Modern poodle haircut: how to cut it at home

For many dogs and cats, grooming is not just a fashionable procedure, needed only to emphasize the status of the owner, but a necessity. Animals of decorative breeds, which, for the most part, have hair that is not the easiest to care for, especially need haircuts. Yorkshire Terrier, Poodle, Lapdog, Biewer York, West Highland White Terrier and many other dogs without proper care not only look unkempt, but can also experience serious discomfort, because the longer the coat, the more dirt and insects it can collect and the more difficult it is to wash the animal after walks. Grooming is no less important for long-haired cats. Special grooming machines are best suited for grooming animals.

Features of choosing a grooming machine

Unlike devices for cutting human hair, grooming machines are designed specifically for hair, which means they do not damage its special structure and effectively cope with their task. The choice of specialized animal models has several features.

Motor type

. Grooming machines are available with vibration and rotary motors. The second option is better in all respects - more powerful, quieter, and has almost no vibration.

Number of revolutions per minute

. The higher the speed of the device, the faster and more painlessly the blades will cut the hair. It is very good if the machine operates at a speed of about 10,000 rpm.

Power type

. Wired models are more often used for professional purposes. They are more powerful and allow you to work for an unlimited amount of time. For home use, battery-powered machines are more convenient.

Weight

. This parameter is important primarily for pet owners, since haircuts often take quite a lot of time. With a light machine, your hands will get less tired and it will be easier to complete the procedure.

Blade quality

. The sharper the blades, the less discomfort your pet will experience. Particular attention should be paid to knives with titanium or ceramic coating. They are usually sharper and more durable.

Equipment

. The presence of additional attachments in the package is very welcome. They make it possible to adjust the length of the cut and carefully trim the hair on the face and paws.

Cut it yourself or leave it to a professional

Shih Tzu puppy haircut: how to cut it at home

It is better to entrust a purebred dog to a professional groomer before the exhibition. The slightest mistake in hairstyle and the pet will be removed from the competition. Poodle grooming should be carried out by specialists who have completed special courses. Otherwise, the haircut will be unsightly due to the specific nature of the coat.

Note! Hairdressing procedures require the use of sharp instruments. An inexperienced hand may falter and accidentally injure the dog's delicate skin.

The most popular manufacturers of grooming machines

The market for animal clippers is now predominantly represented by several large brands. Other manufacturers are little known and cannot offer a wide range of products.

Moser

. The most famous manufacturer offering high-quality clippers for people and animals. The range of models is wide, prices vary. There are inexpensive options for home use and models for professional purposes.

Ziver

. A Russian company specializing exclusively in the production of animal clippers. Most of the models offered are affordable and of good quality.

Oster

. American brand of professional equipment and accessories for hairdressing salons. Along with clippers for people, there are also options for cutting animals. The cars are of very high quality, but, unfortunately, are not often found in stores.

Types of haircuts with photos

Among the variety of hairstyles for a poodle, you can choose the most advantageous option. The result depends on the type of client and its size. Species suitable for royal breeds will look ridiculous on dwarf types.

Scandinavian lion

Pekingese haircut: how to cut it at home

The hairstyle looks good on pets with uneven proportions. The fur is cut in a semicircle at the front, pompoms are created on the paws, and the top of the head is decorated with a cap.

For your information! A successfully performed procedure will help hide minor defects in the dog’s appearance.

Scandinavian lion

Modern

A modern style poodle haircut involves a smooth transition from long to short hairs. The paws, throat, base of the tail and muzzle are trimmed as short as possible. The rest of the fur is shortened to 1 cm in length, a pompom is formed on the tail, and a cap is formed on the head.

Important! When cutting, the panties on the limbs must meet the standards, the feet must be clearly visible.

Modern

Anglo-Saxon

The model resembles a lion, but the back is cut shorter. Hairs 1.2 cm long are left in some areas:

• in the groin area;
• cereal;
• on the lower back.

The tail is shaped like a pompom, the muzzle and throat are completely trimmed.

Note! Particular attention is paid to the hind legs; if desired, bracelets are cut into them with a uniform shape.

Anglo-Saxon haircut

Korean

It is performed like shearing a sheep, but it has its own characteristics. The hair clipped on the muzzle helps the dog look like a plush teddy. The paws, body and neck are treated with a device, the length of the hairs in all areas remains the same.

Important! The standard requires that the coat should not be shorter than 2.5 cm. The coat on the head may be longer than on the body, the transition between areas is imperceptible.

The disadvantages of this hairstyle include special care for the hair on the face. After each feeding, it needs to be cleaned and combed regularly.

Korean hairstyle

Hygienic

The classic type is recommended for neglected animals. A hygienic haircut requires complete cutting of hair on all areas of the body. Under the tangled tangles there can be abrasions and skin damage, so the specialist is required to be very focused. Such procedures are carried out in extreme cases when there are no other options left.

The second variety is used to maintain shape. It involves trimming the contours using scissors and an electric machine.

A hygienic haircut requires extreme care from the hairdresser.

Important! If there are lesions on the skin, they are treated with an antiseptic solution. After the procedure, the pet needs to consult a veterinarian.

Continental

The hairstyle resembles a lion haircut. The second part of the body is cut as short as possible: starting from the outer rib to the ankle on the hind leg, machine shaving is carried out. Short hair should also be on the face. The limbs are decorated with bracelets, the tail with a pompom.

Important! With continental, two pom-poms are formed on the rump.

Continental

Japanese

The Asian type gives the dog a toy-like appearance and features attention to detail and a neatly trimmed coat. Additionally, the coat is decorated with hairpins, bows and coloring of individual strands. The hairstyle is preferred by the female sex, who loves to decorate their pets.

Japanese or Asian haircut

Important! The Japanese type requires an individual approach to each animal.

Puppy, or Pappy

This involves short shaving of the hair on the face and a slight shortening of the hair on the body. A helmet is formed on the head.

Pappy

Important! Puppy haircuts are allowed for purebred dogs until their first year of life.

Kennel

A practical hairstyle that does not require adjustments for a long time. The muzzle is cut with a device, a cap is formed on the top of the head, and a pom-pom is formed at the tip of the tail. Hair throughout the body should be of similar length.

Kennel

Lamb, or under the ewe

This involves cutting the muzzle short, the head, tail and ears are trimmed a little.

Lamb

Sports

Short haircut maintaining length on the ears and 2/3 of the tail. The head is decorated with a cap, hanging slightly over the back of the head.

Clown

There are short hairs on the body, the paws are decorated with bracelets, and the tip of the tail is decorated with a pompom. The fur on the ears remains long, and there is a small cap on the head.

Veteran

Used for aged animals. The back section is completely cut, the front section resembles a lion hairstyle. The paws are decorated with bracelets, the head is practically not touched.

Bikini

The pet is left with short hair on its body and large bracelets are formed on its paws. The head and tail are subjected to standard processing.

Important! The simplicity of the procedure allows it to be performed at home.

Bichon

The ideal haircut for a miniature poodle, which is carried out using scissors. The dog after the procedure resembles a Bichon Frize breed. The fur on the body is cut to resemble a puppy, and the head is given a rounded shape.

Rules of care and use

In order for the machine to last a long time and not break down, you need to adhere to some operating rules:

• When grooming, hold the device parallel to your pet's body. Do not press knives into the wool. Straighten skin folds. This way you will not injure your pet and will trim it evenly.
• Before the procedure, your four-legged friend must be washed, otherwise dirt particles will get between the knives and they will quickly become dull.
• After finishing grooming, clean the device from hair and lubricate it.
• Regularly wipe the blade block with alcohol - this will extend its service life.

Now let's find out which machine is best for grooming a dog, and what other users recommend choosing.

Variety

• Mechanical ones are needed only for trimming hair on individual parts of the body or for very small breeds, where there is little work, because Your hands get very tired and it takes a long time to cut.
• Vibrating ones are suitable for quiet animals of small size, with soft fur, so that you can cut the hair in 15-20 minutes and not frighten the dog with the noise.
• Pendulum ones are a little better; they can be used to cut small and medium-sized dogs with little work.
• Rotary - ideal for large dogs, breeds with complex (coarse, curly, very thick) hair, for show dogs and shy ones (they don’t make noise and work very quickly - before the pet knows it, it’s already been cut), models with batteries can be taken to exhibitions.

Power

The softer the fur, the smaller the dog or the volume of work, the less power of the device and the number of revolutions of the knives are needed.

Andis AGC 2 Super – high rpm speed (3400-4400)

Thanks to the high speed, the cutting time is significantly reduced, and the quality increases, as the wool is cut better. The rotary motor and the absence of a fan for cooling ensure virtually silent operation of the device.

The machine is equipped with a locking button, which is responsible for protecting against accidental switching of the speed mode. Therefore, even when working with active animals, the danger of pressing is eliminated.

The knife is made of carbon steel, which does not dull over time, leaving the blade as sharp as the day it was purchased.

Advantages:

• rotary motor;
• power – 35 W;
• presented in several color options (pink, blue, green, burgundy, orange, silver);
• Spare leash included.

Flaws:

• relatively expensive - 11,200 rubles.

Wahl KM5 – professional model

The machine is designed for use in professional grooming salons. The ergonomic case has a special coating that prevents it from slipping out of your hand. The reduced noise level has a beneficial effect on the behavior of the animal during the grooming procedure.

The device is equipped with a sharp A5 standard knife. The block can be quickly removed, allowing you to change or clean the knife without any hitches. Thanks to the considerable length of the cord, the master can move freely around the room.

Advantages:

• rotary motor;
• power – 24 W;
• long network cable – 4.2 m.

Flaws:

• poor equipment;
• works only from the network;
• high cost - 15 thousand rubles.

How to properly comb a poodle

To comb, you need to select tools; the procedure requires:

• brushes with soft bristles. Poodles should not be scratched with a comb with white balls on the tips. This type tears the fur, causing pain in the dog;
• metal comb with blunt and rounded teeth. To check the safety, just run it over your hand: if scratches appear, then it is better to choose another option. The length of the teeth and the size of the comb depend on the variety of poodle and its size;
• spray or oil to untangle tangled strands. The final step is to go over the entire coat again with a long-toothed comb.

Note! Combing is carried out on the table, first the neck is treated, gradually moving to the stomach. All movements should be smooth, carried out against the growth of the fur from the very roots.

Manipulations are required weekly; if a tangle is detected, it is removed with a comb or hands.

Professionals do not recommend getting carried away with self-care. Improper machine cutting can cause disturbances in the structure of the coat and increase its susceptibility to moisture. The problem with the changes is the appearance of bald patches and the development of dermatological diseases. A neatly groomed poodle is the pride of the owners and part of the victory at the exhibition.

*Prices in the article are as of November 2022.

Photo gallery

Owners of dogs of this breed have the opportunity to constantly experiment with their pets' hairstyles. You can see examples of some haircuts in our photo gallery.

Basic rules for grooming poodles

How to perfectly trim a poodle at home:

• the dog must go to the procedure voluntarily;
• treatment of the face and abdomen is carried out with the utmost care;
• the pet is not turned in different directions, it must be walked around in a circle;
• cutting is done in the direction of hair growth, except for the front paws;
• The hairs between the fingers must be removed.

Important! After the procedure, the dog is washed and its claws are shortened. Dry while combing against the grain, adding volume with a comb.

How to cut a poodle like a Scandinavian lion

The procedure takes place in stages:

1. The muzzle and neck are treated with an electric machine, the hair is cut as short as possible.
2. The paws are cut from the bend along the hair growth to 1-2 cm.
3. Using scissors, cut out the hair between the fingers.
4. A device with a zero attachment is used to trim the femoral area, the lower part of the tail, and the groin area.
5. Use scissors to make a pompom.
6. The fur on the front legs is left no longer than 1 cm, and there are bracelets at the ends.

Important! The chest, head and back areas are cut only with scissors.

Korean haircut

The pet is washed, dried and placed on the table. The neck, paws and body are processed with an electric machine, leaving the hair the same length or cutting it in a flared shape with a smooth transition to the lower third of the limbs. The length of the hairs on the body should be more than 2.5 cm. Next they move to the muzzle.

How to properly trim a poodle's face? With scissors, leaving the area of ​​the future mustache and beard.

Hygienic haircut

It is carried out according to the scheme:

1. The hair is shaved from the ears to the cheeks with the device.
2. Use scissors to shorten the hair around the eyes and mustache.
3. The head is raised and the neck is cut.
4. Move on to the paws: the upper section with an electric machine, the lower section with scissors to create pompoms.
5. On the tail, the fur remains only at the tip.
6. The coat on the chest, back and sides is shortened with a machine or scissors.
7. Overgrown hairs between the fingers are removed.

Note! If the animal is neglected, the procedure is carried out only with a clipper to cut off the fur as much as possible.

Properties of wool

Do not rush to pick up a clipper or other hairdressing tools until you become familiar with the characteristics of the animal’s fur.

The poodle has a unique coat! In addition to length and thickness, it is characterized by the absence of shedding.

The dead fur falls out but remains in a lush “fleece.” Only a few dog breeds have this feature; they are called big-breasted.

For this reason, the poodle is ideal for allergy sufferers, and clumps of wool will not be scattered throughout the room.

For the only time in its life, a pet does shed. A puppy under the age of 10 months changes its “baby” fur to an adult one.

If teenage fur is not combed out, your pet will become covered with a dense “armor” of dead hair, in which case the growth of new fur stops.

If this happens, then the only way out is a clipper, with which the dog needs to be trimmed “to zero.”

Haircut, bathing and combing are the 3 most important elements in care! It is important not to miss the moment when the old cover dies off!

Compliance with this rule guarantees your pet a well-groomed and neat appearance.