There’s something truly magical about a freshly groomed Maltese. Their silky white coat, expressive little face, and proud walk make them look like tiny show dogs, even when they’re just coming back from the groomer.
Whether you prefer a fluffy teddy bear look or a sleek show-style cut, choosing the right haircut for your Maltese can highlight their adorable features and keep them comfortable all year long.
When I first got my Maltese, I didn’t realize how much of their charm depended on grooming. A good haircut didn’t just make her look cute, it made her feel more energetic, playful, and confident.
That’s when I learned that grooming isn’t just about looks, it’s also an important part of their health and happiness. From puppy cuts to show trims, there are countless cute haircuts for Maltese dogs for both males and females, each offering a different personality and level of maintenance.
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Maltese Dog Haircut Styles Male With Pictures
Male Maltese dogs often look best in cuts that balance playfulness with a bit of personality. While some owners love a classic short puppy cut, others prefer a neat layered style that highlights their facial expressions and keeps the coat easy to manage.
Male-specific Maltese dog haircut styles can include the teddy bear trim, short summer cuts, or even stylish rounded faces for a bold, confident look. You can also experiment with creative grooming like small topknots or gentle trims around the muzzle, to match your pup’s personality.
| Grooming Style | Description |
| Show Cut (Full Coat) | Long, floor-length silky coat; elegant show style needing daily care. |
| Puppy Cut | Short and even trim (1–2 inches); low maintenance and cute. |
| Teddy Bear Cut | Rounded face with fluffy fur; makes Maltese look like a toy. |
| Short Cut | Very short coat all over; best for hot climates and busy owners. |
| Bob Cut | Straight, even trim around the face and ears for a polished look. |
| Layered Cut | Adds volume and texture; natural and stylish. |
| Top Knot Style | Hair tied on top with a ribbon; classic Maltese signature. |
| Summer Cut | Short body fur to help keep cool in warm weather. |
| Princess Cut | Long hair on ears and tail, shorter on body; elegant and feminine. |
| Fluffy Cut | Medium-length trim giving a soft, cloud-like texture. |
| Lamb Cut | Short body with fluffy legs; gives a playful lamb-like look. |
| Classic Cut | Balanced style — medium body coat and long ears/tail. |
| Pageboy Cut | Straight hair with bangs; neat and modern. |
| Round Face Cut | Face trimmed in a perfect circle; extremely cute appearance. |
| Feathered Cut | Slightly longer ends for a soft, flowing effect. |
| Modern Cut | Trendy layered look with emphasis on the face. |
| Lion Cut | Mane-style around neck, short on body; bold and fun. |
| Asian Fusion Cut | Popular in Korea/Japan; round face with short, stylized body. |
| Comfort Cut | Simple, short trim for senior or low-maintenance dogs. |
| Show Puppy Cut | Long, silky coat for young Maltese preparing for shows. |
Understanding the Maltese Coat Type
Before picking a haircut, it helps to understand what makes the Maltese coat unique. Their fur isn’t like most breeds, they have a single-layered, silky coat without an undercoat, which means less shedding but more maintenance.
Because the hair grows continuously like human hair, it can easily mat or tangle if not brushed daily. Key things to know about the Maltese coat:
- It’s silky and straight, not curly or wavy.
- They have no undercoat, which makes them more sensitive to temperature.
- Regular grooming helps prevent knots, tangles, and skin irritation.
- Their coat color (usually pure white) highlights every cut beautifully.
Popular Maltese Grooming Styles
There are many ways to style your Maltese, depending on how much time you can dedicate to grooming. Some owners love the elegance of a full show coat, while others prefer the simplicity of a low-maintenance cut. Common Maltese grooming styles include:
| Style | Description |
| Puppy Cut | Short, even trim all over; easy to maintain and adorable. |
| Teddy Bear Cut | Rounded, fluffy face with short body coat. |
| Show Cut (Full Coat) | Long, silky floor-length coat; classic Maltese show look. |
| Bob Cut | Straight, neat cut around face and ears. |
| Summer Cut | Short trim for comfort in warm weather. |
| Top Knot Style | Hair tied with ribbon on head for signature Maltese flair. |
| Layered Cut | Soft layers adding texture and volume. |
| Princess Cut | Long ears and tail hair, shorter body for a regal look. |
Maltese Dog Haircut Styles for Puppies
Maltese puppies have softer, finer coats than adults, and their first few haircuts play an important role in helping them get used to grooming. Most owners start with a puppy cut, a short, uniform trim that’s practical and irresistibly cute.
This style makes brushing easier, keeps your puppy clean, and helps reduce tangles during playtime. Plus, it helps your Maltese get used to grooming routines early, which is important since they’ll need lifelong coat care.
| Puppy Style | Description |
| Short Puppy Cut | Simple short coat (1–2 inches); great for active pups. |
| Fluffy Puppy Cut | Keeps fur slightly longer for a plush, soft look. |
| Teddy Bear Puppy Cut | Rounded face with short coat; gives a toy-like appearance. |
| Mini Bob Cut | Straight cut around eyes and ears; keeps hair out of face. |
| Comfort Cut | Very light trim; ideal for young or sensitive puppies. |
Maltese Dog Haircut Styles Male
Male Maltese dogs often look best with haircuts that highlight their playful and confident personalities. Many owners prefer shorter cuts that reduce maintenance and make their dogs look neat without losing their charm.
Popular male haircuts include the teddy bear cut, short layered trim, and the classic puppy cut. Some even go for a spiky or brushed-forward face trim that gives a more adventurous look. These cuts also help keep them clean, especially if they love outdoor walks or playing around the yard.
| Male Style | Description |
| Short Cut | Practical and neat; great for easy maintenance. |
| Classic Cut | Medium coat with shaped ears and tail. |
| Lion Cut | Mane around neck, shorter body; bold and confident look. |
| Layered Cut | Light layers for a fuller masculine coat. |
| Sporty Cut | Trimmed short to highlight body shape and agility. |
| Teddy Bear Cut | Still popular with males for a cute yet stylish vibe. |
Maltese Dog Haircut Styles Female
Female Maltese dogs are often styled to emphasize their elegant and graceful features. Their fine coat allows for creative grooming, from long show-style trims to adorable fashion cuts with bows or topknots.
Popular female Maltese styles include the long princess cut, bob cut, and topknot show trim. Many owners also add accessories like ribbons or bows for an extra touch of cuteness. If you prefer something simple, a short layered cut keeps maintenance easy while still looking polished.
| Female Style | Description |
| Princess Cut | Long silky hair on ears and tail; elegant and feminine. |
| Show Cut (Full Coat) | Traditional long, floor-length coat for show dogs. |
| Bob Cut | Cute, sleek, and polished for a chic look. |
| Feathered Cut | Adds soft, flowy texture for a glamorous style. |
| Top Knot with Ribbon | Classic Maltese style with hair tied up neatly. |
| Fluffy Cut | Medium-length, voluminous coat for a gentle appearance. |
| Asian Fusion Cut | Stylish, rounded face with short, shaped body. |
How Often Should You Groom a Maltese Dog?
Maltese dogs need regular grooming, ideally every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the coat length and style. Shorter cuts require less frequent trims, while long show-style coats demand weekly upkeep. Here’s a simple routine to keep your Maltese looking perfect:
- Daily: Brush to prevent tangles and remove dirt.
- Weekly: Clean eyes and ears to prevent stains and infections.
- Every 4–6 weeks: Schedule a professional grooming session.
- Seasonally: Trim hair around paws, tail, and sanitary areas for hygiene.
Keeping a consistent grooming schedule not only enhances their beauty but also helps monitor their skin, ears, and eyes for any early signs of irritation or health issues.
How to Groom a Maltese at Home – Step-by-Step Guide
Grooming your Maltese at home can be a relaxing and rewarding routine, not just for your dog, but for you too. It builds trust and saves you frequent trips to the groomer.
Because the Maltese have a single-layered, silky coat, their hair requires gentle care and consistency. With the right tools and a little patience, you can give your Maltese a clean, tangle-free coat that shines. Here’s a Maltese grooming guide you can follow at home.
| Step | What to Do | Tools Needed | Tips for Best Results | Frequency |
| 1. Brushing | Gently detangle hair using a slicker brush. | Slicker brush, metal comb | Start from the ends and move upward to avoid pulling. | Daily |
| 2. Bathing | Use a mild dog shampoo suited for sensitive skin. | Gentle dog shampoo, conditioner | Rinse thoroughly to prevent residue buildup. | Every 2–3 weeks |
| 3. Drying | Towel dry, then blow-dry on low heat while brushing. | Soft towel, pet blow dryer | Keep dryer 6–8 inches away from the coat. | Every bath |
| 4. Trimming | Trim around eyes, paws, and sanitary areas. | Grooming scissors, clipper | Trim little by little, Maltese hair grows fast! | Every 4–6 weeks |
| 5. Eye & Ear Cleaning | Gently clean eyes and ears to avoid staining or infection. | Cotton pads, dog-safe cleanser | Always use separate pads for each eye/ear. | Weekly |
Common Grooming Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make a few grooming mistakes when caring for a Maltese at home. Their fine, delicate coat requires patience and the right techniques. Avoiding these common errors can make a huge difference in keeping your Maltese’s coat shiny and healthy:
- Skipping regular brushing: A day or two without brushing can quickly lead to painful mats.
- Using human shampoo: Always use mild, dog-formulated shampoo to maintain coat pH balance.
- Trimming too close to the skin: This can cause razor burns or irritation.
- Neglecting ear cleaning: Maltese are prone to ear infections, so regular checks are essential.
- Ignoring tear stains: Use special eye wipes or tear stain removers to prevent discoloration under the eyes.
- Improper blow-drying: High heat can damage their silky coat, always use low or cool settings.
Professional Grooming vs. DIY: Which Is Better?
Whether you choose professional grooming or DIY grooming, it depends on your comfort level, your Maltese’s coat type, and your schedule. Professional groomers offer expertise, precision, and convenience, especially for show-style cuts. However, home grooming builds a stronger bond and saves costs over time.
Professional grooming is ideal if:
- You prefer show-quality trims or creative cuts.
- Your Maltese has thick or long hair that’s hard to maintain.
- You want deep cleaning and coat conditioning every few months.
DIY grooming works best if:
- You have time for regular maintenance.
- You enjoy hands-on bonding time with your dog.
- You’re okay with simple trims instead of elaborate styles.
How Grooming Affects Your Maltese’s Health and Comfort
A well-groomed Maltese is not just adorable, they’re also happier and healthier. Regular grooming affects more than appearance, it directly impacts their skin health, comfort, and hygiene. Clean, brushed coats allow air to circulate around the skin, reducing the risk of infections or parasites.
Grooming also:
- Prevents matting, which can cause painful skin pulling.
- Improves blood circulation through gentle brushing.
- Reduces tear stains and keeps their face clean.
- Controls shedding and allergens in your home.
- Strengthens bonding between you and your Maltese.
For Maltese dogs, grooming is a form of care and affection, every brushing session is an opportunity to connect, comfort, and keep them healthy from head to tail.
FAQs
How often should I groom my Maltese at home?
Ideally, you should brush your Maltese daily, bathe them every 2–3 weeks, and trim their coat every 4–6 weeks. Consistency is key for maintaining that signature silky look.
Can I give my Maltese a haircut myself?
Yes, with practice and patience! Start with small trims and invest in good-quality grooming scissors or clippers designed for small breeds. Avoid cutting near sensitive areas like eyes and ears.
What’s the easiest haircut for Maltese owners to maintain?
The puppy cut or teddy bear cut is perfect for beginners. It’s short, low-maintenance, and still keeps your Maltese looking irresistibly cute.
How can I reduce tear stains on my Maltese’s face?
Use dog-safe tear stain wipes, keep their eyes clean daily, and feed them high-quality food with no artificial dyes. A clean face trim around the eyes also helps reduce buildup.
What should I do if my Maltese’s coat gets matted?
Never pull or cut the mats directly. Use a detangling spray and a slicker brush to gently loosen them. If they’re too tight, visit a professional groomer to avoid hurting your dog.