, read our dedicated guide on Maltese tear stain removal and prevention.

Matting

Despite their single-layer coat and minimal shedding, Maltese dogs are highly prone to matting. Their fine, silky hair tangles easily, particularly in areas with friction or moisture: behind the ears, in the armpits, around the collar, between the hind legs, and wherever the dog lies down.

Prevention: Daily brushing with a detangling spray is the only reliable way to prevent mats. If you find a small tangle, hold the hair above it and gently work it apart from the ends with your fingers or a dematting comb. For severe matting, a professional groomer will need to clip it out. Never try to cut mats with household scissors at home—the risk of cutting the skin is very high, especially on a small dog with thin skin.

White Coat Maintenance

Keeping a Maltese's coat truly white requires ongoing effort. Beyond tear stains, the white coat can yellow or discolor from saliva staining on the paws (from licking), food stains on the beard, urine staining on the belly and legs, and environmental dirt. Here's how to maintain that bright white:

• Use a whitening or brightening dog shampoo at each bath
• Wipe the beard after every meal to prevent food staining
• Clean paws daily if your Maltese licks them frequently (saliva causes reddish-brown staining)
• Keep the belly and leg hair trimmed or clean to prevent urine staining
• Apply a leave-in coat conditioner to repel dirt and prevent yellowing
• Use stainless steel bowls for food and water

Sunburn Risk

Unlike double-coated breeds that have a dense undercoat for protection, the Maltese's single-layer coat provides limited sun protection. Their pink skin is visible through the coat, especially if the hair is cut short. Maltese dogs are at real risk of sunburn, particularly on the nose, ears, belly, and any areas where the hair is thin or closely trimmed.

Protection tips: Limit prolonged sun exposure during peak hours (10am-4pm), apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed skin when outdoors, and consider leaving the coat at a moderate length rather than shaving very short. A light cotton dog shirt can also provide protection during outdoor activities.

Essential Grooming Tools

Having the right tools at home makes daily Maltese maintenance faster and more effective. Here's what every Maltese owner should have:

Invest in quality tools designed for fine, silky coats—cheap brushes can break the delicate Maltese hair and irritate their sensitive skin. A good pin brush and metal comb set will last years and make daily grooming faster and more comfortable for your dog.

DIY vs Professional Grooming

Most Maltese owners get the best results by combining daily at-home maintenance with regular professional grooming sessions. Here's how to decide what to handle yourself versus what to leave to the pros:

What You Can Do at Home

• Daily brushing: The most important at-home task—15 minutes a day prevents costly matting and keeps the silky coat healthy
• Face and eye cleaning: Morning and evening wipes to manage tear stains on the white coat
• Beard cleaning: Quick wipe after meals to prevent food staining
• Ear cleaning: Weekly cleaning with a vet-approved solution
• Nail trimming: If your dog is cooperative and you can see the quick in their white nails
• Teeth brushing: Regular dental care between veterinary cleanings
• Bathing: Between professional grooms using whitening shampoo and conditioner
• Light sanitary trims: Keeping hair trimmed around the eyes, rear end, and paw pads

What to Leave to Professionals

• Full haircuts: Breed-specific styles require training, professional clippers, and precise scissor work—especially the teddy bear and show coat styles
• Dematting: Severe mats need professional tools and technique to remove safely without cutting the skin
• Ear hair plucking: Removing hair from the ear canal should be done by an experienced groomer
• Anal gland expression: If needed, best handled by a groomer or veterinarian
• Full bath and blow-dry: Professional dryers and tables produce the smooth, silky finish that's hard to achieve at home
• Deep whitening treatments: Professional whitening baths and treatments can restore a dingy coat more effectively than home products

The bottom line: daily home maintenance between professional grooms every 4-6 weeks is the formula that keeps Maltese dogs looking and feeling their best. Trying to skip professional grooming entirely usually leads to matting, uneven cuts, and a coat that loses its signature silky shine. For tiny Maltese dogs that tremble at the salon, find a mobile groomer who can provide gentle, one-on-one attention right at your doorstep.

Curious how the Maltese compares to similar breeds? See our Shih Tzu vs Maltese grooming comparison to understand the key differences between these popular toy breeds. You might also enjoy our Shih Tzu grooming guide if you're deciding between the two breeds.

A professional grooming setup ensures your Maltese gets a safe, thorough grooming experience with breed-appropriate products

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Maltese dogs require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks, costing $45-$70 per session, plus daily at-home brushing and face care. Their single-layer, silky white coat barely sheds but mats easily and shows every stain. The puppy cut is the most practical style for most owners, while the full show coat is reserved for the truly dedicated.

The key to a well-groomed Maltese is consistency. Ten to fifteen minutes of daily brushing prevents painful matting, twice-daily face cleaning keeps tear stains under control, and regular professional grooms maintain the coat's health and silky texture. Pay special attention to white coat maintenance—whitening shampoo, stainless steel bowls, and a quality diet all contribute to that bright, clean look the breed is known for.

Ready to find a groomer who knows Maltese dogs? find groomers near you for experienced professionals near you, or explore grooming prices in your area.