Friday, September 30, 2011

Haircut or no haircut????

 I think all of you have met Vallie and know that she's a Maltese....but did you know that a Maltese's hair can get up to 8 inches long!!!  She is so soft and cuddly with her hair long and it just falls into ringlets....so girly ya know.....but to brush her is a major undertaking.  She absolutely hates her ears brushed so we had to get them shaved they were so matted that I'm afraid she's gonna get these mats all over.  She will sit still for a few minutes and let me brush her but she's got this thing about no one touching her belly....weird right???  She's definitely not one of these dogs who lays on her back just waiting for a belly scratch.  No way!!!
As you can see by the above picture, her hair is getting quite long.  We did have her hair cut when she was about 4 months old but it's been growing ever since.  I love her hair long and the one good thing about a Maltese....they don't shed!!!  So my question is should I get her hair cut down to about 2 inches long?? I can't make up my mind so you ladies are going to make it up for me.  LOL  Let me know your suggestions  and at the end of one week, I'll put all the suggestions in a hat and have Vallie pull one and that person will get a surprise in the mail.  No it won't be the clippings from her, but something to do with cross stitch.  LOL
Hope everyone has a blessed weekend,
Barbara

17 comments:

butterfly said...

Yes i would have Vallie's fur cut , i had two Maltese dogs Mindy and Molly, and i would cut their hair every Spring they would love it, not to much off . If not in the bad weather you will be very busy combing out those knots. i also have to cut my Long haired Jack Rusell.
They always look so cute.

Lisa V said...

I used to do dog grooming when I was younger, and to be honest they are better off getting regular haircuts. As you mentioned mats can be a real problem if the hair is left long and after a while the hair starts to discolour too and the ends will always look dirty.
Vallie will look wonderful and fresh with a new "Do"

Parsley said...

While she's beautiful with long hair, I say a new haircut makes every girl feel 'spiffy'.

:-)

Phyllis said...

Oh Vallie is so cute! My daughter has a Bichon and she looks very much like your Vallie. Daughter's dog, Chloe, also hates to be brushed especially around her feet. It's a chore for the groomer to even trim her nails. I think you should definitely give Vallie a haircut. It will grow back and it's a lot easier to take care of if it's shorter. Chloe's fur tends to be more curly and those mats are a pain.

Mindi said...

Definitely get a puppy cut on her. If she won't tolerate a full brush-out every day to keep the hair from matting, then to prevent problems get her clipped. Matted hair in the ears can lead to ear infections, as my parents found out with their dog. But she is totally adorable!

Robin said...

I agree with everyone else she will be happier with a cut then she won't have the matting and they do pull on the skin and may cause some pain especially if they are in the arm pit area. She is a very pretty dog.

lanybleu said...

All us girls like a hair cut, so I say let her have it cut, its a real shame you cant bring her over to my daughter, she is fantastic at grooming dogs and the dogs love her to bits. They always go home with a new spring in their step.

cucki said...

aww she is so lovely..
yup..but i think she will love the hair cut :)
love and hugs cucki xx

Mouse said...

awwww Vallie fancy not liking your belly rubbed ....and yep I think a trip to the poochie hairdresser is in order for a wee trim .... knots are a real PITA and I think she will look even more dapper :) love mouse xxxx

Nan said...

I love white dogs. She's adorable!
My dog has to get regular hair cuts. Maybe with regular grooming she will be a better "patient" when it comes to home grooming. I give my dog a bath and put him on the bathroom counter where he can't escape. He's gotten better over the years but he still doesn't like his beard brushed. Good luck!

Bekca said...

I think Vallie should get a haircut, all girls like pampering now and then!

blueladie said...

I vote for getting it cut. Always good for health issues. You don't have to get it trimmed too short, just so it's easier to brush. She is beautiful! :) Cathryn

Redrodi56 said...

I vote for the cut too - the longer hair draws attention away from her sweet little face - shorter hair will make her eyes look bigger - she's a beaut!

Connie said...

Can I use the line I always hear? The one that goes, "Oh, you look younger with your hair cut." But wait, she is young! At any rate, I think she would be happier with shorter hair - and I think you'd find more pleasure in brushing her.

sheravery said...

Hi Barbara,
My sweet Cocker Spaniel had the long skirt and it was a chore to keep it looking silky and untangled. Fortunately, she was the BEST little girl and would tolerate me brushing her all over. I discoverd this wonderful groomer and started treating Lizzie to a monthly 'doggie spa'. She got the full treatment there- new 'do',pedicure, 'earring', 'necklace'- the works. She always looked and smelled wonderful. It made home-care MUCH easier. I'll bet both you and Vallie will be happier with monthly groomings. She certainly is a beautiful girl!

-Sherry-

Catherine said...

I'd say go for the cut. She's such a cutie!!

Terri said...

I also vote for the cut. She looks like a real sweetie now, bet she'll be gorgeous after a cut!!