| Maltese dogs are not only beautiful but are lovable and | | | | present, they must be taken care of first because |
| kind natured dogs. As a member of the toy breed, | | | | water will only tighten the knot. |
| they are small in stature and don't get much bigger | | | | Once you've prepared your dog, clean the dog's ears |
| than 6 pounds. Most of their bulk comes in the form of | | | | and then place a small ball of cotton inside. This will |
| thick white hair. Their coats hang long, flat and silky | | | | help prevent any water from entering the ear canal |
| over the sides of the body and skim the ground. | | | | and causing an infection. Make sure to have all of your |
| Taking care of the Maltese coat is the most important | | | | necessary equipment ready before beginning the bath |
| part of grooming the breed. Maltese should be brushed | | | | and have plenty of towels within reach. |
| and combed a minimum of every other day. Daily | | | | Begin the bathing by getting your dog wet to the skin |
| brushing, however, is recommended if you want to | | | | and then applying a quality, tear-free shampoo along |
| keep their coat healthy. | | | | the back, each leg and under the tail of your Maltese. |
| The best brush to use is an open-spaced pin brush. | | | | Start lathering your dog and work from the back to |
| Avoid brushes with 'balls' on the pins. Start by lifting up | | | | front. Rinse the coat and then shampoo again. |
| the top layer of hair, spray a light coat of water or a | | | | After you've rinsed the second time, make sure to |
| leave in conditioner and brush the bottom half of the | | | | wash your Maltese's face carefully with a washcloth. |
| coat free. Continue until that layer is tangle-free all the | | | | Rise a third time over the dog's face and body to |
| way to the skin and then work up to the top layer of | | | | make sure all traces of soap are gone. Any leftover |
| hair. Always make sure to brush the dog's underbelly | | | | residue will irritate the dog's skin so this is a very |
| to prevent matting. | | | | important step. |
| If your Maltese does develop mats, try to work it out | | | | Many Maltese owners like to use conditioner on their |
| gently at first with your fingers. Trying to brush it out | | | | dog's coat. A special type of conditioner called a 'coat |
| first may result in hair loss. You can also try spraying | | | | handler' works as a leave in conditioner, detangler and |
| the mat with de-tangler or a coat conditioning oil to | | | | fragrance all in one. |
| loosen the hair. | | | | Work the conditioner or coat handler through the dog's |
| Gently pull apart the mat with your fingers and the end | | | | hair and then squeeze excess water from the coat. |
| tooth of a comb as necessary. The most important | | | | Pay close attention to the ears, tail and legs when |
| thing to remember is to go slowly because if you try | | | | removing water. Then you can start drying with |
| to remove the mat too hastily, you may end up | | | | towels. Once your dog is at the damp-dry state you |
| needing to cut the mat out. | | | | can begin to blow-dry. After blow-drying, you can |
| Another important part of taking care of the Maltese | | | | comb out the dog's hair to make it smooth. Wash your |
| coat is regular bathing. Before beginning the bathing | | | | Maltese no more than once a week for a healthy |
| process, brush and comb your dog thoroughly to get | | | | coat. |
| rid of any dead hair and knots. If there are any mats | | | | |