Poodle Cuts - Haircuts for Poodles

As we state in the introduction, there are different types of Poodles. While the Giant, Standard, Miniature and Toy Poodles all have a slightly different morphology, they also share distinct features. For a start, they are all curly haired dogs. Some of them have longer bodies, while the smaller dogs are a little more compact. This means some of the Poodle cuts here are more suitable for one type of Poodle than another.

Our top 10 Poodle haircuts and styles are:

1. Continental Poodle Cut
2. English Saddle Poodle Cut
3. Dutch Poodle Cut
4. Modern Poodle Cut
5. Puppy Poodle Cut
6. Summer Poodle Cut
7. Cupcake Poodle Cut
8. Teddy Bear Poodle Cut
9. Town and Country Poodle Cut
10. Short Poodle Cut
11. Miami Poodle Cut

Different groomers may call some of these cuts by a different name, but this will depend on location and culture. This is why we provide photos of Poodle haircuts for your groomer to know what you want, even if they know it by another name. You will also have to remember that cutting a Poodle's hair makes it shorter, something that can cause issues in both hot and cold climates.

As the photo shows, the Continental Cut is probably the best known and most extravagant of all the Poodle cuts. The dog's limbs are hairless, with only a pompom around the front and back paws. The tail should be rounded off and the chest, stomach and head should be left with hair. It is the most widely used haircut in competitions and dog shows where is is also known as the Lion Cut.

The Continental Cut's elaborate style makes it impressive, but also takes a lot of time and effort (not to mention experience) to get right. There are other haircuts on dogs called the lion cut, such as one for the Shih Tzu, but they will look different according to the specific breed.

Image: National Geographic

The English Saddle Cut is very similar to the Continental Cut. The difference lies in an additional pompom on the hind legs, as well as the pelvic area being left at the same length as the chest. It still shares the long ears and tightly wound curls on the body. Both are considered some of the most popular Poodle haircuts among groomers.

Image: poodleforum

The Dutch Cut is one of the most popular in dog contests and expositions. Unlike previous styles, this one is for those who are looking for a uniform style with no differences in length of the dog's coat. As seen in the photo, it's notable above all for the tail ending in a cute pompom. In the UK, this is referred to as the ‘Sporting Cut’ in the British Kennel Club. There is also a variation where there is a shaved middle which is sometimes known as a Royal Dutch Poodle Cut.

Image: poodleforum

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. The photo shows a very neat version of the modern cut.

The Modern Poodle Cut seeks to achieve a careful and professional finish, without being as exaggerated as the aforementioned styles. 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.

The Puppy Cut 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 for the Puppy Cut in Poodles. It is another of the most popular Poodle haircuts.

Image: temporary-secretary

Many dog owners wonder if it's bad to give their dogs a haircut during the summer. Not all dogs should follow the example of the Poodle, which is a breed that adapts perfectly to different haircuts and styles.

Summer is a hot period that makes your beloved Poodle get dirtier than usual - especially if you take it to the beach or go for a walk in the woods. Therefore, giving your Poodle a Summer Cut is a good idea. You will help to keep them cool while achieving some interesting aesthetic finishes, as shown below in the picture. Winter Poodle Cuts tend to leave more hair on the dog to help insulate them from the cold.

Image: poodleforum.com

This haircut is not very well known, possibly because some people think it provides a strange look once it is done. You can see this strange, but endearing look in the picture below. The Cupcake Cut is notable for leaving the ears absolutely rounded as a result of being thoroughly styled. Not all styles will involve Poodle face cuts to be so dramatic, but we think it is quite stylish.

This Poodle cut is also notable for the shape of its head - which ends in a point - which bears a clear resemblance to a delicious muffin.

Image: huxtablethepoodle.blogspot

The Teddy Bear Cut is increasingly popular among long-haired dog breeds. This finish must be done with scissors, and it requires hands with experience in styling Poodles.

The hair should be left mid-length so that the Poodle's curls can be seen clearly. This gives a sweet and rounded finish which makes it look like a bear, as the name suggests. Make sure you know how often to bathe a Poodle in order for their fur to look gorgeous at all times.

Image: yiral

This type of hair cut is increasingly popular in the United States, where it's best known as the Town and Country C Cut or the T-Cut. This style can work for any type of Poodle, but is particularly common with Standard or Miniature Poodles.

Its defining feature is that it leaves the legs hairy and cylinder-shaped. The body hair, on the other hand, is cut shorter, which accentuates the density of the leg hairs. The head and ears have a rounded finish.

Image: najupets

While it's not very common to see a short-haired Poodle, it remains an aesthetic option that will avoid knots, tangles and dirt building up in its coat. This Poodle cut may be a good option in warmer countries. The Short Cut is also a good option for those who can't go to the dog stylist as often as they would like to. This style can work just as well on a Toy Poodle as it will a Standard Poodle.

You will need to bear in mind that it may cause the dog to become cold. Either avoid this cut in cold climates or winter months. If you still prefer a shorter cut, ensure you have a doggie jacket for them to stay protected.

Image: notastandardpoodle-gregg.blogspot

The Miami Poodle Cut is a variation of the Continental Cut which is less elaborate and less shaving is involved. The base of the tail is shorter, as is often the tail itself. However, there is a pompon on the tail and legs, but the paws are usually shaved. This means it is a good cut for temperate weather since it should be neither too hot nor too cold.

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.

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