Our breeds are known for their beautiful long coats, but they do require consistent care to keep them healthy, clean, and tangle‑free. This page is here to give you a realistic overview of the grooming needs of dogs like Maltese, Yorkies, and other similar long‑haired toy breeds and mixes. Whether you’re researching these breeds, preparing for a puppy, or already caring for one at home, this guide will help you understand what their grooming routine truly involves. They’re not low‑maintenance, and their coats do take real commitment. But for the right home, the extra care is more than worth it.
Our breeds have beautiful coats, but they need to be brushed often to keep them looking and feeling their best. Longer haircuts need brushing every day or every other day, and shorter haircuts should be brushed every few days. During a puppy’s coat change between 6–12 months, you’ll want to brush them daily no matter the length. This is when the fluffy baby coat is being replaced by the silkier adult coat, and the two textures catch on each other, causing tangles to form much faster.
Tools You'll Need
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Metal Combs
Detangling Spray
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Keeping the face clean is an important part of owning a long‑haired dog. It helps prevent irritation, staining, and tangles, and it keeps your pup looking gorgeous.
Fine-Tooth Comb
Cotton Rounds
Face Shampoo
Foam Dispenser
Rubber Bands
Cloth Hair Bands
Plastic Claw Clips
Barrettes
Daily brushing keeps your dog’s mouth fresh and helps reduce buildup.
Toothbrushes
Brushing Gel
Plaque Control
How often you bathe your dog depends on their coat length and lifestyle. Long coats do best with a bath every week or two, while shorter coats can usually go every 2–4 weeks. Brush them thoroughly before the bath to remove tangles, since water can tighten knots and make them harder to work out.
Shampoo
Whitening Shampoo
Conditioner
Ear Wash & Ear Dry
Keep your dog’s nails trimmed so they stay comfortable on their feet and don’t snag on bedding or carpet. Most dogs need their nails trimmed every 2–4 weeks, depending on how fast they grow and how much natural wear they get from walking.
A tidy‑up trim keeps your dog neat between full haircuts. Most dogs need this every 2–3 weeks to keep them clean and comfortable.
Nail Clippers
Grinder & Trimmer
Scissors
Our breeds need a full groom every 4–6 weeks to keep their coats in good condition. This can be either a full haircut or a light trim depending on how long you prefer to keep the coat. Whether you groom at home or take your dog to a professional groomer, staying on a consistent schedule is essential for keeping them comfortable and looking their best.
Clippers
Most dogs naturally empty their anal glands on their own, but some need occasional help from a groomer or veterinarian. If you notice scooting, licking, or a strong odor, it may be time to have them checked. You can ask your groomer to check them during your dog’s regular grooming appointments, and if needed they can take care of it for you.
When should my puppy start being groomed? Puppies should begin gentle grooming early. Start brushing them regularly as soon as they come home so they learn that being handled is normal and comfortable. They should go to a groomer for simple baths and tidy ups shortly after settling in, while they are still very young and open to new experiences. Their first real haircut should wait until they are at least six months old because trimming the coat too early can damage how the adult coat grows in. Why does my dog have tear stains? Tear staining can happen for several different reasons, and most of them are completely normal. Stress is one of the most common causes, which is why puppies often stain more while they are teething and growing. Many dogs improve or stop staining altogether once they finish maturing. Water can contribute as well, especially if they drink from plastic bowls or from water that is high in minerals such as iron or magnesium. Allergies and food sensitivities can also increase tearing. Genetics play a role too; some dogs will always have a little staining no matter what you do, while others may never stain at all. Keeping the hair around the eyes short and dry helps prevent moisture from sitting on the coat and reduces staining. Why does my puppy bite when I brush them? Puppies often bite or mouth during brushing because they are still learning how to handle new sensations. Brushing can feel strange at first, especially while they are teething and their mouth is already uncomfortable. Some puppies also think the brush is a toy and try to grab it, or they get overstimulated when their face, legs, or belly are touched. This is normal puppy behavior and usually improves as they mature and get used to being groomed. You can help them learn to stop biting by keeping brushing sessions short, calm, and gentle. Give them a moment to settle if they get too excited, and offer something safe to chew on so their mouth has an outlet while you work. Staying consistent and keeping the experience positive helps them learn that brushing is just a normal part of being handled. How much does it cost to have my dog groomed? Grooming prices can vary a lot by location, breed, coat condition, and the dog’s behavior, but most long‑haired toy breeds generally fall in the $50–$75 range per full groom. With grooming every 4–6 weeks, that comes to approximately $500–$900 per year, depending on how often they’re maintained and how much work their coat needs. How do I get my dog to sit still for a topknot? Before ever trying a topknot, it helps to teach your dog to rest their head calmly. Start by luring their head onto a small pillow with a treat, then reward as soon as they settle. Give bigger rewards for longer stays so they learn that relaxing is the goal. Once they can consistently rest their head, begin gently petting and combing the hair while continuing to reward. Keep sessions short, stay consistent, and always start when your dog is already in a calm state. Over time, the pillow becomes their cue to relax, which makes doing a topknot much easier. What is the best haircut for a long-haired toy breed? The best haircut really depends on your lifestyle and preference. Our personal favorite is an Asian Fusion trim because it keeps the body short and easy to maintain while still keeping some of the beauty of a long coat. In an Asian Fusion cut, the body is trimmed short and the legs, ears, and tail are left longer for a soft, fluffy look. You can also add a topknot if you like styling their hair with cute bows. It’s a nice balance between staying manageable and staying adorable.
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