Mention a pom-pom in canine circles and one breed comes to mind-the elegant Poodle. While the distinctive hairdo might seem more like a fashion statement than a necessity, the Standard Poodle haircut makes sense once you understand the breed’s history.
When it comes to poodle grooming, the Continental and English Saddle cuts are two of the most iconic and enduring styles. These traditional cuts have a long history and continue to be popular choices for poodle owners around the world. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the Continental and English Saddle cuts from several aspects, diving into their origins, characteristics, and maintenance tips. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s embark on a journey into the world of traditional poodle cuts, all in a relaxed and cheerful tone.
Origins and Significance
Bred as a water retriever in early 17th Century Europe, the Poodle name comes from the German pudel or pudelhund, literally meaning ‘water dog.’ Since a Poodle’s thick outer coat can get heavy when wet, the bottom half of the body was shorn back to help keep the dog afloat. To keep his organs warm in cold waters, the hair was kept long over the chest and head. Bracelets of ankle hair were left to protect joints from rheumatism, and a topknot was used to keep long hair out of the eyes when swimming. Colorful bows were added during competitions to help owners identify their dogs.
The range of fancy and experimental Poodle cuts hit a peak during the reign of the French King, Louis XVI, when many dogs were trimmed in decorative styles to match the extravagant coifs of 18th Century French nobility.
Today, Poodle owners generally choose between one of two traditional cuts. The ‘Continental Clip’ leaves a full mantle of hair around the chest and rib cage, pom-poms over each hip and on the tail, ankle and knee bracelets, and fully shaved hindquarters and legs. With the ‘English Saddle Clip,’ a short coat of hair is left over the hindquarters and legs.
In competition, adult dogs must be shown in one of these two conforming cuts, which always make Poodles big crowd-pleasers in the show ring.
Continental Clip
This is the Continental Clip, 1 of the clips that is accepted in conformation for Poodles that are 1 year and older.
The face, front legs between poms and elbow, hind quarter to the pom area and with the exception of the hip rosettes, feet, and base of tail are all shaved very closely. The pack area is left very, very long and scissored into shape. The top knot is left very long and pulled into a ponytail. The tail is given a very large pompon.
Poms on the legs are started just above the wrist and hock joints and end just above the feet. They are also scissored round. The hip rosettes are placed directly over the Poodle’s hip joint.
They are only 1/2 – 1 inch apart (depending upon the variety of poodle). These are also scissored round. The pack ends 1/2 – 1 inch behind the last rib. There is only 1/2 inch between the end of the pack and the beginning of the hip rosettes.
English Saddle
With this clip, the Poodle’s face, front leg between pom and pack, crescent on the flank, base of tail, separations between poms on rear legs and paws are all closely shaved. The pack is left rather full and is scissored into shape.
The top knot on the head is left long and pulled back into a pony tail. The poms on front legs are leg long and started above the wrist joint and ends above the feet. The area over the hips and flanks are scissored shorter into a smooth blanket.
The tail’s pom is left long and shaped into a ball. The poms on hind legs are rounded off and spaced evenly apart. The bottom pom begins just above the hock and ends above the feet. The next shaping starts at the Poodle’s knee area and ends just 1-1/2 inch (depending upon size of poodle) above the lower pom.
Maintenance Tips
Both the Continental and English Saddle cuts require regular maintenance to keep your poodle looking their best. Here are some tips to help you maintain these traditional cuts:
- Regular brushing: Brush your poodle’s coat regularly to prevent matting and keep the hair smooth and tangle-free. Use a slicker brush or a comb designed for poodle coats to remove any knots or tangles gently.
- Professional grooming: Schedule regular grooming appointments with a professional groomer who specializes in poodle cuts. They have the expertise and tools to maintain the shape and style of the Continental or English Saddle cut, as well as provide additional grooming services such as nail trimming and ear cleaning.
- Bathing and drying: Regular bathing is necessary to keep your poodle’s coat clean and healthy. Use a dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner recommended by your groomer or veterinarian. After bathing, ensure thorough drying, as damp hair can lead to matting and skin issues. Use a blow dryer on a low-heat setting or consider using a grooming table with a built-in dryer for more efficient drying.
- Trimming and shaping: The Continental and English Saddle cuts require periodic trimming and shaping to maintain their defined lines and proportions. This should be done by a professional groomer who is familiar with the specific requirements of these cuts.
- Hygiene and health: Pay attention to your poodle’s eyes, ears, and teeth to maintain their overall hygiene and health. Clean the eyes with a damp cloth to remove any discharge, regularly inspect the ears for signs of infection, and brush their teeth regularly with a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste.
Embracing Tradition with a Personal Touch
While the Continental and English Saddle cuts have established guidelines, there is still room for personalization and creativity. Discuss your preferences and ideas with your groomer to add a unique touch to your poodle’s traditional style. From adding pops of color with temporary dyes to incorporating accessories like bows or bandanas, you can infuse your poodle’s cut with your own personality and style.
While elaborately coifed Standard Poodles are still the norm, many owners today are choosing to either leave their dogs uncut or leave them in a uniform length, such as a puppy cut. Please note that uncut Poodles are not maintenance free, and the resulting matting can, in some cases, cause significant skin issues. But whether he’s perfectly pruned or minimally coifed, no other breed has turned heads throughout history like your distinctive Poodle.
The Continental and English Saddle cuts are timeless and elegant styles that have stood the test of time. With their origins rooted in the practical needs of working poodles, these cuts have evolved into intricate and stylized designs that showcase the breed’s grace and beauty. By understanding the characteristics of these traditional cuts and following proper maintenance tips, you can keep your poodle looking impeccable and exuding their unique charm. So, embrace the tradition, add your personal touch, and enjoy the journey of grooming your poodle in these classic and distinguished styles.
