How to Wash a Mauzer Dog

A Mauzer is the result of crossing two purebred dogs, a Maltese and a Miniature Schnauzer. It can have the wiry coat of a Schnauzer, the silky coat of a Maltese or some combination of the two. Grooming is very important in both parent dog breeds, so there is a significant chance that any Mauzer will have a fairly high-maintenance coat. You should only shampoo your Mauzer once every four to six weeks. Washing too frequently will dry out his coat and cause itchy skin and dandruff. (See Reference 1.)

Things You'll Need

  • Pin brush
  • Slicker brush
  • Dog shampoo
  • Towel
  • Blow dryer
  • Detangling spray
  • Coat conditioning spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your Mauzer before bathing to remove excess hair and prevent tangles. If you encounter mats (clumps of matted-together hair), try to gently remove them by spreading the mat with your fingers and picking with a wide-tooth comb. If the mat will not come out, you can use a detangling spray to loosen it, but you may have to cut the mat out. Remove all mats before brushing the entire coat using a pin brush or slicker brush. (See Reference 2.)

    • 2

      Run a small amount of lukewarm water in the bathtub. Coax your Mauzer with a treat if he is hesitant. Place him in the tub and wet his entire coat using a handheld sprayer. (If your tub does not have a handheld sprayer, use a large bowl or bucket.) Do not get water in his eyes or ears.

    • 3

      Shampoo your Mauzer with a shampoo specially formulated for dogs with dry skin. Do not use human shampoo, dish soap or any other type of cleanser. Lather a small amount of shampoo in your hands and then gently massage the shampoo throughout his coat, avoiding the face. Rinse thoroughly until no more soap comes out of his coat. Soap residue left on the skin or fur can cause severe itching.

    • 4

      Dry the coat thoroughly. Remove as much water as possible using a towel or absorbent chamois cloth. Gently detangle the fur with a wide-tooth comb, using a detangling spray if needed. If your dog will tolerate the noise, you can use a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting to dry his coat completely. Several quiet hairdryer models are available, including some designed specifically for dog grooming.

    • 5

      Brush your Mauzer's completely dry coat with a slicker or pin brush to reduce mats and tangles. Use a damp cloth to wipe the dog's face and ears. Finish with a conditioning coat spray if desired, avoiding the face.