Complete Guide to Dog Haircut Styles

Choosing the right haircut for your dog depends on their breed, coat type, lifestyle, and your maintenance preferences. This guide explains popular grooming styles to help you communicate with your groomer and choose the best look for your pup.

Universal Styles (Work on Many Breeds)

Puppy Cut / Teddy Bear Cut

One of the most popular and practical styles for many breeds.

• Description: Even length all over the body (usually 1/2 to 1 inch)
• Face: Rounded head with scissored, fluffy face
• Ears: Trimmed to match body length or left natural
• Good for: Poodles, Doodles, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Bichons, most long-coated breeds
• Maintenance: Moderate; requires brushing every few days
• Pros: Cute, easy to maintain, comfortable for dogs
• Cons: Not a traditional show cut

Kennel Cut / Summer Cut

Short, low-maintenance cut ideal for hot weather or active dogs.

• Description: Very short all over (1/4 inch or less)
• Face: Short and clean
• Good for: Hot climates, swimming dogs, low-maintenance owners
• Maintenance: Minimal between grooms
• Pros: Easy care, cooler for dogs, less matting
• Cons: May look "naked," more sun exposure risk

Lion Cut

Dramatic style with a mane and tufted tail.

• Description: Body shaved short, leaving full mane around head/shoulders and pom on tail
• Good for: Pomeranians, Chow Chows, Poodles, some long-coated breeds
• Maintenance: Moderate; mane needs brushing
• Pros: Unique look, cooler body with style
• Cons: Not for all dogs; some may look odd

Lamb Cut

Shorter body with fluffy legs.

• Description: Body clipped short, legs left fuller and scissored
• Face: Clean face with rounded topknot
• Good for: Poodles, Bichons, Bedlington Terriers
• Maintenance: Moderate; leg hair needs regular brushing
• Pros: Elegant look, shows off leg angulation

Poodle Styles

Poodles have versatile coats that can be styled in many ways.

Continental Clip

Classic show cut for Standard and Miniature Poodles.

• Hindquarters shaved with pom-poms on hips and ankles
• Full mane on front half
• Topknot and ear feathering
• High maintenance; show dog style

English Saddle Clip

Another AKC show clip option.

• Similar to Continental but with fuller hindquarters
• Short pack on hindquarters instead of shaved
• Pom-poms at ankles and hips

Sporting Clip

Practical cut for active Poodles.

• Even length all over body (short to medium)
• Scissored topknot
• More natural look
• Easier to maintain than show clips

Miami / Bikini Clip

Fun, breezy summer style.

• Body clipped short
• Pom-poms on legs and tail
• Topknot on head
• Playful, easy to maintain

Modern Cut

Updated, softer version of traditional Poodle styles.

• Shorter topknot, more rounded
• Less exaggerated proportions
• Clean face or short facial hair
• Popular in Asian grooming styles

Doodle Styles

Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and other Poodle mixes.

Teddy Bear Cut

Most requested Doodle style.

• Even length body (3/4 to 1 inch typically)
• Round, fluffy head
• Legs can be left slightly longer
• Soft, cuddly appearance

Retriever Cut

Emphasizes the Retriever parent look.

• Longer, flowing coat
• Feathering on legs and tail
• More natural appearance
• Higher maintenance

Poodle Cut

Emphasizes the Poodle parent look.

• Clean face and feet
• Topknot on head
• More structured appearance

Schnauzer Styles

Traditional Schnauzer Cut

• Short clipped body
• Longer leg furnishings
• Distinctive beard and eyebrows
• Arched eyebrows over eyes

Puppy Cut Variation

• Even length all over
• Softer, less angular look
• Beard can be kept or shortened

Terrier Styles

Westie (West Highland White Terrier)

• Round, chrysanthemum-shaped head
• Short body coat (hand-stripped or clipped)
• Blended skirt on belly
• Carrot-shaped tail

Scottie (Scottish Terrier)

• Longer beard and eyebrows
• Short back
• Long skirt on belly
• Distinctive silhouette

Wire Fox Terrier / Airedale

• Hand-stripped coat (show) or clipped (pet)
• Long beard and leg furnishings
• Clean lines on body

Cocker Spaniel Styles

Traditional Cocker Cut

• Domed head with rounded topknot
• Long, flowing ears
• Feathered legs and belly
• Higher maintenance

Sporting Clip

• Shorter all over
• Ears trimmed shorter
• Easier to maintain
• Good for active dogs

Shih Tzu Styles

Show Coat

• Floor-length coat
• Topknot with bow
• Extremely high maintenance
• Daily brushing required

Puppy Cut

• Even length all over (1-2 inches)
• Round face
• Most practical for pets

Top Knot Cut

• Body short
• Head left longer with topknot
• Classic Shih Tzu look with easier maintenance

Bichon Frise Styles

Show Cut

• Powder puff appearance
• Rounded all over
• Scissored to perfection
• Very high maintenance

Utility Cut

• Shorter, easier to maintain version
• Still rounded but less exaggerated
• Good for pets

Working with Your Groomer

How to Communicate Your Preferences

• Bring photos: Pictures are worth a thousand words
• Be specific about length: Use inches or clipper blade numbers
• Discuss maintenance: Be honest about how much you'll brush
• Mention concerns: Hot spots, matting areas, skin issues
• Ask questions: Groomers can suggest styles for your dog

Questions to Ask Your Groomer

• What style would work best for my dog's coat type?
• How often will my dog need grooming with this style?
• What maintenance will I need to do at home?
• Can you show me how to brush to maintain this cut?
• Is there anything about my dog's coat that concerns you?

Realistic Expectations

• Some styles require specific coat types
• Matted coats may need to be shaved short first
• Coat texture affects how styles look
• Photos may show dogs with different coat types than yours
• First cuts may need refinement

Grooming Frequency by Style

Every 4-6 Weeks

• Poodle clips
• Doodle teddy bear cuts
• Bichon styles
• Schnauzer cuts
• Any style that requires scissor work

Every 6-8 Weeks

• Puppy cuts
• Kennel cuts
• Most terrier clips
• Sporting clips

Every 8-12 Weeks

• Very short all-over clips
• Low-maintenance styles
• Breeds with slower-growing hair

Styles NOT Recommended

Seasonal Considerations

Summer Styles

• Shorter cuts are more comfortable
• Avoid shaving double coats
• Keep some length for sun protection
• Clean feet and sanitary areas

Winter Styles

• Can leave coat a bit longer for warmth
• Keep feet trimmed to prevent ice balls
• Regular brushing still important