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You know that moment when the groomer brings your Maltese out and you think, “Is that really my dog?” One grooming appointment can turn your sweet companion into a little lamb, a glossy show dog, or a creature that looks like it crawled out of a medieval painting or an old folklore tale.
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Every Maltese owner has lived through this identity crisis. Their hair grows fast, poofs easily, and transforms them into a new character with every trim.
This guide helps you avoid the “what have I done” moment and choose a style that actually fits your dog’s personality. Before the next appointment turns your angel baby into a creepy cryptid, let’s look at the cuts that work and how to keep your pup looking fresh in between.
The Moment Every Maltese Owner Knows
There’s a specific silence that fills the grooming lobby when a Maltese comes trotting out after a trim. You brace yourself, smile politely, and hope your dog still looks like, well, your dog.
Sometimes you get a darling dog with a perfect blowout. Other times, you get a tiny creature that looks like it survived a long winter in a medieval forest.
And in that moment, every Maltese owner does the same thing. You squint, tilt your head, and wonder, “Is that really you?”
Because Maltese hair doesn’t just get shorter, it changes the entire story your dog tells when they walk into a room.
Watch: That moment when your Maltese returns with a whole new identity.
Why Maltese Hair Is So Dramatic
Unlike most breeds, Maltese have a single coat that grows long, straight, and fast. That means even a tiny change in length or layering can transform their entire vibe.
Humidity, brushing, mats, baths, and blow-drying all affect how their hair sits. That’s why your dog can look like a runway model at the salon and like a tiny windblown mess five minutes later.
How To Pick A Cut That Matches Your Maltese
Picking a Maltese haircut is part personality match and part practicality. Your dog might have “tiny supermodel” energy, but that doesn’t mean they need a daily brush-out or a floor-length show coat in July.
Your Maltese’s perfect haircut comes down to a mix of vibe, lifestyle, and coat needs. Think of it as choosing the look that makes them cute and comfortable.
Here are the things that actually affect which styles will work for your dog.
1. Your Dog’s Personality
The fun part. Your dog might be:
- Soft and sweet
- Bouncy and chaotic
- Elegant and dramatic
- Cautious and clingy
- Playful and goofy
Their haircut shapes how those traits show up.
2. Your Climate & The Season
Summer cuts and winter cuts are different for a reason. A shorter body helps in warm weather, while a longer coat offers light insulation in cooler months.
3. Your Grooming Bandwidth
Some cuts stay cute for weeks with minimal upkeep. Others need brushing every day and professional touch-ups more often.
A good rule: If you don’t like brushing, don’t pick a fluffy style.
4. Your Maltese’s Age
Puppy coats mat faster and poof bigger. Senior dogs often benefit from lower-maintenance cuts that keep them clean and comfortable.
5. Tear Stains & Face Shape
Some cuts show tear stains more than others. Shorter face trims can help keep your dog looking bright and tidy.
6. Matting History
If your dog mats frequently, the safest cut is often a shorter one. It’s not about “less cute.” It’s about keeping their skin healthy.
Bad Haircut? It’s Not Always Miscommunication
Mats might be hiding deep in your Maltese’s coat, and groomers often have to shave down tangled areas to keep your pup comfortable. Once mats form, a shorter cut isn’t a stylistic choice. It’s a welfare choice.
1. The Puppy Cut
Soft, easy, and cute on every Maltese. The puppy cut is the universal crowd-pleaser. It gives your Maltese a round, fluffy face and an overall soft look that stays cute even as it grows out.
This cut keeps the hair short all over the body, which makes brushing easier and reduces matting. It’s perfect for busy owners or anyone who wants their dog to look consistently adorable without much effort.
Features Of The Puppy Cut
- Even length all over the body
- Typically trimmed to ½–1 inch
- Light shaping around the face but not stylized
- Ears and tail kept natural or lightly rounded
Who This Cut Works Best For
- Personality fit: Sweet, gentle, playful, or shy dogs who look good in anything.
- Best for: Low-maintenance grooming schedules, warm climates, and young dogs with fast-growing coats.
- Maintenance: Brush a few times a week. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.
2. The Teddy Bear Cut
Round face, big eyes, and maximum cuteness. The teddy bear cut gives your Maltese a soft, plush look with a stylized, rounded face. It creates the classic “stuffed animal” expression that makes people stop you on walks.
This is one of the most requested Maltese cuts because it keeps the face looking expressive while keeping the body neat. It’s adorable, tidy, and great for everyday life.
Features Of The Teddy Bear Cut
- Round, plush “stuffed animal” face
- Shorter but fluffy body
- Longer hair on legs, giving appearance of “pantaloons”
- Soft, blended lines instead of sharp shaping
Who This Cut Works Best For
- Personality fit: Friendly, social, playful dogs who love attention.
- Best for: Owners who want a cute, polished look without extreme grooming needs.
- Maintenance: Brush the face every few days to prevent tear stains and tangles. Body grooming every 6–8 weeks.
3. The Show Cut
Glossy, flowing, and straight-off-the-runway. The show cut is the iconic, floor-length Maltese look you see in dog shows and glossy breed photos. When maintained properly, this style turns your dog into a tiny supermodel with hair that moves like silk.
It’s stunning, but it comes with a commitment. The coat stays long all over the body, which means brushing, conditioning, and careful drying are part of the daily routine.
Features Of The Show Cut
- Long, straight, floor-length coat
- Center part down the back
- Long ear furnishings
- Tail plume left natural
Who This Cut Works Best For
- Personality fit: Confident dogs who enjoy being fussed over and handled.
- Best for: Owners who don’t mind daily brushing, regular deep conditioning, and more frequent professional grooming.
- Maintenance: Expect to brush daily, manage mats quickly, and schedule professional grooming every 4–6 weeks. A top knot or bow is often needed to keep hair out of the eyes.
4. The Korean Cut
Round face, big eyes, and a soft doll-like look. The Korean cut creates an adorable, stylized appearance that makes your Maltese look like a tiny animated character.
This style keeps the body short while leaving the head fuller and more rounded. It’s a trendy, modern choice that photographs beautifully.
Features Of The Korean Cut
- Long, flowy ears
- Fluffy face with trimmed cheeks
- Tail left fuller for movement
- Body clipped short for a clean silhouette
- Airy, plush finish
Watch: The Korean cut is all about styling options, from topknots and pigtails to braids and fluffy face framing.
Who This Cut Works Best For
- Personality fit: Playful, expressive dogs who enjoy being the center of attention.
- Best for: Owners who love a polished, whimsical style without the commitment of a full show coat.
- Maintenance: Brush the face regularly to maintain shape. Grooming every 6 to 8 weeks.
5. The Maltese Bob
Chic, neat, and perfect for tear-stain management. The Maltese bob keeps the head hair at a smooth, even length that frames the face.
This cut offers a stylish, slightly sassy look while keeping things tidy around the eyes and muzzle. It’s great for dogs who get messy faces or darker tear staining.
Features Of The Bob Cut
- Medium-length body coat with a smooth, even finish
- Distinct “bobbed” face framing with hair kept longer around the cheeks
- Ears left long to blend into the bob shape
- Light feathering on legs for a tidy but soft silhouette
Who This Cut Works Best For
- Personality fit: Confident dogs who look adorable with a little structure.
- Best for: Owners who want a stylish head shape that’s easy to maintain between appointments.
- Maintenance: Wipe around the eyes daily and trim the face every 4 to 6 weeks.
6. The Lamb Cut
Fluffy legs and a sleek body make the lamb cut both cute and practical. It gives your Maltese a soft, cloud-like look without requiring full-body fluff.
This style keeps the torso short while leaving the legs and sometimes the head a bit fuller. It creates a balanced shape that stays cleaner for longer.
Features Of The Lamb Cut
- Short, clipped body coat
- Longer “fluffy pants” on the legs
- Rounded paws and feathered ankles
- Face can be trimmed short for a clean, sporty look or left longer for a softer, rounder expression
Who This Cut Works Best For
- Personality fit: Easygoing dogs who don’t mind a little extra fluff.
- Best for: Owners who want a cute, airy style that’s still relatively low-maintenance.
- Maintenance: Brush the legs a few times a week. Grooming every 6 to 8 weeks.
7. The Medium-Length Cut
The compromise between a show coat and puppy coat. The medium-length cut keeps the coat long for a cozy, plush look without the hassle of a full show coat.
This style gives your Maltese a gentle, airy appearance. It’s a perfect middle ground for owners who want a little fluff with less daily work.
Features Of The Medium-Length Cut
- Natural, fluffy coat with light shaping
- Face trimmed for visibility
- Not long enough to be a show coat
Who This Cut Works Best For
- Personality fit: Calm, gentle dogs who look adorable with a bit of softness.
- Best for: All seasons, moderate grooming routines, and owners who enjoy brushing but not daily.
- Maintenance: Brush every 2 to 3 days. Grooming every 6 to 8 weeks.
8. The Top Knot Cut
Classic, elegant, and perfect for showcasing your Maltese’s face. The top knot glam cut keeps the hair longer on the head so it can be tied up with a bow or band.
This style prevents hair from falling into the eyes while keeping the overall look soft and feminine. It’s ideal for owners who love accessorizing.
Features Of The Top Knot Cut
- Long facial hair gathered into a ponytail or bow on top of the head
- Body coat can be any length (short, medium, or long)
- Keeps hair out of the eyes while preserving the Maltese’s signature long face hair
- Allows for accessories (bows, clips, bands)
Who This Cut Works Best For
- Personality fit: Dramatic, expressive dogs who enjoy extra fussing.
- Best for: Owners comfortable with brushing the face daily and maintaining longer head hair.
- Maintenance: Brush the head hair daily and secure it in a top knot. Grooming every 6 to 8 weeks.
9. The Short Cut
Simple, clean, and perfect for dogs who hate brushing. The short cut, also called the summer cut, trims the coat down evenly for a low-maintenance look that stays neat between grooms.
This style is especially helpful for mat-prone pups, senior dogs, or hot climates. It’s also great for owners who prefer a tidy, no-frills look.
Features Of The Short Cut
- Very short, even coat
- Short face, short ears, and short legs for maximum low-maintenance ease
- No feathering or fluff; distinctly “wash-and-wear”
- Ideal for hot weather, outdoor play, or senior dogs
Who This Cut Works Best For
- Personality fit: Dogs who dislike long grooming sessions or get tangled easily.
- Best for: Busy owners, warm climates, or dogs with sensitive skin or frequent matting.
- Maintenance: Minimal brushing between appointments. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks.
10. The Matting Reset Cut
Clean, short, and focused on comfort. The matting reset cut trims the coat down to remove deep tangles that brushing can’t fix.
This style gives the hair a fresh start and prevents skin irritation caused by tight mats. It may look shorter than expected, but it instantly makes your dog more comfortable.
Features Of The Matting Reset Cut
- Very close shave
- Extremely short ears
- Looks like a “starting over” haircut
- Allows the coat to regrow healthy
Who This Cut Works Best For
- Personality fit: Dogs who dislike long grooming sessions or get anxious when brushed.
- Best for: Severe matting, seasonal coat resets, or adopting a dog with unknown coat history.
- Maintenance: Brush regularly once the coat grows back. Grooming every 6 to 8 weeks.
11. The Maintenance Cut
Tidy, simple, and perfect between grooms. The maintenance cut focuses on trimming key areas like the face, paws, tail, and hygiene zones while leaving most of the coat at its current length.
This style keeps your Maltese looking neat without committing to a full haircut. It’s great for owners who want to stretch out time between appointments.
Features Of A Maintenance Cut
- Designed to stretch time between grooms while still looking neat
- Soft, rounded face so your Maltese still looks cute and expressive
- Trimmed feet and sanitary areas
- Shortened ears (optional)
Who This Cut Works Best For
- Personality fit: Dogs who get messy quickly or spend a lot of time exploring.
- Best for: Between-groom upkeep, active families, and pups prone to eye gunk or food face.
- Maintenance: Brushing as needed, depending on coat length. Spot trims every 2 to 3 weeks.
Cute Mashups & Custom Variations
Not every Maltese fits neatly into one haircut category. Many owners (and groomers) blend elements from different styles to create a look that’s unique, practical, or just plain adorable.
These mixed-style variations often combine the structure of one cut with styling details from another, giving you endless possibilities.
Teddy Bear Cut With A Topknot
Perfect for owners who love the round, plush teddy bear face but still want the flair of a topknot. This creates a more open-eyed look and allows accessories or bows.
Lamb Cut With A Topknot
A playful twist on the classic lamb cut. This variation is perfect for owners who want a tidy, easy-to-maintain cut but still enjoy dressing up their Maltese with bows, clips, or seasonal accessories.
What About “Asian Fusion”?
Asian Fusion isn’t a single haircut. It’s a grooming style.
That means the final look can vary widely depending on the groomer, your dog’s coat length, and the specific features you want emphasized.
Asian Fusion typically includes:
- Exaggerated proportions (e.g., short body, bell-bottom legs, dramatic tail plume)
- A highly sculpted, round “doll face”
- Stylized finishing touches, like pigtails, braids, bangs, and accessories
Because it’s highly customizable, two “Asian Fusion” Maltese can look completely different. If you want this style, bring photos or a video to your groomer and specify which elements you like most (round face, long legs, tiny muzzle, etc.).
Watch: To help visualize how flexible this style can be, here’s a groomer performing an Asian Fusion transformation on a Maltese:
What Groomers Wish You Knew Before Choosing A Cut
Groomers love making your Maltese look adorable, but they also see the behind-the-scenes reality. Before you pick a style, here’s what they want you to know.
- Your dog’s coat texture matters. Some Maltese have silky coats, others get cottony and fluffy. This affects how well certain cuts hold their shape (and how quickly they poof back out).
- Face shape changes everything. A rounded muzzle will look teddy-bear sweet. A longer, narrower muzzle will look more elegant or foxlike.
- Maintenance is non-negotiable. If you want longer hair on your Maltese, plan on brushing multiple times a week.
- The shorter you go, the longer it lasts. Lamb cuts, puppy cuts, and short trims stretch your grooming schedule.
- Show them a photo, and say what you don’t want. Groomers are visual. A quick “Not too short on the face,” or “Please keep the ears longer,” prevents surprises.
5 Ways To Keep Your Maltese Looking Cute Between Groomings
You don’t need full groomer skills to avoid the tragic “day 17 matted marshmallow” look. Here’s what actually helps.
1. Wipe Their Face Daily
Tear staining builds fast on Maltese coats. A simple warm water wipe keeps gunk away and prevents crust in the eyes.
You can also use gentle dog-safe wipes to keep the muzzle, eyes, and chin clean.
2. Brush The Friction Zones
Skip the whole body. Focus on the areas that mat first:
- Behind the ears
- Armpits
- Belly
- Inner thighs
- Tail base
- Chest fluff
3. Maintain Their Topknot Or Face Style
If your dog’s cut includes a ponytail, pigtails, braids, or barrettes, refresh them daily or every other day. Have styling products on hand, including:
Additionally, a quick snip around the mouth area prevents the wet, stringy look that appears after every meal.
4. Keep Their Diet Coat-Friendly
A glossy, soft coat starts with proper nutrition. Omega-rich diets reduce dryness and breakage. View our guide to the best Maltese dog foods.
5. Use A Light Detangler Spray
A spritz once or twice a week of a detangler or leave-in conditioner prevents knots and keeps long legs or ears from tangling.
If Your Maltese Hates Grooming, Read This First
Some Maltese act like grooming is a felony. Shaking, whining, licking, wiggling — the full performance.
Before you assume your pup is being dramatic, here’s what helps.
- Start with tiny sessions — 10 seconds of brushing, then a treat.
- Switch brushes. A soft pin brush or gentle detangling comb is often enough for daily upkeep.
- Warm baths help more than you think. Warm water relaxes the coat, loosens tangles, and calms anxious pups.
- Blow dryers matter. A quiet, low-airflow dryer reduces fear and speeds up the grooming process.
- Groom on the floor, not the table. Some Maltese feel safer at ground level where slipping isn’t a fear.
- Give your groomer the full story. If your dog’s anxious, sensitive, itchy, or has specific triggers, tell them. Groomers adjust techniques based on temperament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you book your next grooming appointment, here are the questions Maltese parents ask most. These quick answers clear up the confusion around coat length, maintenance, grooming schedules, and what to expect if your pup has strong opinions about being brushed.
Don’t see your question? Respond in the comments, and we’ll get back to you!
How Often Should My Maltese Get Groomed?
Most Maltese do best with a full groom every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on coat length and the style you choose.
Is It Bad To Shave A Maltese?
Not necessarily. They have hair, not fur. Shaving won’t damage the coat, but it can make the skin more sun-sensitive.
Why Does My Maltese Mat So Quickly?
Their fine, silky hair tangles from friction — collars, harnesses, sleeping, and moisture. Even clean coats mat easily.
Which Cut Is Easiest for Low-Maintenance Owners?
Short puppy cuts, the lamb cut, and the maintenance trim require the least brushing between appointments.
Can My Maltese Have Long Hair Without Matting?
Yes, but only with daily brushing and weekly wash-and-blow-dry sessions. Long cuts are high-maintenance.
Are Certain Styles Better For Tear Stains?
Shorter face trims help keep tears from clinging to the coat and reduce staining.
Keep Your Maltese Looking Their Best
If you want your Maltese’s new haircut to stay cute long after the groomer visit, check out our guides on Maltese shedding, managing mats, and choosing the right shampoo for sensitive skin.
