Malchi Grooming

Overall Malchi grooming needs can vary some. Depending on the traits they inherit from their Maltese or Chihuahua parents, these hybrids' coats can be anywhere from short and smooth to long and silky. Most often, though, the Malchi coat is somewhere in between: medium to long, soft, and wavy. Shedding frequency will depend on the coat type, and can be minimal to moderate.

Short-haired Malchis should be brushed weekly with a bristle brush or grooming glove; other coat types, 2-3 times per week with a pin brush. Go through the coat section by section with the brush or glove, moving in the direction of hair growth. Longer Malchi coats might develop tangles--and if you run across a tangle, try working it out with your fingers or the end teeth of a greyhound comb.

Malchi bathing, again depending on coat type, should happen every 1-2 months. When bathing a Malchi, be sure to use canine shampoo (and for longer-haired dogs, conditioner too), as the kind made for humans has a different pH and can irritate the dog's skin. Also take the time to rinse the shampoo completely from the coat; leftover soap residue will cause further skin irritation.

And longer-haired Malchis can look great in a variety of hairstyles. (See below for descriptions of popular Malchi haircuts.)

In addition to its coat, your Malchi will need regular maintenance in other areas. Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week with a regular toothbrush (but be sure to use canine toothpaste); clean the ears monthly using canine ear cleaning solution; and trim the dog's nails every 2-3 months with standard nail clippers.

Though owners can learn to perform all aspects of Malchi grooming themselves, some people (especially those with longer-haired dogs) rely on professional groomers for major tasks like bathing and haircuts. In any case, it's good to take the dog to a pro at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Malchi at home.

Short-haired Malchis don't need haircuts at all--but for those with longer coats, numerous styles are possible. And depending on the style of the Malchi haircuts, they'll need a touch-up trim every 2-3 months.

A few popular Malchi grooming styles:

• Puppy Cut: A simple, low-maintenance style. The entire coat is clipped short (to about two inches). Some people like to leave the hair on the dog's legs, face, and head a bit longer. Can be done at home with some practice.
• Show Cut: This style leaves most of the coat's length, but requires some precision. The coat is scissor-trimmed by only a half-inch or so, and often thinned out with thinning shears; the hair on face and head is rounded and even. Needs a groomer's expertise.
• Teddy Bear Cut: Similar to a Puppy Cut, but the hair on the legs, face, and head is left a bit longer, and carefully rounded and sculpted to make the dog resemble an adorable stuffed animal. Probably best done by a groomer.
• 3-Layer: Also called a 3-Stack, this artistic style is best on Malchis with longer, Maltese-like coats. The hair on the face, head, and ears is cut to shoulder length; the hair on the body is cut to a line 2-3 inches from the ground; the leg hair is cut to a line just above the ground. The overall look gives the appearance of three distinct layers or "levels." Definitely requires a groomer's skill.