When you think “poodle,” you think “hair.” Poodles’ curly, coarse coats are distinct features that make them easy to spot a mile away. Having such unique and versatile fur means there are countless poodle haircuts for you to choose from, and a professional groomer can give your poodle a makeover with a hairstyle that best matches her personality and lifestyle.
The Poodle is undoubtedly the dog breed most associated with different haircuts and hairstyles. This is partly in thanks to the volume of its curly coat. Their coats’ softness and hypoallergenic quality make them one of the most popular dogs for professional dog groomers. However, we shouldn’t forget they are also one of most intelligent dog breeds. Do you live with a Toy Poodle, a Miniature Poodle, a Standard Poodle, a Giant Poodle or a Poodle crossbreed? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore popular poodle cuts for pet owners from several aspects, bringing you all the information you need to find the perfect style for your poodle in a relaxed and cheerful tone.
Lion Cut
The Lion Cut is what most people think of when they think of this dog! The Poodle is shaved everywhere apart from their face, ears, shoulders, paws, and tail. This is to create “pompoms” of fur. According to the American Kennel Club, this is officially known as the Continental Cut and is one of the two acceptable poodle haircuts for show-lines. Continental clips can also be seen in a variant called the Modified Continental Clip, whereby the circle of fur on the rear end of the dog is removed too.
This is the style most often seen in the show ring on standard-sized poodles as opposed to miniature or toy variants. Many owners now feel that, because of the new regulations, they cannot get the best coat definition, and consequently this trim has become almost redundant. In general, this style takes a lot of time, effort, and experience to get right. If you are a novice, perhaps leave this cut to a professional groomer.
Modern cut
The modern cut for poodles is probably the most suitable for owners who love following recent trends and enjoy watching canine beauty competitions. This is also known as the Scandinavian cut or European cut in some sectors, especially in the United States of America. It seeks to achieve a careful and professional finish, without being as exaggerated as the aforementioned styles. And it is an aesthetic cut, yet at the same time it is very natural. It follows the shape of the body, emphasizing the ears and tail as much as the head.
Puppy cut
The puppy haircut is very popular among most small dog breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers or West Highland White Terriers. This is a very trendy cut for Miniature Poodles, and it isn’t difficult to work out why. This haircut really makes your poodle look like a puppy. This style doesn’t aim to achieve a defined or sharp-looking finish. On the contrary, the fur should look natural and fresh. The American Kennel Club claims there should be a pompom on the end of the tail. It is another of the most popular Poodle haircuts.
Summer Cut
Often known by groomers as the Kennel / Utility cut, the Summer clip is one of the more functional poodle cuts. As you can imagine, the origin of this appearance is to remove their dense, warm coat during the summer months, allowing them to be cooler outdoors.
Easily identifiable by the short coat all over (apart from on the head and the tail), this trim is more popular in standard-sized variations but can be seen in all variants. It should be noted that while the summer coat is a popular and effective hairstyle, it is not suitable for all dog breeds. If you would like this appearance on a different breed, talk to a groomer for advice first.
Cupcake Cut
One of the rarer poodle hairstyles, the clue of the cupcake is in the name. This style aims to sculpt the head and ears of the Poodle into a delicious-looking cupcake. Often confused with the teddy bear cut (which we review below), the cupcake is distinguishable by the rounding of the ears. As with the lion and English saddle clip, this is another one that can be difficult for novices to get right. For that reason, it always best to locate an experienced and well-recommended groomer to do it for you. Generally speaking, the cupcake cut is predominantly seen in miniature and toy poodles.
Sporting Cut
Another appearance that is relatively easy to spot, they have shorter hair on the body with a pompom on the tail. This poodle hairstyle is noted by groomers for its uniform hair length across the whole of the dog (not just the body). It is uniquely popular with all three classes of Poodle: standard, toy, and miniature.
The Dutch is also known as a Sporting Cut by the UK Kennel Club and is the most popular of all the coats for show-line dogs suitable for the Stud-Dog or Brood-Bitch classifications. Although it is strongly recommended that you ask a groomer to clip the Dutch appearance, it is possible to maintain this appearance at home.
How to get the right Poodle cut
There is some controversy over the styles and types of Poodle cuts. The problem is there is no standardized style guide for cutting a Poodle’s hair. In different countries, regions and even individual dog groomers, there is debate over the correct name for some of the terms. This can understandably cause confusion for groomers. Clients may come in with a specific idea of how they want their Poodle cut, but are unable to explain the style to the groomer.
Whether you have a Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle or Standard Poodle, getting the right cut can be tricky. The best thing for you to do is to decide on what you want before hand and locate a picture of the Poodle cut you want. You can even take this article with you and decide which type of haircut will best work for your dog. Relying on the name of a certain Poodle cut may cause confusion or frustration, so it is best to be on the safe side.
These iconic clips are a great way to express both yours and your poodle’s personality:
- Are you better suited to the unmistakable and high maintenance Lion cut?
- Or are you a better match to the sleek and low-maintenance summer coat?
Despite their commonality on standard-sized poodles, these cuts are suitable for poodles of all shapes and sizes, including the toy and miniatures.
Choosing a poodle cut for your furry friend is an exciting opportunity to express their unique personality and style. From the traditional poodle cut to the playful lamb cut, there is a wide range of popular cuts to suit every poodle and owner preference. Remember to consider your poodle’s comfort, maintenance requirements, and your own personal taste when selecting a cut. Regular grooming, both at home and with a professional groomer, is essential to maintain your poodle’s style and overall well-being. So, let your imagination run wild, discuss your ideas with your groomer, and unleash your poodle’s style with a relaxed and cheerful flair!