Maltipoo Grooming: A Realistic At-Home and Groomer Routine

A Maltipoo’s coat is beautiful, low-shedding and entirely dependent on you. Here is the routine that keeps it soft and mat-free without turning grooming into a battle.

The single most common regret we hear from new doodle-type owners is not planning for the coat. It is not difficult, but it is regular, and a puppy taught to enjoy grooming early becomes a dog who tolerates it for life.

The daily habit

Five minutes a day beats an hour once a week. A soft slicker brush and a metal comb, worked gently through the coat, catch tangles before they become mats. Pay attention to the friction zones where mats form first.

• Behind the ears and under the collar or harness.
• The armpits and groin, where legs meet body.
• The face, paws and rear, for comfort and hygiene.

The weekly check

Once a week, go over the whole dog with intent: comb right down to the skin to confirm there are no hidden mats, check nails, wipe the eye area, and look inside the ears for redness or odor. Small dogs with growing hair need eye and paw trims between full grooms to stay comfortable.

The professional groom

Every six to eight weeks, a professional groom keeps the coat manageable and the dog comfortable. Book a groomer who knows doodle and poodle-cross coats, and be clear about the length you want.

If a mat forms

Do not bathe a matted coat, because water tightens mats. Work small tangles loose with your fingers and a comb, or a little detangling spray. If a mat is close to the skin or large, leave it for the groomer rather than risk nicking the skin with scissors.