14 Adorable Maltese Haircuts (With Photos) + DIY Grooming Tips for Every Style

Maltese Haircuts Key Points:

• Maltese coats are silky and high-maintenance, requiring regular care to stay healthy.
• The best haircut depends on your dog’s lifestyle, coat type, and grooming time.
• Daily brushing and regular trims are key to preventing mats and maintaining style.
• With the right tools and guidance, you can confidently groom your Maltese at home.
• Paw Parent Academy’s online course makes learning DIY grooming simple and fun.

Introduction

From fluffy teddy bear cuts to clean summer trims, Maltese haircuts come in a wide range of styles to suit your dog’s personality, lifestyle, and coat care needs. Whether you’re into stylish long cuts or fuss-free puppy trims, learning to groom your Maltese at home can save time, money, and stress for both of you. In this article, we’ll explore 14 of the most popular Maltese haircut styles, complete with photos, grooming instructions, and home care advice.

→ Keep reading to find the best Maltese haircut for your pup, and discover how to master it at home!

Understanding the Maltese Coat – The Foundation of Maltese Short Care

Before choosing a haircut style, it's important to understand your Maltese’s coat—because proper grooming starts with proper care.

Why Maltese Coat Texture Matters for Haircuts

Maltese dogs have long, silky, single-layer coats that don’t shed like typical double-coated breeds. This makes them ideal for stylish trims—but it also means their hair tangles and mats easily.

Proper coat management ensures:

• Cleaner, smoother trims
• Healthier skin
• Less stress for you and your dog

Essential Maltese Short Care Habits for At-Home Grooming

For optimal results with any haircut style, establish a coat care routine:

• Daily brushing with a pin brush and metal comb
• Bathing every 2–3 weeks using a gentle, tear-free shampoo
• Conditioning treatments to prevent dryness and matting
• Thorough drying after every bath to avoid mildew and knots

The 14 Cutest Maltese Haircut Styles for Every Dog (With Photos)

Let’s dive into 14 of the most beloved Maltese haircut styles, organized by purpose, length, and aesthetic.

1. The All-Over Cut – Simple and Practical Maltese Haircut Style

This low-maintenance trim keeps the coat the same length from head to tail (usually ½–1 inch).

• Ideal for new dog owners and active pups
• Great for preventing matting
• Works well in all seasons

✅ Grooming Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks

✅ Best For: Owners new to grooming, active dogs who play outside

✅ Style Tip: Optional rounded ears or tail puff for a personalized twist

2. The Teddy Bear Maltese Haircut – Fluffy, Round, and Instagram-Ready

One of the most popular looks, teddy bear Maltese haircuts keep the face rounded and ears full.

• Leaves head slightly longer than body
• Very expressive and adorable
• Moderate maintenance required

✅ Grooming Frequency: Every 4–5 weeks

✅ Best For: Pet parents who love expressive, plush-looking faces

✅ Style Tip: Add a top knot or small bow between the ears for extra cuteness

3. The Show Cut – Long, Flowing Elegance for a Glamorous Maltese

This breed-standard style features a full floor-length coat and a top knot.

• Requires daily brushing and weekly bathing
• Great for show dogs or high-maintenance grooming lovers
• Must use silk wraps and bands to avoid breakage

✅ Grooming Frequency: Daily brushing, weekly baths

✅ Best For: Experienced owners or show competitors

✅ Style Tip: Use silk wraps to preserve hair quality between grooms

4. The Puppy Cut – A Classic, Beginner-Friendly Maltese Puppy Cut

This classic even-length cut (around 1–2 inches) is easy to care for and works for dogs of all ages.

• Simple to maintain
• Great for kids or first-time dog families
• Can be customized slightly for shape

✅ Grooming Frequency: Every 5–6 weeks

✅ Best For: Busy families, puppies, or casual pet owners

✅ Style Tip: Add rounded paws or “teddy bear feet” for flair

5. The Shih Tzu Cut – A Hybrid Look for Trendy Maltese Grooming

A stylish fusion of Maltese and Shih Tzu features.

• Rounded face with short body
• Playful, fashionable look
• Popular with urban pet parents

✅ Grooming Frequency: Every 4 weeks

✅ Best For: Small-headed Maltese or urban fashion-focused owners

✅ Style Tip: Keep ears trimmed short to emphasize the round face

6. The Short Summer Cut – Cool and Breezy Summer Maltese Haircuts

Perfect for warm climates, summer Maltese haircuts trim fur to ¼–½ inch all over the body.

• Helps prevent overheating
• Easier to dry and manage
• Reduces allergens and dirt collection

✅ Grooming Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks

✅ Best For: Hot weather, beach trips, dogs prone to overheating

✅ Style Tip: Pair with a short facial trim or light beard for a clean, cool look

7. The Lamb Leg Cut – A Fluffy, Elegant Twist on Traditional Maltese Haircuts

This adorable style features a short body with long, fluffy legs for a lamb-like appearance.

• Adds volume to the legs
• Playful yet polished
• Great for social pups

✅ Grooming Frequency: Every 4–5 weeks

✅ Best For: Owners who want a unique, runway-ready cut

✅ Style Tip: Use thinning shears to blend the legs into the body for a seamless look

8. The Moderate or Medium-Length Cut – Balanced Maltese Haircut Styles

For pet parents who love some fluff without full-time maintenance, this cut is the sweet spot!

• Hair length: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
• Requires brushing every other day
• Holds shape better than longer styles

✅ Grooming Frequency: Brush every 2–3 days; trim every 5–6 weeks

✅ Best For: Owners who want a soft, plush coat that holds shape

✅ Style Tip: Slight layering adds body without creating tangles

9. The Bob Cut – Structured and Chic for Maltese Haircuts Female Trends

This cut shapes the face and ears into a feminine, photo-friendly silhouette.

• Combines sleek lines with playful personality
• Can be paired with a top knot or bow
• Requires precise trims every 4–6 weeks

✅ Grooming Frequency: Every 3–4 weeks to maintain shape

✅ Best For: Showy females or fashion-forward owners

✅ Style Tip: Add a side part or centered top knot with a bow for extra charm

10. The Long Cut – For Maltese Owners Who Love That Silky, Full Look

A slightly shorter take on the show coat, this cut retains length while allowing easier maintenance.

• Ideal for photo lovers and breed enthusiasts
• Requires consistent brushing
• Can be shaped with layers

✅ Grooming Frequency: Daily brushing; trim monthly

✅ Best For: Owners who want flowing coats without full show upkeep

✅ Style Tip: Add face layers or feathered legs for dimension

11. The Matted Shave Down – Resetting a Tangled Coat the Right Way

When mats are too severe to brush out, a complete shave is the safest and kindest solution.

• Resets the coat for fresh growth
• Less painful than dematting
• Needs extra TLC post-cut

✅ Grooming Frequency: As needed (emergency only)

✅ Best For: Severely matted dogs or neglected coats

✅ Style Tip: After the shave, maintain a strict brushing routine as new hair grows in

12. The Maintenance Cut – Keeping Maltese Haircuts Neat Between Full Grooms

Designed to prolong styled cuts, this mini trim focuses on problem areas.

• Focuses on trimming the face, feet, and hygiene areas
• Done every 2–3 weeks
• Extends the life of more styled cuts

✅ Grooming Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks

✅ Best For: Owners who stretch time between full grooms

✅ Style Tip: Use blunt-nose scissors for paws and hygiene areas

13. The Top Knot Style – A Maltese Haircut Favorite for Practical Flair

This style focuses on tying up the head hair to keep eyes clear and faces adorable.

• Keeps hair out of eyes
• Can be accessorized with bows
• Useful for both female and boy Maltese haircuts

✅ Grooming Frequency: Refresh as needed, usually 1–2x weekly
✅ Best For: Medium to long-coated Maltese of any gender
✅ Style Tip: Use silicone-free bands and rotate styles to avoid breakage

14. The Korean Cut – Stylish, Artistic Maltese Haircuts for Females or Males

This bold Asian-inspired style features a short body with exaggerated round face and leg poofs.

• Extremely fashionable and bold
• Best executed by professionals
• Makes a strong visual statement

✅ Grooming Frequency: Every 4 weeks
✅ Best For: Owners who want a highly stylized, fashion-forward look
✅ Style Tip: Use curved shears to perfect the “bubble” shape on the legs and face

Maltese Haircut Styles at a Glance: Which One Fits Your Pup?

Not sure which style to choose? This quick-reference chart helps you compare Maltese haircut styles by coat length, maintenance level, and your dog’s lifestyle or grooming tolerance.

Choosing the Right Maltese Haircut for Your Lifestyle

With so many adorable haircut styles to choose from, it can be tricky to pick the right one. Your Maltese’s coat condition, your grooming experience, local climate, and even your dog’s personality all play a role in selecting the best cut.

Factors to Consider: Coat Type, Climate, Time, and Budget

Different Maltese dogs have slightly different coat densities and hair textures. Some are silkier, while others are fluffier, and this impacts how well certain styles will hold.

So, before committing to a style, think about your:

• Environment: Hot, humid areas benefit from summer or all-over cuts
• Time Availability: Long styles need daily brushing and weekly baths
• Budget: Professional cuts like the Korean or Show style can cost more
• Tools: Some cuts require precise scissoring and curved shears

If you’re short on time, start with an easy-maintenance style like the puppy cut or all-over trim. These are perfect for new dog parents and can be done safely at home with minimal tools.

Matching Styles to Your Maltese’s Personality and Age

Your pup’s age, temperament, and energy levels also help guide your choice:

• Puppies (under 6 months) do best with puppy cuts or a light teddy bear trim for comfort
• Active dogs might benefit from short summer cuts to stay cool and clean
• Older dogs may prefer moderate cuts or maintenance trims that don’t require daily upkeep
• Calm or show-ready dogs are great candidates for long coats, top knots, or even a show cut with added grooming time

Maintenance Level: Low vs. High Commitment Cuts

Still not sure? Ask yourself: How much time am I willing to commit each day?

If you’re grooming at home and learning as you go, aim for the low to medium range first. You can then always level up once you (and your Maltese) are comfortable with regular coat care.

Must-Have Grooming Tools for Every Maltese Haircut

Whether you’re doing a Maltese puppy cut or a show-ready style, the right tools make all the difference.

What’s in the Perfect Maltese Grooming Kit?

To successfully maintain Maltese haircut styles at home, we recommend the following tools, designed specifically for silky, high-maintenance coats:

Choosing Grooming Tools Based on Haircut Style

Some cuts need sharper scissors (bob cut), while others rely on clippers (summer cut). Match your tools to your preferred styles to avoid frustration.

How to Groom a Maltese at Home: Step-by-Step for Every Style

These foundational steps apply whether you’re trimming for cleanliness or attempting a full teddy bear look.

Prep Like a Pro: Brushing, Bathing, and Detangling

Proper prep ensures a smoother, safer grooming session, and helps protect your Maltese’s delicate coat from damage.

• Always brush before bathing
• Use detangling spray for stubborn knots
• Bathe with room-temperature water and condition the coat
• Dry thoroughly with a pet-safe blow dryer

Trimming Techniques for Different Maltese Haircut Styles

Whether you're going for a puppy cut or Korean style, using the right techniques will make your home groom look clean and professional.

• Clip in the direction of hair growth
• Start with the body, then move to legs, tail, and face
• Use scissors for detailed face shaping
• For first-timers: stick to longer guards or scissors-only cuts

Aftercare and Coat Conditioning Between Trims

Consistent coat maintenance keeps your Maltese looking fresh and helps each haircut last longer between full grooming sessions.

• Brush every day or two
• Use coat sprays or leave-in conditioners
• Wipe eyes daily to prevent tear stains
• Give your pup a full groom every 4–6 weeks

Maltese Haircuts for Boys vs. Girls: Gender-Specific Style Ideas

Add personality and flair by tailoring your pup’s look to their gender and temperament.

Best Boy Maltese Haircuts – Handsome, Bold, and Easy to Maintain

If you want your male Maltese to sport a clean, confident look without high-maintenance upkeep, these styles are easy to manage and full of personality.

• Summer Cut with a short beard
• All-Over Cut with a boxy face shape
• Korean Cut with trimmed ears

Favorite Maltese Haircuts for Females – Cute, Fluffy, and Bow-Ready

These sweet, fashionable cuts are ideal for female Maltese who love to flaunt accessories, fluff, and top knots.

• Bob Cut with a top knot and bow
• Medium Cut with a rounded muzzle
• Teddy Bear Cut with accessory options

Grooming Tips from the Pros: Avoid Mistakes and Elevate Your Cuts

Take your home grooming to the next level with expert insights that can help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve salon-quality results at home.

Most Common Maltese Grooming Mistakes to Avoid

Before you grab your clippers, make sure you’re not falling into these avoidable grooming traps that could cause discomfort or uneven cuts.

❌ Cutting matted fur without brushing first

❌ Trimming near eyes or paws too quickly

❌ Skipping coat conditioning

❌ Using the wrong size clipper guard

❌ Bathing without drying thoroughly

Groomer-Recommended Tools and Products

Using the right tools will make your grooming sessions safer, faster, and more professional. Here are some expert-approved products that are trusted by top groomers:

✔️ Chris Christensen pin brushes

✔️ Andis or Wahl clippers

✔️ TropiClean tear-free shampoo

✔️ Coat-saver detangling spray

✔️ Rounded-end shears for safety

What Makes Each Maltese Cut Work? Pro Tips by Style

Every haircut has signature features that make it shine! These small finishing touches can take your trims from amateur to amazing.

• Always clean the eyes and shape the muzzle for a teddy bear look
• Use thinning shears to blend leg transitions on lamb cuts
• Keep the top knot centered and secured for show cuts
• Blend the cheeks for the bob cut instead of blunt scissoring

Top 5 Home Grooming Time-Savers for Busy Pet Parents

Want your Maltese to look fresh WITHOUT having to spend hours every week on maintenance? These pro-recommended shortcuts help streamline your routine—without cutting corners on care.

1. Use a Leave-In Conditioner Spray

A daily spritz reduces tangles and improves brush glide instantly.

2. Train on a Non-Slip Mat

Grooming on the same mat each time helps your pup stay calm and steady during trims.

3. Spot-Wipe the Face Daily

Clean around the eyes and mouth with dog-safe wipes to reduce buildup and staining.

4. Keep Scissors Handy

A quick paw, eye, or hygiene area trim takes 30 seconds if the tools are close by.

5. Set Bi-Weekly Grooming Reminders

Calendar alerts for maintenance trims ensure styles stay sharp and prevent emergency shaves.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Master Maltese Haircuts at Home?

Grooming your Maltese at home can feel intimidating at first. But with the right knowledge, tools, and guidance, you’ll feel like a pro in no time! From the low-maintenance puppy cut to the bold Korean style, there’s a perfect look for every pup and personality.

Want to learn how to confidently groom your Maltese and other silky-coated breeds from home? 

Paw Parent Academy’s online DIY How to Groom a Yorkie (and Other Silky Coats) Course covers everything from brushing basics to full haircuts—perfect for beginners!

FAQs About Maltese Haircuts, Grooming, and Home Care

We’ve added more of the most frequently asked questions to help you feel totally confident about grooming your Maltese at home.

Q: What’s the best Maltese haircut for summer?

The Short Summer Cut keeps your dog cool and low maintenance during warmer months.

Q: What’s the best Maltese haircut for puppies under 6 months?

The Puppy Cut or Teddy Bear Cut (with shorter face trimming) is ideal for young pups. These styles are low-maintenance and help your dog get used to grooming tools and routines early on.

Q: How often should I trim my Maltese’s coat?

Most styles need maintenance every 4–6 weeks, with mini touch-ups in between.

Q: What is the difference between a puppy cut and a teddy bear cut?

A puppy cut is evenly short all over; a teddy bear cut features a rounder, fluffier face.

Q: How do I safely introduce my Maltese to clippers and scissors?

Start by letting your pup sniff and hear the clippers while turned off. Gradually build tolerance using positive reinforcement, short sessions, and calm handling. Always use pet-safe, rounded-tip scissors when working near the eyes or ears.

Q: Are short Maltese haircuts easier to maintain?

Yes! Short cuts like the all-over or summer trim reduce matting and make daily care easier.

Q: How can I groom a matted Maltese at home?

If mats are severe, a shave-down is safest. Use conditioner and brush daily as hair regrows.

Q: Can I alternate between short and long cuts depending on the season?

Absolutely! Many owners opt for shorter styles like the Summer Cut in warmer months and grow out to Medium or Long Cuts during fall and winter. Just be sure to gradually transition so the coat stays healthy.

Q: What’s the ideal haircut for a male or female Maltese?

Boys look great with short, structured cuts; girls often suit fluffy styles with bows or top knots.

Q: What tools do I need to groom a Maltese at home?

Start with clippers, rounded scissors, a pin brush, steel comb, shampoo, and conditioner.

Q: What are signs that my Maltese’s haircut needs refreshing sooner than expected?

Watch for:

• Hair falling into the eyes
• Matted or tangled areas on the belly or legs
• Dirt or debris clinging to the coat
• A generally “shaggy” or uneven appearance
• Difficulty brushing through coat smoothly

If you see these signs, it’s time to schedule a full groom or touch-up trim.