Best shampoo for a maltipoo
A maltipoo, a cross between a maltese and a toy or miniature poodle, typically inherits a soft, low-shedding coat that mats easily if not properly maintained, along with a tendency towards sensitive skin and tear staining common in small, often white or pale-coated breeds. Shampoo choice for this cross is worth thinking about specifically rather than reaching for whatever is on the shelf.
Why this coat needs a gentle approach
The soft, curly coat maltipoos typically inherit is prone to matting, particularly around the ears, legs and underside, and a harsh shampoo that strips natural oils can make a coat more prone to tangling rather than less. A gentle, moisturising shampoo formulated for sensitive skin helps keep the coat manageable between grooming appointments.
Many maltipoos also have genuinely sensitive skin, inherited from either parent breed, so a shampoo free from strong fragrances and harsh detergents is worth prioritising over one chosen purely for scent or a specific coat-colour claim.
Tear staining is worth considering separately
Tear staining — the reddish-brown marks that can develop under the eyes, particularly on pale or white-faced dogs — is common in maltipoos given the maltese side of their heritage. A tear-safe formula, or a separate gentle facial wash designed specifically for the area around the eyes, avoids irritating this sensitive spot in a way a general body shampoo is not necessarily designed to do.
Regularly and gently cleaning the face, rather than only during a full bath, helps manage staining between washes for a dog prone to it.
Bathing frequency and routine
A maltipoo's coat does not usually need bathing as often as it might seem given how prone it is to matting — over-bathing can dry out skin already inclined towards sensitivity. Regular brushing between baths does more for preventing mats than frequent washing does, with a bath reserved for when the coat or skin genuinely needs it.
A conditioner formulated for curly or matting-prone coats, used after shampooing, makes the coat easier to brush through and helps reduce the tangling this cross is prone to.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Electric Pet Grooming Clipper
A quiet, rechargeable electric clipper for trimming dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets at home. Low-noise and low-vibration with an adjustable blade for tidy, stress-free grooming around the body and paws.
From£11.99
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Round-Tipped Deshedding Rake Comb
A double-sided undercoat rake with rounded stainless-steel blades that gently cut through mats and remove loose hair. The non-slip ergonomic handle makes deshedding dogs and cats quick and comfortable.
From£8.99
Pet Deshedding Grooming Mitt
A soft mesh grooming mitt you wear on one hand to lift loose fur while stroking your pet, turning shedding control into a soothing massage. Suits dogs and cats with any coat length.
From£7.99
Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
A skin-friendly slicker brush that gently lifts loose fur and undercoat from dogs, cats and rabbits. The angled pins glide through the coat while a one-click button releases the collected hair for easy cleaning. Soft non-slip handle.
£9.99
Double-Sided Deshedding & Flea Comb
A two-sided steel comb with coarse deshedding teeth on one side and fine flea-comb teeth on the other. Lifts loose fur and catches fleas to keep your cat or dog's coat clean and healthy.
£13.99
Steam Spray Detangling Grooming Brush
A rechargeable steam grooming brush with a fine mist that lifts loose fur and eases tangles while you brush. Gentle on the skin and cuts down flyaway hair, no bath needed. Chick design.
£12.99
Wahl Competition Series Clipper Blades
High-precision, chrome-plated clipper blades with a rust-resistant finish, available in 17 sizes for every coat type and clipping style.
From£37.99
Double-Sided Undercoat Rake
A twin-bladed rake that removes mats and tangles on one side and reduces shedding on the other. The non-slip ergonomic handle suits cats and dogs with thick or long coats.
£23.99
Silicone Pet Bath & Massage Brush
Soft silicone bristles work shampoo into a rich lather while gently massaging your pet and lifting loose hair at bath time. A handy strap keeps the brush secure across the back of your hand.
£7.99
Self-Cleaning Deshedding Slicker Brush
A deshedding grooming tool for dogs and cats that lifts loose undercoat and eases out tangles, with a self-cleaning button that releases the trapped fur in one press.
£25.99
Wooden Pet Deshedding Grooming Brush
An ergonomic wooden grooming brush with a fine-toothed edge that loosens and lifts away dead and shedding fur. The smooth contoured handle sits comfortably in the hand for quick, gentle daily de-shedding.
£14.99
Common questions
- Why does my maltipoo need a gentle shampoo specifically?
- Maltipoos typically have soft, curly coats prone to matting and often inherit sensitive skin from either parent breed. A gentle, moisturising shampoo without harsh detergents or strong fragrances helps keep both the coat and skin in better condition than a standard shampoo.
- What causes tear staining in maltipoos?
- Tear staining is common in maltipoos, particularly through the maltese side of their heritage, and shows as reddish-brown marks under the eyes on pale or white-faced dogs. A tear-safe formula or a gentle facial wash designed for that area helps manage it without irritating sensitive skin around the eyes.
- How often should I bathe my maltipoo?
- Less often than the coat's tendency to mat might suggest — over-bathing can dry out skin already prone to sensitivity. Regular brushing between baths does more to prevent matting than frequent washing, with a full bath reserved for when it is genuinely needed.
- Should I use conditioner on a maltipoo?
- Yes, a conditioner formulated for curly or matting-prone coats, used after shampooing, generally makes the coat easier to brush through and helps reduce tangling in a coat type prone to it.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.