How to Groom a Maltese Dog

A Maltese is a breed of dog in the Toy group. Maltese dogs are hypoallergenic and do not shed, so people who are allergic to dogs are usually not allergic to Maltese dogs. The Maltese is known for its long, white fur that grows straight down to the ground. For many people, the long fur is too difficult to maintain and owners opt for a "puppy cut," a shorter look (pictured here). Maltese show dogs and other Maltese owners who do not mind the undertaking grow Maltese fur to full length and tie the fur out of the dog's face with a small ribbon. Whether your Maltese prefers the puppy cut or the standard Maltese hairstyle, follow the directions below to groom your Maltese dog.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Towel
• Wide-toothed steel comb
• Fine-toothed steel comb
• Smoothing brush
• Small rubber bands
• Small ribbon
• Fingernail scissors
• Nail clippers
• Electric clippers (for puppy cut)

1. Place your Maltese on a towel or soft mat. Because Maltese dogs tend to be small, it may hurt them to be on the hard floor for an extended period of time and they will not slide around as much if they are seated on something soft.

2. Groom your Maltese with a wide-toothed metal comb. There will not be much shedding in a Maltese, because they are hypoallergenic and do not shed the way other dogs do. However, if you run into any large knots or mats, cut them out carefully with a pair of fingernail scissors, making sure not to pinch or pierce the skin.

3. Groom your Maltese next with a fine-toothed metal comb to get any remaining snags out of the fur. At this point, you will want to notice the length of your dog's fur and clean up any ratty or long edges with fingernail scissors. Do not cut too much right away--It's always better to cut not enough than to cut too much.

4. If you are opting for the puppy cut, which is a shorter look, shave your dog's hair short with an electric grooming tool. You do not have to worry about using the smoothing brush if your dog has a puppy cut.

5. If your Maltese has long fur, be sure to finish her coat with a smoothing brush, which is usually rectangular with very soft bristles. Be sure to even out all snipped edges of the fur with fingernail scissors.

6. Use nail clippers to trim your Maltese's toenails. When you pull the fur up from over the dog's toenails, you will see a grayish color towards the point of the toenail, and a pinkish color towards the foot. Do not cut into the pink area or you will be cutting into your dog's skin. Clip your dog's nails evenly.

7. For a finishing touch, place a bow in your Maltese's hair. Collect a small section of hair directly above the dog's eyes. Smooth the section back and affix to the top of the head with a small rubber band. Tie a bow around the rubber band with a piece of ribbon.

Resources

• Anna's Heavenly Maltese: Grooming
• Jacob Maltese Grooming Tips

[ucandoit2]

on 7/7/2009 Great advise. I have a Maltese and he tends to get very matted if not combed daily. Aren't they the sweetest dogs in the world?