Maltese - Grooming
Dog Breeds
Maltese have no undercoat, and have little to no shedding if cared for properly. Like their relatives the Poodle and Bichon Frisé, they are considered to be largely hypoallergenic and many people who are allergic to dogs may not be allergic to the Maltese.
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Introduction
Maltese have no undercoat, and have little to no shedding if cared for properly. Like their relatives the Poodle and Bichon Frisé, they are considered to be largely hypoallergenic and many people who are allergic to dogs may not be allergic to the Maltese.
Grooming Tips
Regular grooming is required to prevent the coats of non-shedding dogs from matting. Many owners will keep their Maltese clipped in a "puppy cut," a one to two inch all over trim that makes the dog resemble a puppy.
Some owners, especially those who show Maltese in the sport of conformation, prefer to wrap the long hair to keep it from matting and breaking off, and then to show the dog with the hair unwrapped combed out to its full length.
Dark staining in the hair around the eyes- known as "tear staining"- can be a problem for Maltese. Tear staining is mostly a function of how much the individual dog's eyes water and the size of the tear ducts. Tear stains can be removed using a fine toothed metal comb that is moistened with lukewarm water by carefully drawing the comb through the snout hair just below the eyes. This maintenance activity must be performed every two or three days, as a layer of sticky goo is quick to redevelop. If the face is kept dry and cleaned daily, the staining can be minimized.
Pictures
Appearance & Grooming