Published Friday, January 31, 2025 by Elena R.
Maltipoos can rock a variety of haircuts, from short and practical to fluffy and stylish. Their soft, wavy, or curly coats need regular trims to stay clean and tangle-free, but the right cut also makes grooming easier and keeps them comfortable.
This guide covers ten popular Maltipoo haircuts, explaining what each one looks like, what kind of coat it works best on, and how to do it step by step. Whether you’re looking for a simple, low-maintenance trim or something a little fancier, you’ll find the perfect style for your pup. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your Maltipoo looking fresh between professional grooming sessions or even try these styles at home.
Table of Contents
10 Maltipoo Haircuts
Maltipoos have a beautiful coat that can be trimmed and shaped in many ways, depending on how much maintenance you want and how fluffy you’d like them to look. Some haircuts keep things short and simple and make grooming easier, while others leave the coat longer for a softer, fuller style. The right cut depends on your Maltipoo’s coat type, lifestyle, and how much time you want to spend on upkeep.
Each of these ten popular Maltipoo haircuts works well for different reasons. Some help with cooling in warmer months, while others highlight their adorable teddy bear-like features. No matter what style you choose, keeping your Maltipoo’s coat trimmed regularly helps prevent matting and makes brushing easier. Below, you’ll find step-by-step guides for each cut, along with the tools you’ll need and tips for making sure the style looks its best.
RELATED: Maltipoo Grooming Guide for Beginners
Puppy Cut
The Puppy Cut is one of the most popular Maltipoo haircuts because it’s easy to maintain and keeps the coat soft and even all over. This cut keeps the hair at a moderate length—usually 1 to 2 inches—and gives your Maltipoo a neat, fluffy look without too much upkeep. It works well on all coat types, whether wavy or curly, and helps prevent tangles while keeping the fur manageable for daily brushing. This cut is popular for owners who want their dog to keep looking like a Maltipoo puppy well into their adult years.
What You’ll Need:
- Clippers with 1 to 2-inch guard
- Grooming scissors for shaping
- Slicker brush for detangling
- Comb for finishing touches
How to Do It:
Start by brushing out any knots or tangles so the coat is smooth and easy to trim. Use clippers with a 1 to 2-inch guard to trim the body evenly, working in the direction of hair growth. Keep a steady hand and go over each area carefully to ensure an even length.
For the face, ears, and tail, use grooming scissors to trim and shape the hair to match the rest of the body. The goal is to keep the hair slightly rounded around the face while keeping the ears neat. Trim around the eyes carefully to prevent hair from blocking vision.
Once the cut is complete, brush through the coat to make sure the length is even, and trim any stray hairs that stand out. The Puppy Cut is low-maintenance but still needs regular brushing and occasional touch-ups to keep it looking fresh.
Teddy Bear Cut
The Teddy Bear Cut is a favorite for Maltipoos because it gives them a soft, round, and fluffy look, just like a plush toy. This style keeps the body hair shorter, usually around ½ to 1 inch, while the hair on the face is left slightly longer and shaped into a rounded, teddy bear-like appearance. It works best on Maltipoos with curly or wavy coats and requires regular brushing to keep it looking fluffy.
What You’ll Need:
- Clippers with a ½ to 1-inch guard
- Curved grooming scissors for shaping the face
- Slicker brush for fluffing up the coat
- Comb for blending
How to Do It:
Brush out any knots and use clippers with a ½ to 1-inch guard to trim the body evenly, making sure the fur stays soft and uniform. The goal is to keep the coat short but not too close to the skin, so your Maltipoo still looks fluffy.
For the face, use curved grooming scissors to shape the fur into a round, plush look. Trim around the cheeks, forehead, and chin carefully, making sure to keep everything even. The muzzle should be slightly longer than the rest of the face to maintain that teddy bear-like roundness. Blend the edges smoothly so the cut doesn’t look too choppy or uneven.
Brush through the coat with a slicker brush to add volume and check for any uneven areas. Trim any stray hairs as needed to maintain the rounded shape. Since this cut leaves the coat slightly longer, regular brushing helps prevent tangles, especially around the ears and face. Keeping up with grooming every 4 to 6 weeks helps maintain the soft, cuddly look.
Long & Layered Cut
The Long & Layered Cut keeps the Maltipoo’s coat longer while adding soft layers to create a natural, airy look. It works well for Maltipoos with wavy or straight coats, as it gives them a fluffy but well-groomed appearance. This style leaves the fur about 2 to 4 inches long, with carefully blended layers that add texture and movement. While this cut requires more maintenance than shorter styles, regular brushing keeps it looking neat and prevents tangles.
What You’ll Need:
- Grooming scissors for trimming and shaping
- Thinning shears for blending layers
- Wide-tooth comb for detangling
- Detangling spray to keep the coat smooth
How to Do It:
Start by brushing out any tangles so the coat is smooth and even. Use grooming scissors to trim the fur to your desired length, usually 2 to 4 inches. Work in sections, and carefully trim around the body to keep the length consistent.
Once the basic trim is done, use thinning shears to add soft layers. Focus on areas like the chest, legs, and sides to give the coat a natural shape. Blend the layers carefully so the cut looks even and smooth.
For the face, trim around the eyes and muzzle to keep the hair tidy, but leave it slightly longer to match the soft, flowing look of the rest of the coat. Brush through the fur again to check for any uneven areas and trim as needed.
Because this Maltipoo cut keeps the coat longer, regular brushing is a must at least 3 to 4 times a week to help prevent matting. Trimming every 6 to 8 weeks keeps the layers looking fresh and manageable.
Summer Cut
The Summer Cut is a short, practical trim that keeps Maltipoos cool and comfortable in warm weather. This style removes excess fur and makes it easier to manage while reducing the risk of overheating. The coat is typically trimmed down to ¼ inch, leaving just enough length to protect the skin. It works well for all Maltipoo coat types, especially for dogs that spend time outdoors or in hot climates.
What You’ll Need:
- Clippers with a ¼-inch guard
- Grooming scissors for touch-ups
- Slicker brush for smoothing the coat
- Detangling spray for pre-trim prep
How to Do It:
Start by brushing through the coat to remove any tangles or knots. Use clippers with a ¼-inch guard to trim the body evenly, moving in the direction of hair growth to prevent irritation. Keep a steady hand and work slowly to ensure an even cut across the back, chest, and legs.
For the face, trim slightly longer—around ½ inch—to keep the classic Maltipoo look without exposing too much skin. Use grooming scissors to clean up the edges around the ears, eyes, and snout.
Check for any uneven areas and blend them with light scissor trimming. Brush through the coat again to make sure the fur lies smoothly. Since this cut leaves the fur very short, applying a dog-safe sunscreen can help protect the skin, especially for Maltipoos with lighter coats.
The Summer Cut is easy to maintain and only needs trimming every 6 to 8 weeks. Regular brushing once or twice a week helps keep the coat smooth between trims.
Lamb Cut
The Lamb Cut is a stylish trim that gives Maltipoos a soft, balanced look. It features a short, neatly clipped body with longer, fluffier legs. This Maltipoo haircut creates a contrast that highlights their adorable build. This cut keeps the body fur around ¼ to ½ inch, while the legs stay at 1 to 2 inches, making them appear fuller. It works best on Maltipoos with curly or wavy coats and helps maintain a well-groomed, tidy appearance.
What You’ll Need:
- Clippers with a ¼ to ½-inch guard for the body
- Grooming scissors for shaping the legs
- Thinning shears for blending transitions
- Slicker brush to fluff the legs
How to Do It:
Start by brushing through your Maltipoo’s coat to remove tangles. Use clippers with a ¼ to ½-inch guard to trim the body evenly, following the direction of hair growth for a smooth finish. Trim the back, chest, and belly carefully and leave the legs untouched for now.
Next, focus on the legs. Use grooming scissors to trim the fur to about 1 to 2 inches, to keep it soft and rounded. Blend the transition from the body to the legs using thinning shears, and make sure there’s no harsh line between the two lengths. The goal is to keep the legs fluffy but well-shaped.
For the face, trim the fur evenly around the snout and eyes and blend it into the rest of the head for a natural look. The ears can be left slightly longer to add to the soft, rounded appearance.
Once finished, brush through the coat again to check for any uneven areas. This cut requires regular brushing to prevent matting in the longer leg hair, and trimming every 6 to 8 weeks keeps it looking fresh.
Poodle Cut
The Poodle Cut is a clean, stylish trim that keeps the body short while leaving certain areas longer for contrast. This cut works best for curly-coated Maltipoos since their dense fur holds the shape well. It keeps the coat neat while giving the legs, head, and tail a fuller look. The body is usually clipped to ½ inch, while the legs, top of the head, and tail stay between 1 and 2 inches long.
What You’ll Need:
- Clippers with a ½-inch guard
- Grooming scissors for shaping the longer areas
- Thinning shears for blending
- A fine-tooth comb for precise trimming
How to Do It:
Brush out any tangles so the coat is smooth and easy to trim. Use clippers with a ½-inch guard to trim the body evenly, following the natural direction of hair growth. Keep the fur short across the back, belly, and chest while leaving the legs, tail, and head untouched for now.
For the legs, trim the fur to 1 to 2 inches with grooming scissors and shape them so they look fluffy but not overly thick. Use thinning shears where the legs meet the body to create a smooth transition.
For the head, leave the top slightly longer and shape it into a round, full look with scissors. Trim the fur around the eyes so they stay clear and round out the cheeks and snout so they blend naturally into the rest of the face.
For the tail, trim the base short while keeping the tip full and rounded.
Once finished, brush through the coat again and trim any uneven areas. The Poodle Cut needs brushing every few days to keep it fluffy and mat-free. A professional trim every 6 to 8 weeks helps maintain the structured look. This cut is a great choice for owners who want their Maltipoo to look stylish and keep the coat easy to manage.
Maltese Cut
The Maltese Cut gives Maltipoos a soft, elegant look by keeping the coat long and silky. Inspired by the classic Maltese hairstyle, this cut works best for straight or slightly wavy-coated Maltipoos, as it allows the hair to flow naturally. The fur stays around 4 to 6 inches long and creates a graceful, well-groomed appearance. While this style requires more upkeep than shorter cuts, regular brushing will prevent tangles and keep the coat looking smooth.
What You’ll Need:
- Straight grooming scissors for precise trimming
- Thinning shears for blending layers
- A fine-tooth comb for detangling
- Detangling spray to keep the coat sleek
How to Do It:
Brush through the coat to remove any tangles and make sure it lays flat. Use straight grooming scissors to trim the fur to a uniform 4 to 6 inches, working in sections to keep everything even. The goal is to maintain length while keeping the coat neat and manageable.
For the face, shape the fur around the snout and cheeks so it blends smoothly with the rest of the coat. Trim around the eyes to keep them clear and expressive. If desired, tie the top hair into a small topknot using a gentle hairband to prevent it from falling into the eyes.
Use thinning shears on areas where the fur looks too thick to create a natural flow. Brush through the coat again and check for any uneven areas.
The Maltese Cut requires daily brushing to prevent knots and mats. A trim every 6 to 8 weeks keeps the coat in good shape. This style works well for owners who love a longer, more refined look and don’t mind the extra maintenance.
Shih Tzu Cut
The Shih Tzu Cut gives Maltipoos a fluffy, well-rounded look by keeping the body neatly trimmed while leaving the facial fur longer. Inspired by traditional Shih Tzu grooming, this cut works best for Maltipoos with wavy or slightly curly coats, as it enhances their natural volume while keeping the hair manageable. The body fur is usually trimmed to 1 to 2 inches, while the face is shaped to create a soft, round appearance.
What You’ll Need:
- Clippers with a 1 to 2-inch guard
- Curved grooming scissors for shaping the face
- A fine-tooth comb for precise trimming
- Slicker brush for fluffing up the coat
How to Do It:
Start by brushing through the coat to remove any tangles. Use clippers with a 1 to 2-inch guard to trim the body evenly, following the natural growth of the fur. Keep the length consistent across the back, chest, and belly while leaving the legs slightly longer for a balanced look.
For the face, use curved grooming scissors to round out the fur, shaping the cheeks and forehead to give a full, fluffy appearance. Trim around the eyes so they stay clear and expressive. The muzzle fur should stay slightly longer and blend smoothly into the rest of the face.
For the ears, trim them to match the length of the face or leave them longer for a softer, more dramatic look. The tail can stay long and fluffy or be trimmed slightly for a neat finish.
Once the trimming is complete, brush through the coat again and fluff up the fur with a slicker brush to enhance volume. The Shih Tzu Cut requires brushing several times a week to prevent matting, especially around the face. A trim every 6 to 8 weeks keeps the cut looking fresh and well-maintained. This style is great for owners who want their Maltipoo to have a soft, rounded, and playful look while keeping their coat manageable.
Kennel Cut
The Kennel Cut is one of the easiest Maltipoo haircuts to maintain. It’s a great choice for active dogs or owners who prefer a low-maintenance style. This cut keeps the coat very short, around ¼ inch, all over the body, giving a clean and tidy look while reducing the risk of matting. It works well for all Maltipoo coat types, especially for those prone to tangles or those who live in warmer climates.
What You’ll Need:
- Clippers with a ¼-inch guard
- Grooming scissors for touch-ups around the face and paws
- A fine-tooth comb for detail work
- Slicker brush to smooth the coat
How to Do It:
Start by brushing through the coat to remove any knots. Use clippers with a ¼-inch guard to trim the fur evenly across the entire body, working in the direction of hair growth. Keep a steady hand to avoid uneven patches.
For the face, trim the hair slightly longer—around ½ inch—to soften the look while keeping it practical. Use grooming scissors to shape around the eyes, ears, and snout to make sure the fur remains neat without blocking vision.
Trim the ears and tail to match the short body length or leave them slightly longer for a little extra fluff.
Once finished, brush through the coat again to check for any uneven areas and trim as needed. The Kennel Cut requires minimal maintenance, with brushing once or twice a week and a trim every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the coat short and tidy. This cut is ideal for owners who want a practical, low-maintenance Maltipoo haircut that keeps their dog comfortable year-round.
Continental Cut
The Continental Cut is a high-maintenance but stylish trim that gives Maltipoos a distinctive, elegant look. Inspired by traditional Poodle show cuts, this style features a short-trimmed body with longer, sculpted areas on the head, tail, and legs. It works best for curly-coated Maltipoos, as their dense fur holds the shape well. While this cut requires frequent upkeep, it gives a bold, eye-catching appearance.
What You’ll Need:
- Clippers with various blade lengths
- Grooming scissors for shaping
- Thinning shears for blending
- A fine-tooth comb for detailing
How to Do It:
Start by brushing through the coat to remove tangles. Use clippers to trim most of the body, keeping the fur around ¼ inch in length. Leave the fur on the legs, tail, and top of the head longer—around 1 to 2 inches—to create the classic sculpted look.
For the legs, trim carefully to maintain the signature rounded puffs. Use thinning shears to blend the transition from the short body fur to the fuller leg fur, making sure the cut looks natural.
For the head, shape the fur into a rounded look, leaving the top slightly longer. Trim around the eyes and snout to keep the face neat and expressive.
For the tail, shave the base close while leaving a full, rounded puff at the tip.
After trimming, brush through the coat again and check for any uneven areas. The Continental Cut requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and a trim every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain its structured look. This cut is perfect for owners who want a sophisticated, show-style Maltipoo haircut that makes their dog stand out.
Best Haircuts for Male and Female Maltipoos
Some Maltipoo haircuts bring out a softer, more elegant look, while others give a sporty or structured appearance. Many owners choose styles based on what complements their dog’s personality, coat type, and grooming needs.
For female Maltipoos, styles like the Teddy Bear Cut or Shih Tzu Cut highlight their round faces and playful expressions, while longer cuts, such as the Maltese Cut or Long & Layered Cut, create a more graceful look. These styles require regular brushing but give a soft, flowing appearance that many owners love.
For male Maltipoos, the Poodle Cut and Lamb Cut provide a stylish, well-groomed look while keeping the coat manageable. The Kennel Cut is another great choice for owners who prefer a simple haircut that requires minimal maintenance.
RELATED: 20 Pros and Cons of Owning a Maltipoo
Conclusion
Maltipoos can pull off a variety of haircuts, from short and practical to fluffy and stylish. The right cut depends on their coat type, lifestyle, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Shorter styles like the Puppy Cut or Kennel Cut keep things easy, while longer styles like the Maltese Cut or Long & Layered Cut create a more polished look. No matter which style you choose, regular grooming helps prevent tangles and keeps your Maltipoo looking and feeling their best.
Other Maltipoo Articles That Might Interest You:
Complete Guide to All Maltipoo Colors
Introduction to Maltipoo Generations
Maltipoo Feeding Guide: Optimal Diet and Best Dog Food Choices
Maltipoo Behavior: An In-Depth Guide
Maltipoo Size Guide : How Big do Maltipoos Get?
Scroll down to see FAQs about Maltipoo haircuts.
Elena R.
About The Author
Elena is a leading expert in the field of dog behavior, care, and training, with over a decade of experience in writing about dogs. As a published writer and lifelong dog enthusiast, Elena currently shares her home with three beloved canine companions. She is dedicated to staying up to date on the latest advancements in dog care and training, ensuring that her articles provide readers with accurate and valuable insights. With her extensive knowledge and passion for all things canine, Elena's contributions to the Premier Pups community offer both expertise and authority on a wide range of dog-related topics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I groom my Maltipoo? Regular grooming is essential for Maltipoos to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. It's recommended to groom your Maltipoo every 4 to 6 weeks.
What are the most popular Maltipoo haircuts? Common Maltipoo haircuts include the Puppy Cut, Teddy Bear Cut, and Summer Cut. The Puppy Cut keeps the coat short and manageable, while the Teddy Bear Cut leaves the fur slightly longer for a fluffy appearance.
Can I groom my Maltipoo at home? Yes, with the right tools and techniques, you can groom your Maltipoo at home. Start with regular brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. For haircuts, use clippers with adjustable blades and be cautious around sensitive areas like the face and paws.
How can I prevent my Maltipoo's coat from matting? Daily brushing is crucial to prevent matting in your Maltipoo's coat. Use the appropriate brush for your dog's coat type and make sure you brush thoroughly. Regular brushing and grooming will help keep the fur tangle-free.
What type of brush should I use for my Maltipoo? The type of brush depends on your Maltipoo’s coat. A slicker brush is ideal for curly, Poodle-like coats, while a pin and bristle brush is better suited for thicker, Maltese-like coats.
How can I keep my Maltipoo calm during grooming sessions? Create a calm environment with soft lighting and soothing music, ideally with no distractions. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to make the experience enjoyable. Start grooming sessions slowly and gradually increase the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable.