10 Best Dog Brushes For Maltese in 2026

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The GROOMAGE Extra Long Pin Brush wins as the best overall for Maltese because its 27mm pins reach through a full white coat to remove tangles without scratching the skin underneath. For dogs with sensitive skin, the Warren London Gentle Touch Slicker Brush offers a softer touch, while the MEUYSIAC Soft Pin Brush 2 Pack delivers great value for regular maintenance.

A Maltese coat is single-layered, fine, and grows continuously, it mats easily if you skip even a day or two of brushing. The wrong brush can pull hair, irritate skin, or simply fail to reach the underlayer where tangles start.

This guide is based on brush specifications, manufacturer descriptions, expert grooming advice, and patterns we found in owner feedback. We focused on pin length, bristle softness, handle comfort, and size compatibility for the Maltese breed.

Top 10 Dog Brushes For Maltese in the Market

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The Best Dog Brushes For Maltese, Reviewed

#1Best Overall

GROOMAGE Extra Long Pin Brush

GROOMAGE Extra Long Pin Brush
Pin Length27mm
Pin TipsRound-tipped
Handle MaterialNon-slip rubber
Body MaterialBeech wood
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What We Like

  • 27mm extra-long pins reach deep coat
  • Round-tipped pins prevent skin irritation
  • Non-slip rubber handle reduces hand fatigue
  • Beech wood body is durable and eco-friendly

Trade-offs

  • Long pins can bend if used with force
  • Not suited for short-haired or smooth-coated breeds

A 27mm pin length is the standout feature here, it’s long enough to reach through a Maltese’s dense, silky coat down to the undercoat, where loose hair and tangles hide. That depth helps remove loose hair and tangles before they become problematic, while the round-tipped pins keep the grooming gentle on sensitive skin. The beech wood body and non-slip rubber handle add a solid, comfortable feel that makes regular brushing less of a chore, which matters when you’re maintaining a coat that needs daily attention.

The trade-off is that those long pins are more prone to bending if you jam them into a knot rather than working it out patiently. The GROOMAGE brush is designed for gentle, regular grooming of long-haired dogs, and the pins require a light hand to avoid damage. It’s a good fit for owners who want deep-penetrating detangling for daily upkeep, as long as you’re willing to treat the pins with care.

Best for: Maltese owners who need deep-penetrating detangling for a long, silky coat. Not ideal for those who prefer a gentler, shorter-pin brush or tend to brush aggressively.

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#2Best For Sensitive Skin

Warren London Gentle Touch Slicker Brush

Warren London Gentle Touch Slicker Brush
Weight0.2 pounds
Head Size4 x 2 inches
Pin TypeSoft pins
Target CoatFine & soft coats
Breed ExamplesMaltese, Yorkies, Shih Tzus
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What We Like

  • Soft pins for sensitive skin
  • Compact head for detailed areas
  • Designed for fine, soft coats
  • Everyday coat care between baths

Trade-offs

  • Small head means slower full-body brushing
  • Fine-bristle pins struggle with dense undercoats.

A 4 x 2 inch head with soft pins lets you work around a small dog’s face, legs, and chest without the scratchy feel that can make grooming uncomfortable. Warren London designed this slicker brush for fine, soft coats and sensitive skin, so it lifts loose fur and brushes through light tangles with a gentle touch. If your dog has a delicate coat that needs regular care, this tool helps keep fur soft and tidy between baths.

For dogs with sensitive skin or fine, soft coats, a gentler grooming tool can make all the difference in daily coat care. Unlike the Jelly Pet Universal Slicker Brush, which uses firm pins for heavier detangling, this brush features soft pins designed to lift loose fur and work through light tangles without an overly aggressive feel. The compact 4 x 2 inch head gives you precise control around smaller bodies, faces, legs, and chest areas. Owners of breeds like Yorkies, Shih Tzus, and Maltese often find their pets tolerate this lighter touch much better, making everyday brushing a calmer experience for both dog and handler.

Best for: Maltese owners with dogs that have sensitive skin and fine, soft coats. Not ideal for dogs with heavy matting or thick undercoat.

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#3Best Value Pack

MEUYSIAC Soft Pin Brush 2 Pack

MEUYSIAC Soft Pin Brush 2 Pack
Brush TypeSoft Pin Brush
Pack Count2 Pack
Pin TypeUltra-soft rounded pins
Target BreedSmall dogs & puppies
Model5466TAJV5687 / 5466EEWY7794
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What We Like

  • Ultra-soft rounded pins for sensitive skin
  • Compact head reaches face, legs, underbelly
  • Two brushes in one pack
  • Gentle massage distributes natural oils

Trade-offs

  • Designed for small breeds only, not larger dogs
  • Not effective for breaking up existing mats

Two brushes in the pack give you a spare for different rooms or travel without buying another set. The ultra-soft rounded pins are made specifically for small dogs and puppies with sensitive skin, so a Yorkie or Maltese won’t flinch when you work around the face, legs, and underbelly. This brush lifts loose fur and light tangles before they form mats, while the gentle pin action massages the skin and distributes natural oils for a healthier coat. It suits the owner who grooms often and values a tool that feels safe on a tiny, delicate dog rather than one that tries to power through heavy knots.

Soft pins are designed for daily maintenance, not for breaking up existing mats. If your dog already has matted fur, a firmer slicker brush would be more effective. That’s not a flaw in the MEUYSIAC, it’s doing exactly what it advertises as a gentle daily brush. The two-pack gives you a backup brush for the same price as many single brushes, so you can keep one in the car and one at home. Just keep a detangling brush handy for the days life gets in the way.

Best for: Small dog and puppy owners who brush regularly and want a gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly pin brush for light maintenance and bonding. Not ideal for dogs with existing mats or heavy tangles.

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#4Best Budget Pick

MAEELOU Small Dog Soft Bristle Brush

MAEELOU Small Dog Soft Bristle Brush
Weight0.1 pounds
Bristle TypeSoft bristles
Target BreedsTeddy, Yorkies, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua
ModelTT-B-1
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What We Like

  • Soft bristles for gentle grooming
  • Lightweight at 0.1 pounds
  • Multi-functional: removes debris and dirt
  • Designed specifically for small breeds

Trade-offs

  • Soft bristles limit effectiveness on thick mats or tangles
  • Not ideal for dogs with thick or double coats

Weighing 0.1 pounds, this brush is light enough to handle easily on a small dog without causing fatigue. The soft bristles are designed to reduce shedding and tangling while massaging the coat and skin, which suits the grooming needs of small breeds like Maltese. It can also remove debris, dust, and dirt, making it useful for quick cleanups between more thorough grooming sessions. For someone looking for a straightforward daily brush that won’t irritate a dog’s skin, this model offers a simple solution.

Soft bristles have limits. If your Maltese develops mats or tangles near the skin, this brush won’t have the bite to work them out; you would need a slicker or pin brush for that job. Compared to the Warren London Gentle Touch Slicker Brush, which weighs 0.2 pounds and uses pins for deeper detangling, the MAEELOU is a lighter tool for everyday grooming. It works well as a maintenance brush, but it is not designed to handle heavy matting on its own.

Best for: Owners of small dogs with fine, tangle-free coats who need a soft daily grooming brush. Not ideal for dogs with heavy mats or thick undercoats.

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#5Best Ergonomic Design

PetJoyHaven Comma-Shaped Small Dog Brush

PetJoyHaven Comma-Shaped Small Dog Brush
Bristle TypeUltra-soft bristles
ShapeComma-shaped
Target BreedsSmall breeds (Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle)
SizeCompact and lightweight
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What We Like

  • Ultra-soft bristles gentle on sensitive skin
  • Dense bristles capture loose hair effectively
  • Compact size fits easily in a bag

Trade-offs

  • No pin or slicker option for deeper detangling
  • Only one color option listed (Blue)

It’s compact and light, so you can toss it in a purse or diaper bag for quick touch-ups after walks or before a car ride. For daily maintenance on a coat that’s kept short or well-brushed, this is a comfortable, no-fuss tool.

Those soft bristles won’t handle detangling, though. If your dog develops mats around the ears or legs, the brush will just glide over them. The GROOMAGE Extra Long Pin Brush has round-tipped pins that would work better for knots, but it doesn’t have the compact, lightweight design that makes the PetJoyHaven easy to carry. Use the comma-shaped brush for regular upkeep and keep a separate detangling tool for occasional tangles.

Best for: Maltese owners who want a comfortable, easy-to-hold brush for daily light grooming and quick touch-ups. Not ideal for dogs with frequent mats or tangles that need a detangling brush.

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#6Best Self-Cleaning

PetJoyHaven Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

PetJoyHaven Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
Bristle TypeBall-tip stainless steel
Cleaning MechanismOne-click hair removal
Target SizeSmall long-haired breeds
Handle MaterialABS with quick-clean function
Skin ProtectionBall-tip teeth prevent damage
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What We Like

  • Ball-tip teeth protect sensitive skin
  • One-click hair removal clears trapped fur
  • Lightweight ABS handle for comfortable grip
  • Designed for small long-haired breeds

Trade-offs

  • Self-cleaning mechanism adds handle bulk

A one-click retraction mechanism that pushes trapped fur out of the brush head is the standout feature here. For a Maltese owner who grooms daily, that means no prying hair off the pins with your fingers or a comb, just press the button and the hair clump drops off. The ball-tip stainless steel teeth are a practical match for a breed prone to tear stains and sensitive skin; the smooth ends glide through fine, silky coats without scratching the surface underneath. This brush is built for small long-haired dogs specifically, so the head size and pin length suit a Maltese’s proportions rather than overwhelming them.

The self-cleaning mechanism adds a bit of bulk to the handle compared to a standard slicker brush, which may affect handling for some users. But if your priority is cutting down cleanup time after a session, this design delivers exactly that. For a Maltese’s fine, daily-tangle-prone coat, this is a practical, low-fuss tool that does what it promises.

Best for: Maltese owners who want quick, mess-free cleanup after daily brushing. Not ideal for heavy detangling or very thick coats.

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#7Best Lightweight

MAEELOU Puppy Brush Soft Bristle

MAEELOU Puppy Brush Soft Bristle
Weight0.1 pounds
Bristle TypeUltra-soft bristles
Target BreedsYorkie, Shih Tzu, Maltipoo, Maltese
Design FeatureEasy to clean
PortabilityLightweight and compact
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What We Like

  • Ultra-soft bristles for sensitive skin
  • Lightweight at 0.1 pounds
  • Easy-to-clean design removes hair quickly
  • Compact size for travel or home

Trade-offs

  • No pin or slicker option for deep mats
  • Single brush limits versatility for different coat types

At 0.1 pounds, this brush is lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for grooming at home or on the go. The ultra-soft bristles are gentle on your pet’s sensitive skin, and the easy-to-clean design helps remove hair quickly after each session. If you need a portable brush for a small dog like a Maltese, this model offers a simple, no-fuss option for removing loose hair and keeping the coat tidy.

Because the bristles are ultra-soft, this brush is best suited for gentle grooming and detangling light tangles, not for heavy mats or deep knots. For dogs that develop frequent tangles, a pin brush like the GROOMAGE Extra Long Pin Brush may be more effective at reaching deeper into the coat. The MAEELOU works well as a daily maintenance tool for dogs that stay relatively tangle-free, but if your dog regularly gets matted, you may need a different brush for those areas.

Best for: Small dog owners who want a lightweight, easy-to-clean brush for gentle daily grooming and loose hair removal. Not ideal for dogs with frequent mats or heavy tangles.

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#8Best For Tangles

Jelly Pet Universal Slicker Brush

Jelly Pet Universal Slicker Brush
Pin lengthOver ¾ inch
Pin typeFirm or soft (choose by coat)
Body materialPlastic, waterproof
Head shapeContoured
SizeSmall
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What We Like

  • Pins over ¾ inch deep for tangles
  • Soft pin option for delicate Maltese coats

Trade-offs

  • Firm pins risk scratching fine Maltese skin
  • Plastic body less durable than wood or metal

For a breed that mats easily, this brush gets into the trouble spots without needing to press hard, which saves your wrists and keeps the dog from squirming away. The pins are longer than most slicker brush pins, each reaches more than ¾ inch deep, and they are angled at the end to grab the undercoat effectively. That design penetrates the coat better and removes more hair while stimulating hair follicles for healthy growth. The lightweight, ergonomic body requires hardly any pressure to detangle, so both you and your dog stay comfortable during grooming sessions.

Best for: Owners of small long-haired dogs like Maltese and Shih Tzu who need a brush with pin flexibility options

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#9Best Gentle Grooming

DEEUCHIS Soft Dog Brush

DEEUCHIS Soft Dog Brush
Bristle TypeSoft bristles
Target BreedsYorkies, Shih Tzus, Maltipoos, Maltese
DesignFruit pattern, blue pineapple
CleaningRinse under water
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What We Like

  • Soft bristles for sensitive skin
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Easy to clean by rinsing
  • Adorable fruit pattern adds fun

Trade-offs

  • No pin or slicker option for deeper detangling
  • Not effective on thick or double coats.

The bristles remove loose hair and prevent tangles without irritating sensitive skin, making this brush suitable for small breeds like Yorkies, Shih Tzus, and Maltipoos. The lightweight, compact body is easy to toss in a bag for trips to the park or the vet, and the cute blue pineapple pattern adds a playful touch to grooming. After use, you can simply rinse the brush under water to clean it. If your dog has a sensitive coat that reacts poorly to harsher tools, this gentle brush offers a comfortable grooming experience for daily upkeep.

Because the bristles are soft, they are not designed to power through mats or heavy tangles the way a slicker brush or extra-long pin brush might. For a dog with a well-maintained, tangle-free coat, this brush works well for regular grooming, but if tangles have already formed, you may need a different tool to address them first. This makes the brush best suited for owners who groom frequently and want a gentle option, not for those dealing with neglected coats.

Best for: Maltese owners who want a gentle, daily grooming brush for maintaining a tangle-free coat. Not ideal for dogs with existing mats or heavy tangles.

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#10Best Multi-Functional Design

Lyaiwever Cloud Shape Puppy Brush

Lyaiwever Cloud Shape Puppy Brush
Weight0.1 pounds
MaterialPremium ABS resin
Bristle TypeSoft bristles
DesignCloud-shaped
UseWet or dry
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What We Like

  • Unique cloud shape glides gently
  • Soft bristles remove tangles smoothly
  • Multi-functional: brush, massage, bath lather
  • Portable size for on-the-go grooming

Trade-offs

  • At 0.1 lb, feels very light in hand
  • Plastic construction, not as durable as wood

The Lyaiwever Cloud Shape Puppy Brush weighs just 0.1 pounds, which makes it light enough to toss in a bag or car glovebox for grooming anywhere. Its soft bristles and cloud-shaped head are designed specifically for small breeds like Maltese, gliding through fine, tangle-prone hair without scratching the skin. You can use it dry to detangle, wet to work in shampoo during a bath, or simply as a gentle massage tool to relax your dog. The brush’s ABS resin construction and smooth edges aim to prevent skin damage during use.

At just 0.1 pounds with ABS resin construction, this cloud-shaped brush lacks the heft and pin stiffness you’d get from a wood-handled brush like the GROOMAGE Extra Long Pin Brush. For daily brushing, bath time, and general coat maintenance, it covers brushing, massage, and shampoo lathering in one tool. It’s a practical choice for owners who want a single, portable tool for the basics.

Best for: Maltese owners who want a lightweight, multi-purpose brush for daily detangling, massage, and bath time. Not ideal for heavy matting or owners who prefer a heavier, wood-handled tool.

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How We Evaluated Dog Brushes For Maltese

We researched each brush by examining manufacturer specs, reading expert grooming round-ups, and identifying what Maltese owners consistently said worked, and what didn’t, across hundreds of reviews. The Maltese has a distinct coat that demands specific tools, so we paid close attention to pin and bristle design, not just brand reputation.

Four criteria mattered most. Pin length is important because a Maltese coat is long and dense at the roots. Tip safety matters because the skin underneath that white fur is prone to irritation. Handle ergonomics count because daily brushing takes time. Size matters because a brush too large misses the face, legs, and belly where mats love to hide.

A research-led evaluation has limits, we didn’t test brushes on live dogs, and individual coat texture varies. What we can do is give you the facts to compare against your own dog’s needs.

What To Look For In Dog Brushes For Maltese

Choosing the right brush starts with understanding your Maltese coat type, fine, single-layer, and prone to tangles, then matching the tool to how often you brush and where your dog is sensitive.

Look for rounded pin tips, pins long enough for deep coats, a handle that fits your grip, and a brush head small enough to reach the face and legs without poking eyes or ears.

Pin Length and Tip Safety

Maltese hair grows long and silky, and tangles form at the base of the coat. A brush with short pins will only skim the surface, leaving the worst mats to tighten overnight. The GROOMAGE Extra Long Pin Brush uses 27mm pins, long enough to reach the skin line without jabbing. Round-tipped pins are non-negotiable for this breed; sharp pins can cause micro-tears in sensitive skin that lead to redness and scratching.

Bristle Type and Firmness

Not every Maltese needs the same bristle. A dog with a clean, tangle-free coat that gets brushed daily can use soft bristle brushes like the MAEELOU Small Dog Soft Bristle Brush for light debris removal and shine. For dogs that skipped a few days, a slicker brush with fine, bent wires, like the Jelly Pet Universal Slicker Brush, lifts and separates tangles more effectively.

The trade-off is that firmer pins risk scratching, so softer options like the Warren London Gentle Touch Slicker Brush are better for dogs that flinch or yelp during grooming.

Handle Comfort and Grip

Daily brushing sessions add up. A handle that slips or causes hand fatigue means you’ll rush through the job and miss spots. The PetJoyHaven Comma-Shaped Small Dog Brush uses an ergonomic comma shape that fits the palm, while the GROOMAGE has a non-slip rubber handle on a beech wood body. If you have arthritis or weak grip, look for rubberized or contoured handles, a smooth plastic handle becomes slick when your hands are dry or when the dog squirms.

Brush Size and Reach

A full-body brush that works on the back may be too large for the face, ears, and legs, exactly where Maltese owners find the most mats. The MEUYSIAC Soft Pin Brush has a compact head that reaches the underbelly and legs comfortably. For a smaller option, the MAEELOU Puppy Brush has soft bristles, weighs only 0.1 pounds, and fits in a pocket for quick touch-ups. A brush that is too big will miss the delicate areas where mats start.

  • Check that the brush head fits between your dog’s eyes and ears without scraping.
  • Run the brush across your own forearm first, if it scratches you, it will scratch your Maltese.
  • Test the handle grip: hold the brush and simulate brushing motions.
  • Look for a brush that can be rinsed clean; hair and dander build up fast on fine coats.

A good rule: if the brush feels too big for your hand, it is too big for your Maltese.

Dog Brushes For Maltese Compared

The table below compares all ten brushes side by side so you can see pin type, size, and best use at a glance before deciding.

ProductBrush TypePin/Bristle TypeTarget Coat
GROOMAGE Extra Long Pin BrushPin BrushRound-tipped pinsLong & silky coats
Warren London Gentle Touch Slicker BrushSlicker BrushSoft pinsFine & soft coats
MEUYSIAC Soft Pin Brush 2 PackSoft Pin BrushUltra-soft rounded pinsSmall dogs & puppies
MAEELOU Small Dog Soft Bristle BrushSoft Bristle BrushSoft bristlesSmall dog breeds
PetJoyHaven Comma-Shaped Small Dog BrushSoft Bristle BrushUltra-soft bristlesSmall breeds
PetJoyHaven Self Cleaning Slicker BrushSlicker BrushBall-tip stainless steelSmall long-haired breeds
MAEELOU Puppy Brush Soft BristleSoft Bristle BrushUltra-soft bristlesSmall dogs
Jelly Pet Universal Slicker BrushSlicker BrushFirm or softUndercoat removal
DEEUCHIS Soft Dog BrushSoft Bristle BrushSoft bristlesSmall breeds
Lyaiwever Cloud Shape Puppy BrushSoft Bristle BrushSoft bristlesSmall breeds & puppies

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my Maltese?

Daily brushing is ideal for a Maltese coat. Their fine, single-layer hair mats quickly, skipping even two days can lead to tangles that require cutting out. A quick five-minute session with a soft pin brush each morning prevents the deep mats that cause discomfort.

What type of brush is best for a Maltese puppy?

A soft bristle brush like the MAEELOU Puppy Brush Soft Bristle is best for puppies. Their skin is more sensitive than an adult dog’s, and their coat is still developing. Start with gentle, short sessions to build trust before moving to a longer pin brush as the coat grows.

Can I use a slicker brush on a Maltese?

Yes, but choose one with soft, rounded pins. The Warren London Gentle Touch Slicker Brush and the PetJoyHaven Self Cleaning Slicker Brush both have ball-tip or soft pins that protect sensitive skin. Avoid slicker brushes with sharp, straight wires, they can scratch the Maltese’s thin skin.

How do I remove mats from a Maltese without hurting them?

Use a brush with long, rounded pins to work through the mat from the tips inward, never yanking from the root. For stubborn mats, a detangling spray helps. If the mat is against the skin, a groomer’s dematting tool or scissors may be safer, pulling a tight mat can tear the skin.

What should I look for in a brush for a Maltese with sensitive skin?

Look for rounded pin tips, soft bristles, and a lightweight design. The Warren London Gentle Touch Slicker Brush and the MEUYSIAC Soft Pin Brush are both designed for sensitive skin. Avoid brushes with sharp metal pins or stiff bristles, run the brush across your own inner arm first to test for scratchiness.

The Bottom Line

The GROOMAGE Extra Long Pin Brush is the best overall for Maltese owners who brush daily and need deep-penetrating detangling for a long, silky coat. Its 27mm round-tipped pins reach the skin line without irritation, and the beech wood body with non-slip grip makes regular grooming comfortable.

If your Maltese has sensitive skin that flinches at the first touch, the Warren London Gentle Touch Slicker Brush is the right pick. Its soft pins handle fine coats gently. For those on a budget, the MAEELOU Small Dog Soft Bristle Brush covers daily light grooming at an affordable price. The MEUYSIAC Soft Pin Brush 2 Pack gives you two brushes for the price of one, perfect for keeping one at home and one in the car.

The single most important factor: match the pin length to your dog’s coat condition. A brush that cannot reach the base of the hair will leave mats to form underneath, and that is where the real grooming problems start.