Puppy health
Dental and coat care for toy breeds
7 min · last updated 09/09/2026
Small jaws mean tightly spaced teeth, and dense coats mean a risk of matting. Ten minutes of care a day spare your dog anaesthetics and shave-downs.
Dental care from the start
Start in week twelve with a finger brush and dog toothpaste, at first only for a few seconds. The goal is daily brushing with a soft brush.
In toy breeds milk teeth often persist. Check the canines from month six; retained double teeth must be removed, otherwise tartar and misalignment develop.
Coat care by hair type
Toy poodle: wool coat, no seasonal shedding, clip every six to eight weeks, comb through two to three times a week in between.
Havanese and maltese: long top coat, comb daily, especially behind the ears and in the armpits. Pomeranian: comb the undercoat, never shave — the hair often does not regrow correctly.
Nails, ears, eyes
Trim nails every three to four weeks; audible clicking on tiles means too long. Watch the dewclaw on the inner side.
Maltese and toy poodles easily develop tear stains. Wipe daily with lukewarm water; with persistent tearing have the tear duct checked by a vet.
Frequently asked questions
Are chews enough instead of brushing?
No. Chews support the process but do not replace mechanical cleaning. In toy breeds daily brushing is the only reliable protection against tartar.