Quick answer: A Maltese in a long coat needs daily brushing, a bath every 3 to 4 weeks, and a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. The two Maltese-specific jobs are keeping the white coat bright and managing tear stains: wipe the eyes and mouth daily, keep facial hair trimmed, and use a gentle dog shampoo made for white coats.
The Maltese has a single coat of long, silky, pure white hair with no undercoat. It sheds very little, but it tangles easily and shows every stain. This Maltese grooming guide covers brushing, bathing, stain care and when to book a professional.
Maltese Grooming Schedule at a Glance
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Brushing (long coat) | Daily |
| Brushing (short puppy cut) | Every 2–3 days |
| Eye and mouth wipe | Daily, and after meals |
| Bath | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Ear check and clean | Weekly |
| Teeth brushing | Daily if possible |
| Nail trim | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Professional groom | Every 4–6 weeks |
How to Keep a Maltese Coat White
- Wipe daily. Saliva, food and tears cause most discoloration. A quick wipe of the eyes, muzzle and paws stops stains from setting.
- Dry the face after meals and drinking. A damp beard stains faster. Some owners find stainless steel or ceramic bowls easier to keep clean.
- Use the right shampoo. Choose a gentle, dog-specific shampoo; a whitening formula made for dogs can brighten the coat when used as directed.
- Keep the coat clean between baths. Brushing removes the dust and debris that dull white hair.
Maltese Tear Stains: What Helps
Reddish-brown tear stains are very common in Maltese because their white hair shows the pigment in tears. To reduce them, wipe the corners of the eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth, keep hair trimmed away from the eyes, and dry the area well. If tearing is heavy, sudden, or comes with redness, squinting or discharge, see your vet, as allergies or eye problems can be the cause. More tips: 5 ways to keep your dog’s eyes clean.
How to Brush a Maltese
- Lightly mist the coat with a dog-safe detangling spray; brushing dry hair causes breakage.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to find and loosen tangles.
- Smooth with a pin brush, working in small sections from the skin outward.
- Pay extra attention behind the ears, in the armpits and around the collar.
- Never pull on a mat. Leave tight mats to a groomer; here’s how to deal with minor and severe mats.
Bathing a Maltese
Bathe every 3 to 4 weeks, or when visibly dirty. Brush out all tangles first, since water tightens mats. Follow the shampoo with a lightweight conditioner to keep the coat soft, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely so the skin stays healthy. Overbathing can strip natural oils and dry the skin; if you notice flakes or itching, read about dog dry skin and dandruff.
Ears, Teeth and Nails
- Ears: Maltese ears are covered in long hair, which traps moisture. Check and clean weekly with a vet-approved solution.
- Teeth: small breeds are prone to dental disease, so aim for daily brushing. See our guide to brushing your dog’s teeth.
- Nails: trim every 3 to 4 weeks, or ask your groomer.
Long Coat or Puppy Cut?
A floor-length coat is beautiful but takes daily work. Many owners choose a shorter puppy or teddy bear cut that is far easier to keep clean and tangle-free. Your groomer can suggest a style that suits your lifestyle.
Professional Maltese Grooming With Groomit
Book a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. A Groomit groom includes a bath, haircut, brush-out, nail trim and ear cleaning, tailored to your Maltese, and your groomer can recommend brushes and products for home care. Groomit comes to your home or parks a mobile van outside, which many small, sensitive dogs find calmer than a salon. Prepare with our dog grooming appointment checklist, and see how often to groom other coat types.
Maltese Grooming FAQs
How often should a Maltese be groomed?
Professionally every 4 to 6 weeks, with daily brushing at home for a long coat or every 2 to 3 days for a short cut.
Do Maltese dogs shed?
Very little. They have a single coat with no undercoat, but the hair mats quickly without regular brushing.
How do I stop Maltese tear stains?
Wipe the eyes daily, keep facial hair trimmed and the area dry. Ask your vet about heavy or sudden tearing, which can signal allergies or an eye problem.
How do I keep my Maltese white?
Wipe the face and paws daily, dry the beard after meals, brush regularly, and bathe every 3 to 4 weeks with a gentle dog shampoo, such as a whitening formula made for dogs.
