Standard Poodles are cute medium size dogs with big personalities. Their curly coats need lots of care to keep them looking good and feeling comfy. Grooming isn’t just about making your poodle look pretty – it’s super important for their health too!
Grooming gives you a chance to check for any skin problems or little lumps and bumps that might need a vet’s attention.
There are lots of fun haircuts you can try with your Standard Poodle when grooming. Some are easy to do at home, while others might need a pro groomer. In this guide, we’ll look at 10 popular Standard Poodle haircuts and tell you all about them.
Top 10 Standard Poodle Haircuts
1. Puppy Cut
The Puppy Cut is a favorite among Standard Poodle owners, and for good reason! It’s cute, easy to maintain, and works well for active poodles.
How it looks
- Hair is cut to an even length all over the body (usually 1-2 inches)
- Face, feet, and tail are trimmed shorter for a neat look
- Gives a youthful, fluffy appearance
- Easy to brush and keep clean
Maintenance tips:
- Brush daily with a soft bristle brush like this to prevent tangles
- Trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain the style
- Regular baths (every 2-3 weeks) keep the coat looking fresh
2. Teddy Bear Cut
The Teddy Bear Cut is all about making your Standard Poodle look like a cuddly stuffed animal. It’s adorable and perfect for poodles who love to be the center of attention!
How it looks
- Body hair is left slightly longer than the Puppy Cut (about 2 inches)
- Face is trimmed in a round shape to look like a teddy bear
- Legs are shaped to look full and fluffy
- Great for colder climates as it leaves more coat for warmth
Maintenance tips:
- Daily brushing with a pin brush like this one keeps the coat fluffy
- Trim face every 2-3 weeks to maintain the round shape
- Full grooming every 6-8 weeks
3. Continental Cut
The Continental Cut is a classic poodle style that’s often seen in dog shows. It’s fancy and requires a lot of work, but it sure makes a statement!
How it looks
- Short hair on the body
- Fluffy “pom-poms” on the legs, tail, and sometimes the head
- Shaved feet, face, and part of the tail
- Shows off the poodle’s elegant body shape
Maintenance tips:
- Daily brushing and regular trimming of the pom-poms
- Professional grooming recommended every 4-6 weeks
- Use special scissors like these for shaping the pom-poms
4. Lamb Cut
The Lamb Cut gives your Standard Poodle a soft, woolly look that’s both stylish and practical.
How it looks
- Body hair is left longer (about 1 inch) and shaped to be fluffy
- Legs are trimmed to be slightly fuller at the top, tapering down
- Face, feet, and base of tail are trimmed short
- Good balance of style and easy care
Maintenance tips:
- Brush every other day with a slicker brush like this to maintain fluffiness
- Trim every 6-8 weeks
- Regular baths keep the coat looking bright and clean
5. Boot Cut
The Boot Cut is a fun style that makes your Standard Poodle look like they’re wearing little furry boots!
How it looks
- Body and most of the legs are trimmed short
- Lower part of the legs (the “boots”) are left longer and shaped round
- Face is usually trimmed short
- Great for active poodles who like to play outdoors
Maintenance tips:
- Brush the “boots” daily to prevent tangles
- Trim body every 4-6 weeks
- Use rounded scissors like these to shape the boots
6. Mohawk Cut
For the Standard Poodle with attitude, try the Mohawk Cut! It’s edgy and sure to turn heads at the dog park.
How it looks
- Body is trimmed short
- Strip of longer hair left from head to tail, shaped into a mohawk
- Face and feet trimmed short
- Perfect for poodles with big personalities
Maintenance tips:
- Use a strong hold gel to keep the mohawk standing up
- Trim body every 4-6 weeks
- Reshape mohawk as needed (usually every 2-3 weeks)
7. Pom Pom Cut
The Pom Pom Cut is all about creating fluffy balls of fur in strategic spots on your Standard Poodle.
How it looks
- Body is trimmed short
- Round pom poms left on head, tail, and sometimes legs
- Face and feet trimmed short
- Playful look that shows off your poodle’s personality
Maintenance tips:
- Daily brushing of pom poms with a small slicker brush like this one
- Trim body every 4-6 weeks
- Shape pom poms every 2-3 weeks to maintain roundness
8. Short All Over Cut
The Short All Over Cut is perfect for low-maintenance grooming and hot summer days.
How it looks
- Entire body (including head) trimmed to a short, even length (usually 1/2 inch or less)
- Face, feet, and tail base trimmed even shorter
- Easy to care for and keeps your poodle cool
Maintenance tips:
- Light brushing a few times a week
- Trim every 4-6 weeks to maintain length
- Use a cooling spray after grooming to keep your poodle comfortable
9. Kennel Cut
The Kennel Cut is another low-maintenance option that’s great for active Standard Poodles.
How to archive
- Body hair clipped very short (1/8 to 1/4 inch)
- Slightly longer hair on head, ears, and tail
- Face, feet, and tail base trimmed short
- Practical for poodles who swim or get dirty often
Maintenance tips:
- Quick brush once or twice a week
- Trim every 6-8 weeks
- Use a gentle shampoo like this one for frequent baths
10. Custom Patterns and Designs
For the truly creative poodle parent, try some custom patterns and designs!
How to archive
- Use different hair lengths to create patterns (hearts, stars, etc.)
- Try temporary, dog-safe hair dyes for colorful designs
- Combine elements from different cuts for a unique look
Maintenance tips:
- Varies depending on the design
- May require frequent touch-ups to maintain the pattern
- Use pet-safe hair chalk for temporary color without commitment
Grooming Techniques for Each Haircut
Now that we’ve covered the different haircuts, let’s talk about how to achieve and maintain them. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first attempts aren’t salon-quality!
Here are some general steps for grooming your Standard Poodle:
- Brush thoroughly to remove any tangles
- Bathe your poodle using a gentle dog shampoo like this
- Dry completely (a blow dryer like this on low heat can help)
- Use clippers to trim the body to desired length
- Use scissors for detail work on face, feet, and tail
- Finish with a final brush-through
For specific cuts:
- Puppy Cut and Short All Over: Use clippers with a longer guard all over
- Teddy Bear: Leave body slightly longer, focus on rounding the face
- Continental: Requires careful shaving and pom-pom shaping (best left to professionals at first)
- Lamb Cut: Use longer clipper guard on body, taper legs with scissors
- Boot Cut: Clip body short, carefully shape “boots” with scissors
- Mohawk: Clip body short, use scissors to shape mohawk
- Pom Pom: Careful scissor work to shape pom poms round
To make grooming a positive experience:
- Start slow and reward your poodle with treats
- Take breaks if your poodle gets stressed
- Use a non-slip mat like this to keep your poodle steady
- Always be gentle and patient
Professional Grooming vs. Home Grooming
Deciding whether to groom your Standard Poodle at home or take them to a pro depends on a few things:
Home Grooming Pros:
- Save money in the long run
- Bond with your poodle
- Groom on your own schedule
Home Grooming Cons:
- Initial investment in tools
- Learning curve
- Time-consuming
Professional Grooming Pros:
- Expert results
- Saves you time
- Groomers can spot health issues
Professional Grooming Cons:
- More expensive
- Need to schedule appointments
- Some poodles get stressed at the groomer’s
Most Standard Poodle owners do a mix of both. You might do basic maintenance at home and visit a pro every 2-3 months for a full groom. If you’re new to poodle grooming, consider learning how to grooming your poodle to learn the basics.
Seasonal Grooming Considerations
Your Standard Poodle’s grooming needs change with the seasons. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Summer:
- Shorter cuts keep your poodle cool
- More frequent baths may be needed
- Use a dog sunscreen on exposed skin
Winter:
- Longer coats provide more warmth
- Less frequent bathing to avoid dry skin
- Consider a dog sweater for extra warmth on walks
Spring/Fall:
- Medium length cuts work well
- Watch for seasonal allergies that might affect skin
- Use a deshedding brush like this during coat changes
Always adjust the haircut based on your poodle’s comfort and activity level. A poodle who loves to swim might need a shorter cut year-round, while a couch potato might enjoy a fluffier style.
Common Grooming Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced poodle parents can make grooming mistakes. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
- Over-trimming: Taking too much off can leave your poodle cold or exposed to sun
- Under-trimming: Not trimming often enough leads to mats and tangles
- Ignoring mats: Mats can cause skin problems if left unchecked
- Neglecting ears and nails: These need regular attention too
- Using human products: Always use dog-specific products like these to avoid skin irritation
- Rushing the process: Take your time to avoid accidents and stress
Remember, grooming is about more than just looks. It’s a chance to check your poodle’s overall health and strengthen your bond.
How often should I groom my Standard Poodle?
Daily brushing, with a full groom every 4-8 weeks depending on the style.
What if my Standard Poodle hates grooming?
Start slow, use lots of treats, and make it a positive experience. Try calming aids like these if needed.
Can I use human hair clippers on my poodle?
It’s best to use dog-specific clippers like these as they’re designed for pet hair and skin.
How do I prevent my poodle’s hair from matting?
ARegular brushing (daily is best) and keeping the coat at a manageable length.
What should I do if I accidentally cut my poodle while grooming?
Clean the area with antiseptic and apply styptic powder to stop bleeding. If it’s more than a small nick, see your vet.
Summary…
Choosing the right haircut for your Standard Poodle is all about balancing style, practicality, and your poodle’s comfort. Don’t be afraid to try different styles to find what works best for you and your furry friend.
Grooming is more than just a beauty treatment – it’s an important part of your poodle’s health care and a great way to bond. With patience and practice, you’ll become a pro at keeping your Standard Poodle looking and feeling their best.
