One of the most prized characteristics of this endearing breed is its coat. Smooth, long and white, it gives a really distinguished look, but it also requires frequent care. Luckily, Bichon M altese dogs are happy receiving attention from their handler. Therefore, if we get them used to brushing, hygiene and haircut sessions from puppies, we will turn these moments into pleasant experiences for everyone. Next, in this article on our site we explain how to cut a M altese puppy's hair step by step so you can keep your companion always perfect.
Types of M altese haircuts
The beautiful coat of the M altese Bichon offers multiple possibilities, so choosing the best cut will depend on factors such as our taste, the dog's habits, weather conditions or the time we have for its care. You just have to keep in mind that we should never shave it. The hair offers protection to dogs and leaving it scratched can cause irritation, itching and other discomfort. Basically, depending on whether we want the hair on the body long, short or we choose to keep some part longer than another, we can find three options:
- Short hair or puppy cut: this involves cutting the entire body the same, leaving the hair about 3 centimeters long. Despite the name, it is also a perfect cut for adult dogs and makes maintenance much easier.
- Longhair: it is the typical cut that usually comes to mind when we think of a M altese puppy and it is the one worn by copies in the exhibitions of the race. The hair falls smooth to the floor. The result is spectacular, but it requires investing a lot of time every day to keep it perfect.
- Other cuts: in this group we include all those cut possibilities that combine different lengths. For example, you can keep the body long and keep the head short or cut the hair on the body but keep the length of the hair on the legs. Another very popular option because it helps hygiene is the one known as half-length or mid-length cut, which prevents the hair from dragging on the ground.
When to give a M altese puppy its first haircut?
More than talking about a specific age we should pay attention to our hair and how we want it. At the moment when it seems too long, we can think of starting by trimming the ends with scissors or clearing areas, such as the perianal, to promote hygiene. It is very important that these sessions are done carefully and calmly so that our puppy has a positive experience that predisposes him to willingly accept the successive cuts that he will have to get used to. In any case, if you have doubts about whether you should cut or not, it is best to consult with a professional dog groomer before starting.
What do I need to give a M altese haircut?
If you have decided to cut your M altese puppy's hair at home, before starting make sure you have everything you need at hand so as not to interrupt the session. It is also essential that you choose a time when you have time. It is not a good idea to start cutting a dog's hair in a hurry, especially if you do not have much experience yet or it is the first time for your dog. And do not forget to be clear about the cut you want to make. These are the basic materials:
- Table: look for one that allows you to place the dog at your height to make the cut comfortably. In addition, this way the dog will associate it with the court session and will know what is going to happen.
- Scissors: use specific ones for this purpose, you can find different options for sale, such as straight ones, valid for cutting hair of the body, or the blunt ones, designed for very delicate areas, such as the face or ears.
- Electric razor: It is recommended to cut the M altese Bichon with scissors, but if for some reason you opt for the razor, you can also If you use a special one for dogs, you should only cut the ends. In fact, it is advisable to cut frequently to be able to remove only the minimum. This is because clipping is more likely to curl your hair.
- Shampoo and conditioner: After cutting, the dog is usually bathed. For this, it is advisable to choose a specific shampoo for the M altese bichon. In addition, it is recommended to use a conditioner to keep the coat in the best condition.
- Brush: as for the brush, just like the shampoo or the conditioner, we must look for the one that best suits the characteristics of the hair of this breed. It is likely that we will also need a comb or even a knot clipper. Depending on the state of the coat, we may have to brush before starting the cut.
- Towels and hairdryer: if it is essential for a good bath, use a suitable product for our M altese Bichon and rinse the soap completely, Another key is perfect drying to avoid the problems that moisture can cause on the skin. Absorb as much water as you can with towels and finish off with the dryer, away from the dog's body and at medium temperature.
- Tear Cleansing Wipes: If you look closely, you will likely see that the white hairs on your M altese running from the top inside of the eye towards the snout have darkened to a coppery hue. You can keep them white with different specific products that are for sale. Use them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Also, in this article you have tricks to remove tear stains from dogs.
- Spray glitter: you can give your M altese Bichon's styling a final touch by applying this glitter that you can buy at specialized stores. You can also use cologne.
- Awards: Especially if it's the first sessions of cutting and grooming, don't forget to congratulate your M altese with some reward when he stays calm and obeys your instructions. Food usually works best, although you can also reward it with praise and caresses.
How to cut the hair of a M altese puppy step by step?
If you already know what cut you want to make and you have all the materials you need at hand, all you have to do is start cutting. We explain how to do it step by step with scissors, which is the recommended option, or by machine.
M altese haircut with scissors
- It is advisable to start with do a good brushing to remove any possible tangles or knots. In addition, it is the way to match all the hair. If it were the case that the knots were too many or were completely stuck to the skin, it is best to go to a dog groomer to assess possible solutions. Avoid this by brushing your M altese puppy frequently.
- Carefully start cutting the body hair You can use straight scissors. If the dog is restless, seek help to keep him calm. Start with the back and continue through the hind legs, chest and front legs, ending with the tail and head. For the legs you can use curved scissors. You can make a cut, let's say, more superficial and then match it in more detail to review those hairs that have been longer. If you go through the comb you make sure that they are all at the same length.
- Very Be careful with the paws, ears and face, as they are sensitive and delicate areas. You can use blunt-tipped scissors. Also keep in mind mustaches and eyebrows, which should not be cut. They are not like other hairs and perform important functions for the dog. In this article we explain what dog whiskers are for.
- Finally, do the tweaks. Trim the hairs between the foot pads and go over the face, ears and perianal area. You can also use sculpting scissors for repairs.
- The last step is bathing and drying.
M altese haircut machine
As we explained, it is more advisable to cut the hair of this breed with scissors, since with the machine it is more likely to curl, which is the opposite effect to what is sought, since straight hair It is one of the most appreciated characteristics of the M altese. In any case, the typical long cut cannot be done by machine. This could be used only if we always want to keep the puppy cut. The blade must be about 5-7 mm, as the hair cannot be cut too short. We can follow the same steps as for cutting with scissors and use one with blunt tips for the most delicate areas.
Does a M altese puppy need a haircut in summer?
Heat is no reason to cut your M altese's hair. In other words, in these months there is no reason to change the hair care routine that you provide throughout the year. Some keepers think that shaving the long hair of their M altese makes it less hot, but the truth is that shaving is never indicated, as it leaves the skin exposed to sunburn and any external aggression. Let's not forget that the hair of dogs serves as protection, also against the weather. For this reason, shaving is reserved for specific areas when a surgical incision needs to be made or an injury healed. In conclusion, keep your M altese's coat he althy with frequent brushing and cut it when you consider it necessary depending on whether you want to keep it long or prefer the puppy cut.
