Want to learn how to do a top knot on your Maltese? What is a Maltese without his signature top knots? In the US, Maltese adults are shown with two top knots. In Europe they are shown with a single top knot. Puppies also usually have the single top knot, since they don’t have the amount of hair required to do the double knots.

Items you need to tie the top knot include:

• Rattail comb
• End papers or mesh cut in 2 inch (5 cm) squares
• Small pillow
• Rubber bands
• Hairspray or gel
• Bows

For the single (and easier) top knot, gather the hair just above the corner of each eye. Then use a rattail comb to part the hair about an inch above the eyes. Some people like to backcomb this hair for a little extra poof. Then secure with a rubber band and place a bow over the rubber band. To make the double topknot, put the dog on a grooming table with his head elevated on a pillow so you can get a straight look (if you don’t, you’ll probably put the top knot too far back on his head).

Using your faithful rattail comb, part the hair straight back above the outside edge of each eye. Make a part in the center and divide into two equal sections. Poof out each section with a comb and secure with a rubber band, then use hairspray to make it stick. Take a wrap and fold it in half. Put one side of the top knot into the paper, fold it over, and band it, but leave out just a few hairs from the inside.

Take another wrap, folded in half, and put the second side of the top knot into the paper. When you do the second side, take the hairs left out from the first one and work them into the paper. That will help keep both sides together. Use gel or hairspray to finish, and, if you wish, attach a bow. Your Maltese breeder or groomer should be willing to show
you how. If all this sounds like too much trouble, that’s what groomers are for.

The best way to learn how to tie a top knot is to watch someone with experience. Here’s a video tutorial on how to do a double top knot on your Maltese.