Poodles are a versatile breed – and that includes their coats.
Some of the more popular Poodle cuts are:
- Crib clamps
- Clip Miami
- lamb sandwich
However, really the grooming style for the Poodle is limitless.
Paige McIlwain, training director at Dawg Salty Pet Salon, says, “Poodles aren’t just limited to fancy decorations and can be trimmed in almost any way you can imagine. Their coats are extremely versatile as are the dogs themselves.
Cut the popular Poodle
Paige says that of all three Poodle cuts, the Poodle will have a shaved face and neck, shaved paws, and a fluffy tail with a shaved or banded base.
- Crib Clip: The Poodle’s neck, body, and legs are about the same length. This clip is usually made with a 3/8 inch blade or shorter. The top knot is just slightly longer than the torso and rounded at the top of the head. The ears are usually round and cut short.
- Miami clip: Poodle’s body and upper 2/3 of her legs are cut with the same blade. The lower part of the leg around the wrist joint and the ankle above the shaved foot is cut into round cotton balls. This style is finished with a medium-length top knot and long, lightly trimmed ears.
- Sheep clip: This style of clip features the Poodle’s body being cut short with long, full legs. In the dog show world, this clip is usually made entirely by hand cutting, but for customers it is often done using a combination of both press and scissors. The top knot is left medium to long and blends into the neck while the long and rounded ears are trimmed lightly
- This is the most recognizable standard Poodle groom style, says Paige. The most iconic features of this clip are the extremely plump top knot that forms a loose jacket, the closely shaved tail and legs, and the cotton balls at the hips, wrists, and ankles. Typically, this trim is done more often for performances or sports than regular pet grooming.
How to groom a poodle?
Paige says that in terms of grooming maintenance for Poodles, they have a higher level of maintenance than other breeds because of their coarse, thick, and highly textured coat. However, she says that the maintenance really depends on how you like to trim your Poodle’s coat. The longer the pruning time and the more intricate the pattern, the more maintenance your Poodle will need to maintain its “freshly groomed” appearance.
“They don’t shed in the traditional sense like Shepherd, Retriever or Husky, but they do shed when bathing and brushing,” she says.
High friction/moving areas such as legs and feet, tail, head and collar area should be brushed and combed at least every two to four days, depending on the length of the coat. The main body of the body should be brushed every three to five days, also depending on the length of the coat.
“This keeps your Poodle’s coat from getting tight and painful so you can keep your Poodle in any style you want,” says Paige.
But if your Poodle’s coat is frizzy, you may need the help of a professional pet stylist. Some signs to look out for include:
- More than 1/4 of your Poodle’s coat is tangled or clumped together.
- Your Poodle’s skin is showing signs of irritation or bruising from brushing.
- You cannot easily part your Poodle’s hair to examine the skin with the naked eye.
- Your Poodle is flinching, purring or biting when you try to untangle their coat.
She says: “Keep in mind that your pet stylist may not be able to save your Poodle’s coat if the coat is too heavy.
Brush your Poodle at home
Paige recommends some of the tools you need to groom your Poodle at home:
- Slicker/Pin Brush: This is for puppies with medium to long hair. These work by breaking up tangles in a pat-and-pull fashion. But be careful not to brush too hard or too many times on the same area.
- Comb: This is a great choice for any medium to long-haired and double-haired breed. Removing small knots or sensitive areas and removing food debris from the muzzle are common uses for combs. The comb can also be used to gently comb from the ends of the hair down to the skin.
“The shorter the clip, the longer your Poodle can come between appointments,” says Paige.
- For 1/2 inch lengths and shorter: every six to eight weeks will work.
- For 5/8 inch to 1 inch length: every three to six weeks is best.
- Anything taller than 1 inch: should be professionally groomed every two to four weeks.
“These guidelines will not only help you and your stylist manage your Poodle, but also keep your Poodle in a low-stress routine and still look its best,” she says.
Find your poodle style
Ultimately, the best look for your Poodle is one that both you and your puppy enjoy. Regular and thorough brushing and combing of the Poodle will help keep your dog comfortable and greasy. If you want to visit the groomer less often, keep your Poodle’s coat shorter. But if your dog’s coat is frizzy, you may need the help of a professional groomer to avoid injuring your pet.
