Maltipoos are everywhere in Brooklyn, from Park Slope brownstones to Williamsburg high-rises. A cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, they are small, affectionate, and usually very low shedding, which makes them a favorite for apartment living. But that soft, fluffy coat has a catch: it keeps growing, it tangles easily, and a white or light-colored Maltipoo can show tear stains fast. Good Maltipoo grooming is less about looks and more about keeping your dog comfortable and healthy. This guide covers Maltipoo coat types, how to brush and prevent mats, how to manage tear stains, popular haircuts, and what affects grooming cost at Brooklyn Pet Spa.
Understanding the Maltipoo Coat
Because the Maltipoo is a mixed breed, coats vary from dog to dog, even within the same litter. Most fall into one of three groups:
- Straight, silky coat: Closer to the Maltese side. Fine and smooth, it sheds very little but tangles around the ears, legs, and under the collar.
- Wavy or “shaggy” coat: The most common Maltipoo coat. Soft and fluffy with loose waves. It is the easiest to style and moderately prone to mats.
- Curly coat: Closer to the Poodle side. Dense and springy, with the lowest shedding. Loose hairs get trapped in the curls, so it mats the fastest.
All three types are single coats without the heavy undercoat of breeds like the Husky or Golden Retriever. That is why Maltipoos rarely leave hair on the sofa. The trade-off is that the hair they do lose stays inside the coat. If it is not brushed out, it twists into the living hair and forms mats.
Expect changes during the first year. Many Maltipoos go through a coat transition somewhere between about 6 and 12 months, when the soft puppy coat gives way to the adult texture. Owners often say their puppy “suddenly” started matting at this stage. It is normal, but it means brushing needs to step up for a few months.
Do Maltipoos Shed?
Quick answer: Maltipoos shed very little, and many people with mild allergies find them easier to live with than heavy-shedding breeds. No dog is truly allergen-free, though, and a low-shedding coat needs more grooming, not less. Plan on regular brushing at home and a professional groom every four to six weeks.
If allergies are a concern in your household, our hypoallergenic dog grooming service is designed for low-shedding coats and sensitive homes.
How to Brush a Maltipoo and Prevent Mats
For most Maltipoos, brushing every other day is the minimum. Curly coats, longer styles, and dogs going through the puppy coat change usually need a quick brush every day. Five to ten minutes is enough if you stay consistent.
- Pick the right tools. A soft slicker brush for the body, a metal greyhound-style comb to check your work, and a small detangling spray. A pin brush helps on straighter, silkier coats.
- Line brush in sections. Lift the coat with one hand and brush small sections down from the skin outward. Brushing only the surface leaves hidden mats underneath.
- Finish with the comb. If the comb slides through to the skin everywhere, you are done. If it catches, go back to that spot with the brush.
- Focus on friction zones. Behind and under the ears, armpits, chest, collar and harness lines, belly, inner thighs, and around the tail are where mats start first.
- Brush before every bath. Water tightens tangles, so always work out knots before the coat gets wet.
- Dry completely. A damp Maltipoo coat mats quickly. After rainy walks or baths, dry the coat fully and brush it once more.
Never try to cut a mat out with scissors. Maltipoo skin is thin, and mats sit right against it, so it is easy to nick your dog by accident. Gently tease small tangles apart with your fingers and the comb, and leave larger mats to a professional. Our guide on when pets need dematting help fast explains what to do when the coat gets ahead of you.
Tear Stains: Why They Happen and How to Manage Them
Reddish-brown streaks under the eyes are one of the most common Maltipoo grooming complaints, especially on white, cream, and apricot dogs. Tear stains happen when tears overflow onto the face fur and stay there. Pigments in the tears and moisture-loving yeast can discolor the hair over time.
Some common contributors include:
- Hair around the eyes poking into them and causing extra tearing.
- Shallow eye sockets or small tear ducts, which are common in small breeds.
- A face that stays damp from drinking, eating, or licking.
- Irritation from allergies or environmental dust.
Simple daily habits make a big difference:
- Wipe the corners of the eyes once or twice a day with a soft cloth dampened with warm water, then pat the area dry.
- Keep the hair between and around the eyes trimmed short. A groomer can do a quick face tidy between full grooms.
- Dry your dog’s face and beard after meals and water breaks.
- Wash food and water bowls daily. Many owners find stainless steel or ceramic bowls easier to keep clean.
Avoid using bleaching products or harsh chemicals near the eyes. If tearing suddenly increases, the eye looks red or cloudy, or your dog is squinting or pawing at the face, see your veterinarian. Those can be signs of an eye problem rather than a cosmetic issue.
Popular Maltipoo Haircuts
The best cut is the one that fits how much brushing you can realistically do each week.
Teddy Bear Cut
The most requested Maltipoo style. The body is trimmed to an even, medium length and the face is scissored round and soft. It keeps the classic fluffy look while staying manageable for owners who brush a few times a week.
Puppy Cut
The coat is trimmed short and even all over, usually around an inch or less. It is the easiest style for busy schedules and active dogs, and it is a helpful reset when the coat has matted.
Top Knot Style
For Maltipoos with straighter, silkier hair, the hair on top of the head can be left longer and tied up with a small band, while the body is kept shorter. It keeps hair out of the eyes, which helps with tear staining.
Longer Natural Look
A light trim that keeps the coat long and flowing. It looks beautiful but needs daily brushing to stay mat-free, so it works best for owners who enjoy hands-on coat care.
Because Maltipoo and doodle coats behave in similar ways, our doodle grooming tips and our Cockapoo grooming guide are also useful reading.
Ears, Teeth, Nails, and Paws
Ears
Maltipoos have drop ears, and many grow hair inside the ear canal. That combination can trap moisture and wax. Check the ears weekly for redness, dark wax, or a sour smell. Clean only the visible part of the ear with a vet-approved cleaner and a cotton pad, and never push anything deep into the canal. Head shaking or scratching at the ears is a reason to see your vet.
Teeth
Small breeds tend to build up tartar quickly. Brushing a few times a week with a dog toothpaste helps, and dental inspections are part of a full groom at our salon.
Nails and Paws
Trim nails every three to four weeks, or whenever you hear clicking on the floor. Small dogs that are carried a lot or walk mostly on soft surfaces often do not wear their nails down naturally. Keep the hair between the paw pads short. In Brooklyn winters, long paw hair collects ice balls and road salt. In fall, it picks up leaves and burrs from Prospect Park and McCarren Park. Wipe paws after every walk.
How Often Does a Maltipoo Need a Groomer?
Most Maltipoos do best with a full professional groom every four to six weeks. Curly coats and longer styles should stay on the shorter end of that range. Short puppy cuts can sometimes stretch a little longer. A quick face and paw tidy in between keeps hair out of the eyes and off the floor.
Start early. A short, positive first visit helps a Maltipoo puppy get used to the table, the dryer, and having its face and feet handled. Read what happens at your puppy’s first grooming appointment to prepare.
When to See a Professional Groomer
Book a professional appointment when:
- You find mats you cannot comb out, especially behind the ears, under the legs, or around the harness.
- The coat feels tight, thick, or felted close to the skin.
- Hair is growing into your dog’s eyes or tear stains are getting worse.
- The ears smell or the hair around them is tangled.
- Your puppy is going through the coat change and matting faster than you can brush.
- It has been more than six weeks since the last haircut.
A full groom at Brooklyn Pet Spa includes a shampoo and conditioning, a gentle blow dry, nail clipping and filing, ear cleaning, a dental inspection, and a haircut in the style you choose. When a coat is badly matted, the safest and kindest choice is often a shorter cut so the coat can grow back healthy. Our groomers will walk you through options before starting. We are a cage-free salon, and if your Maltipoo is nervous about the dryer, we keep it at a comfortable distance.
Maltipoo Grooming Cost in Brooklyn
Maltipoos do not have their own line on our dog grooming breed rates page, because no two Maltipoo coats are quite the same. Instead, we quote based on what your dog actually needs. The main things that affect the price are:
- Size and weight. Our listed rates start with the smallest dogs, and the price goes up as size increases.
- Coat type and length. A curly or long coat takes more time to wash, dry, and scissor than a short puppy cut.
- Coat condition. Matting adds time and can change the price. Regular appointments keep costs predictable.
- Service level. A full haircut and bath package, a groomer’s bath, or a quicker Wash N Go each come at a different price point.
- Temperament. Dogs who need extra breaks or a slower pace may need more time.
A grooming visit typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on size and coat condition. For an exact quote, call us or request an appointment online.
At-Home Maltipoo Grooming Checklist
- Brush every other day, or daily for curly coats and puppies in coat change.
- Line brush down to the skin and check with a metal comb.
- Wipe the eyes daily and keep the face dry.
- Check and clean the ears weekly.
- Brush teeth a few times a week.
- Trim nails every three to four weeks and wipe paws after walks.
- Book a professional groom every four to six weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a Maltipoo be groomed?
Every four to six weeks for a full professional groom, with brushing at home every other day or daily for curly coats.
How do I get rid of Maltipoo tear stains?
Wipe the eye area daily with a damp cloth, keep the face dry, and keep the hair around the eyes trimmed. Existing stains often fade as stained hair is trimmed away. If tearing increases suddenly, see your vet.
What is the best haircut for a Maltipoo?
The teddy bear cut is the most popular. A shorter puppy cut is easiest for busy owners, and a top knot works well for silky coats.
Why does my Maltipoo puppy suddenly mat so much?
Many Maltipoos go through a coat change between about 6 and 12 months. The puppy coat and adult coat tangle together, so daily brushing helps during this stage.
Are Maltipoos hypoallergenic?
No dog is fully hypoallergenic, but Maltipoos shed very little, and many people with mild allergies do well with them. Regular grooming helps keep loose hair and dander down.
How much does Maltipoo grooming cost in Brooklyn?
It depends on size, coat type, condition, and service. Maltipoos are quoted individually, so call Brooklyn Pet Spa or check our breed rates page for related breeds and book a quote.
Ready for a soft, mat-free Maltipoo with a bright, clean face? Book a grooming appointment at Brooklyn Pet Spa or call us at +1 (718) 768-0293. We are a cage-free salon serving Brooklyn since 2008.
