Buying guides
Best Shampoo for Maltese: Caring for a Long White Coat
The best shampoo for a Maltese is a gentle, pH-balanced, moisturizing dog shampoo followed by a conditioner, because a Maltese's long, silky white coat tangles easily and shows every stain. A mild whitening shampoo used occasionally brightens the coat, and a tearless formula is kinder around the face. Brushing before the bath and drying thoroughly afterward matter as much as the bottle.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20263 min read2 sources
What matters most for a Maltese coat
The AKC lists the Maltese at 7 to 9 inches tall and under 7 pounds, a tiny dog with a long, silky white coat. That coat has no undercoat, sheds little and grows long, so it tangles and mats where it rubs, and it stains around the eyes, mouth and paws. Dog shampoo for a Maltese should clean gently, add moisture and slip, and rinse out completely.
The AKC advises dog-specific, soap-free shampoos that hydrate rather than strip oils, and notes artificial fragrances and dyes can irritate sensitive skin. A conditioner after every bath reduces breakage and makes brushing easier, which is half the battle with a long coat.
Shampoo types compared
Moisturizing shampoos with oatmeal, aloe or plant oils suit most Maltese. Whitening or brightening shampoos, often with a blue or violet tint, reduce yellowing but can dry the coat if used every time, so alternate them with a moisturizing shampoo. Tearless or gentle face formulas are useful around the eyes.
Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulas suit dogs with sensitive skin. Detangling conditioners and leave-in sprays help between baths. Medicated shampoos are for skin conditions your vet has diagnosed.
Best approach for each Maltese
For a Maltese in a long coat, a moisturizing dog shampoo, a rinse-out conditioner and a leave-in detangler for brushing. For a Maltese in a short puppy clip, a gentle dog shampoo and light conditioner. For a coat with yellowing or stains, an occasional whitening shampoo, followed by conditioner.
For tear staining, gentle daily face cleaning with a damp cloth helps more than shampoo; persistent heavy tearing is worth showing your vet, since it can have medical causes. For puppies, a mild puppy shampoo and short, warm baths, since tiny dogs chill quickly.
What to avoid
Avoid bathing before brushing; water tightens tangles into mats. Avoid human shampoo and dish soap. Avoid using whitening shampoo every bath. Avoid bleach-based or household products on stains, which can burn skin. Avoid leaving a tiny dog damp, which chills it and lets the coat mat.
If your Maltese scratches constantly, has red or flaky skin, a smell, or reddish-brown staining that keeps spreading, ask your vet, since allergies, yeast and eye or tear problems need proper treatment.
How to bathe a Maltese
Brush and comb the coat to the skin first, working out tangles. Use lukewarm water and a small amount of diluted shampoo, working it through the coat in the direction of growth rather than rubbing in circles. Clean the face with a damp cloth and a tearless formula, keeping shampoo out of the eyes.
Rinse thoroughly, apply conditioner and rinse again. Press water out with a towel, then dry with a cool, low setting while brushing in sections, so the coat dries smooth and tangle-free to the skin. Finish with a comb.
How often to bathe, and products that last
Most Maltese do well with a bath every one to three weeks in a long coat and every three to four weeks in a short clip, with brushing every day or two in between. Clean the face daily.
Concentrated dog shampoos last a long time for a small dog. Keep dog conditioner, detangler and a fine comb together. If a product dulls the coat or irritates the skin, switch to a fragrance-free version and ask your vet or groomer for advice.
Common questions
How often should I bathe my Maltese?
Every one to three weeks in a long coat and every three to four weeks in a short clip, with brushing every day or two in between.
Is whitening shampoo safe for a Maltese?
Yes, used occasionally. Alternate it with a moisturizing shampoo and always use conditioner, since whitening formulas can dry the coat. Keep it away from the eyes.
How do I clean tear stains on my Maltese?
Wipe the area gently each day with a damp cloth and keep the hair around the eyes trimmed. See your vet if tearing is heavy or the staining spreads.
Does a Maltese need conditioner?
Yes, for most coats. Conditioner reduces tangles and breakage in long, silky hair and makes daily brushing much easier. Use a leave-in spray on brushing days as well.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
