Maltipom Grooming

The Maltipom is a hybrid of a Maltese and a Pomeranian--and like its parent breeds, this crossbreed needs frequent coat care. Below you'll find further info on maintaining the Maltipom coat, along with descriptions of some popular Maltipom hairstyles.

Mix the Maltese's flowing white coat with the Pomeranian's thick, fluffy one, and you get a Maltipom coat: long, fluffy, and often white (but not always). This hybrid's coat, like both its parent breeds, requires pretty regular care, so Maltipom grooming is a fairly involved task overall. While they shed little, Maltipom coats tend to mat and tangle easily, so they'll need brushing 4-5 times per week. They'll also need baths once a month, and depending on your preferred style, they'll need haircuts every 8-10 weeks.

Brushing these little dogs doesn't take long, but it should happen frequently. You'll need a soft bristle brush, and perhaps a 2-in-1 comb for working through mats or tangles; brush the dog section by section in the direction of hair growth. If you encounter a stubborn mat or tangle, first separate it with your fingers, then finish working it out with the comb. If you're following the brushing with a bath (and you should always brush before bathing), these little dogs are small enough to bathe in the kitchen sink. Use canine shampoo and conditioner, as the human kind can irritate the dog's skin; lather and rinse well, towel- or blow-dry completely, then give the coat another quick brush-through to make it look neat and clean.

Maltipoms, like many light-colored breeds, are susceptible to tear stains (a naturally-occurring and painless discoloration beneath the dog's eyes due to excess tear production). You can minimize these stains by cleaning the area regularly with a damp cloth (sprinkled with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, if desired), or with a commercial tear stain removal solution available at pet stores.

Dogs of this breed also look great in numerous hairstyles, many of which can be done at home with a little practice. Regardless, it's a good idea to visit a professional groomer at least once, as he or she can demonstrate how to give the cut yourself, and provide tips on Maltipom grooming in general.

Just like its parent breeds, this hybrid is a veritable palette for many adorable hairstyles. Depending on whether your dog favors its Maltese or Pomeranian parent, most of the hairstyles for those breeds look great on a Maltipom as well. Here are some popular Maltipom haircuts:

• Puppy Cut: This cute style makes the coat low-maintenance. The entire coat is shaved to about an inch all over; some prefer to leave the head, tail, and facial hair a bit longer. Can be done at home with instruction.
• Lion Cut: Makes a Maltipom resemble a tiny lion. The head, face, front legs, and front half of the body are left at full length, while the rear half of the body, the hind legs, and the tail (except for the tip, which has a "pom" furball) are shaved close. Best done by a professional groomer.
• Teddy Bear Cut: Similar to a Puppy Cut, this style makes the dog resemble a stuffed animal. The body hair is shaved to about an inch, but the leg and facial hair is left a bit longer, and carefully sculpted and rounded to look like a teddy bear. Can be done at home, but it might take a bit of practice.
• 3-Layer: Also called a 3-Stack, this exotic cut gives the dog an "artistic" look, and works best if the Maltipom coat is long and flowing like that of a Maltese. The head, ears, and face are cut to a line just below the shoulders; the body hair is cut to a line 2-3 inches from the ground; the leg hair is cut to a line less than an inch from the ground. The overall look gives the coat three distinct layers or "levels." This cut is difficult, and definitely requires a professional groomer's expertise.