Top 11 Maltese Haircut Styles for a Stylish Pup

Maltese dogs are adored for their beautiful, silky white coats – and with the right trim, your pup can look absolutely fabulous while staying comfortable. In fact, there are many types of Maltese haircut styles to choose from. Whether you prefer a fluffy “teddy bear” look or a sleek short trim, the possibilities are endless. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the top 11 Maltese dog haircuts for a stylish pup, complete with tips on at-home grooming versus professional styles. We’ll also touch on grooming best practices, product recommendations, and how to tailor Maltese hairstyles for male vs female dogs. 

Why Maltese Haircut Styles Matter?

Maltese have hair (not fur) that grows continuously, much like human hair. This means they require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and mat-free. The good news is this also means you can style their hair in a variety of ways! 

From practical Maltese dog cuts that keep your pup cool and clean, to fancy show-worthy styles, there’s something for every preference. Grooming isn’t just about looks. The right Maltese grooming styles can also make maintenance easier and improve your dog’s comfort.

In this article, we’ll cover 11 popular Maltese dog haircut styles and divide them into two categories: at-home grooming styles that owners can often do or maintain themselves, and professional grooming styles that are best handled by an experienced groomer. If you’re a DIY groomer, you’ll learn which Maltese puppy haircut styles are beginner-friendly. 

If you prefer the salon treatment, you’ll discover elaborate styles that groomers can achieve. By the end, you’ll know all about the maltese haircuts that will make your little one look (and feel) like a million bucks!

At-Home Maltese Grooming Styles (DIY Haircuts)

Grooming your Maltese at home can be a bonding experience and a great way to save on grooming costs. While some styles do require a professional’s touch, a few classic looks can be achieved right in your own home with some patience and the right tools. Here are some Maltese haircuts that are DIY-friendly for owners:

1. Puppy Cut (Low-Maintenance All-Over Trim)

The Maltese puppy cut is a timeless favorite for good reason. This cut involves trimming your Maltese’s hair to a uniform short length (usually about 1–2 inches or even shorter) across the entire body. The result is a fluffy yet tidy look that highlights your pup’s adorable face and big eyes. Many owners love this style because it’s both cute and practical – a win-win!

Easy for Beginners

The puppy cut is one of the most straightforward maltese dog haircut styles to do at home. You can use clippers with a guard comb to safely buzz the coat to the desired length. It’s forgiving of minor mistakes since all fur is one length. (If you’re new to grooming, check out our guide on DIY grooming at home for tips on handling clippers and scissors safely.)

Low Maintenance 

With short hair all over, there’s less chance of tangles or mats forming. A quick daily brush and occasional bath will keep a short hair Maltese clean and comfortable. The shorter coat also means less debris and tear stains sticking to the fur.

Great for Warm Weather 

If you live in a hot climate or it’s summertime, a puppy cut helps your Maltese stay cool. (For more warm-weather grooming ideas, see our post on the best summer cut for pets.) Many Maltese dog short hair styles like this also dry faster after baths and playtime in water.

Overall, the puppy cut is an all-around excellent choice for both Maltese puppies and adults. In fact, when done on an adult dog, it mimics the look of a Maltese puppy, making it one of the most popular maltese puppy haircut styles. If you’re looking for a sweet, innocent look that’s also easy to manage, the puppy cut might be your top pick.

2. Teddy Bear Cut (Fluffy and Adorable)

One of the maltese haircuts teddy bear lovers often choose, the Teddy Bear cut delivers maximum cuteness! This style is similar to the puppy cut in that the body hair is trimmed shorter, but the key difference is in the face and sometimes the ears:

Round Face Trim

Groomers (or skilled DIY-ers) will trim the fur around the Maltese’s face into a rounded shape. The goal is to give the face a soft, plush look – think of a stuffed teddy bear’s face. Those black Maltese eyes and button nose really pop with this framing!

Even Coat Length

The rest of the body is typically clipped to a short-to-medium length (maybe a tad longer than a classic puppy cut) to give a fluffy appearance without being too long. The legs may be left slightly longer or shaped to create little “columns” of fluff, adding to the teddy bear vibe.

At-Home Difficulty

Achieving the teddy bear look can be a bit more advanced than a basic puppy cut, mainly because of the scissoring needed on the face. If you’re attempting this at home, invest in a good pair of round-tipped grooming scissors for safety. 

Trim slowly and patiently – you can always take more off, but you can’t put it back! Many owners start with a professional teddy bear cut, then do minor trims to maintain it as it grows out. (Using a quality comb and brush during trimming helps ensure an even cut. A slicker brush or Yorkie dog brush from our grooming products can work great on Maltese too.)

Why Owners Love It: The Teddy Bear cut is arguably one of the most beloved Maltese grooming styles because it gives your dog an irresistibly cute, puppy-like expression. It’s a great choice for both female Maltese haircut styles and male dogs. Who can resist that fluffy face? 

Maintenance is still manageable. They’ll need regular brushing to keep the fluff from tangling and a trim every few weeks to maintain the round shape. If you keep the body fairly short, you’ll combine adorableness with practicality.

3. The Short “Summer” Cut (Cool and Clean)

Not a fan of lots of fluff? Need something ultra-easy to maintain? The short cut – often dubbed a “summer cut” or “kennel cut” – might be your go-to option. This style means cutting the coat very short all over the body, sometimes as short as ¼ inch or so. Some owners even have the groomer use a close clip on the torso, leaving just a bit of fluff on the head and tail. The result is a Maltese dog short haircut that’s as low-maintenance as it gets.

Ultimate in Low Maintenance

 A Maltese with a short buzz-cut is incredibly easy to care for. There’s virtually no hair to brush (though a quick run-over with a soft brush or mitt keeps the skin healthy and distributes oils). You won’t have to deal with mats at all. This is one of the Maltese dog cuts that many busy pet parents appreciate – you can spend more time playing and less time brushing.

Perfect for Summer

As the nickname suggests, a summer cut helps your pup stay cool during hot months. Maltese can overheat in very long coats, so a tight trim can provide relief. Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn’t expose a short hair Maltese to harsh sun for too long – without their hair as protection they can get sunburned! Applying a pet-safe sunscreen or providing doggy t-shirts for long sun outings can help.

At-Home Tips

If you have a good set of clippers, a short cut is actually one of the easier styles to do at home. Use a longer guard comb at first to take the coat down gradually and avoid any accidental nicks. Many people do an “all-over cut” by starting at the neck and running clippers down the body, sides, and legs evenly. 

You can then use scissors to neaten up around the face, ears, and paws. Because the hair ends up so short, any slight unevenness isn’t very noticeable. Just be cautious around delicate areas (face, ears, sanitary area). When in doubt, have a professional do the initial cut and you can maintain it.

4. Top Knot & Bow Styles (Functional and Cute)

Not all Maltese hairstyles are about how the whole body is trimmed – sometimes it’s about how you style the hair on top. Maltese are famous for their silky topknot in show rings, where the hair is grown long and tied up in a bow. Even if you don’t plan to keep your dog’s coat floor-length, you can still embrace a bit of that glamour with a top knot or other accessories. 

This is especially popular for female Maltese haircut styles, but let’s be honest, boy dogs can wear a top knot too – it’s practical! Here’s how you can incorporate this at home:

The Simple Top Knot 

If your Maltese’s facial hair is long enough, gently comb it up from the corners of the eyes and gather it into a ponytail on top of the head. Use a tiny dog hair tie or a clip. 

This keeps the fringe out of your pup’s eyes (preventing irritation and tear stains) and gives that classic Maltese appearance. You can do this with a longer overall coat or even with medium-length hair that’s just grown out on the head. It’s a great solution for an active pup who’s in between grooming appointments but has bangs getting in their eyes.

Bows and Clips

Add a little bow or cute barrette to the top knot for special occasions (or anytime you want extra cuteness). Many owners like to color-coordinate bows with the season or the dog’s outfit. A bow instantly makes any haircut look more polished. We recommend using lightweight, pet-safe bows. Make sure they’re not too tight – comfort first!

At-Home Styling 

Creating a neat top knot takes a bit of practice. Use a comb to get a clean part and gather hair evenly. Pro tip: a spritz of dog coat conditioner or a dab of water can help control static and flyaways as you comb the hair up. (If you need grooming supplies, check our store for essentials like gentle Yorkie shampoo and conditioner – it works wonderfully on Maltese hair too.)

This “style” pairs well with various cuts. For instance, you might keep your Maltese in a puppy cut but let the head hair grow a tad longer to allow a small top knot. Or, perhaps your Maltese is in a transitional phase growing out a longer coat – a top knot will keep them looking tidy during the process.

Importantly, top knots aren’t just for females. While pink bows might scream “girl dog,” a simple top knot or a little black band can look sharp on male Maltese haircut styles as well, giving your boy pup a samurai or sumo-esque charm. The functionality is universal: no more hair in the food bowl or covering those beautiful eyes.

Professional Maltese Grooming Styles (When to Call the Groomer)

Sometimes, it’s best to leave things to the pros. Professional groomers have the experience and tools to execute more complex Maltese dog haircut styles that might be tricky for the average owner at home. They can also provide a level of precision and finish that really makes a style stand out. 

5. The Long “Show Coat” Cut (Elegant but High Maintenance)

When you picture a glamorous Maltese floating around the show ring with silky white hair reaching the floor, that’s the Show Cut. This is less a “cut” and more the result of not cutting – allowing the coat to grow out to its full length, usually all the way to the ground, and trimming just enough to keep it tidy. The show coat is the ultimate in Maltese elegance, but it certainly is not an everyday practical style for most pet owners. Here’s what to know:

Dramatic Look

A well-kept long coat makes your Maltese look like royalty. The hair parts down the middle of the back and flows evenly on both sides. Typically, the head hair is kept long and often gathered into the iconic top knots. The ears blend into the body coat. When walking, a Maltese in full coat looks like a little cloud gliding across the floor.

Pro Groomer Required

Achieving this look requires constant grooming rather than scissor sculpting. Professional groomers can help by doing regular trims to even out the ends of the hair. The cut around the feet is usually circular so the dog doesn’t trip on its coat, and sanitary trims are a must since the hair is so long.

Maintenance Level: Extreme

If you opt for a long coat, be prepared for daily (yes, daily) brushing and combing at home. Any small tangle can turn into a mat quickly in a long coat. You’ll need to invest time in line-brushing (brushing layer by layer) to ensure you’re not missing any knots. 

Many show dog owners actually wrap sections of the coat in tissue or small bands to protect it from breakage between shows.

That’s how dedicated one must be! Also, expect to give baths often to keep that white coat looking pristine. Using a high-quality, gentle shampoo and perhaps a light conditioner is essential for keeping the hair healthy at such lengths.

6. Lion Cut (Bold and Breezy Maltese Haircut Styles)

If you want your Maltese to stand out in the doggy fashion crowd, the lion cut is a playful, eye-catching option. Inspired by  lions, this style involves clipping the body hair very short while leaving the hair on the head, neck, and sometimes chest much longer – creating a “mane.” The tail is often given a tuft at the end (like a lion’s tail) by shaving most of the tail but leaving a pom-pom of fur at the tip.

Distinct Look

From afar, a Maltese with a lion cut looks like a tiny white lion prancing about. The contrast between the flowing mane and the trimmed body is quite pronounced. In fact, historically Maltese dogs were sometimes called the “Maltese lion dog,” so this haircut plays off that theme!

Comfort Considerations

This style isn’t just for laughs; it has practical elements. With the bulk of the body hair shaved or clipped close, your dog will stay cool and have less fur to mat or collect dirt on the torso. 

Meanwhile, the mane provides some sun protection around the head/neck and just looks darn cute. It’s great for summertime or warmer climates – essentially acting like a built-in vented jacket.

Professional Execution 

Achieving a good lion cut requires careful blending by a professional groomer. The transition from the short body to the longer head/neck fur should be somewhat blended (you don’t want a harsh line where the shave stops). Groomers typically use clippers on the body and scissors to shape the mane. They might also round the fur on the feet a bit (some people leave little “boots” of fur on each foot for extra flair).

Maintenance 

After the groom, maintenance is relatively easy. The short part of the coat needs virtually no work aside from routine bathing. The mane will need brushing to prevent tangles, just like any longer hair on a Maltese. If you choose this cut, remember that as the body hair starts growing back, there might be an awkward stage where your Maltese looks more “sheep” than lion. Regular touch-ups will keep the look sharp.

7. Korean Cut (Trendy Asian Fusion Style)

In recent years, “Korean” or Asian fusion grooming styles have become very popular, especially for small breeds like Maltese. 

These styles often focus on a very cute, almost cartoonish look – think round faces, chubby cheeks, and precise shaping that make the dog look like an animated character or plush toy. The Korean cut for Maltese doesn’t have one strict definition, but generally it involves:

Rounded, Stylized Face

Similar to the teddy bear cut, the Korean style emphasizes a round face and head shape. The difference is in the details: groomers might leave the ears slightly longer but blend them into the face fur so they almost disappear, creating a perfect circle when viewed head-on. The muzzle hair might be cut shorter to make the nose area appear very small and cute.

Clean Lines & Paws

This style often features very tidy, round feet (sometimes called “bubble feet” because each paw looks like a little pom-pom). The legs can be trimmed relatively short or into straight columns. In some Korean-inspired trims, the legs and body are kept a uniform short length, giving the dog the appearance of a moving plush toy.

Tail and Ears

Some variations include leaving the ears long (to resemble a bob haircut around the head) or shaving the ears very short to make them less noticeable, further accentuating the round head. The tail might be left with a pom at the end while the rest of the tail is clipped – adding to the whimsical look.

Body Proportions

A hallmark of Asian fusion grooming is playing with proportions for cuteness. For instance, a groomer might leave the coat a touch longer on the chest or shoulders to give a “puffy jacket” look while keeping the lower back and sides short. The idea is to make the dog look like a perfectly groomed stuffed animal. It’s definitely an art form and requires a very skilled groomer who understands this style.

This is absolutely a professional-only style – trying to do a Korean cut at home is likely to result in a choppy or uneven finish unless you have some grooming training. 

8. Maltese Bob Cut (Chic and Stylish Maltese Haircut Styles)

You’ve heard of the bob haircut for humans – now picture it on a Maltese! The Maltese bob cut is a fashionable style that gives your dog a bit of a retro, chic look. It’s characterized by a relatively short body and a bit more length on certain parts to mimic the shape of a bob.

Ears as “Bob” Sides 

In a Maltese bob, one of the key features is the hair on the ears. Groomers will often let the ear hair grow out a few inches and trim it straight across (or gently rounded) at the ends. When the ears hang down, this fur frames the face on both sides, much like the sides of a bob haircut on a person. It can look like your pup has a cute little pageboy hairstyle!

Short Back and Sides 

The body fur is cut shorter – not as short as a summer cut, but short enough to lay relatively flat and neat. The length might be around 1 inch or so on the torso. This contrast between the sleek body and the fuller ears and tail is what creates the “bob” illusion.

Tail Flair

Some bob cut variations include leaving the tail fur a bit longer, maybe in a plume or fringed style. So while the body is neatly trimmed, the tail provides a bit of fancy flair at the back end.

Face Trim

The face can be trimmed in different ways depending on taste. Some prefer a slightly rounded face (which leans toward teddy bear style), while others might have the muzzle area trimmed a little shorter to accentuate the bobbed ears. A short mustache or a bangs trim across the forehead can also complement the look, making it appear as though your dog has a bangs-and-bob combo!

The bob cut is not overly difficult for a professional groomer. However, it’s probably not something you’d nail on your first at-home try because getting the ear length just right is key. It’s a medium-maintenance style. 

The moderately short body hair won’t tangle too much, and the longer ear and tail hair will need regular brushing. To maintain the crisp shape of the “bob,” expect to visit the groomer every month or two for a trim.

The Maltese bob cut adds a touch of human-like style to your pup, making them look like a tiny, stylish buddy from a storybook. It’s definitely one to consider if you want a unique but manageable style.

9. Continental Cut (Poodle-Inspired Glamour)

If you’ve ever seen a Standard Poodle in show trim, you know what the Continental Cut looks like: shaved hindquarters, pom-poms on the legs and tail, and a mane of hair around the chest. Believe it or not, a Maltese can also sport a (much scaled-down) continental cut! 

This is a creative, high-end grooming style that definitely requires a professional with impeccable scissoring skills, but it’s a fun way to give your Maltese a poodle-like elegance. This style is also sometimes sought by owners of Maltese Poodle mixes (Maltipoos), combining the best of both breeds’ looks.

Here’s how a Maltese Continental Cut typically comes together:

Shaved Sections

The upper half of the legs (near the body) and often the lower torso (flanks) are shaved quite short. On a Maltese, a groomer might not shave to the skin but will clip very close to create that definition. The idea is to have naked-looking legs with pom-poms at the ankles, so to speak.

Pom-Poms 

The fur is left longer on the ankles of each leg, sculpted into little round pom-poms. Similarly, the tail is shaved except for a fluffy ball at the tip. Sometimes even the hips have pom-poms (in Poodles these are called rosettes). On a small dog like a Maltese, the groomer might simplify and not include hip rosettes, focusing on leg and tail poms.

Mane and Head

The front of the body – around the chest and neck – is left in a full, thick mane. The head is usually left fuller as well, often rounded nicely or tied up into one or two top knots with bows for a fancy flourish. Essentially, from the shoulders forward, the dog is fluffy; from mid-body back, much of the hair is clipped short.

Overall Effect 

Very posh and poodley! Your Maltese will look like it’s ready for Versailles. This cut shows off the dog’s structure and can actually be comfortable because so much air can reach their skin. It’s both a Maltese poodle haircut style (in spirit) and a statement of pure whimsy.

Who is it for? This is not an everyday request at the groomer for Maltese owners. It’s usually done for fun, a special event, or maybe a doggy costume party or photo shoot. Some competitive groomers might choose a Maltese to showcase creative clipping techniques. If you are a Maltese owner with a flair for the dramatic and you find a groomer talented in this area, trying the continental cut at least once could be a thrill.

Maintenance: Surprisingly, parts of this cut are low-maintenance, but the areas left long (mane, poms, head) will need diligent care. You must keep those pom-poms brushed and trimmed to maintain their round shape. 

The mane needs brushing to avoid mats at the junction where long fur meets shaved fur (those edges can tangle easily). Frequent grooming visits are necessary to keep the shaved parts neat – as soon as stubble grows, the look loses its sharpness.

As with the show coat, few people will maintain a continental cut long-term on a Maltese, but it’s a wonderful example of the versatility of types of Maltese haircuts out there. It certainly covers the “creative grooming” category. 

10. Mohawk Cut (Fun and Edgy)

Who says Maltese can’t have a punk rock side? The Mohawk cut is a trendy, playful hairstyle where a strip of hair along the top of the head (and sometimes down the neck and back) is left longer, while the sides are cut very short. The result: your sweet little Maltese looks like a rockstar!

How It’s Done 

A groomer will trim the fur on the sides of your dog’s body and head quite short, while leaving a centered “mohawk” strip. On a small dog like a Maltese, this strip usually starts from the forehead and can go to the base of the neck or even all along the spine if you want a full-body mohawk. The longer strip is then shaped – it might be left floppy or gelled up during special occasions to stand up a bit.

Variations of this Maltese haircut style

Some owners go subtle – just a little tuft on top of the head (think a cute spiky hairdo between the ears). Others go all-out and have a continuous mohawk from head to tail. You can also combine the mohawk with other elements; for example, leave the tail with a pom (so it’s mohawk + lion-ish tail) or keep the face more teddy-bear like while the mohawk runs down the back. There’s room to customize.

Maintenance

When the mohawk hair is left significantly longer than the rest, you’ll have to brush that section regularly, just as you would any long hair on a Maltese. The short sides make grooming easy there. As the hair grows, the contrast will lessen, so you’ll need trims to keep the sides short. Essentially, it’s like maintaining two lengths – one super short, one longer. Depending on how fast your pup’s hair grows, plan on a groom every 4-6 weeks to keep the style defined.

The mohawk cut is fantastic for owners who want an edgy, modern look. It’s definitely one of the Maltese haircuts male dogs often sport to break the mold of the typical “fluffy lapdog” image, but females can rock a mohawk too for a tomboyish, spunky appearance. If your Maltese has a big personality or you just love to experiment, give the mohawk a try. 

11. Skirt Cut (Cute Combo of Short and Long)

Rounding out our list is the Skirt Cut, a balanced style that combines the cleanliness of a short cut with the fanciness of some longer fur fringes. This style is common in breeds like Cocker Spaniels or Shih Tzus, but it can be adapted beautifully for Maltese as well.

Style Description 

In a skirt cut, the hair on the back and upper body is cut relatively short (say an inch or two), while the hair on the lower sides, belly, and sometimes legs is left longer, creating a “skirt” around the bottom of the dog. Imagine your Maltese wearing a little tutu or skirt of fur – that’s the idea! The transition from short to long can start around the mid-torso or a bit lower, depending on preference.

Legs and Feet

Some owners combine this with what’s known as a “Schnauzer trim” look on the legs – meaning the top of the legs are short but then they blend into longer fur down by the paws (which are left with that cute flared look). Or you can keep the leg fur short and just let the belly and chest have the fringe. There’s flexibility in how you distribute the longer hair.

Face and Ears

Typically, the face in a skirt cut is kept fairly short (like a puppy cut face or a round teddy face) for easy maintenance, and the ears can be either short or moderately long. If left longer, the ears will blend into the skirt fur nicely; if trimmed short, it gives a sporty look on top with a flowy look on the bottom.

Benefits

The skirt cut gives you a bit of “best of both worlds.” The shorter hair on the back means less matting and cooler comfort, plus it stays cleaner (less dragging on the ground or touching urine when they squat). The longer fur on the sides and bottom adds that touch of elegance and fluff that many Maltese owners adore. When your Maltese prances, the little skirt sways – it’s absolutely charming to see.

Maintenance

You will need to brush the longer parts of the coat regularly, as those can still tangle. Pay special attention to where the short hair meets the long hair – tangles often start at that junction. You might also need to trim the skirt length periodically to keep it from getting too long (unless you’re growing it into a full coat eventually). Generally, a professional groom every 6-8 weeks can keep the shape, with you doing brushing and maybe slight trimming in between.

The skirt cut can be a wonderful option for a female Maltese haircut style, as it gives a bit of a dress-like flair (some owners affectionately call it the “princess cut”). But it can work for males too – you might just envision it differently (perhaps calling it a “gentleman’s cut with a coat” or whatnot!).

Grooming Tips, Products, and Keeping Your Maltese Fabulous

We’ve covered 11 fantastic Maltese haircut styles – from easy at-home trims to salon masterpieces. No matter which style you choose, there are some universal grooming tips to keep your pup looking and feeling their best:

Consistency is Key

Maltese hair grows continuously, so regular grooming is essential. Most Maltese haircuts will require touch-ups every 4-8 weeks. 

Quality Tools and Products

 Investing in good grooming tools makes a world of difference. A high-quality slicker brush and metal comb are must-haves for detangling. 

For home trimming, use sharp, round-tip scissors and a decent pair of clippers if you plan to trim body hair. Also, use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to keep the coat healthy. Human products can dry out their skin. 

We recommend checking out some of our top grooming product picks like a gentle 2-in-1 dog shampoo for silky coats and a durable grooming comb that works great on Maltese hair.

Don’t forget a tear stain remover for those classic Maltese eye stains – keeping the face clean will vastly improve your dog’s overall look.

Training Your Maltese for Grooming

Not every Maltese takes to grooming naturally – some might fidget or fuss. Start grooming practice early (if you have a puppy) with short, positive sessions. Give treats and praise as you brush or handle their paws. 

Many Maltese can learn to even enjoy grooming time as a bonding activity. If you’re doing at-home haircuts, take it slow and be patient. It’s okay if you don’t do it perfectly – as long as it’s safe and gentle. For things like nail clipping or tricky areas, don’t hesitate to seek a vet or groomer’s help if you’re unsure.

Watch the Weather

Remember to adjust grooming routines with the seasons. A very short cut in winter might leave your Maltese chilly – you may need a cute doggy sweater for walks. Conversely, a longer coat in summer means you must be vigilant about overheating and keeping your pup hydrated and cool. Some owners have a “winter style” and a “summer style” for their dogs.

Health and Safety 

Always prioritize your Maltese’s comfort over aesthetics. Never put style above their well-being. For example, if a long coat is causing hot spots or skin issues, it’s time for a shorter cut even if you love the long look. 

Keep an eye on skin condition. Under all that hair, Maltese can be prone to dry skin or allergies. Regular grooming sessions are a great time to check for any irritations, bumps, or parasites like fleas/ticks. By keeping your dog well-groomed, you’ll spot issues early.

Male vs Female Styles 

We promised to touch on this – truth is, maltese haircut styles male vs female are largely the same. Any of the 11 styles above can be worn by a boy or a girl Maltese. The differences usually come down to accessories and tiny finishing touches. 

Many female Maltese haircut styles might incorporate bows, longer head hair for pretty clips, or maybe a slightly longer “skirt” for that dress-like appearance. 

Meanwhile, maltese haircuts male owners choose might skip the bows and keep things a tad more no-nonsense. But these are just personal preferences. There’s no rule that says your girl can’t have a spiky mohawk or your boy can’t have a cute topknot with a bow. 

Don’t let gender labels restrict you. As long as your pup is happy and comfortable, go with whatever style makes your heart melt. In fact, many people search for ideas using terms like “maltese haircut styles girl” or “maltese dog haircut styles male”, but they often find the same styles for both. The bottom line: female Maltese haircut styles and male Maltese haircut styles are interchangeable. Customize the cut to your dog’s personality and your taste!

Maltese Haircut Styles: Wrapping Up

From the simplest puppy trim to the most elaborate show coat, your Maltese can truly be a reflection of your grooming care and creativity. These top 11 Maltese haircut styles offer a spectrum of looks – some are playful and low-maintenance, others are high-fashion and require extra pampering. 

Whichever route you choose, remember that a well-groomed Maltese is not only adorable but also a happier, healthier dog. Proper grooming prevents discomfort, whether it’s stopping mats from pulling on the skin or keeping hair out of their eyes so they can see.

Finally, don’t forget to arm yourself with the right tools and products. A little investment in a good brush, comb, and coat care products can make grooming so much easier and more effective. Check out our Yorkshire Terrier health & care products (they work wonderfully for Maltese too!) for some of our recommended grooming supplies, from shampoos to brushes and more. For further reading and tips, explore our blog for topics on small dog grooming, coat care, and even product reviews to help keep your Maltese looking dapper.