Maltese Dog Haircuts 101: Styles, Tips, and Photos

If you own a Maltese, you already know their coat is basically a superpower. It’s soft, silky, and doesn’t shed much — but that also means Maltese dog haircuts need a little more thought than a quick trim. The right cut can completely change how your dog looks, feels, and even how much time you spend brushing every day.

Whether you want a low-maintenance puppy cut or a show-stopping long coat with braids and bows, there’s a huge range of dog haircuts for Maltese owners to choose from. In this article, we’re going straight to the good stuff — 13 real, photo-inspired Maltese haircut ideas, broken down so you can see exactly what each style looks like and decide which one fits your dog best.

Let’s get into it.

Classic Teddy Bear Maltese Haircuts

The teddy bear cut is probably the most requested style at any grooming salon, and for good reason. It gives your Maltese that round, plush, stuffed-animal look that makes them impossible not to hug. This cut works by trimming the coat evenly short all over the body while rounding out the ears, muzzle, and paws to create that soft “bear-like” silhouette.

What makes this style so popular is how forgiving it is. Unlike long, flowing coats that show every knot and stray hair, a teddy bear cut hides small imperfections well. It also grows out gracefully, meaning your dog still looks tidy even a few weeks after a trim. This makes it a favorite among first-time Maltese owners who are still learning the grooming ropes.

Here are five different takes on the teddy bear look, based on real grooming photos.

1. Round Face Teddy Bear Cut (Puppy Look)

This version keeps the whole coat short and even, with extra rounding around the ears so the head looks like a perfect little circle. It’s especially popular for younger Maltese because it emphasizes those big, dark puppy eyes. The body stays fluffy but tidy, and the tail is trimmed into a small pom shape.

Groomers typically start this style by scissoring the ears into a rounded dome shape, then blending that curve smoothly into the cheeks and chin so there are no harsh lines. The result is a face that looks almost cartoonish in the best way — soft, round, and endlessly photogenic.

This is a great everyday cut if you want your dog to look adorable without needing daily brushing sessions. It also holds up well between grooming appointments, since shorter fur is naturally less prone to tangling than longer styles. Most owners find this cut easy to maintain with just a quick brush two or three times a week.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @153_petstylist

2. Teddy Bear Cut for a Chubby, Plush Silhouette

Some groomers style the teddy bear cut a little fuller through the chest and body, which makes the dog look extra round and huggable — almost like a plush toy sitting on the table. The ears are kept soft and slightly rounded rather than tightly trimmed.

This variation relies less on precision scissoring and more on volume. Groomers often leave a touch more length on the chest and hips, then blow-dry and brush the fur outward before trimming, which fluffs the coat up and makes it look fuller than it actually is. It’s a technique borrowed from show grooming, adapted into a softer, more casual everyday look.

If you love that “chonky teddy bear” aesthetic, ask your groomer to leave a bit more length on the body while keeping the face short. Just keep in mind that fuller coats need slightly more frequent brushing to keep that fluffy volume from matting down, especially around the legs and belly where friction happens most.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @seol_ddalki

3. Teddy Bear Cut with a Playful, Happy Expression

One of the best things about this cut is how much personality it lets shine through. A well-groomed teddy bear cut doesn’t hide your dog’s face — it frames it. Short, even fur around the muzzle means every smile, pant, or tongue-out moment is front and center.

Because the coat is trimmed shorter here, expressions read much more clearly than they would under a long, shaggy coat. Groomers pay close attention to the area right around the mouth and eyes, keeping it especially short and clean so nothing obstructs the dog’s natural expressions. This is part of why the teddy bear cut photographs so well — there’s nothing hiding the joy on your dog’s face.

This style photographs beautifully, which is a bonus if your Maltese has an Instagram account of their own. It’s also a great choice if you simply enjoy being able to see your dog’s eyes and expressions clearly during everyday interactions, rather than having hair constantly falling in front of their face.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @soomin_yp

4. Close-Up Detail: How the Round Face Is Shaped

Zooming in on this style shows exactly how groomers create that signature round head. The ears are trimmed into soft circles, the fur around the eyes is kept short for visibility, and the muzzle is rounded rather than pointed. This technique is what separates a basic short trim from a true teddy bear cut.

Getting this shape right takes patience and steady scissor work. Groomers usually work in small sections, checking symmetry from multiple angles as they go, since even a slightly uneven ear or cheek can throw off the whole “round” illusion. Many professional groomers consider the head shaping the hardest part of this entire style, even though the body trim is comparatively quick and simple.

If you’re trying to explain this style to a new groomer, a close-up photo like this is one of the best reference images you can bring. It removes any guesswork about how short the muzzle should be trimmed or how rounded the ears need to look, which can save you from a miscommunication at your next appointment.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @hokke_maltese

5. Studio-Style Teddy Bear Cut (The Gold Standard Look)

This is the version you’ll see most often in professional grooming portfolios — clean, even, and perfectly rounded from every angle. It’s the benchmark that most Maltese owners picture when they say “teddy bear cut.”

What sets this look apart is the consistency of the trim length across the entire body. There’s no noticeable difference between the length on the back, sides, and legs, which gives the coat a smooth, seamless appearance. Achieving this level of evenness usually requires a skilled groomer using clippers with a guard comb for the body, paired with scissor work around the face and paws for precision.

If you want a low-shedding, easy-to-maintain style that still looks polished, this is one of the safest Maltese dog haircuts to request. It’s also a versatile base style — once your dog has this even, short foundation, it’s much easier to add fun extras like bows or seasonal accessories without the coat looking messy underneath. For more short-coat inspiration across different small breeds, check out these small dog haircut ideas.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @pawmehome.dog

Long Coat Maltese Haircuts

Not every Maltese owner wants a short cut. The breed’s flowing, silky coat is part of what makes it famous, and if you’re willing to put in the brushing time, a long coat is stunning. These styles keep most of the length intact while still looking neat and intentional.

Long coats do come with a bigger time commitment than short cuts. The single-layer texture of Maltese hair means it behaves almost like human hair, which is great for length and shine but also means it tangles easily without daily care. Owners who choose these styles usually invest in a good slicker brush, a detangling spray, and a regular bathing schedule to keep the coat looking its best.

1. Flowing Show Coat with a Bold Bow

This is the classic “show dog” look — long, straight, silky hair that reaches close to the floor, paired with a bright bow to pull the face back. The coat is parted down the middle and brushed until it falls smoothly on both sides.

Achieving this level of length and shine typically takes years of consistent, careful growing out, since any breakage or matting has to be trimmed away and regrown. Show groomers often use wrapping techniques, where sections of hair are protected in small wraps between grooming sessions to prevent split ends and keep the coat growing as long as possible without damage.

This style takes daily brushing and regular conditioning to prevent tangles, but the payoff is a truly elegant, glamorous look. It’s best suited for owners who genuinely enjoy the grooming process itself, since maintaining this coat length is closer to a hobby than a quick chore.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @sandra_mularska_dogstylist

2. Everyday Elegant Long Coat

Not every long coat needs to be show-ring perfect. This softer, slightly more relaxed version keeps the length but skips the extreme precision styling, making it more practical for everyday life while still looking beautiful. A simple bow or clip keeps the hair out of the eyes.

This style is a good middle ground for owners who love the aesthetic of a long coat but don’t want the strict maintenance schedule that show coats require. The hair can be brushed less rigidly, and small imperfections like a slightly uneven part or a bit of natural wave are simply left alone rather than corrected. It’s a more relaxed, lived-in version of the long coat look.

If you love the long coat look but don’t have hours to spend on grooming, this is a more realistic goal to aim for. A weekly deep brush combined with a few quick daily touch-ups around the face is usually enough to keep this style looking neat. You can find more small-breed coat inspiration in this guide to dog grooming styles.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @hananoamuni

Creative and Fun Maltese Hairstyles

Once your Maltese has enough coat length to work with, the styling options get really fun. These looks go beyond a basic trim and turn grooming into a creative project — perfect for special occasions, photoshoots, or just because your dog deserves to look extra cute today.

Most of these styles work best as an addition to an already-grown-out coat rather than as a haircut on their own. That means the “cut” underneath stays fairly simple, and the creativity comes from how the hair is gathered, tied, or accessorized afterward.

1. Braided Pigtails (Front View)

Braiding the long ear hair into two neat pigtails is one of the most charming things you can do with a Maltese’s coat. The braids are usually secured with small colored hair ties, and the rest of the body coat is kept trimmed short for balance.

Braiding works best when the ear and head hair has grown out to at least a few inches, giving enough length to section and weave without the braid slipping loose. Many owners find it helpful to lightly mist the hair with water or detangling spray before braiding, since damp hair holds its shape better and is less likely to frizz.

This style works best on dogs with coats long enough on the ears and head to braid comfortably. It’s a great option for special occasions, holidays, or simply brightening up an otherwise short, simple grooming routine.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @groomer___jihyeon

2. Braided Pigtails (Side Angle Detail)

Seeing this same braided style from a side angle really shows off the technique — how the hair is sectioned, braided down, and tied off near the bottom. It’s a great reference photo if you’re trying to recreate the look yourself at home.

Notice how the braid starts close to the ear and follows a smooth, even path down, without loose strands escaping along the way. That neatness usually comes from sectioning the hair carefully before braiding, rather than trying to gather it all at once. Starting with clean, brushed-out hair makes a noticeable difference in how tidy the finished braid looks.

Braiding takes practice, so don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t salon-perfect. Even a slightly messy braid still looks adorable on a Maltese, and most dogs won’t mind a little trial and error while you get the hang of it.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @groomer._.jihyeon

3. Loose Ponytail Pigtails with Hair Clips

If braiding feels too advanced, this is a simpler alternative. Instead of braiding, the hair is gathered into two soft ponytails and clipped with decorative accessories. It gives a similar cute, pulled-back effect without the extra styling time.

This style only takes a couple of minutes once you get the hang of parting the hair evenly down the middle. Small, gentle elastic bands or fabric-covered ties work best, since regular rubber bands can pull and damage the delicate coat. Adding a small clip or bow at the base of each ponytail is an easy way to dress up the look even further.

This is a great beginner-friendly option if you’re just starting to experiment with Maltese dog haircuts and accessories at home. It’s also a practical everyday choice, since it keeps hair out of your dog’s eyes without requiring any advanced styling skills.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @fuwaricco

4. Double Space Buns with Curled Ringlets

This is one of the more advanced and eye-catching styles on this list. The top hair is gathered into two buns, and the loose ends are curled into soft ringlets that frame the face. It’s a striking, almost doll-like look that takes some serious coat length and grooming skill.

Creating the ringlet effect usually involves rolling small sections of damp hair around a soft curler or even a straw, then letting it dry in place before releasing the curl. This process takes time and a steady hand, which is why it’s more commonly seen on show dogs or during professional photoshoots rather than as a daily style.

This style is best saved for special photoshoots rather than everyday wear, since the curls need regular touch-ups to hold their shape and can loosen quickly with normal movement and play. Think of it as an occasional treat rather than a maintenance routine.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @buddybibi__

5. High Single Ponytail with Bow

A single high ponytail is a simpler cousin of the space-bun look, gathering the top hair into one puff with wavy, flowing ends and a bow accent. It’s a sweet, feminine style that still lets the rest of the coat flow naturally.

Because it only involves one section of hair rather than two, this style is faster to put together and a little more forgiving if the part isn’t perfectly centered. The natural wave in the ends adds movement and softness, making the overall look feel effortless rather than overly styled.

This is an easy style to recreate at home with just one hair tie and a small bow clip. It’s a great everyday option for long-coated Maltese owners who want a little extra flair without committing to a more complex style like braids or buns.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @buddybibi__

6. Teddy Bear Cut with Blush Makeup Accent

This playful twist takes the classic short teddy bear cut and adds a fun detail — soft pink blush brushed onto the cheeks along with a matching bow. It’s purely decorative and doesn’t affect the haircut itself, but it adds a lot of personality and works great for photos, parties, or seasonal themes.

Pet-safe blush is usually applied with a soft brush in small, circular motions directly onto clean, dry fur, similar to how you’d apply blush on your own skin. It’s important to use products specifically made for pets, since human cosmetics can contain ingredients that irritate a dog’s skin. This kind of detail is temporary and washes out with the next bath, so it’s easy to try without any long-term commitment.

If you’re searching for creative salon ideas to try with your groomer, this kind of playful detail is worth browsing through these dog grooming salon ideas. It’s a simple way to make even a basic teddy bear cut feel special for holidays or events.

📸 Photo credit: Instagram @groomer_eunhee

Maltese Haircuts by Season

Beyond the style itself, when you get your Maltese groomed matters too. The right cut at the right time of year keeps your dog comfortable and healthy.

I. Summer and Warm-Weather Cuts

During hotter months, many Maltese owners choose shorter styles like the teddy bear cut simply because it’s cooler and more comfortable. A shorter coat also means less matting from sweat, dirt, and outdoor play.

Heat and humidity make tangles form much faster than usual, especially around the legs, belly, and behind the ears where moisture tends to collect. A shorter trim during summer months significantly cuts down on the daily brushing needed and reduces the risk of painful mats forming close to the skin.

Shorter cuts in summer are especially helpful for active dogs who spend a lot of time outside, whether that’s at the park, on walks, or playing in the yard. Less coat also means your dog can cool down more efficiently after activity.

II. Winter Coat Considerations

In colder months, some owners let the coat grow out a bit longer for extra warmth, especially if the dog spends time outdoors. Longer coats do need more brushing to prevent tangling from static and dry winter air, so factor that into your routine.

Indoor heating systems can dry out both skin and coat during winter, which sometimes leads to more static and breakage than usual. Adding a light leave-in conditioner or moisturizing spray during colder months can help keep the coat manageable, especially if you’re maintaining one of the longer styles covered earlier in this article.

If you’re bringing home a Maltese puppy and planning out their first grooming schedule, it’s worth reading up on general puppy care and veterinary needs as well, since coat health is closely tied to overall wellness, diet, and hydration.

Grooming Tips to Maintain Any Maltese Haircut

No matter which of these styles you choose, a few grooming basics will help the cut last longer and keep your dog comfortable between salon visits.

Brush regularly. Maltese hair doesn’t shed much, but it tangles easily. Short coats still benefit from a quick brush every few days, while long coats need daily attention to avoid matting. Focus especially on friction zones like behind the ears, under the arms, and around the collar area, since these spots mat fastest.

Keep the face clean. Tear staining is common in Maltese dogs because of their light coat. Wiping the eye area daily helps keep the white fur bright, especially around the muzzle in longer styles. A gentle, tear-stain-safe wipe or solution designed for dogs works best here.

Bathe on a consistent schedule. A clean coat is easier to style and less prone to tangling. Dirt and oil buildup actually make tangles worse over time, so regular bathing isn’t just about smell — it directly affects how manageable the coat stays. If you’re setting up a grooming space at home, these dog washing station ideas can help you create a simple, efficient setup.

Trim nails and paw fur together. Most groomers handle this during a haircut appointment, but if you’re doing touch-ups at home, keep paw fur trimmed to avoid slipping on hard floors. Long fur between the paw pads can also collect debris and cause discomfort if left untrimmed.

Book regular trims. Even long-coat styles need occasional trimming at the ends to prevent split, damaged hair. A good rule of thumb is every 4 to 6 weeks for short styles, and every 6 to 8 weeks for long coats needing a light trim. Sticking to a consistent schedule also makes each grooming session faster and less stressful for your dog, since there’s less matting to work through each time.

If you’re new to grooming altogether, it’s worth learning the basics before attempting more advanced styles like braids or buns. This guide on how to groom a dog at home covers the fundamentals every owner should know, from choosing the right brush to handling your dog comfortably during at-home sessions.

Final Thoughts

From the classic teddy bear cut to elaborate braided pigtails and curled space buns, there’s no shortage of ways to style a Maltese. The best part is that this breed’s soft, versatile coat can handle almost any look, whether you want something low-maintenance or something show-ring stunning.

The key is matching the haircut to your lifestyle. If you don’t have much time for daily brushing, a short teddy bear cut is your best friend. If you love spending time on grooming and enjoy creative styling, the long coat and accessory-based looks give you endless room to experiment, from simple ponytails to more advanced braids and ringlets.

Whatever style you choose, the most important thing is keeping your Maltese comfortable, healthy, and tangle-free between grooming sessions. Save a few of these photos, bring them to your next salon appointment, and let your groomer know exactly which Maltese dog haircuts caught your eye.