The Maltese are refined, energetic dogs with long, silky-smooth white hair. This breed is known for being smart and small, making it a convenient pup. It’s a charming lap dog well-suited to households seeking a toy-sized companion.

So, how does this delightfully cuddly canine fair in terms of Maltese shedding habits? We’ll answer this question and more — consider this your 101 to do Maltese shed? 

Do Maltese Shed Hair?

To begin with — the Maltese does shed. 

This breed has a stunning coat that requires a lot of care and attention to keep it looking that way. However, as they don’t have a double coat, they don’t shed as much as other dogs. Hence, they’re ideally suited for allergy sufferers.

Furthermore, the Maltese has hair rather than fur — like Shih Tzus, Havanese, and Yorkshire Terriers. As a result, these breeds shed differently, at a lower rate than a dog with fur — for example, the Golden Retriever or the Labrador. The Maltese’ coat falls out just like humans’ hair does.

do teacup maltese shed.

Do Teacup Maltese Shed?

The Teacup Maltese — also known as the Miniature or Toy Maltese — is the most delightful, lively, and gorgeous breed and is adored by dog lovers worldwide. 

Like the standard Maltese, this dog has a coat of pure white, soft, smooth hair that extends to the ground. The Teacup also follows the same shedding pattern as its larger cousin. 

Yet, in theory they shed less than the ‘standard’ Maltese — simply because the Teacup is a scaled-down version — thus, they have less coat to shed.

Do Maltese Shed a Lot?

We hate to bring it to you, but every dog sheds in some way. No dog has the same coat of hair throughout its life.

Older, brittle hairs naturally fall out of the coat and are replaced by new growth. The Maltese shedding level is influenced by the cycle of coat renewal and subsequent hair loss. This also varies greatly between breeds and even within dogs of the same species.

As mentioned, because Maltese dogs lack an undercoat, they shed less than double-coated canines. Yet, in the summer, you may notice a slight increase in hair loss, but the difference will be minimal.

When it comes to the Maltese shedding hair — the breed does so all year. Some strands may fall out here and there as the coat develops, but the number of loose hairs scattered around your house will be few and far between.

do maltese shed a lot.

When Does the Maltese Shed Its Puppy Coat?

The Maltese puppy’s coat will gradually be replaced by a silky adult coat at around 10 months of age.

When this change occurs, the shedding process will temporarily accelerate in some Maltese. However, because the transition is so gradual, many owners may miss the transformation or they may notice an increase in hair loss in their pets.

Is It True That Maltese Are Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Yes, the Maltese is a breed that falls under this canine category.  

However, many people misunderstand the term “hypoallergenic” and believe that a dog with this label will never cause allergic reactions or shed. Both of these hypotheses are false.

Proteins in dog dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine cause allergic reactions, so that a hypersensitive person could react to any dog.

The definition of  hypoallergenic is “having a low likelihood of causing an allergic reaction.” As a result, although not guaranteed, a hypoallergenic dog breed is less likely to trigger allergy symptoms

But why is this phrase associated with minimal or low-shedding breeds? 

Although dog hair itself doesn’t cause allergies, allergens such as dander, saliva, and urine frequently adhere to it. As a result, those dog breeds that don’t shed much, like the Maltese, mean fewer allergy triggers spread throughout your home.

Grooming Requirements for Maltese Dogs

The long, white, silky coat of the Maltese is majestic and eye-catching. However, even though this breed doesn’t shed much, brushing and combing is required daily to prevent mats and tangles. This breed also needs frequent bathing — every one to 2 weeks — to keep their hair looking perfect.

do maltese shed hair.

Conclusion

So there you have it, everything you need to know about the Maltese shedding hair and the breed’s hypoallergenic reputation. They shed, but not profusely, or produce an endless amount of dander around the house. However, this breed does demand regular brushing, the right tools, and a healthy diet; but hair losses will be relatively minimal. 

In short, the Maltese shedding habits make this pooch an excellent choice for those who dislike excessive doggy hair or dog allergy sufferers.