Nestled in the laps of royalty for centuries, the Maltese dog carries with it an air of aristocratic elegance, largely owed to its magnificent, floor-length coat and expressive, dark eyes. Yet, this beauty demands a commitment that goes beyond casual admiration. The very features that make the Maltese so visually striking—its luxurious white hair and its large, soulful eyes—are also the sources of its most demanding care requirements. To live with a Maltese is to enter into a pact of preservation, a daily ritual of maintenance that, when done correctly, transforms routine grooming into an act of love, ensuring the dog's health, comfort, and breathtaking appearance.

The iconic Maltese coat is a single layer of silky, straight hair that grows continuously, much like human hair. Unlike many other breeds that have a dense undercoat that sheds, the Maltese's hair will keep growing, often reaching impressive lengths if left untrimmed. This unique characteristic is the root of both its beauty and its high-maintenance reputation. Without a dense undercoat to trap oils and dirt close to the skin, the long hairs are prone to picking up every bit of debris from a walk in the park or a roll on the carpet. Furthermore, the oils from the skin, which are healthy in moderation, travel down the long hair shafts, losing their protective quality and instead becoming a magnet for dirt, leading to tangling, matting, and a yellowish discoloration, particularly around the mouth, eyes, and paws.

For owners who wish to maintain the classic long-coated look, the cornerstone of care is a meticulous and consistent brushing routine. This is not a task to be rushed or done half-heartedly. A thorough brushing session is required daily without exception. The goal is to prevent the formation of mats and tangles before they begin, as once they take hold, they can be painful to remove and may even require shaving. The process should begin with the right tools: a high-quality steel comb with both wide and fine teeth, and a pin brush with rounded tips to protect the sensitive skin. Start by lightly misting the coat with a detangling spray or a mix of water and a leave-in conditioner; brushing a completely dry coat can cause static and break the delicate hair.

Begin with the pin brush to work through the larger sections of the coat, gently lifting the hair and brushing from the skin outward. Pay close attention to high-friction areas like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar, as these are prime spots for matting. After brushing, the steel comb is your final inspector. Work through the entire coat section by section with the fine-toothed end. If the comb glides through smoothly without catching, you have succeeded. If it snags, work that small area patiently with the comb and your fingers to tease the tangle apart, never pulling forcefully. This daily ritual, though time-consuming, is a peaceful bonding experience that keeps the coat pristine, stimulates healthy skin, and distributes natural oils.

While the coat is the Maltese's crowning glory, its eyes are the windows to its playful soul. Unfortunately, they are also a significant source of concern. Those large, beautiful eyes are prone to excessive tearing, a condition often referred to as "epiphora." The tears, which contain a pigment called porphyrin, stain the white hair around the eyes a reddish-brown, creating unsightly tear stains. More importantly, the constant moisture can create a perfect environment for yeast and bacterial infections, leading to skin irritation, odor, and discomfort for the dog. The causes of this tearing are varied, ranging from genetics and diet to blocked tear ducts and environmental irritants like dust or pollen.

A proactive and gentle eye care routine is therefore non-negotiable. This begins with a simple daily inspection. Take a moment each day to look closely at your Maltese's eyes. They should be clear, bright, and free of excessive discharge. Any sign of redness, cloudiness, or a thick, greenish-yellow discharge warrants an immediate call to the veterinarian, as these can be signs of a serious infection or injury. Assuming the eyes are healthy, the focus turns to managing the moisture and preventing stains. The area around the eyes should be kept meticulously dry. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a cotton round dampened with warm water or a veterinarian-approved eye wipe to gently dab away any accumulated moisture. Do this several times throughout the day, especially after meals or naps.

For the stubborn staining that inevitably occurs, a more targeted approach is needed. Never, under any circumstances, use human makeup removers, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh chemicals near your dog's eyes. Instead, apply a tiny amount of a vet-recommended stain remover solution or a paste made from water and a teaspoon of baking soda to the stained areas. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the stain, then gently wipe it away with a damp cloth. For some dogs, a dietary review can also help; some evidence suggests that allergens in food or minerals in tap water can exacerbate tearing. Switching to a high-quality, additive-free diet and offering filtered or bottled water can sometimes reduce the severity of tear staining over time.

The relationship between coat care and eye care is deeply intertwined, especially on the Maltese's face. The long hair on the head can easily fall into the eyes, acting as a constant physical irritant that stimulates more tearing. This creates a vicious cycle: the hair irritates the eyes, causing tearing, which wets the hair, leading to staining and potential skin infections. Managing this requires strategic grooming. Many owners opt to keep the hair on the top of the head tied up in a soft, fabric-covered band or a cute barrette, creating a topknot that pulls the hair safely away from the eyes. This simple act is one of the most effective ways to minimize eye irritation. For those who prefer a shorter look, regularly trimming the hair around the eyes and on the muzzle with blunt-nosed scissors (performed very carefully or by a professional groomer) can achieve the same goal with less daily fuss.

Beyond the daily brush and eye wipe, the complete grooming picture includes regular baths. A Maltese typically needs a bath every two to three weeks to keep its white coat brilliant and free of oil buildup. Pre-bath preparation is crucial: a thorough, line-brushing session ensures there are no mats, which would only worsen and become impossible to remove when wet. Use a gentle, whitening, or brightening shampoo formulated for dogs with sensitive skin. Lather thoroughly, taking care to avoid the eyes, and follow with a rich conditioner, focusing on the ends of the hair. After the bath, the drying technique is critical. Patting with a towel is a start, but a high-velocity dryer on a cool, low setting is the professional's secret. It blows out loose undercoat (though minimal), straightens the hair, and fluffs it to perfection, making the post-bath brushing session far easier.

Embracing life with a Maltese is to accept the role of a dedicated custodian of its signature beauty. The journey is one of patience and consistency. There will be days when finding the time for a full brushing feels daunting, and moments of frustration when tear stains reappear despite your best efforts. But this daily dedication is the very language of love for this particular breed. Each stroke of the brush is a massage, a moment of connection. Each gentle dab around the eyes is an act of protection. The reward is not just a dog that looks like it stepped out of a painting, but a healthy, comfortable, and happy companion whose vibrant spirit shines through its well-cared-for exterior. The flawless white coat and clear, bright eyes become a testament to the deep bond and unwavering care you provide, a true labor of love that defines the joyful experience of sharing your home with a Maltese.