Maltese Grooming Guide: Costs, Cuts & Care Tips (2026)

Maltese Grooming Costs

Here's what to expect for professional Maltese grooming based on size and service type:

Size	Weight	Basic Groom	Full Groom
Maltese	4-7 lbs	$50-$70	$70-$90

Annual grooming costs: $600-$1,080 (based on grooming every 4-6 weeks).

For comparison with other breeds, see our complete dog grooming cost guide.

Maltese Coat Type & Care

Maltese have a single coat of long, silky white hair that grows continuously. Without trimming, their coat can grow to floor length. They don't shed much but require significant grooming.

Coat Type	Long/Silky
Shedding	Minimal (hypoallergenic)
Grooming Frequency	Every 4-6 weeks
Brushing	Daily
Grooming Difficulty	Medium-High

Popular Maltese Haircuts

Here are the most popular grooming styles for Malteses:

Puppy Cut

Best for: Easy maintenance

Hair trimmed to 1-2 inches all over. Most practical for pet owners.

Maintenance: Low-Medium - brush every 1-2 days

Teddy Bear Cut

Best for: Cute, rounded appearance

Body at 1-2 inches with rounded face. Creates adorable teddy bear look.

Maintenance: Medium - daily brushing

Show Coat

Best for: Show dogs, dedicated owners

Full floor-length coat, parted in middle with top knot.

Maintenance: Very High - daily brushing and wrapping

Bob Cut

Best for: Stylish compromise

Medium length all over with slightly longer ears.

Maintenance: Medium - regular brushing

Maltese Grooming Schedule

Follow this schedule to keep your Maltese looking and feeling their best:

Professional grooming: Every 4-6 weeks
Brushing: Daily
Bathing: Every 2-3 weeks
Nail trimming: Every 2 weeks
Ear cleaning: Weekly

Puppy Grooming

Start gentle brushing early. Maltese puppies have softer coats. Establish grooming routine while young.

Senior Dog Grooming

Older Maltese may have thinner coats. Shorter cuts are often more comfortable. Handle gently as toy breeds are fragile.

Find a Maltese-experienced groomer

Search our directory for professional groomers experienced with Malteses and similar breeds.

Find Groomers Near Me

Common Maltese Grooming Problems

Tear Staining

Reddish-brown stains under eyes are very visible on white coat.

Prevention: Daily face cleaning. Keep hair around eyes trimmed. Address underlying causes.

Matting

Silky coat tangles easily if not brushed regularly.

Prevention: Daily brushing with detangling spray. Pay attention to behind ears and legs.

Coat Yellowing

White coat can yellow from sun, saliva, or urine.

Prevention: Regular bathing with whitening shampoo. Keep coat clean and dry.

At-Home Maltese Grooming

Between professional grooms, here's what you need and how to maintain your Maltese's coat at home.

Essential Tools

Pin brush
Fine-tooth comb
Detangling spray
Eye wipes
Whitening shampoo
Nail clippers

Grooming Tips

Brush daily to prevent matting
Clean face and eyes daily
Use whitening shampoo to maintain white coat
Trim hair around eyes to prevent irritation

Finding a Maltese-Experienced Groomer

Not all groomers are equally experienced with every breed. Here's what to look for when choosing a groomer for your Maltese:

Choose groomers experienced with toy breeds
Ask about tear stain treatments
Look for gentle handling of small dogs
Check their work on white-coated breeds

For more tips, see our Signs of a Good Dog Groomer guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Maltese grooming cost?▼

Maltese grooming costs $50-$90 per session. Basic grooming runs $50-$70, full grooming $70-$90.

How often should a Maltese be groomed?▼

Every 4-6 weeks professionally. Daily brushing at home is essential.

How do I prevent tear stains on my Maltese?▼

Daily face cleaning, keeping hair trimmed around eyes, and addressing any underlying causes helps prevent staining.

What is the best haircut for a Maltese?▼

The Puppy Cut is most popular for easy maintenance. Hair is trimmed to 1-2 inches all over.

Do Maltese shed?▼

Maltese shed minimally. Their hair grows continuously like human hair instead of having a shedding cycle.

Can I groom my Maltese at home?▼

You can do daily brushing and face cleaning at home. Professional grooming is recommended for haircuts.

The Bottom Line

Maltese grooming requires professional appointments every 4-6 weeks, with costs ranging based on size and service level. Regular at-home maintenance between appointments keeps your Maltese looking and feeling their best.

Find a groomer experienced with Malteses, establish a consistent grooming schedule, and maintain regular brushing at home. Your Maltese will thank you with a healthy, beautiful coat.