The 3 Best Dog Brushes for a Maltese

 

The Maltese coat is one of the most beautiful in the dog world—soft, white, and silky. But it also requires regular maintenance to keep it free of tangles and mats. Choosing the right grooming tools makes a huge difference.

After testing many brushes, these are the three that work best for keeping a Maltese coat smooth, healthy, and mat-free.

3 Best Dog Brushes Every Maltese Owner Should Have

1. Slicker Brush for Dogs

The Freshly Bailey Slicker Brush is one of the best tools for maintaining a Maltese’s long, silky coat. It gently removes tangles, loose hair, and dirt without scratching the skin. The fine stainless-steel bristles glide through the hair smoothly and help prevent mats from forming.

This brush is especially effective on the Maltese’s fine coat because it reaches deep enough to loosen small knots without pulling or breaking the hair. It also helps fluff up the coat and keeps it looking clean and soft between baths.

To use it, brush in small sections and work from the ends toward the skin. Use gentle, short strokes, and avoid pressing too hard. A light mist of detangling spray before brushing makes the process even smoother.

Regular brushing with the Freshly Bailey Slicker Brush keeps the coat free of tangles and maintains that signature silky look Maltese dogs are known for.

2. Metal Comb

The Metal Comb is the next step after the slicker brush. It has two sides—longer teeth for deeper sections of the coat and finer teeth for sensitive areas like the face, ears, and legs.

This comb removes small knots the slicker might have missed and leaves the coat with a smooth, even finish. The metal design gives full control without pulling or snagging.

After brushing with the slicker, run the comb gently from the ends toward the skin. Work slowly and stop if you feel resistance. Go back with the slicker to loosen the area, then comb again. This two-step process keeps the Maltese coat soft and tangle-free.

3. Dematting Comb for Dogs

For tougher tangles or small mats, the Freshly Bailey Dematting Comb is essential. It’s a dual-sided tool designed to carefully break apart mats without cutting too much hair. One side has blades to slice through mats, and the other works like a rake to lift the loosened hair.

To use it safely, lightly mist the tangled area with water or detangler spray to give the coat some slip. Hold the fur near the skin and work through the mat slowly, using short strokes. Never force the tool through a tight knot. Once the area loosens, finish with the slicker and comb.

This tool is especially helpful for areas where mats commonly form, such as behind the ears, under the armpits, and near the tail.

Bonus: Detangling Spray

The Freshly Bailey Detangling Spray makes brushing smoother and helps prevent new tangles. It’s designed for both dogs and cats, and it works beautifully on the fine, silky coat of a Maltese.

A few light mists before brushing help the brush glide through the hair more easily, reduce static, and leave the coat soft and fresh. It’s especially useful right after a bath or whenever the coat feels dry or slightly tangled.

The spray also conditions and moisturizes, making the coat shinier and healthier over time.

How to Brush a Maltese

Brushing a Maltese doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple routine that keeps their coat in great shape:

1. Mist the coat lightly with the Freshly Bailey Detangling Spray.
   
   
2. Use the Slicker Brush to go over small sections at a time. 

(To line brush a Maltese, start by laying your dog on its side and gently parting the coat horizontally with your hand or a comb, exposing a small section of hair at a time. Beginning at the lowest layer near the belly, use the Slicker Brush to brush that section in short, gentle strokes, working from the ends toward the roots. Once it’s smooth, move up an inch, part another section, and repeat the process. Continue layer by layer until you reach the top of the coat, then flip your dog to the other side and repeat. This method ensures you reach all layers of the Maltese’s fine, silky coat and helps prevent hidden tangles and mats from forming close to the skin)

1. Follow with the Metal Comb to catch any leftover tangles.
   
   
2. Use the Dematting Comb if you find a knot that won’t come out easily.
   
   
3. Finish with one last comb-through for a smooth, shiny result.
   
   

Doing this just a few minutes a day helps prevent mats, keeps the coat healthy, and makes grooming faster each time.

Tips for Maintaining a Maltese Coat

Brush as often as possible—daily if you can. The Maltese coat tangles quickly, especially around the ears, legs, and belly. Using a detangler spray helps protect the hair and adds moisture.

Always be gentle. The Maltese has sensitive skin, and pulling can make grooming uncomfortable. Take your time, especially when working through knots.

If a mat is too tight or close to the skin, it’s safer to trim it carefully rather than force it out.

Regular brushing not only keeps the coat beautiful but also helps distribute natural oils and maintain a healthy shine.

The right grooming tools make all the difference when caring for a Maltese coat. The Freshly Bailey Slicker Brush, Metal Comb, and Dematting Comb cover every stage—from daily maintenance to deeper detangling. Adding the Detangling Spray completes the routine for a smooth, silky finish.

With consistent brushing and gentle care, your Maltese will always look clean, comfortable, and beautifully groomed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maltese Coats

How often should I brush my Maltese?
A Maltese should be brushed daily or at least every other day. Their long, fine hair tangles easily, and skipping just a few days can lead to mats that are difficult to remove.

What’s the difference between a silky and a cotton Maltese coat?
Silky coats are smooth, shiny, and straight. They’re easier to brush and maintain with regular care. Cotton coats are thicker, softer, and more prone to tangling because the hair has a slight wave or fluffiness to it. Cotton coats require more frequent brushing and benefit from a detangling spray every time you groom.

How can I tell which coat type my Maltese has?
If the coat feels sleek and lays flat, it’s silky. If it feels soft, puffy, or slightly frizzy, it’s more of a cotton coat. Silky coats need gentle brushing to avoid breakage, while cotton coats need consistent brushing to prevent matting.

Which brush works best for a cotton coat?
The Freshly Bailey Slicker Brush is still the best starting tool. For cotton coats, follow with the Dual-Length Metal Comb and use the Detangling Spray more generously to help control tangles and frizz.

Do Maltese dogs shed?
Maltese dogs don’t shed in the traditional sense. Their hair grows continuously like human hair, which is why grooming and brushing are so important.

Can I use human conditioner or detangler?
No. Human products can irritate a dog’s skin and disrupt their coat’s natural balance. Always use a dog-safe formula like the Freshly Bailey Detangling Spray.

How often should I bathe my Maltese?
Once every 2–3 weeks is usually enough. Overbathing can dry out their skin and coat. Always brush before and after bathing to avoid tangles.

What should I do if my Maltese already has mats?
Start by applying the Detangling Spray to soften the hair. Then use the Dematting Comb carefully to loosen the mat, followed by the slicker and comb. If the mat is too tight or close to the skin, trimming it out may be safer.