Maltese and Poodle Crosses: The Grooming Truth

Maltese, toy poodles and their crosses are hugely popular in South Africa, sold on the promise that they do not shed. That is true. What is left out is that a non-shedding coat means the dead hair stays in the coat, and if you do not remove it, it mats to the skin.

The real grooming commitment

• Brushing: genuinely daily for a long coat, every second day minimum for a clipped one. Use a slicker brush and then a metal comb to check — if the comb does not pass to the skin, you have not brushed, you have brushed the top.
• Professional groom: every six to eight weeks, budget around R350 to R700 depending on your area and coat condition.
• Between grooms: trim around the eyes, the paw pads and the sanitary area yourself.

Matted dogs cannot be brushed out humanely — the only option is a short shave, which is why so many arrive at the groomer with a fluffy coat and leave nearly bald. That is not the groomer being unkind; it is the only pain-free option.

Tear staining

The rusty streaks below the eyes are porphyrins in tears oxidising on white hair. Wipe daily with a damp cloth or a proper eye wipe, keep the hair short there, and use a stainless steel or ceramic water bowl rather than plastic, which harbours bacteria. If staining is sudden or accompanied by squinting or discharge, get the eyes checked — blocked tear ducts, entropion and corneal ulcers all present this way.

Teeth, again

Small breeds get severe dental disease early. Daily brushing from puppyhood and professional scaling every one to two years is not optional. Retained baby teeth are common and should come out at sterilisation.

The health list

Patellar luxation is very common — watch for a skipping gait. Collapsing trachea means harness, never collar. Hypoglycaemia in tiny puppies. Poodles specifically are prone to progressive retinal atrophy and Addison's disease. Crosses inherit from both sides, so "hybrid vigour" is not a guarantee of anything.

Buying carefully

Designer crosses are a magnet for backyard breeders in South Africa. Insist on seeing the mother with the puppies, at the property where they were raised. Walk away from car-park meetings, from breeders selling under eight weeks, and from anyone who will not let you visit.