Summer Maltese Haircuts: 6 Cool, Low-Maintenance Styles for Hot Weather
The best summer Maltese haircuts trim the body coat down to roughly a half-inch to two inches so your dog stays cooler, drier, and mat-free through the heat. The most popular options are the puppy cut, summer (kennel) cut, teddy bear cut, and lion cut. Because the Maltese has a single white coat with no undercoat, you can clip shorter for summer, but never so short that pink skin shows and sunburn becomes a risk.
A Maltese's flowing white coat is stunning, but it is also a lot of work and can trap heat and moisture during summer. A well-chosen warm-weather trim keeps your pup comfortable on walks and outdoor adventures while cutting your daily brushing time. Below are the six most groomer-recommended summer cuts, how short is actually safe, and how to keep that bright white coat healthy between appointments.
What Is a Summer Maltese Haircut?
A summer Maltese haircut is any shorter clip designed to reduce heat retention, matting, and grooming workload during warm months. Rather than the floor-length "show coat" that requires daily brushing and wrapping, summer styles shorten the body to a manageable, uniform length while keeping the face, ears, and sometimes the tail a little longer for personality and protection.
The Maltese has a single-layer coat and no undercoat, which is why groomers consider it safe to clip shorter without the "coat damage" concerns that apply to double-coated breeds like Huskies. Hair grows back at roughly half an inch per month, so a summer cut is a temporary, seasonal choice you can grow out again in fall. According to the American Kennel Club, the breed's hallmark is its long, silky white coat, which many pet parents happily trade for convenience once temperatures climb.
The 6 Best Summer Maltese Haircuts
Groomers offer more than a dozen Maltese styles, but these six are the most practical and popular for hot weather, according to grooming roundups from Rocky Kanaka and Hepper.
1. Puppy Cut
The puppy cut trims the entire coat to a uniform one to two inches, giving your adult Maltese that soft, youthful "forever puppy" look. It is the single most requested pet cut because it balances cuteness with easy maintenance and works well in summer without exposing much skin.
2. Summer Cut (Kennel Cut)
The summer or kennel cut goes shorter than the puppy cut, clipping the body coat close for maximum airflow. It is ideal for dogs who swim, hike, or spend long stretches outdoors. Keep it in the half-inch range rather than shaving to the skin, and pair it with shade and dog-safe sunscreen for light-skinned pups.
3. Teddy Bear Cut
The teddy bear cut keeps the body short and even while leaving the face rounded and full, creating an adorable plush-toy appearance. It is a great middle ground for owners who want a cooler dog but still love a fluffy face. Expect to book a groomer every four to six weeks to maintain the rounded shape.
4. Lion Cut
The lion cut shaves the body and hindquarters short while leaving a fuller "mane" around the head, neck, and sometimes the tail tip. It offers excellent body cooling and a bold, playful look. Because much of the body skin is exposed, sun protection is especially important with this style.
5. Short Body with a Top Knot
If you love a little flair, groomers can clip the body into a cool short cut while leaving the head hair long enough for a classic Maltese top knot secured with a bow. You get warm-weather comfort on the body and a touch of the breed's signature elegance up top.
6. Bob Cut
The bob cut leaves a medium, even length that skims the body without dragging on the ground. It is a good compromise for owners who are not ready to go very short but want less matting and heat than a full coat. It still requires regular brushing but far less than a show coat.
How Short Is Too Short? Summer Sun and Heat Safety
This is the step most style guides skip. A Maltese has fair skin under that white coat, and the coat itself provides shade and UV protection. Clipping too close can actually backfire. As grooming resource K9 of Mine notes, if you can see your dog's skin through the fur, you may need a dog-specific sunscreen to prevent burns.
Light-coated and thin-coated dogs are among the most sunburn-prone, and freshly shaved skin is extra sensitive because it has had less previous sun exposure, according to pharmacist-reviewed guidance from SingleCare. Never use human sunscreen on your dog, since ingredients like zinc oxide can be toxic if licked off; choose a dog-formulated SPF instead. The practical rule of thumb: for summer, half an inch is plenty short, and shaving to the skin should be a medical decision made with your groomer or vet, not a default. When it is genuinely hot, a shorter coat still won't replace the basics of shade, fresh water, and avoiding midday heat.
Face, Ears, and Sanitary Trims for Summer
Beyond the body, a few targeted trims make a huge summer difference. A tidy face trim keeps hair out of the eyes and reduces tear staining. Ear hair should be checked and lightly trimmed, because Maltese ears are delicate and prone to trapping moisture and debris, which can lead to infections in humid weather. A sanitary trim around the potty and paw-pad areas keeps things clean and cool and helps prevent mats where you least want them. If you tackle any of this at home, go slowly with blunt-tip scissors, or follow a step-by-step routine like our DIY dog grooming guide.
Summer Coat Care Between Grooms
Even a short summer cut needs upkeep to stay bright and healthy:
- Brush several times a week. Maltese hair mats easily, and a short cut only reduces, not eliminates, tangles. Regular brushing prevents painful mats that trap heat and moisture.
- Bathe every three to four weeks. Use a whitening or gentle dog shampoo, and dry thoroughly, especially in skin folds and behind the ears.
- Rinse after swimming or the beach. Chlorine, salt, and sand irritate skin and dull that white coat.
- Watch for mats before appointments. A matted coat may force a shorter cut than you wanted, so stay ahead of tangles.
How Often and How Much: Summer Maltese Grooming
Plan on a professional groom every four to six weeks to maintain most summer styles, since Maltese hair grows about half an inch monthly. Pricing varies by region, coat condition, and style, but small-breed full grooms commonly run in the range of roughly $50 to $90, with matted coats or add-ons costing more. If you are budgeting for overall Maltese ownership, our breakdown of Maltese price and lifetime costs puts grooming in context alongside food, vet care, and supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the coolest haircut for a Maltese in summer?
The summer (kennel) cut and lion cut provide the most airflow because they clip the body coat closest. For a balance of cooling and sun protection, a half-inch puppy cut is a safer everyday choice.
Can you shave a Maltese completely for summer?
You can, because the Maltese has a single coat that regrows normally, but most groomers advise against shaving to the skin. Very short shaves expose fair skin to sunburn and irritation. Talk to your groomer or vet before going that short.
How often should a Maltese be groomed in summer?
Every four to six weeks for a professional trim, plus brushing at home several times a week and a bath roughly every three to four weeks to keep the coat clean and mat-free.
Do Maltese get sunburned after a short summer cut?
Yes. Light-coated, thin-coated, and freshly clipped dogs can burn, especially on the nose, ears, and belly. Provide shade and use a dog-safe sunscreen; never apply human sunscreen containing zinc oxide.
Will a summer haircut stop my Maltese from matting?
A shorter cut reduces matting but does not eliminate it. Maltese hair still tangles, so regular brushing between grooms is essential even with a short summer style.
Does a summer haircut change how a Maltese's coat grows back?
No. Unlike double-coated breeds, the Maltese single coat grows back at its normal rate of about half an inch per month, so you can grow the coat out again in cooler months.
Keep Your Pup Comfortable All Season
A good summer Maltese haircut is really about comfort and safety: shorter for airflow, but never so short that sun and skin become a problem. Pick the style you can realistically maintain, stay on top of brushing, and protect that fair skin on sunny days.
Love fluffy white companions? Explore our full guides to the Maltipoo and the Bichon Frise for more breed care tips. And for seasonal grooming and pet-care advice delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to the Daily Wag newsletter.
