How to Groom a Maltipoo for a Show

A maltipoo is a small designer dog that is a cross between a purebred Maltese and purebred poodle. Because they are technically a "mutt" or hybrid and not a purebred dog, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other organizations don't allow maltipoos to compete in their dog shows. This has not deterred many maltipoo owners from organizing their own dog towns. To win a dog show, the maltipoo has to be well-groomed and looking its best.

Things You'll Need

  • Pin brush
  • Combs
  • Slicker brush
  • Scissors
  • Dog nail clippers
  • Rubber bands
  • Grooming and conditioning spray
  • Detangler
  • Coat conditioning oil
  • Pet shampoo and conditioner
  • Hair bow
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Instructions

  1. Grooming Your Maltipoo

    • 1

      Brush your maltipoo every day. When preparing for a designer dog show, your maltipoo's coat must be in excellent condition and be free of mats and tangles. Mist its coat with a conditioning spray. This mist will help you avoid breaking the coat during brushing. For a show cut, your maltipoo's coat will be long, so you will need to use a pin brush. Use small, gentle strokes. If your maltipoo has a Maltese type coat, you will want to use a comb to separate the hair.

    • 2

      Trim the hair between the maltipoo's footpads. If you allow the hair between the pads to grow too long, it can become matted and it will make the dog look unkempt and shaggy.

    • 3

      Clip the maltipoo's nails with dog nail clippers. The guillotine nail clippers are easiest. If your dog does not have light-colored nails, where you can easily see the quick (the area of the nails where the blood vessels and nerves are located), clip only the ends of the dog's nails.

    • 4

      Find the mats in your dog's hair. If possible, separate it with your fingers. Use grooming or conditioning spray and gently mist the tangle. If the tangle or mat is packed solid, use a detangler or coat conditioning oil. Allow it to soak before you attempt to pull the mat apart with your fingers. Use the end tooth of a comb to try to separate the mat.

    • 5

      Give your maltipoo a bath. Use a dog shampoo, followed by a conditioner. Be careful not to rub too much, since excessive rubbing can cause the coat to break and mat. Use a washcloth to wipe your dog's face. It's important that you keep shampoo away from the dog's eyes.

    • 6

      Blow-dry your dog. Use the medium heat setting because high heat can damage the maltipoo's coat. As you dry the dog's coat, brush the maltipoo's hair in a long, firm stroke. Dry one section of the dog's body at a time.

    • 7

      Place a bow in the dog's hair.