Poodle Dog Grooming: Tips, Tricks and Popular Grooming Styles
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- by Adam
- 04 Apr 2025
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The Poodle dog breed has French and German origins; known for their intelligence and quick learning skills, they are ranked as the top 2 smartest dog breeds. The breed stands out because of its looks in particular. A dense, curly coat, a refined straight muzzle, oval eyes, and a square portioned body with a poofy pompom tail are what make them stand out.
Low-shedding, water-resistant, single-layered coats are high maintenance and require regular grooming.
TYPES OF POODLES
There are three types of poodles, and each type is groomed similarly to the others.
1. Standard Poodle
Standing at 18-24 inches tall, weighing between 45-75 pounds, the standard poodle is slightly larger in size, therefore require more time to be groomed. These dogs need regular brushing to keep them matt-free, clean and free of knots. Professional grooming is recommended every 4-6 weeks.
2. Miniature Poodle
This particular poodle stands at 10-15 inches at the shoulder in height and weighs between 12-20 pounds. Their dense, curly coats need to be brushed daily to remain matt-free. Grooming professionally is recommended every 4-6 weeks to keep the coat and skin in top condition.
3. Toy Poodle
A toy poodle stands at under 10 inches at the shoulder in height and weights typically between 4-6 pounds. Their small size makes the grooming process comparatively easier but need to be brushed daily to keep their curly coats intact. They need extra care around the face and feet, needing professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to keep them healthy.
Toy poodle vs miniature poodle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IWx5gbqoJA
| BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE POODLE BREED |
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GROOMING A POODLE DOG
It is ideal to prep a space with all the essential tools needed to groom a poodle especially if you're grooming them at home. When you own a high quality breed you need to invest in high quality tools, same goes for your business. All three types of poodles have the same protocol for grooming, with the exception of grooming styles.
Grooming tools:
- Clippers
- Grooming sheers
- A stainless steel comb
- Clipper attachments/guard combs
- A slicker brush
- A table or elevated surface
- A towel or non-slip mat
Brushing
Brushing might be the most complicated, time consuming and effort requiring process when it comes to grooming a poodle, one has to very mindful and cautious when doing it.
Start off in small sections, as poodles have thick, curly coats that can tangle quite easily. A daily brushing minimum of 10-20 minutes is ideal to prevent tangles and matting. Start with the head and work your way down to the tail. Special attention must be paid to areas of high friction, such as the armpits, behind the ears, and shoulders. If your poodle likes to swim, make sure it is brushed before jumping in water. A slicker brush with stiff bristles and a square shape is ideal for daily use; it is gentle and keeps the curly coat in good condition, followed by a good steal comb post-brushing to remove smaller tangles.
Brush all the way down to the skin but without any scratching or scrapping, you don't want to hurt the dog. You must brush before as well as after bathing.
Because of the nature of their coat your dog maybe reluctant to brushing. This is why you need to have them make friends with the tool from a young age. A poodle puppy's adult coat comes in from 6 to 10 months of age, this is when you need to start as the texture will transition from soft wavy to dense and curly. Reward your puppy with each stroke to develop positive association with the process.
Recommended brushes:
We highly recommend brushed by CHRIS CHRISTENSEN.
Brushes our groomers use: https://shrsl.com/35ueq
Slicker Brush 1: https://amzn.to/39WTELj
Slicker Brush 2: https://amzn.to/38c5GQs
Bathing
You must already be familiar with the process of washing and drying of course but here is a list of few considerations to make when bathing your poodle.
Your poodle should be pre-brushed before washing to remove all tangles and mats and get rid of dirt and debris because wetting a tangled coat is a horrible nightmare for both you and your pooch. Choose a pH-balanced dog-specific shampoo that is specifically formulated for curly poodle hair. Otherwise, it can disrupt the natural oils on the skin, leaving it dry and irritated. There is a wide range of clarifying shampoos for dogs.
"Since the Poodle has continually growing hair (like our own) and not fur, you can use any of the shampoos formulated for humans, such as Pantene or Suave," says Wolaniuk of the American Kennel Club. "A wide variety of cleansing dog shampoos, whether it be whiteners, modifiers, or clarifiers, are highly recommended."
You can use a ratio of 1:5 to dilute shampoo in order to help it distribute evenly across their coat. This will help prevent accumulation of residue product and ensure thorough rinsing. Use luke warm water, other temperatures can irritate their skin. Pay special attention to areas with thick fur and high friction areas for thorough cleaning. Always gently massage it in and never rub too hard. Double rinse until the water runs clear.
Follow with poodle-specific conditioner as recommended by your groomer and their haircut in mind. Double rinse and then pat dry with a microfiber towel. Followed by a thorough brush as you blow dry with a high-velocity dryer.
Frequency of bathing can variate between 3-6 weeks and 4-8 weeks, depending on your poodles lifestyle, you can even bathe them earlier than the recommended cycles based on their individual needs. Always search your dog for any prickly things or bumps under his fur. You may find foxtails, debris or ticks.
Coat Care and Maintenance
A poodle's hair, unlike fur, does not shed. In fact, it grows continuously and is extremely prone to matting because of its dense, curly nature despite being a single-layered coat. There may be shifts in the poodle's hair texture due to hormonal changes.
There are some specific tools required to groom a poodle with curly and dense hair:
1. High quality clippers such as those from Andis, Laube and Oster are recommended by our groomers. They are a popular choice among professionals as well as at home grooming per parents. However we must give precaution about the Oster blades as they tend to get hot during the trimming process and this can result in burns on the pet. Therefore, it is handy to keep same sized spare blades to switch them when they get hot.
2. Clipper attachments and guard combs are extremely essential to control the length of the hair being trimmed off. These combs can be paired with different blade sizes to achieve different looks.
3. Clipper blades of different sizes, such as 10, 15, 30 and 40 are extremely essential. These help you customise the length of hair taken off your pooch. However, another precaution, when using blade size 30 and 40 be extremely cautious as they can scrape off your dog's skin and even cause severe burns, we recommend to let experienced professionals use them not you at home groomers.
4. Grooming sheers are specially designed with rounded tips for dogs to shape, add final touches, and snip flay away hair or hair knots.
5. Andis Pluse Li5 Adjustable blade clipper is used to conduct sanitary trims under the paws
TIP: Do not clip too close to the rectum, as it can result in a rash.
Trimming
As we've mentioned previously, you must have your pooch pre-brushed and knot free before trimming their hair. If you come across severe matting use scissors to carefully snip in the direction of hair growth and cut the mat away. Be careful to not get too close to the skin, and the comb it out.
To trim the body you should use clippers with comb guard attachments. If you're attempting a puppy cut or even a lamb cut you can use the sizes 3,4 or 5 depending on the length you want to achieve. Always start from the neck and make your way towards the tail all the the natural outline of your pooch. If you are attempting to grooming your pooch yourself, please trim in intervals and brush through each time to check for evenness.
To match the legs to the body use the same blade and guard combination. However for fuller legs switch to 3/4" of a guard comb and clip down all the way to the ankles as well as hard to reach areas.
To trim the paw pads, use an Andis Pulse Li5 cordless clipper. Hold the back of the paws in your hand and trim the hair in a scooping motion to take out the excess hair without touching the sensitive web between the toes. The top of the foot should be trimmed with a size 15 blade, about a finger width above the pad. Clippers should be set to a size 10 blade for sanitary trims, including the bum and genitals.
For the head area, start by trimming the neck with a size 15 clipper. Pull the neck skin taut by lifting it up from the chin to avoid nicking the loose skin there. Trim in an upward motion from the neck indention to the chin, then move along from the inner ear towards the corner of each of the eyes. Connect the ear to the throat by trimming along this line, and shave the snout by clipping the space between the eyes and nose. Be very mindful when doing the snout; go in multiple directions to ensure a clean finish, and take your time with it.
If your pooch has a top knot we recommend to brush the hair upwards then check for an oval shape, use curved scissors to achieve the even shape. Repeat until satisfied. Snip away any protruding strands and peaks.
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND TIPS
- Blade maintenance is a must. Be mindful that the blades can heat up; therefore, always go in intervals to allow them to cool off and avoid burning the dog. Have multiple blades on hand.
- Using blades over dirt-greasy coats can dull them out; therefore, avoid this practice.
- Invest in good quality sharp sheers, try different models to find one for your dog and of course one that feels comfortable in your hands. Never use cheap scissors, it can damage your dog's coat.
- Using professional blades such as a size 30 and 40 should be left to experienced professionals. These short blades can result in nicks, cuts and burns if mishandled.Be gentle when grooming your pooch, especially when grooming their face and paws. Brushing vigorously can irritate their skin as well as gum, while clipping too quickly can result in cuts. If your dog fusses please keep treats on hand and reward good behavior.
Nails, Ears and Teeth
Nails: A poodles nails should be trimmed at least every 3 to 4 weeks, of course individual needs may vary some dogs will have a higher growth rate than others. As soon as you hear a clicking sound with their footsteps, its time for a trim as they should not be touching the ground. If they grow too long they can damage the dog's gait and even break. Make sure to watch the quick when trimming nails to avoid bleeding.
Ears: A poodles ears are highly prone to producing wax, they are flopped over and have hair growth in them. They are highly prone to infections, and irritants.
Pluck our excess hair from inside the air to help allow better flow which will help keep the ear dry and free of bacteria. Use ear cleaning solutions, vet recommended of course, to remove any under lying dirt and maintain the pH levels of the canal.
Neglecting the ears can result in hair blockage in canals, cause discomfort and pain, and generate foul odor, leading to chronic ear infections that may result in hearing loss and can even affect a dog's ability to balance themselves.
Signs That a Poodle's Ears Need Cleaning or Medical Attention:
- A foul odor coming from the ears.
- Excessive scratching or head shaking.
- Redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Sensitivity or pain when touching the ears.
CAUTION: extremely matted ears can result in hematoma, this is where delicate blood vessels in the ear burst which can be extremely painful.
Teeth: Gently try to brush your dogs teeth every day using a dog tooth paste or dental wipes and chews. Dogs are prone to plaque and tartar build up therefore clean teeth are just as essential as the rest of grooming processes. Be gentle and ease into it as they may not be used to having their teeth rubbed, besides it can be harsh on their gums and cause pain. Failure to keep up with dental care can result in fatal bacterial infections and periodontal disease.
10 DAPPER GROOMING STYLES FOR POODLES
1. German Poodle Cut
Also referred to as the European cut or Modern cut, the German cut is the traditional grooming style for the poodle that emphasizes their natural shape. The pooch's coat is kept at a uniform medium length that helps maintain its texture and curls. The length is customizable depending on the owner's preference. The legs are left full, and the hair on the head is turned into a top knot or two side knots. Clean, shaved face and feet help prevent matting in the areas, and the tail is trimmed neatly. Much easier to maintain than the elaborate cuts.
2. Teddy Bear Cut
Teddy Bear cut has grown to become a wildly popular grooming style among poodle owners. They love the rounded face with more pronounced eyes and nose. The body is clipped to a uniform length, between 1-2 inches, which helps maintain a fluffy look, legs slightly more full than the body in a rounded silhouette. This makes the coat easy to manage and less prone to matting. Long fluffy ears that match the rounded appearance. It is the perfect low maintenance, medium length hairstyle that compliments your poodles personality.
3. Poodle Lamb Clip / Cut
The lamb cut, also known as the lamb clip, is a sleek look that resembles the silhouette of a lamb. The body hair is clipped very short, between 1-2 an inch to 1/4th of an inch, which is much more practical for warm weather. The legs are left full and long, creating a cylindrical look with round paws, hence creating a lamb-like appearance. You can customize the length as per your preference. The face is trimmed close to the muzzle, and the cheeks and ears are left full and long. Creating a perfect look that looks clean and manageable yet easy to maintain.
4. Bedlington Cut
This haircut was particularly designed to keep the look of a Bedlington Terrier in mind. There is a distinctive lamb-like curve formed on the head that blends into the neck, and knots are formed around the ears or top of the head. The body is clipped short following the natural contour of the poodle, with 1/2 to 1/4 inches of hair length. Legs are comparatively fuller, and the hair around the muzzle is shaved, with ears that are shaven, except for the knots. The short, tapered tail compliments the rest of the body perfectly. The focal point of this grooming style is the neckline arch, shaved from the head down to the shoulders. The short length makes the haircut easy to maintain; it only to be done by professionals.
5. Dutch Poodle Cut/ Sporting Cut
A traditional grooming style that is balanced and emphasizes a poodle's natural features. The coat on the body is trimmed 1-2 inches in length, making it practical to manage without causing any extreme variations in the length of the poodle coat. The face and muzzle are neatly trimmed, maintaining a natural and soft silhouette. Full and rounded legs with a tapered tail create a balanced look that is finished off with long, full, rounded, and fluffy ears that match the rest of the body. A simple, easy-to-maintain style.
6. Scandinavian Puppy Lion Cut/ Continental Cut
Scandinavian Poodle cut, also known as the Lion cut, is a grooming style that enhances certain parts of the poodle's body to create a bold lion-like appearance and a highly dramatic contrast. A full, voluminous mane around the neck and chest with a very short clipped body makes it much easier to maintain. Legs are shaved, but the ankles are left full, creating a distinctive look from the front to the rear. The tail is shaved to create a fluffy pompom at the tip, and the face is shaved to make the facial features stand out. This cut creates a high-maintenance, proud look for your poodle, with various textures in its coat.
7. Short Lamb Trim
A variation of the classic lamb cut, this haircut is a cleaner, more practical, and easy-to-maintain grooming style. It is such that the body coat is clipped between 1/4th of an inch to 1/2 an inch, keeping its natural shape intact. The legs are full but shorter than the original lamb cut, soft, rounded, and puffy with rounded feet. The face hair is short and trimmed neatly around the muzzle and cheeks. Long but soft and full ears match the rest of the body, and the tail is left fluffy with a little pompom at the end of it, or as per the owner's preference. It is much easier and practical to maintain and helps reduce tangles as well as matting.
8. Puppy Cut
The poodle puppy cut is usually preferred by owners with the smaller version of the breed, especially toy poodle owners, as it is much easier to maintain. The coat is trimmed to a uniform length of 1-2 inches, which helps retain the fluff minus the fuss. The face is rounded to enhance the puppy-like innocence of the breed, including the eyes and muzzle, with long natural ears that blend in seamlessly with the rest of the head. Legs are slightly more full than the body with a rounded silhouette, with the tail trimmed to the complimenting length, perfect for a low-maintenance lifestyle.
9. Summer Cut
Perfect for poodles living in the warmer parts of the world by reducing the amount of hair on their coat. The summer cut has the body of a dog clipped very short, never longer than 1/4th of an inch. The short coat will minimize heat retention, hence keeping the poodle cool with no risk of matting or tangling. Leg hair is also trimmed short, matching the body coat. The face and muzzle, cheeks, and eyes are carefully trimmed, removing all extra hair. Slightly long yet trimmed ears balance out the overall look; the same is the case with the tail trimmed short. It is simple, easy, and practical, making it perfect for the summer.
Note: It is ok to shave or clip a poodles hair as they do grow back, however you must never shave too close to the skin.
10. English Saddle Cut
A traditional yet much more elaborate cut designed especially for show dogs to highlight their elegance and show off their unique body by creating contrasts through shaving and shaping. The throat, face, feet, and base of the tail are completely shaved off, and a clean cut with sharp lines is formulated. There are pompoms on the legs, front and back, with the front legs having two pompoms, one around the paw and the other around the elbow. One large pompom at the back legs. There is a rounded top knot on the head. Now, as the name 'saddle' suggests, a saddle-shaped coat on the back, short but not shaved, with a full chest, upper thighs, and rump. The tail is shaved at the base, and a fluffy pompom tip is left. This is a complex grooming style showing classic yet striking features that need regular maintenance for upkeep.
CONCLUSION
Grooming a poodle will require you to pay attention to detail, test your patience, and have you learn proper techniques. No matter what the size of the poodle, they are dense and curly. Non-shedding coats and unique hair growth patterns require regular maintenance to keep their health in good condition. Even though some owners prefer to groom their poodles at home, we highly recommend professional grooming every 4-6 weeks, especially for extravagant hairstyles.
Brushing is a daily necessity crucial to prevent matting and tangling as well as help avoiding damage to the skin and coat. Bathing, trimming, clipping, each an essential aspect of the poodle grooming process. Tools and techniques are crucial for guaranteed results because choosing the right tools is the key to a well groomed poodle. Neglecting their nails, ears or teeth can result in horrible outcomes with regard to the poodles health.
Poodles are known for their elegant and stylish nature as well multiple grooming styles, from the classic German cut to the cute puppy cut or even the teddy bear cut. Choosing the right grooming style depends on your poodles lifestyle. Individual comfort and, of course, your personal preference. From low maintenance summer cut to extravagant English Saddle cut, the varieties are remarkable.
Ultimately, Poodle grooming is not just about maintaining appearance but also about promoting overall health and well-being. With the proper care, grooming, and attention to detail, Poodle owners can ensure their dogs remain not only beautiful but also happy and comfortable throughout their lives.
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