Let’s be honest — when you hear the word “Maltese,” what pops into your mind? Probably a small, fluffy white dog with a silky coat that looks like it just walked out of a doggie fashion show, right? Well, that’s not wrong… but did you know the Maltese actually has two very different looks?

Yep, this adorable little breed comes in two unique styles. One is the long, luxurious show look that we all know from TV and magazines. The other? A shorter, more practical style that makes life a whole lot easier for pet parents who don’t have hours to spend brushing their pup each day.

The Glamorous Show Look

This is the classic Maltese appearance — long, flowing white hair that reaches all the way to the floor. Think of it like the dog version of a red carpet gown. This style is the one you’ll often see in dog shows. It’s elegant, graceful, and honestly… pretty fancy.

But here’s the catch — that beauty comes with a lot of work. The coat needs daily brushing to keep it from tangling. It also needs regular baths, trims, and tons of care to stay white and shiny. Not to mention, the hair around their eyes can stain easily, giving them those little tear marks unless cleaned regularly.

If you’ve got time, patience, and love giving your dog spa days, this look might be perfect for you. It’s stunning, no doubt about that.

The Cute and Practical “Puppy Cut”

Now, here’s the other side of the Maltese coin — the short-haired version, often called the “puppy cut.” Even adult Maltese can rock this look, and it keeps them looking like adorable little puppies forever. What’s not to love?

This cut is way easier to manage. You don’t have to brush as often, and bath time is a breeze. It’s great for active dogs who love to play and roll around, or for owners who want a cute companion without the grooming hassle.

And the best part? It shows off their big, expressive eyes and button nose even more. Without all that hair in the way, you get to see just how sweet their little faces are.

Personality Shines Through No Matter the Look

Here’s the thing — whether you go with the long, show-style coat or the short and sweet puppy cut, the Maltese still brings the same loving personality. These dogs are playful, friendly, and love being the center of attention. They’re also great lap dogs and can be super affectionate with their humans.

Their looks may vary, but their charm stays the same. So no matter what style you choose, you’re getting a little dog with a big heart.

Why People Choose One Over the Other

Choosing between the two styles mostly depends on your lifestyle. If you’ve got time to maintain that gorgeous long coat, it really is a showstopper. But if you’re more into quick and easy grooming, the puppy cut is perfect.

Some people even switch back and forth depending on the season. Long coat in the winter, short cut in the summer — makes total sense, right? It’s like giving your dog a little wardrobe change for the weather.