Maltese hair

[angeleyes]

Got a question about what to do with Sammy's hair. When he had his hernia surgery they shaved his belly. It's growing out now, do I just let it grow or trim it? The hair on his chest is really long also, should I just leave it until he goes to the groomer the first time? Haven't decided if he'll get a puppy cut or keep it longer. I read an article that Maltese get 3 coats in their lifes. The puppy coat, the older puppy coat and the adult coat. Is this true and what are the differences in the coats?

[Morkie4]

I don't think I would mess with the hair underneath for now. When you decide what style you are going to keep him in, then either cut it or let it grow. Some people do cut the underside for sanitary reasons because with a longer coat, you can't see the tummy area anyway.

I have no idea about the "three" different types of coats with the maltese at different ages..........so you got me on that question. I know that all three of my maltese are older and they all have different types of coats.

[2morkies]

I think you might could trim it a little with grooming scissors. Is it getting matted?

Oh, is that Sammy in your avatar?? :hearter:

[angeleyes]

Sammy doesn't have any mats as I brush him a couple times a day. He's learned that if he lays on my lap on his back while I brush his underside, he gets a good belly rub when I'm done;) Yup, that's my beautiful little Sammy.

[2morkies]

He sure is beautiful!!! Good job getting him used to a top knot. I noticed his little pony tail on his head:hearter:
Are you going to grow him long or do a puppy cut?
I just did Boomer myself in a Town and Country. His head, legs and tail are long while his body is short. I still need to take a pic and post it for Jess.

[angeleyes]

Haven't really decided what to do with Sammy's hair yet. He and Belle play so hard and roll all over so not sure how a long coat would work for him. He's only about 16 weeks so we'll have to see. I'll be anxious to see photos of a town and country cut, never seen one before.

[CinttisLuke]

I'd wait until he has his first cut! So you can decide what style so all his hair can be the same longer or shorter! :tongue: JMHO

[Zuly4034]

I trim Sofia's belly, but that is because she hates being on her back, unless is for belly rubs. She also gets matted. I use to shave and learned here that you aren't supposed to shave it close to the skin.

So i think if he doesn't get mats and he lets you brush it, then wait until he gets to the groomer and you have decided what cut to give him.

As for the coat stages, I did read that there were two. The puppy to adult. I did noticed on Sofia's coat. When she was a puppy her hair was cottony and use to get EXTREMELY matted but it change when she was around 8month to 1yr, I can't remember:confused:, but it was between that period.

[JesBred]

When Mitzy's hair was long I kept her belly shaved and her chest (underside) short. Mainly because we walk everyday and her armpits were a nightmare after a walk, so I started trimming her chest and shaving her armpits :tongue:

If he isn't matting though I would grow it out with the rest of his hair :D

[Emma's Mama]

I keep Emma's chest and tummy trimmed short. You can't see it most of the time anyway and it would get matted easily, especially when she'd wear clothes (she has an outfit or two...or fifty...:blush:)

[angeleyes]

Gave Sammy a bath yesterday and I can't believe the coat that my baby has!
He still looks like a little pink piggy when he's wet but OMG the hair this little man has. I use Belle's lavender shampoo and conditioner on him and he smells soooo good. I am going to keep putting in top knots (sprouts) until I decide what cut I want. He looks like a little puffed up marshmallow running around on the floor. Belle looks tiny compared to Sammy but it's because of all the hair. I wasn't sure if I should cut his hair before he gets neutered or not. Probably doesn't matter to the vet. I think Belle has decided she likes her baby brother. I was brushing him out before his bath and caught a little mat, he cried and Belle growled and jumped at me:wink5: Really tuff that little girl of mine. Sammy had fun watching me give Belle a bath until he realized it was his turn, not real fond of water. Hope that changes before summer, I want to get a small wadding pool for them to play in.