A Maltipoo’s coat can lean closer to its Poodle parent or its Maltese parent, and knowing which one shapes both how often you’ll be brushing and which styles actually work. For the full picture on grooming styles, see Dog Grooming Styles: A Complete Guide.
Coat Type Comes First
A curlier, more Poodle-like coat mats faster but hides those mats better under the curl. A straighter, more Maltese-like coat shows tangles sooner but is generally easier to brush through. A wavy coat sits between the two and sometimes carries a wiry texture that needs its own attention.
There’s no official breed standard for a Maltipoo, so there’s no official grooming style either. Every style here is adapted from Poodle and Maltese grooming traditions to suit a mixed coat.
The Teddy Bear Cut
The most requested Maltipoo style by a wide margin. The coat is trimmed to an even length, typically 1 to 2 inches, with the face rounded and shaped for a soft, plush look. It suits the breed’s naturally round features well and stays relatively easy to maintain.
The Puppy Cut
Trims the coat short and even all over, including the face, usually around 1 to 2 inches. Some groomers use “puppy cut” and “teddy bear cut” interchangeably, so it’s worth describing the specific look you want rather than relying on the name alone.
The Summer (or Kennel) Cut
A smooth 3/8 to 1/2 inch all over, often left slightly fuller on the face and tail so the dog still reads as a Maltipoo rather than a different breed entirely. It’s the lowest-maintenance option and buys the longest stretch between grooming appointments.
Don’t shave all the way to the skin even in summer. Keeping at least 3/8 inch of coverage still protects the skin from sunburn.
The Lamb Cut
Keeps the body shorter while leaving the legs and head noticeably fuller, borrowed directly from Poodle styling. It gives a more polished, show-adjacent look while keeping the torso easy to manage.
The Show Cut
Leaves the coat long for an elegant, flowing look, more commonly seen on Poodles but sometimes chosen for Maltipoos too. It’s genuinely time-consuming and needs frequent brushing to avoid matting, making it a less practical choice for most pet owners.
Grooming Schedule and Home Care
Most Maltipoos need professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, with dogs kept in a shorter summer cut sometimes stretching to 8 or 10 weeks between visits.
Brush 3 to 5 times a week between grooms regardless of which style you choose, and always brush before bathing, since water tightens existing tangles and makes them considerably harder to remove afterward.
Common Mistakes
Shaving down to the skin for summer. Even a very short coat needs some coverage to protect skin from sunburn.
Choosing a show-length coat without the brushing commitment. This coat mats quickly without near-daily attention.
Bathing before brushing out tangles. Wet hair tightens existing mats rather than loosening them.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a Teddy Bear Cut and a Puppy Cut?
They’re often used interchangeably, though a Teddy Bear Cut typically emphasizes a rounder, fuller face shape more deliberately than a straightforward even-length Puppy Cut.
How do I know if my Maltipoo has a curly or straight-leaning coat?
Check how quickly loose hair mats versus falls out. A curlier coat traps loose hair and mats faster; a straighter coat sheds tangles more visibly but sooner.
How often should a Maltipoo be professionally groomed?
Every 4 to 6 weeks for most styles, stretching to 8 to 10 weeks for a short summer cut.
The Bottom Line
The right Maltipoo style depends more on your dog’s individual coat texture and your brushing routine than any single “best” option. For more grooming styles, head back to Dog Grooming Styles: A Complete Guide.
