Best Dog Brush For Maltese - 2026 Reviews

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Let’s be honest, grooming a Maltese can feel like a full-time job. That long, silky hair mats if you so much as look at it wrong. I’ve spent years testing brushes on my own Maltese, ‘Bella’, and I’ve learned the hard way that not all brushes are created equal.

You need something gentle enough for their sensitive skin but effective enough to tackle those sneaky tangles before they become a nightmare. After evaluating dozens of options, I’ve narrowed it down to the very best tools that make grooming a bonding experience, not a battle.

?? Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. Our ratings (out of 10) are editorial assessments based on product features, user feedback, and real-world testing. Purchasing through our links doesn’t affect your price but helps support our research.

Best Dog Brush for Maltese – 2026 Reviews

Best Choice
1
MAEELOU pink puppy brush with soft bristles for small dogs like Maltese
MAEELOU

MAEELOU Puppy Brush – Gentle Soft Bristles for Maltese Grooming

This brush is a game-changer for Maltese owners. The ultra-soft bristles are specifically designed for delicate skin and fine hair, removing tangles without any pulling. It’s so gentle that even very young puppies seem to enjoy the brushing session.

Ultra-Soft Gentle BristlesEasy-Clean DesignPortable & Lightweight
9.1
Excellent
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What I Loved:

The first thing I noticed was how incredibly soft the bristles are. On my Maltese, it glides through her coat like a dream, catching loose hair without any snagging. I love the easy-to-clean mechanism – a quick press and the hair pops right out. It’s also so lightweight and compact that I keep it in my bag for quick touch-ups after walks. My dog actually leans into the brush now, which is a win in my book.

The Not-So-Great:

While sturdy for its purpose, the construction feels a bit light. It’s perfect for home use, but I wouldn’t toss it around in a toolbox.

Bottom Line:

If you want a fuss-free, gentle brush that your Maltese will actually tolerate, this is the one to get.

Budget Pick
2
MAEELOU blue cloud-shaped grooming brush for small dogs like Maltese
MAEELOU

MAEELOU Cloud Shape Brush – Gentle Grooming for Small Breeds

An adorable and effective tool that proves you don’t need to spend a lot for quality. The unique cloud shape is surprisingly ergonomic, and the soft silicone bristles provide a soothing massage while detangling.

Soothing Cloud-Shaped DesignMulti-Functional UseSafe Silicone Bristles
9.0
Excellent
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What I Loved:

This little brush is unbelievably gentle. The cloud shape fits perfectly in your hand, and the silicone tips are so soft they double as a massage tool. I was skeptical, but it glides through hair effortlessly, getting out tiny tangles around the ears without a fuss. It’s also a breeze to clean-just rinse it under water.

The Not-So-Great:

It is very small, which is great for portability but means it covers less area per stroke, so grooming takes a bit longer.

Bottom Line:

For the price, this is a fantastic, gentle introductory brush that gets the job done with zero stress.

None
3
MAEELOU blue small dog brush with soft rubber bristles
MAEELOU

MAEELOU Small Dog Brush – Soothing Grooming Tool for Maltese

A classic-style brush built for comfort. The soft rubber bristles are firm enough to remove loose hair but gentle enough to prevent skin irritation, making it a reliable daily brush for maintaining that signature Maltese fluff.

Soft Rubber Bristle PinsPromotes Blood CirculationErgonomic Handle Grip
9.0
Excellent
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What I Loved:

This brush has a great, substantial feel in the hand. The rubber bristles are the perfect middle ground-they effectively grab loose hair while providing a soothing scratch that my dog loves. It’s excellent for a thorough once-over and leaves the coat looking neat and fluffy. The handle is very comfortable for longer grooming sessions.

The Not-So-Great:

The size, while good for the body, can be a bit bulky for precise work on a tiny Maltese face or paws.

Bottom Line:

A reliable, comfortable brush that’s perfect for your daily Maltese grooming routine.

Best Value
4
JENFOSLAN wooden dog grooming brush kit with multiple tools
JENFOSLAN

JENFOSLAN Slicker Brush Kit – 4-in-1 Professional Grooming Set

This premium kit is for the pet parent who wants everything. The handmade wooden slicker brush is gentle yet effective, and it comes with a metal comb and bath brush to handle every step of grooming, from detangling to bathing.

4-in-1 Complete Grooming KitHandmade Premium BeechwoodRounded 1-Inch Pins
8.8
Very Good
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What I Loved:

You get serious value and quality here. The wooden slicker brush is beautiful and the pins are perfectly angled to be gentle. Having the metal comb is a lifesaver for working out finer knots. The whole set feels durable and professional, like it will last for years. It turns home grooming into a luxurious experience.

The Not-So-Great:

The slicker brush, while gentle, has more pins than a Maltese typically needs, so it requires a lighter touch to avoid over-brushing their fine hair.

Bottom Line:

If you’re serious about grooming and want a complete, high-quality kit, this set is an outstanding investment.

None
5
Aumuca green self-cleaning slicker brush for dogs and cats
AUMUCA

Aumuca Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush – Skin Friendly Deshedding Tool

A clever brush that takes the mess out of grooming. The round-tipped pins are safe for sensitive skin, and the one-button cleaning system makes post-brush cleanup quick and easy, perfect for keeping your home hair-free.

One-Click Self-Cleaning ButtonRound Protective Pin TipsSturdy Stainless Steel Bristles
8.7
Very Good
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What I Loved:

The self-cleaning feature is a genuine game-changer. After brushing, you click the button and the hair just falls away-no more picking it out by hand. The pins have little plastic caps that make them very skin-friendly, and my Maltese doesn’t flinch at all when I use it. It’s sturdy and feels like it’s built to last.

The Not-So-Great:

While the pins are safe, they are still metal and can bend if you’re too aggressive or if you hit a stubborn mat the wrong way.

Bottom Line:

An innovative and convenient brush that makes grooming cleaner and more efficient.

None
6
Swihauk blue self-cleaning slicker brush for pets
SWIHAUK

Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush – Gentle Deshedding Grooming Tool

Similar in function to the Aumuca, this brush offers reliable performance with a comfortable grip. It’s effective at grabbing undercoat and loose hair while being gentle enough for regular use on a Maltese’s coat.

Easy-Press Cleaning ButtonErgonomic TPR HandleGentle Round-Head Bristles
8.6
Very Good
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What I Loved:

I appreciate the thoughtful ergonomics of this brush. The handle is soft and easy to hold, even when your hands are a bit slick. The cleaning mechanism works flawlessly with one hand. It’s very effective at removing loose hair during shedding seasons without being harsh, and my pet seems perfectly comfortable with it.

The Not-So-Great:

The design is fairly standard, and it doesn’t stand out as much as some others in terms of unique features or premium feel.

Bottom Line:

A solid, no-nonsense self-cleaning brush that gets the job done comfortably and reliably.

None
7
SleekEZ metal dog grooming comb for shedding
SLEEKEZ

SleekEZ Dog Grooming Tool – Painless Hair Removal for All Coats

A unique tool that uses a metal blade to gently grab and remove loose hair at the tips. It’s remarkably painless and can be surprisingly effective on a Maltese’s long hair, though it works differently than a traditional brush.

Patented Tip-Grabbing DesignMulti-Surface Hair RemoverMade in the USA
8.5
Very Good
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What I Loved:

This tool is fantastic for heavy shedding days. It doesn’t pull at the skin at all-it just skims the surface and collects an amazing amount of loose hair. I also use it on my furniture! For a Maltese, it’s a great supplemental tool to use before a soft brush to get the bulk of the loose hair out first.

The Not-So-Great:

It doesn’t detangle or style the coat like a bristle brush does; it’s purely a hair-removal tool, so you’ll likely need another brush for finishing.

Bottom Line:

A highly effective and unique tool for minimizing shed hair, best used in combination with a softer brush.

None
8
LBMBAIC&PAW large wooden slicker brush for dogs with long hair
LBMBAIC&PAW

LBMBAIC&PAW Slicker Brush for Doodle Coats – Long Pin Dematting Brush

A firm slicker brush with extra-long pins designed to penetrate thick, curly coats. For a Maltese, it can be useful for thorough detangling, but requires a very gentle hand to avoid irritating their fine skin.

Extra-Long 25mm PinsCushioned Pad BaseErgonomic Wooden Handle
8.2
Good
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What I Loved:

When my Maltese gets a particularly stubborn knot, this brush’s long pins can reach right to the root and gently work it out without pulling the surrounding hair. The cushion pad is a nice touch that gives a bit of flexibility. The handle is very comfortable for controlled brushing.

The Not-So-Great:

This is a powerful brush and can be too much for daily use on a Maltese. You must use very light pressure to avoid scratching their skin or breaking their delicate hairs.

Bottom Line:

A good tool to have on hand for occasional deep detangling, but not your everyday go-to for a Maltese.

None
9
We Love Doodles blue oval slicker brush for doodle breeds
WE LOVE DOODLES

We Love Doodles Slicker Brush – Curved Pin Brush for Tangles

Designed with curly-coated doodles in mind, this brush has soft, angled pins. While not ideal for a Maltese’s straight hair, it can still be a gentle option for removing light tangles and adding fluff.

Angled 45-Degree PinsErgonomic Wood HandleDoodle-Specific Design
8.0
Good
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What I Loved:

The pins are indeed very soft and well-spaced, and the curved design conforms nicely to the body. It’s a high-quality brush that feels good in the hand and doesn’t cause any discomfort when used gently on my Maltese’s coat.

The Not-So-Great:

It’s frankly over-engineered for a Maltese. The design for dense curls means it doesn’t engage with fine, straight hair as effectively as brushes made for that purpose.

Bottom Line:

A well-made brush, but there are better, more targeted options for a Maltese’s specific coat type.

None
10
Field & Fur gray and black deshedding tool for dogs
FIELD & FUR

Field & Fur Dog Deshedding Tool – Undercoat Brush for Heavy Shedders

A stainless steel deshedding blade built for dogs with thick undercoats. For a single-coated Maltese, this tool is generally unnecessary and can be too harsh if not used with extreme caution.

Stainless Steel Undercoat BladeOne-Click Quick-ReleaseFor Double Coats
8.0
Good
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What I Loved:

The one-click release is brilliantly simple and makes cleanup instant. The build quality is solid and it glides smoothly. If you have other double-coated pets, this is a fantastic tool for them.

The Not-So-Great:

For a Maltese, this tool is simply not the right fit. It’s designed to remove a dense undercoat that Maltese don’t have, and using it risks damaging their fine topcoat and skin.

Bottom Line:

An excellent deshedder for the right breed, but not recommended for your Maltese.

Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different

You’ve probably read a dozen ‘top 10’ lists that all recommend the same generic brushes. We did things differently. First, we started with 10 specific brushes that are commonly bought for small, long-haired breeds. Our ranking isn’t based on hype, but on a clear scoring system: 70% real-world performance (how well it actually works on a Maltese coat, user feedback tone, and overall value) and 30% innovative features that give it a competitive edge.

We looked at the collective experience from thousands of user reviews to understand common pain points and wins. For example, our top-rated MAEELOU Puppy Brush scored a 9.1 for its unbeatable gentleness and ease of use, while the budget-friendly MAEELOU Cloud Shape Brush scored a 9.0, proving that low cost doesn’t mean low quality.

The small score difference (just 0.1) highlights a key trade-off: the top pick offers slightly more refined features for daily comfort, while the budget option delivers exceptional core performance. We included everything from premium kits to simple combs to show you the full spectrum, from budget-friendly to more comprehensive grooming solutions.

Our goal is to cut through the marketing and give you data-driven insights you can trust. A score of 9.0 or above means ‘Excellent’ and is a standout choice, while an 8.0 is a ‘Good’ product that works but may have better alternatives. This process ensures our top picks are genuinely the best tools for your Maltese’s specific needs.

Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose a Dog Brush for a Maltese

1. Bristle Type is Everything

For a Maltese’s fine, silky hair, softness is non-negotiable. Look for brushes with rubber, silicone, or plastic-tipped pins. Avoid hard plastic or wire brushes without protective tips, as they can scratch the skin and break the hair. A slicker brush with rounded ends, like the Aumuca, can be good for detangling if used gently.

2. The Right Size and Shape

Maltese are small dogs with delicate features. A brush that’s too large will be clumsy around their face, ears, and paws. A compact, ergonomic shape-like the cloud-shaped MAEELOU brush-offers better control. The brush should fit comfortably in your hand for those longer grooming sessions.

3. Detangling vs. Deshedding

Understand the difference! Maltese don’t have an undercoat to ‘deshed’ in the traditional sense. Their main issue is matting and tangling. You need a brush that gently separates hairs without pulling. Brushes marketed as ‘deshedders’ or ‘undercoat rakes’ are often too aggressive and unnecessary for this breed.

4. Ease of Cleaning

Let’s face it, grooming is messy. A brush that’s easy to clean will save you time and frustration. Brushes with a self-cleaning button (like the Aumuca or Swihauk) are fantastic for quickly removing hair clumps. Otherwise, look for designs where the bristles are widely spaced for easy hair removal.

5. Frequency of Use

To prevent mats, a Maltese should be brushed daily or at least every other day. Therefore, comfort for both you and your dog is paramount. A brush that causes any discomfort will make this necessary task a struggle. The gentler the experience, the more consistent you’ll be.

6. Special Features to Consider

Some brushes offer extra benefits. A multi-functional brush that can be used for massaging or during bath time adds value. For the dedicated groomer, a complete kit like the JENFOSLAN set provides all the tools you need in one package. Think about what will make the process easiest for your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I brush my Maltese?

Ideally, you should brush your Maltese every day. Their long, fine hair is prone to tangling and matting very quickly, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar. A quick daily brush is far easier than trying to work out a severe mat once a week.

2. Is a slicker brush okay for a Maltese?

Yes, but with a big caveat. You must choose a slicker brush with very soft, rounded pins and use it with a light touch. Slicker brushes are great for detangling, but the wrong one can irritate their skin. Brushes specifically designed for small breeds or sensitive skin, like our top picks, are a much safer bet.

3. What's the best way to remove mats from a Maltese?

First, never just pull or cut them out! Work the mat gently with your fingers to loosen it, then use a detangling spray and a wide-toothed comb or a gentle slicker brush to slowly work from the tips of the hair inward towards the skin. For severe mats, it’s best to consult a professional groomer to avoid hurting your pet.

4. Can I use a human hairbrush on my Maltese?

It’s not recommended. Human hairbrushes are designed for a different hair texture and scalp. They often aren’t gentle enough for a dog’s skin and may not effectively remove the undercoat or tangles in the way a proper pet brush does. Invest in a tool made for the job-your Maltese will thank you.

Final Verdict

After testing all these options, the choice comes down to what you and your Maltese value most. For a no-fuss, supremely gentle daily brush that your dog will actually enjoy, the MAEELOU Puppy Brush is our top recommendation. If you’re on a tight budget but still want effective, gentle grooming, the adorable MAEELOU Cloud Shape Brush is an absolute steal. Remember, the best brush is the one you’ll use consistently to keep your furry friend’s coat healthy, mat-free, and beautiful.

Pet Paradise Editor

Our editors test pet products hands-on and publish independent reviews and buying guides.