Maltese coat

How long does it take for their coat to grow to the floor. My Maltese is almost 2 years old and he has long hair but not down to floor yet. Also I wanted to know what is the best shampoo and conditioner to wash them in?
Connie

• I just wanted to tell you that I'm having the same problem! Sorry I don't offer any help, but I'm waiting for advice on this myself. My 11 month old, Paxton, has about mid- length hair and is kind of wavy. He sees the groomer bi-weekly, and I have yet to see a long staight coat. I heard that if we let our "babies" run and jump on the furniture and play outside, that it can break off their hair and discourage it to grow. Maybe we'll get some more advice!
  Traci and Paxton

• If you want your Maltese to look like the pictures you see in magazines or on t.v. there is alot of work involved. Breeders and handlers that show this breed spend hours a day bathing, brushing, combing and wrapping up the hair to keep it from breaking off. A Maltese's hair will break off on the ends when in contact with carpet, the bed, couch, or even sitting in your lap. show dogs are kept off of any surface that would initiate broken hair. Most breeders and handlers don't keep a dog in show coat af ter they are through showing them. They cut the hair short to allow the dog the freedom to be a pet.
  Taram