Maltese Dog Haircuts – Best Grooming Styles for Every Season
The first time I saw a Maltese with a full show coat, I thought it was wearing a tiny wedding dress. Floor-length silky white hair, perfectly parted down the spine. Beautiful to look at. A nightmare to maintain.
Most maltese owners don’t go that route. A full-length maltese’s coat is high-maintenance. It needs daily brushing, regular baths, and visits to a grooming salon every few weeks.
That’s why most people choose a shorter style. It keeps the pup clean and comfortable. The right coat length also prevents matting. This is a dog with silky coats that are prone to matting if left unmanaged.
This guide covers the most popular maltese grooming styles and hairstyles. Each one has a different look, a different care level, and works better in certain seasons.
For more on this dog overall, the Maltese dog breeds page has a full overview.
Table of Contents
Most Popular Maltese Grooming Styles
Here’s a quick comparison. I’ll go into detail on each one below.
| Style | Hair Length | Maintenance | Best For |
| Puppy Cut | 1–2 inches | Low | Everyday comfort, easy to maintain |
| Teddy Bear Cut | 1.5–2.5 inches | Low-Medium | Cute rounded look, high cuteness factor |
| Show Cut | Floor-length | Very High | Dog shows, traditional breed look |
| Top Knot | Short body, long top | Medium | Keeps hair away from eyes |
| Bob Cut | Chin to shoulder | Medium | Elegant but practical |
| Short Summer Trim | 0.5–1 inch | Very Low | Hot weather, active dogs |
| Korean Cut | Rounded face, short body | Medium | Trendy, youthful look |
| Lion Cut | Shaved body, mane kept | Low | Fun style, summer care |
| Kennel Cut | 0.5–1 inch all over | Very Low | Hygiene, minimal grooming effort |
| Lamb Cut | Short body, fuller legs | Medium | Stylish but manageable |
| Modified Puppy Cut | Slightly longer than puppy cut | Low-Medium | Balanced comfort and style |
| Asian Fusion Cut | Creative, rounded styling | Medium-High | Unique, fashionable appearance |
| Shaved Cut | Very short (almost shaved) | Very Low | Extreme heat or medical needs |
| Layered Cut | Medium with layers | Medium | Adds volume and shape |
| Feathered Cut | Medium-long, soft edges | Medium | Natural flowing coat look |
| Clean Face Cut | Short around eyes/mouth | Low | Better hygiene and visibility |
| Long Natural Coat | Long but not full show | High | Elegant, natural look |
| Poodle-Inspired Cut | Styled legs and face | Medium-High | Fancy, standout appearance |
The Puppy Cut
This is the most popular style by far. The entire coat is trimmed to 1–2 inches with a slightly rounded face. It’s called a puppy cut because it makes adults look like a maltese puppy again.
Short, fluffy, and easy to maintain. Regular brushing once or twice a week is enough. A bath every 2–3 weeks keeps the white coat clean. Most groomers finish this grooming session in under an hour.
If you only get one style for your pup, make it this one.
The Teddy Bear Cut
Similar to the puppy style but with a rounder face shape. The head is trimmed into a rounded ball, giving your cute maltese a stuffed-animal teddy bear look.
The body stays at 1.5–2.5 inches. Legs are even. The tail is left fuller.
Needs a trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the shape. Between visits, use a slicker brush 2–3 times a week to prevent tangles around the eyes and ears.
The Show Cut (Full Coat)
This is the standard look for dog shows. The dog’s coat grows to floor length with a center part running down the back. A colored bow holds the top knot in place.
It looks stunning. It’s also a full-time job. Daily brushing is required. Oil treatments help distribute natural oils and add shine. This is serious pet grooming work.
Unless you’re showing your dog, skip this one. For general styles across all dogs, the dog grooming styles chart covers other options.
The Top Knot Style
The body is short. The head hair is left long enough to tie up. You can do a single or double top knot depending on hair length.
This keeps maltese hair out of the eyes and ears. It’s practical and looks put-together.
The knot needs daily attention to prevent tangles. The rest of the coat only needs weekly care if kept at 1–2 inches.
The Short Summer Trim
The coat is trimmed to half an inch or less all over using a clipper. Face, body, legs, everything. The clipping gives a clean, uniform short coat.
This is the easiest style to maintain. Almost no brushing needed. Great for hot climates or dogs that love rolling around outside.
The downside: your dog will need sunscreen on exposed skin. White dogs with very short coats can sunburn. Watch for skin irritation after close shaves. Also, the Maltese is a breed that commonly gets chilled in cool weather, so a sweater may be needed. The dog sweater size chart can help you find the right fit.
The Korean Cut
This style came from South Korean grooming trends. The face is trimmed into a perfect round shape with a flared look at the ears. The body is kept short.
It’s popular on social media because of the cuteness factor. The round face makes the dog’s eyes look bigger.
Add this to your grooming routine every 4–5 weeks to keep the shape intact.
The Lion Cut
The body is shaved short. A mane of longer hair stays around the head, chest, and sometimes the tail tip.
It’s a fun, playful style. Some owners love it. Others think it looks silly. Your pup won’t care either way.
Don’t worry about future hair growth. The coat grows back the same texture within 2–4 months. Shaving doesn’t change how it comes in.
The Bob Cut
Think of a human bob. The coat hangs from chin to shoulder length with a clean line at the bottom.
More elegant than a puppy style but easier than a show coat. Works well for owners who want a polished look without daily care.
Step-by-Step Coat Maintenance Between Visits
No matter which style you pick, the grooming process between salon visits determines how good the coat looks. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Brush before every bath. Wet mats tighten and become impossible to remove. Use a pin brush or slicker to work through any matting and tangling first.
2. Bathe every 2–3 weeks. Use a gentle shampoo made for white coats. Bathe your dog in lukewarm water. Rinse completely. Leftover shampoo can irritate skin.
3. Use a detangling spray. Spray lightly before each brushing session. This prevents breakage and keeps the coat smooth. Among recommended products, Chris Christensen and Isle of Dogs are popular with maltese owners.
4. Clean tear stains weekly. Those reddish-brown marks under the eyes are common in white dogs. Wipe daily with a damp cloth.
5. Trim around paws and face between visits. You can do this at home with blunt-tip scissors. If you’re not comfortable, have your professional groomer handle it. Good coat health depends on staying on top of these small tasks.
For sizing on accessories your dog needs, the Maltese dog size chart is helpful.
How Much Do These Styles Cost?
| Style | Average Cost (USA) | Frequency |
| Puppy Cut | $40–$65 | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Teddy Bear | $50–$75 | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Show Cut (upkeep) | $80–$150+ | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Short Summer Trim | $35–$55 | Every 6–8 weeks |
| Korean Cut | $55–$80 | Every 4–5 weeks |
| Lion Cut | $45–$70 | Every 6–8 weeks |
| Bob Cut | $50–$70 | Every 5–6 weeks |
Prices vary by location. Mobile groomers charge more. Budget $50–$75 per visit for a standard style.
For costs related to the dog itself, the Maltese dog price chart covers purchase and ongoing expenses.
FAQs
How often should I groom my Maltese?
Every 4–6 weeks for most styles. Show coats need weekly care. Brush at home 2–3 times per week between visits to prevent tangle buildup.
What’s the best style for hot weather?
The short summer trim or lion cut. Both keep the coat very short. Apply dog-safe sunscreen on exposed skin since white coats offer less UV protection.
Can I groom my Maltese at home?
Basic tasks like brushing, tear stain cleaning, and paw trims can be done at home. For full styles, a professional is safer unless you have experience with clippers and the full grooming process.
My Maltese hates being groomed. What should I do?
Start slow. Use treats during sessions. Keep sessions short at first. Some pups do better at a salon than at home because they associate the groomer with routine. The Maltese dog temperament page covers body language and personality.
Does the style affect how the coat grows back?
No. The coat comes in the same texture regardless of what you do. It takes 2–4 months to return to medium length from a short trim. No permanent change.
What causes tear stains and does grooming help?
Tear stains come from excess tearing, common in toy dogs. Keeping the face trimmed short helps. But daily wiping is the real fix. Diet plays a role too. The Maltese dog food chart covers nutrition that supports coat health.
What tools do I need for at-home maintenance?
A slicker brush, a steel comb, blunt-tip scissors, detangling spray, and a gentle white-coat shampoo. That covers the basics between professional visits.