Different Ways to Groom a Male Maltese

Maltese dogs exhibit snowy beauty and a charming disposition. The breed's intelligence and sociable nature are complemented by its long and shiny white coat. This attractive coat makes the Maltese a frequent companion of both dog show fanciers and pet lovers alike. A number of grooming techniques can be used to maintain the Maltese coat, with some special tips for males.

  1. Basic Grooming

    • There are certain grooming techniques that should be used with every Maltese, regardless of sex. Its silky, single-layer, white coat demands brushing at least every other day to prevent matting. As you brush, you should consistently mist the hair with conditioner spray, to which you can add a couple of drops of coat oil for sheen. Use a pin brush to gently work through the entire coat, not just the top areas. Employ a parting comb to separate the hair.

    Wrapping

    • Wrapping is a grooming technique used mainly for Maltese being prepared for dog shows. Maltese should be at least 10 months old before wrapping is attempted; until then, their coat isn't long enough to hold wraps. The process involves either silk wrapping paper or bakery wrap papers, the wax paper used for handling pastry. The hair is sectioned and each section is spritzed with conditioning spray before being folded into the paper, which is held in place with small rubber bands.

    Trimming

    • The Maltese Short Cut has been created especially for the breed; fortunately, even novices can execute an attractive finish. A few tools are needed for the appropriate trim: canine shears, a comb, a clipper for small dogs, and three blades (sizes 5, 10 and 5/8). A size 5 blade is used to shave down the Maltese's neck, back and sides. The chest, underside and rear end are closely clipped with the 10 blade, while the 5/8 blade trims hair around the face. In addition, the dog's nails should be kept short, and the hair around its feet, neatly scissored.

    Male Maltese Concerns

    • The one situation you may encounter with your male Maltese involves urination. When a male Maltese lifts his leg, his urine may splatter, yellowing his white coat. There are two possible solutions for this scenario. Either keep the hair in that area trimmed or wrapped, or spot-clean the hair immediately after the dog urinates with a damp wash rag or a urine stain remover.