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Poodles are the quintessential teddy bear dog, especially when well-groomed and sporting a cute hairstyle.
No wonder they have a diverse range of accepted haircuts because they can rock different looks so well!
While some Poodle haircuts are solely meant for aesthetics, other styles are also designed for practical purposes.
In this article, we'll explore the 11 most popular and recognizable Poodle haircuts for toy, miniature, and standard types, and why regular grooming, trimming, and cutting are necessary to keep their non-shedding, hypoallergenic coats in sparkling tip-top shape!
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Why Poodle Haircuts Matter
Just as all dogs need to get groomed regularly, Poodles also need their thick, curly coats trimmed and styled.
Poodles were originally bred as water-hunting dogs, so some haircuts, like the Continental Clip, were designed to protect their vital body organs from the cold water while maintaining swimming efficiency.
Grooming Poodles every 4 to 6 weeks will also help keep their coats healthy by preventing matting and skin irritation.
Seasonal haircuts, such as those for summer or winter, can also help regulate your Poodle's body temperature. It will help keep them warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.
As for the aesthetics, these Poodle haircuts can highlight your dog's unique size and personality!
12 Popular Poodle Haircuts
1. Continental Clip
This is perhaps the most classic hairstyle we imagine when we think of Poodles.
The continental clip is popular in dog shows and is classified by a shaved face, hindquarters, and tail base. The head, chest, and ribcage feature a fully sculpted coat, while the tail's tip, hips, and ankles on all four legs feature pom-poms.
This Poodle haircut symbolizes elegance and tradition, due to its historical significance as a functional cut for the then water-retriever dogs.
2. English Saddle Clip
This is another popular Poodle haircut for shows, which looks similar to the Continental clip, but with more sculpted hair for balance.
The most attention-catching feature of this Poodle haircut is the saddle-shaped patch of hair left on the hindquarters and the shaved bands on the legs that resemble bracelets and a saddle blanket.
The English Saddle can give a softer, fuller, yet elegant look to all types of Poodles!
3. Puppy Clip
The puppy clip is a versatile dog haircut suitable for any breed, featuring an even clip or trim all over the body.
For Poodles, this especially looks great on the Toy and Mini types.
A rounded face and a fluffy body cut characterize this Poodle haircut. It keeps the dog looking young and is AKC-approved for puppies under 12 months.
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4. Lamb Clip
The lamb clip resembles the puppy clip, but if you look closely, you'll notice the leg fur is left longer and fuller than the rest of the body, giving the dog an adorable lamb-like appearance.
This Poodle hairstyle is practical and low-maintenance. It's also sometimes called the “sporting clip,” and is ideal for active dogs.
5. Teddy Bear Cut
This is another popular haircut for Poodles and other teddy bear dogs among pet owners.
It gives the poodle a soft, rounded head and fluffy coat, making them look more cuddly and adorable like a teddy bear!
And as a bonus, this cut is also easy to maintain.
6. Miami Cut
This one is a fun, playful style your dog can sport, especially for warmer climates (hence, the Miami name!)
The Miami cut, also known as the Bikini cut or Summer clip, features shaved face, feet, and tail base, with pom-poms left on ankles and tail.
Many owners favor this for its style and practicality, as it can keep your Poodle cool in hot weather.
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7. Dutch Clip
In the Dutch clip, the Poodle's body coat is left intact, except that the face, neck, feet, and base of tail are closely shaved.
This is a simple, traditional, and practical style preferred by some pet owners for its “retro” look, which also gained popularity in the 1960s.
You'll also notice a “belly band” of shaved hair in the dog's midriff. The length of the band can vary, depending on your preference or your groomer's recommendation.
8. Kennel Clip
Like the lamb clip, the Kennel clip is also called the sporting clip because of its practical, short, and easy-to-maintain style, perfect for Poodles who enjoy outdoor activities like swimming or hiking.
This poodle haircut involves shaving the face, feet, and base of the tail, while the body hair is kept short and scissored into shape.
The topknot and tail are typically left longer than the body hair, often with a pompon on the tail.
9. Modern Trim
The modern trim Poodle haircut features a shorter, tighter body, with fuller legs, making it a practical yet stylish hairstyle for this breed.
It's often compared to a fancy lamb trim because of its balanced and elegant look.
The modern clip maintains a longer, even trim of coat on the whole body, while the face and feet are kept fluffy and neat.
10. Cupcake Cut
This Poodle haircut is a variation of the puppy clip, where the head and ears are sculpted into a rounded, cupcake-like shape.
The rounded ears and overall spherical shape of the Poodle's head resemble a cupcake, hence the name.
This is also a very popular choice for Toy and Miniature Poodle owners.
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11. Town & Country Cut
The Town & Country clip may look like a longer variation of the Dutch clip, but it has a more rounded, softer look than the almost angled and geometric Dutch style.
In this Poodle haircut, you'll see a natural-looking fur covering the whole body, and shorter and manageable face and cylindrical legs.
This is a practical style suitable for winter as the longer coat provides insulation.
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How to Choose the Right Cut for Your Poodle
More than the aesthetics, it's also best to factor in your dog's size, lifestyle, the weather, and the maintenance level when choosing the best Poodle haircut for your furry pal.
- Size: Do you have a standard, a toy, or a miniature Poodle?
- Lifestyle: Is your poodle active or laidback? Dogs who love to move around may need shorter, practical cuts.
- Climate: Is it summer or winter? Do you live in a relatively warm or cold region?
- Maintenance level: How much time can you commit to a regular and frequent brushing and grooming?
Consider these questions and ask your groomer for their professional suggestion!
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FAQs
How often should a poodle get a haircut?
Poodles should get a haircut every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent matting and keep their coat manageable.
Regular trims also help maintain hygiene and overall coat health.
What’s the easiest poodle haircut to maintain at home?
The “puppy cut” is arguably the easiest to maintain at home. It keeps the coat short and even all over, making brushing and upkeep simpler!
Do poodles need professional grooming, or can I do it myself?
Poodles can be groomed at home, but their curly coat and skin sensitivity make professional grooming helpful.
If you groom at home, you'll need proper tools, time, and regular practice to do it safely and effectively.
At what age should I give my poodle its first haircut?
Most poodles can get their first haircut around 12 to 16 weeks old. This helps them get used to the grooming process early on.
How do I keep my poodle’s haircut looking fresh between grooming sessions?
Brush your poodle every couple of days to prevent tangles and matting.
You can also trim around the eyes, feet, and sanitary areas to keep them neat between full grooming appointments.
Poodle Haircuts: Before You Go…
Nothing is more adorable than a well-groomed Poodle, especially when they sport these trendy hairstyles!
Poodle haircuts are about more than looks; they’re essential for coat health, comfort, and breed tradition.
The best way to know which haircut is perfect for your Poodle is by experimenting with different cuts until you find the right balance of style, practicality, and maintenance level.
If you want to learn more about dog care and grooming, please check out our recommended articles below!
