A Maltese is a gentle and small lap dog known for his super lustrous white coat. His silky hair is too long that it reaches all the way to the ground and forces everyone to think, do Maltese shed?
Yes! Maltese do shed. However, his shedding is a bit hard to notice as it’s minor and that is why many people think that they do not shed at all.
In fact, all dog breeds do shed but those who shed low are called hypoallergenic breeds ike Shih Tzu, Goldendoodles, and few others).
This hardly-any-shedding is why almost all the Maltese have hair that grows to the floor till they reach the ankles. But this does not mean that they do not lose hair altogether.
The reason why Maltese shed little is that they have a unique coat that needs a lot of care and grooming to continue looking ever-silky and glorious.
So if you already are a Maltese owner or you are planning to become one, then this is the right place for you.
Let’s get into more depth.
An Overview of Maltese Coat
Now that we know that Maltese do shed, it’s time to see a bit more about its soft coat.
In earlier times, this dog breed used to come in different colors. However, they are always white.
Like the dog itself, a Maltese’s coat is also quite unusual. Unlike other breed’s skin, he has no undercoat. This means that the particular layer of soft material is not fur but hair, just like the hair which all of us have on our heads.
That is why Maltese dog is referred to as hypoallergenic because they have no such layer to trap allergy-causing dander.
As said before, other dogs do have under layer, which helps them to maintain their body heat according to the changing temperatures. The coating then sheds with seasons.
Since Maltese is free of such layers, he doesn’t shed too much with the change in seasonal conditions.
However, they do face slight hair fall throughout the year. Precisely in the same way as we humans do. Instead then only falling with the change in seasons, the hair also falls out when it’s old enough and to make way for a new one.
Thus no need to freak out if there is a need for little dusting at your place as your Maltese roams around.
How Much Do Maltese Shed?
A Maltese dog sheds but experiences significantly less shedding compared to other breeds and that too differs from dog to dog.
According to an online survey with Maltese owners, the dog is found to shed just like we shed in our daily lives.
The hair might come out whenever the dog is brushed or falls when he is washed. Moreover, you should also expect to find a few hairs lying around too, just like our hair.
When Do Maltese Shed?
As mentioned above, a Maltese will continue losing his hair throughout the year.
However, there is a chance of undergoing a little bit more shedding when the warmer season arrives so that the dog could keep himself as cool as possible.
Whereas, you will notice the opposite when winter approaches. Of course, dogs also need warmer clothes, and so a Maltese will experience almost no shedding.
It is called seasonal shedding and is very noticeable amongst dog breeds that have double coats. However, sometimes it becomes slightly evident in the case of single-layer dogs, like Maltese.
Note that this can vary within different pet Maltese. Some might have detectable hair loss, while others might have no change.
4 Stages Of Maltese Shedding Process
As all-natural processes are divided into stages, shedding is a process too and diffuses into four main parts.
However, the time span of each stage differs from other dog breeds especially those which are not hypoallergenic.
1) The Anagen Stage:
This is the very first phase of the whole process in which the hair starts to grow out till it
reaches its maximum length.
A Maltese spends a long time in this phase; however, it might vary in the case of individual Maltese.
2) The Catagen Stage:
This is when the hair follicles stop growing. It detaches from the dermal papillae and starts separating from the skin.
3) Telogen Stage:
It is a phase when nothing happens. No new hair grows neither the previous one is wholly dethatched.
4) Exogen Stage:
It is the actual and final shedding stage in which the old hair falls, and the new one is ready to come out.
3 Reasons Why a Maltese Sheds More Than It Is Supposed To
If you are planning to own a Maltese very soon then doing a little research beforehand is very important.
In this process, you might have already bumped into many Maltese owners who told you something unusual. For example, their pet is shedding way too much.
Even if you haven’t, you yourself might have encountered a situation where your dog is losing a lot of hair.
Hold on! It’s too early to freak out.
Let’s try to look at all the probable reasons why a Maltese shedding triggers and what should you do to control it:
1) Shedding Triggers If He Is Taking Stress:
There could be many reasons why the dog is stressed out e.g. change of place/house or even a new pet or baby arriving at one’s home. This is because a Maltese can get very intolerant if he finds his owner giving attention to someone else.
Also, if the dog is separated from his kin or any other loved one, he is likely to shed a lot of hair due to separation anxiety. During this time, your dog might also bark a lot.
According to those who are familiar with Maltese, the dog can not tolerate being alone.
The easiest way to eliminate stress is to plan short walking, playing trips with him, or even swimming
Such physical activities will significantly reduce his stress level. Not only Maltese but huskies howl too due to separation anxiety.
Furthermore, don’t leave him alone and also do not forget to keep him physically close to yourself. For a dog, nothing can be more calming and soothing than his owner’s touch.
Also, take out time to give him a massage. Music in the background will make it more perfect and relaxing for him.
2) He Will Shed More If Not Fed Well:
Poor diet is also a significant cause of excessive shedding. A Maltese diet should consist of high-quality food with no chemicals or artificial flavorings.
Talk to a vet and then plan a healthy and fitting diet for your Maltese. Always read the label behind every dog food and other products which are included in your dog’s diet. Beware of those which contain corn and grains.
Treat him with a lot of care and always keep an eye on what he is consuming.
Still, if your Maltese is shedding abnormally, then it’s better to consult with the vet again. Sometimes a dog might experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This can only be overcome through proper supplements prescribed by the vet.
3) He’s Got A Chronic Medical Condition:
This can be another reason why a Maltese is shedding too much. He could be facing a skin allergy or infection, which is causing him to lose a lot of hair.
In such conditions, one should take help from veterinary services as soon as possible.
3 Tips For Taking Care of Maltese Coat
Undoubtedly, Maltese is not like other dog breeds. He has super glamorous hair (NOT FUR) and sheds way too little. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t need grooming.
This dog breed needs to be groomed daily to maintain the distinctive looks of his white coat.
Now the question is that is Maltese easy to groom?
Yes! Maltese are very easy to groom. They only require your regular attention. Thus it can be safely concluded that your job as a Maltese groomer requires the least from you.
Here are a few ways to keep your Maltese groomed and handsome.
1) Brush & Comb Your Maltese Regularly:
Brushing is essential to maintain the beauty of Maltese hair. It should be done twice or at least once a day. It will help to remove any dirt or even the loose hair stuck in his coat.
Many Maltese owners complain about their dog’s tangled hair which they want to get rid of. The places where a Maltese is most likely to get very annoying tangles are behind the ear, on the chest, and stomach.
The ultimate solution is brushing but still if you aren’t successful then try undoing the tangled hair with your fingers and then brush.
The pro tip is to use “Pin Brush” that have polished stainless steel tips, making it very suitable for a tool for brushing. It is also helpful for breeds like corgis too.
2) Give Him A Regular Bath & Keep Him Clean:
If you want your Maltese to remain clean and also want to get rid of lost hair struck in his coat then bathing him is necessary.
But do not bath him too often as it can lead to dry skin and also removal of natural oil from his hair and skin.
Bathing your Maltese one or two times a month is just perfect. However, if your dog is a bit extra playful and that too in mud, then three times a month is more than enough.
Don’t compromise on the shampoo you are using. Take advice from a vet regarding what shampoo is the best. Shampoos with natural products in them are way better than chemical-filled ones.
3) Trimming Your Maltese Hair:
A Maltese is known for his long and smooth hair that grows to his ankles very rapidly. It’s better to manage this hair according to the weather conditions. Avoid cutting too much in cold seasons but do trim them when it’s too hot.
Trimming his hair around the groin and anal area is also very important. Why? So that the hair remains clean when your little dog goes to the bathroom.
Short hair on your Maltese is more manageable and hygienic and will make your puppy look adorable.
Nowadays, there are many dog saloons everywhere. Why not take your Maltese there for a little change?
Conclusion:
Choosing a dog breed to adopt is hard work. You have to consider several factors to decide on what dog to bring home.
Your mind races between “Can your dogs eat black pepper?” or “Can Dogs Eat Sausages” and many other queries till you finally reach a conclusion.
As for now, you might be thinking is the Maltese right for me or not? Honestly, I think that Maltese is perfect for everyone. They are sweeter than they look and very affectionate. They are easy to groom, very responsive, and so much playful.
Moreover, because of being an almost ‘no shedding dog, a Maltese can be the best fit if you have allergy problems. Plus you won’t need to vacuum your home daily. Isn’t it convenient?
Dogs do have a strong smell. But you being a Maltese owner do not have to worry because they have a very low odor which is not even distinguishable.
Now whether you have come up with your final decision or not, a Maltese has something in him for everyone to love. If you have got the answer you were looking for or you are facing any other problem in which we can help, please let us know in the comment section below.