Do Maltese Shed?

Yes — Maltese shed. Very low — considered hypoallergenic; has hair rather than fur. Whether that’s a deal-breaker depends on your tolerance for fur, time available for grooming, and whether anyone in the home has allergies.

How Much Does a Maltese Shed?

Very low — considered hypoallergenic; has hair rather than fur. Compared to other breeds, the Maltese sheds relatively little. Daily vacuuming during peak shedding is normal.

Seasonal Shedding

Many Maltese ‘blow coat’ twice yearly — once in spring (losing the winter undercoat) and again in fall (losing the summer coat). During these 2–4 week periods, expect dramatically more fur. Brushing daily during shed seasons cuts loose fur by 80%+.

Managing Shedding

• Brush 2–3 times weekly minimum, daily during shed seasons
• Use an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool
• Bathe every 6–8 weeks with a de-shedding shampoo
• High-quality diet with omega-3s improves coat health
• Vacuum with a pet-hair attachment, ideally daily

Allergies and the Maltese

The Maltese is considered hypoallergenic, though no breed is 100% allergen-free. If anyone in your household is allergic, spend significant time with the breed before committing.