How to Clip a Maltese Dog

Maltese dogs are a long-haired breed and can require a lot of maintenance. This can be time-consuming and, as a result, many Maltese owners will clip their pet into a "puppy cut" to make them easier to groom and care for. It could also be beneficial to clip your dog if you live in a hot climate as this will make your pet more comfortable. You shouldn't clip your Maltese if you plan on showing the dog, as the full coat is required by the American Kennel Club as part of the breed standard.

Things You'll Need

  • Pet hair clippers
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Using scissors, trim the hair on your dog's face and ears to around three quarters of an inch to one inch in length. You will keep the face hair longer than the rest of your dog's coat.

    • 2

      Set the clippers to trim to around half an inch. This can be varied slightly according to personal taste.

    • 3

      Clip your dog's back, neck and sides with the clippers. Leave an arch shape around each leg and make sure you stop before you trim any of the tail.

    • 4

      Turn your dog onto his back and clip the tummy, underside of the neck, and rear end. Trim around two inches down the inside of the legs.

    • 5

      Cut the tail of your Maltese in a curved shape from the base of the underside to the tip, using the scissors. It should be around one inch at the shortest point and two inches at the longest.

    • 6

      Trim your dog's legs with the scissors. Start shorter at the top and gradually cut longer, to a maximum of around one and a half inches, to make the legs appear straight.