Complete Guide to Maltese Shedding & Coat Care

The Maltese's silky white coat is the hallmark of the breed, yet many owners struggle with matting, discoloration, and sensitive scalp issues. While their single coat means minimal seasonal shedding, the fine, long hair requires daily maintenance, and their small stature makes them vulnerable to skin stress. With proper coat care, you can preserve both the Maltese's signature beauty and healthy skin.

01Maltese Coat Characteristics and Why Grooming Matters

Maltese dogs have a single-coat, long-haired structure with no undercoat, which means they experience little to no seasonal shedding as commonly understood. However, this doesn't mean they don't shed at all—rather, dead hairs tend to get trapped within the long coat instead of falling out naturally. Left unmanaged, this leads to mats and tangles that block airflow to the skin, increasing the risk of eczema and inflammation.

Additionally, the Maltese's white coat is easily stained by tear marks, saliva, and dirt, and the fine hair texture makes the skin barrier more susceptible to external irritants. With a petite frame of 2.5–4 kg, their metabolism and thermoregulation are fast-paced, meaning coat and scalp condition often reflect overall health.

Therefore, Maltese coat care is not merely cosmetic—it is essential home care for skin health and quality of life.

02Daily Brushing: The Foundation of Maltese Coat Care

Maltese dogs generally require at least 10–15 minutes of brushing daily. Long hair can tangle within 24 hours, and high-friction areas like the ears, armpits, and groin are especially prone to rapid mat formation.

• Start with a slicker brush to gently work through surface tangles
• Follow with a pin brush or comb, brushing in one direction from root to tip
• Lightly mist the coat before brushing (with water or a coat spray) to reduce static and breakage
• For existing mats, gently tease them apart with your fingers or use a dematting tool

Regular brushing removes dead hair to support skin respiration and helps distribute natural oils evenly, which may help maintain coat shine.

03Bathing and Drying: Keys to Maltese Skin Health

Maltese dogs typically benefit from bathing once every 1–2 weeks. Over-bathing can weaken the skin barrier, so adjust frequency based on skin condition and activity level.

• Wet thoroughly with lukewarm water (37–38°C / 98–100°F) down to the skin, then apply a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo
• Massage the lather directly into the skin to remove debris from the pores
• Apply conditioner mainly to the ends of the coat, and rinse thoroughly to prevent residue buildup on the skin
• After towel drying, always use a low-heat dryer to dry completely down to the skin. Residual moisture increases the risk of bacterial and fungal growth

Using a slicker brush while blow-drying can help straighten the coat and add volume.

04Nutrition and Environment: Supporting Coat Health from the Inside Out

Healthy coats reflect internal nutritional status. For small, sensitive breeds like the Maltese, the balance of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals directly impacts coat quality.

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) may help modulate skin inflammatory responses and maintain coat luster, while trace nutrients like zinc and biotin support follicle health and keratin formation. Recently, functional ingredients such as white fungus (Tremella) extract—known for skin hydration and antioxidant support—have gained attention among pet parents, featured in at-home care products like ANITOK Hair.

Environmental management is equally important. Maintain indoor humidity between 40–60%, and on high-pollution days, gently wipe your dog's paws and face after walks. Wash bedding and cushions weekly to reduce allergen exposure.

05Maltese Scalp Issues: Early Detection and Response

Maltese have thin, sensitive skin and are prone to seborrheic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, and yeast infections. Watch for redness, increased dandruff, and frequent scratching.

• During brushing, gently press the scalp with your fingertips to check for red spots, flaking, or odor
• Examine the inner ears and between the toes (common sites for yeast infections)
• Excessive scratching, licking, or localized hair loss may be early warning signs

Early detection may allow improvement through home care and dietary adjustments alone, but if symptoms persist or worsen, veterinary consultation is essential.

06Grooming Styles and Coat Health Balance

Maltese owners often face the choice between maintaining a 'full coat' or opting for a 'pet cut' (short trim). A full coat preserves the breed's elegant appearance but requires daily brushing and frequent bathing. A pet cut significantly reduces maintenance and supports better temperature regulation and skin ventilation, especially in summer.

Regardless of style, regular professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is generally recommended. Keep paw pads, sanitary areas, and eye areas trimmed frequently for hygiene and visibility. After grooming, check for skin irritation and follow up with moisturizing or soothing care to support skin recovery.

Your Maltese's coat is more than appearance—it's a window into their health. Small daily efforts can greatly enhance your companion's quality of life.