Small Breed Grooming Guide: Caring for Shih Tzu, Maltese & Pomeranian Coats

Two small dogs are sitting on different surfaces in a bright home interior: a white Maltese is on the wooden floor, looking and smiling toward the camera with its tongue out, while a fawn and white Shih Tzu sits in profile on a white rug. A blurred Pomeranian is in the far background.
Small breeds may be tiny, but their grooming needs are anything but simple. Shih Tzus, Maltese, and Pomeranians are three of the most popular small dogs around—and each one has a completely different coat that calls for its own care routine. Whether you’re a new small-dog owner or just want to keep your pup looking their best between appointments, here’s what you need to know about grooming these three beloved breeds.

Shih Tzu Grooming: Managing a Long, Dense Coat

Shih Tzus have a long, flowing double coat that grows continuously and tangles easily—especially around the face, ears, and legs. Without regular care, that beautiful coat can mat quickly and trap moisture against the skin.
A recently groomed, light brown and white Shih Tzu with clear, attentive eyes is lying calmly on an outdoor concrete path. Its paws are tucked beneath its chest, and it looks directly at the camera. The background is a blurred park scene with trees.

  • Daily Brushing: Use a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent mats.
  • Face and Eye Care: Hair around the eyes can cause irritation and tear staining.
  • The Puppy Cut: A short, even trim that’s by far the most popular low-maintenance style.
  • Professional Grooming Every 4–6 Weeks: Keeps the coat healthy and clean.

If your Shih Tzu has tear stains, gentle daily wiping around the eyes and keeping the facial hair trimmed makes a big difference.

Maltese Grooming: Caring for Silky, Single-Coat Hair

Unlike most breeds, the Maltese has a single coat of fine, silky hair and no undercoat. That gives them their signature flowing white look—but it also means their hair behaves a lot like human hair: it grows long, tangles easily, and shows every bit of dirt and staining.
A Maltese with long, groomed white fur and a top knot bow walks confidently forward on a reflective marble floor in a brightly lit, high-end store interior. The dog is in mid-stride with its mouth slightly open. The background shows blurred people and shopping displays.

  • Frequent Gentle Brushing: Prevents the fine coat from knotting.
  • Tear Stain Management: The bright white coat makes staining around the eyes very visible.
  • Regular Baths: Keeps the white coat clean and bright.
  • Professional Grooming Every 4–6 Weeks: Often in a short “puppy cut” for easier upkeep.

Because the Maltese coat is so fine, even a day or two of skipped brushing can lead to tangles close to the skin.

Pomeranian Grooming: Maintaining a Thick Double Coat

Pomeranians are the opposite of the Maltese—they have a thick, fluffy double coat with a dense undercoat that sheds. Their grooming is less about preventing mats and more about managing that volume and shedding.
A highly fluffy, light orange Pomeranian walks in profile on an asphalt park path, wearing a leather harness and leash. The dog is looking ahead with its tongue out. Fallen white petals are scattered on the ground, and a blurred hedge with flowers is in the background.

  • Regular Brushing: Removes loose undercoat and prevents tangles behind the ears and legs.
  • De-Shedding Care: Especially important during seasonal coat changes.
  • Trimming and Shaping: Popular looks include the “teddy bear” or “lion” trims.
  • Professional Grooming Every 4–8 Weeks: Keeps the coat full and healthy.

Important: Pomeranians should never be shaved down to the skin. Shaving a double coat can damage how it regrows and affect the dog’s natural insulation. Always trust trimming and shaping to a professional who understands double coats.

What All Small Breeds Have in Common

Even though these three coats are completely different, small breeds share a few grooming essentials:

  • Nail Trims Matter More: Small dogs walk less on rough surfaces, so nails overgrow faster.
  • Dental and Ear Care: Small breeds are prone to dental issues and benefit from routine ear cleaning.
  • Gentle, Patient Handling: Small dogs can be nervous on the table, so a calm groomer makes all the difference.
  • Consistency Wins: Regular appointments are far easier on your dog than occasional heavy de-matting sessions.

For curly-coated small breeds like Poodles, you may also find our Poodle & Goldendoodle grooming guide helpful.

Professional Small Breed Grooming in Yorba Linda

At Pawradise Grooming in Yorba Linda, we tailor every appointment to your dog’s specific breed and coat—whether that’s keeping a Maltese coat silky and bright, shaping a Pomeranian’s fluff, or giving a Shih Tzu a clean, comfortable puppy cut. Our gentle, patient approach is especially well suited to small and nervous dogs. Serving Yorba Linda, Placentia, Anaheim, Fullerton, and the greater Orange County area, we’d love to help your little one look and feel their best. You can see examples of our work in our photo gallery.
Let your small breed look and feel their best. Book your grooming appointment with Pawradise Grooming today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a Shih Tzu be groomed?
Shih Tzus need professional grooming every four to six weeks, along with daily brushing at home to prevent their long double coat from matting.

Why does my Maltese’s hair tangle so easily?
The Maltese has a fine, silky single coat with no undercoat, so it behaves like human hair and tangles quickly without regular brushing.

Should you shave a Pomeranian?
No. Pomeranians have a double coat that should never be shaved to the skin, as it can affect how the coat regrows and harm their natural insulation. Trimming and shaping are safer options.

What is the best haircut for a small breed dog?
The “puppy cut” is the most popular choice for Shih Tzus and Maltese because it’s short, even, and low-maintenance, while Pomeranians often suit a teddy bear or lion trim.

How can I reduce tear stains on my small dog?
Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed, wipe the area gently each day, and book regular grooming to keep the face clean and comfortable.

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