What you will need to maintain your Maltese in a Puppy cut or Korean cut:
Safari Soft Slicker brush
Small Greyhound Comb
Nuvet Puppy & Kitten Shampoo (Use Bella Dolce Maltese code #765802 for a discount!!) I also use Petsilk, Chris Christensen and Pantene hair products. Always use a conditioner after you shampoo your Maltese.
Wahl BravMini or Artero Divinity trimmer.
If you are planning on keeping your Maltese in a full show coat you will need to also purchase:
Large Greyhound Comb
Pin Brush
Rat Tail Comb
Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner(Use Bella Dolce Maltese discount code #765802 for a discount!!)
I always ask potential puppy parents whether they will be keeping their future Maltese in a long “show” coat or a puppy cut? Why? Because most people fall in love with the gorgeous long coats that they see on show dogs, but have no idea how we actually keep their coats looking like that or what the commitment is to keep it that way. With a long coat you will be expected to brush the dogs coat every single day, bathe & condition it every single week and know how to de-mat the coat should the dog ever get matted. A dog that is matted is a neglected dog! It is inhumane to not only allow that to happen, but to leave it like that! Mats typically start at the joints (shoulders, knees, armpits, etc) and if permitted to stay on the dog will affect how it is able (or unable) to walk correctly.
If you are unable to be committed to daily grooming of your Maltese, then you will need to consider a puppy cut that can be brushed a few times per week and get a professional grooming every month.
For Maltese with a puppy cut, teddy bear cut or the popular Korean cut, you can follow the following guidelines:
Your Maltese puppy will need to be bathed 2-4 times per month and have professional grooming every 4-6 weeks! Brushing should be done on the dogs entire body a minimum of 2-3 times per week. Be sure to brush the joint and “armpit” areas of the dog thoroughly and look for matting.
I always say, when bathing your Maltese, “If you think you are finished rinsing their coat, then rinse again!” It is important to never leave a residue of product on your Maltese puppy, as this can irritate their delicate skin. New puppies can be bathed anywhere from once a month to once a week. Occasionally, a baby wipe rubbed on the soiled area is all you need to freshen them up. Always take into consideration the weather conditions and temperature when bathing your pet, especially a new puppy. You never want your Maltese puppy to get chilled.
I prefer to bathe my Maltese every week in my kitchen sink. When bathing, only use lukewarm water, being careful to avoid any temperature too warm for their sensitive skin. Always use a tear free, soap free cleanser when bathing around the eye area. I prefer Nuvet Puppy/kitten shampoo (Use discount code #765802) or Tropiclean Spa Lavish Tear Stain Facial Cleanser for the face and head.
On the body of the Maltese, there are several shampoo & conditioner choices, which is very dependent upon what type of coat your Maltese has. I recommend Nuvet Oatmeal shampoo. (Use discount code #765802) I also occasionally use Herbal Essence Color Me Happy, Pure Paws, Chris Christensen, or Petsilk. I usually dilute my shampoo with water to better saturate the Maltese coat. After a gentle lathering, rinse, rinse, rinse!
Dont forget to condition your Maltese’ coat! This aids grooming and gives your baby a nice silky feel! I use the matching conditioner to the shampoo.
I usually tell folks to find a good groomer in their area and have their Maltese professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks. Owners can bathe, brush and maintain basic cleanliness at home on a regular basis with some simple bathing in the kitchen sink and drying with their blow dryer.
Always remember to keep your Maltese brushed and mat free! You should brush your Maltese 2-3 times per week, making sure that the joints and ears are mat free. Mats can be painful to a Maltese, so please be mindful of keeping your Maltese puppy in good condition.