How Much Does a Maltese Smell? Breed Facts & Care Tips

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Why Are Dogs Smelly?Why Don’t Maltese Smell?When Does a Maltese Become Smelly?Grooming Your Maltese Smelliest Dog Breeds Least Smelly Dog Breeds

When you’re considering bringing a new companion home, how much they smell can be a factor. If you’ve been pondering the Maltese, you might be wondering if they are a smelly breed.

The good news is that the Maltese is not known for being smelly, but this doesn’t mean they don’t ever get stinky!

Here, we discuss what exactly makes dogs emit their particular odor and what it means if your Maltese is suddenly odorous.

Why Are Dogs Smelly?

Each dog has their own individual scent that other dogs can use to identify them. They use scent to communicate with other dogs, including social and reproductive signaling. Dogs are famous for their excellent sense of smell, so it makes sense that they have identifiable odors.

The sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which has a few functions beyond giving the dog their own unique scent. Sebum also helps maintain skin hydration, supports the skin barrier, and contributes to coat condition, including giving dogs a shiny and silky coat and adding a waterproof barrier to protect the skin.

Some dog breeds have relatively higher sebum production associated with their coat type and historical function, particularly those bred to work in and around water, which helps keep their coats waterproof. Essentially, the amount of sebum produced varies by individual and breed, which means the coat is oilier and the doggy odor is stronger.

Why Don’t Maltese Smell?

While Maltese have sebaceous glands like all dogs, their coat type, lower shedding, and regular grooming needs often result in less noticeable odor compared to some other breeds. They don’t have excess skin folds either, which can also trap odor.

Maltese are considered hypoallergenic dogs (though there is no such thing as a dog that is 100% hypoallergenic) because they are minimal shedders, which may reduce the spread of dander, but does not eliminate allergens. Their hair is also quite soft and silky and constantly growing, hence why they need haircuts. Basically, this small dog shouldn’t be smelly unless something else is going on.

When Does a Maltese Become Smelly?

There are certain instances in which a Maltese can become stinkier than usual, all of which are often manageable once the underlying cause is identified and treated appropriately. Here are the five common reasons that your Maltese may smell less than fresh.

1. Anal Glands

The anal glands, or sacs, are situated next to the anus and are filled with a secretion that has a characteristic strong odor. Tiny amounts are released when dogs defecate and sniff each other’s butts.

Sometimes, though, the anal glands become impacted or fail to express normally, which is when you might see your Maltese scooting their bottom across the floor. This can lead to a smelly pup! It also merits a visit to your vet, who may perform manual expression and evaluate for inflammation or infection.

2. Yeast Infection

All dogs have a certain amount of yeast on the skin, but when excessive yeast builds up in an area, this can lead to a yeast infection. Some dogs experience yeast infections if they have allergies or are taking certain medications.

An excess of yeast can make a dog smell, and you may also notice oily skin, itching, patchy areas with hair loss, and discoloration that starts pink but can turn gray or brown due to chronic inflammation and pigmentation changes. It is more commonly found around skin folds and the ears. This infection can be treated by your vet, followed by continuing treatment at home using topical and/or systemic antifungal therapies as prescribed.

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3. Messy Elimination

If your Maltese makes a mess while urinating or defecating, it can end up on their fur, making them quite smelly. If this occurs, it might mean bath time, or you can use deodorizing wipes for spot cleaning, using pet-safe products to avoid skin irritation.

4. Bad Breath

Small dogs in particular are more prone to periodontal disease due to factors such as tooth crowding and plaque accumulation. Your Maltese might have lovely-smelling hair and a bad odor emanating from their mouth. You should brush their teeth at least several times a week, though daily is best, especially if they have dental problems.

If your dog’s breath smells very bad, it will require a visit to your vet because there might be an issue like gum disease or an abscess, which will need professional treatment, or other causes, such as retained teeth or oral infections.

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5. Too Much Sebum

Your Maltese has natural oils that are released from sebaceous glands. These keep their skin moisturized, but if too much accumulates, your dog will start to smell. The best treatment is regular brushing and giving your Maltese a bath as needed.

Grooming Your Maltese

1. Baths

Depending on the individual dog and coat length, giving your dog a bath is something that you shouldn’t do too often. Frequent baths will dry out the skin, so you’ll need to adhere to a schedule. Maltese tend to do best with a bath every 3-4 weeks or as needed based on coat condition, lifestyle, and skin health, though some breeds only need to get bathed a few times a year!

Ensure that you’re using an appropriate dog shampoo—never use human shampoo on any dog. Dogs have a different skin pH than us, and our shampoos will seriously dry out their skin, which can eventually lead to dry, flaky, and irritated skin, along with rashes and infections.

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2. Brushing

Brushing your Maltese is critical, particularly if you keep their hair long. Even if you opt for a short cut and style, they still need brushing, as it helps remove loose hair and debris and distribute oils throughout the coat.

Short coats should be brushed about every 2-3 days, and medium to long coats should be brushed every day or every 2 days.

3. Leave-In Spray

Using a detangling leave-in spray can give your Maltese a fresh scent, keep the coat soft, and prevent tangles. You can spray it and quickly massage it in with your hands if you don’t have time to give them a thorough brushing, but it should not replace regular brushing to prevent matting and skin issues.

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Smelliest Dog Breeds

The following dogs tend to be the smelliest breeds, so if this is a concern of yours, stay clear!

These dogs may have increased skin folds, denser or oilier coats, or a higher tendency toward skin and ear conditions that can contribute to odor.

Least Smelly Dog Breeds

Besides the Maltese, several different breeds are known to not be quite as smelly as many others.

These dogs enjoy factors such as coat type, lower shedding, and grooming needs, which may result in less noticeable odor, but they can still roll in something stinky or develop an odor-creating health condition.

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Conclusion

As long as you brush your Maltese every few days and bathe them every 3–4 weeks, it’s less likely that they will be smelly. If your dog does seem to be smellier than usual, and it isn’t from rolling in something, be sure to check where the odor is coming from. You should be able to tell if the smell is coming from the ears, the mouth, or even the butt. Take them to the vet to be on the safe side.

If there seems to be an ongoing issue, your vet will devise a treatment plan. Hopefully, they will have your Maltese smelling like their usual sweet self in no time!