Top 20 Poodle Haircut That Looks Amazing

1. Continental Cut

The classic Continental cut has kept the Poodle's show ring tradition alive with a carefully crafted grooming style to embrace the dog’s natural grace. This hairstyle involves trimming the body hair short, while leaving longer, flowing locks on the legs, chest, and tail.

The signature element of the continental style is the unique pom-poms, which are artistically shaped and maintained.

The continental style is often considered the official poodle hairstyle, making it popular among poodle enthusiasts despite the hefty cost and effort required to maintain this haircut.

2. English Saddle Trim

Have you ever seen an English saddle on a horse? This eye-catching haircut features a similar look, with the Poodle's hair trimmed to resemble a saddled horse.

The English saddle trim doesn't require extensive setup to complete. Although this cut can be achieved with simple curved scissors, the hands performing the haircut should be steady. Initially, the hair around the toes is cut. The legs feature distinct pom-poms with hair trimmed in the middle.

Similarly, the hair on the back of the dog is styled to make it look like an English saddle,  with areas near their hips well trimmed.

3. Teddy Bear Cut

The teddy bear cut gives the poodle a fluffy appearance, similar to that of a stuffed animal. This grooming style involves a uniform length of fur across the body, with the face, ears, and legs trimmed smoothly to create a rounded, soft look.

Additionally, the poodle’s muzzle is usually trimmed but not cut short to maintain a full shape. The ears are left slightly longer, showcasing the poodle’s natural curls; the teddy bear cut is ideal for owners who prefer a low-maintenance style.

Simply, start by bathing and drying the poodle; this process removes any tangles formed in the dog's hair. Then, using clippers with a consistent guard length, trim the body evenly.

For the face and head, carefully scissor around the muzzle and cheeks for a more rounded shape. While this haircut is best suited for toy poodles, it also works effectively on standard poodles.

4. Lamb Clip

The lamb clip is ideal for summer, as it helps poodles get rid of a significant amount of hair without affecting their looks and beauty. Generally, the lamb cut involves keeping short hair across most parts of the body, with longer hair on the legs.

With the help of shears, trim the feathering at the bottom of the ear. The length should
always be above the point shoulder. Similarly, you can create a well-sprung rib and level top
line. Then, blend hips and shoulders into legs to show slight muscling or roundness.

5. Puppy Cut

Extremely simple to execute, the puppy cut can be successfully done at home, with a few practice sessions. You'll need to simply cut the hair across the dog's, keeping an even length all over. Normally, the length of the hair, after trimming, should not exceed 1-2 inches.

Despite its name, the puppy cut is not only for young poodles; even adult dogs can enjoy this haircut. Likewise, this hairstyle also involves thoroughly shaving the dog's face to make its face visible. While some poodle owners argue that this cut diminishes their pet's beauty, others believe that the puppy cut has a natural appeal that other hairstyles rarely possess.

6. Town And Country Clip

The town and country clip is yet another simple poodle haircut, that often gets mistaken for the lamb cut due to the similarity in their appearances. The clip is performed by shaving the hair in the face, neck, belly, and feet, while leaving hair on other parts intact.

After thoroughly cleaning and drying up your poodle, use an electric razor to shave the dog's face. Don't miss parts like the cheeks, upper and lower lips, and the corner of the eyes.

Then, proceed to shave the toes and the immediate area near the toes. As you shave upwards, stop at the part when the dog bends its knees. Next, shave the back and belly to perfect the town and country clip. Once the trimming is done, blend the hair to avoid the edges from being visible.

7. Utility Cut

Also known as the kennel cut, the utility cut features even length of fur across the body, usually around 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Like in the town and country clip, body parts like the face, paws, and base of the tail are usually shaved, making the style both functional and hygienic.

Meanwhile, the tail is often finished with a small pom-pom or left natural, depending on your preference. Use clippers with a uniform guard length to trim the body and legs evenly; then, the face and feet are carefully shaved to maintain cleanliness.

The utility cut is particularly popular among owners who value practicality over show aesthetics, as it requires less frequent upkeep.

8. German Cut

As a sophisticated grooming style, the German cut focuses on a natural well-proportioned look for poodles. Often featuring a full, rounded topknot, this cut is executed by leaving longer fur on the chest and legs for a balanced look.

While the body is clipped short, the legs are scissored to create a cylindrical shape. The face, feet, and tail base are shaved, as in traditional poodle grooming.

The German cut, although not very complicated, requires a few preparatory steps to ready the dog for grooming. For instance, the poodle should be properly bathed and dried before carrying out the clippers. Similarly, the toe nails are also trimmed to give a beautiful appearance to the dog.

9. Miami Cut

The Miami cut is named for its association with the sunny climate of Miami, where minimal fur is enough to keep poodles cool. As a fashionable and functional style, this haircut combines ease of maintenance with a flair that reflects the poodle’s history as a sophisticated breed.

The highlights of the Miami cut include the striking pom-poms, which add a playful touch, and the short body fur, which reduces matting and dirt accumulation.

Similarly, the shaved areas on the face, feet, and tail are also crucial for maintaining a hygienic appearance, while also emphasizing the best features of the poodle.

10. Mohawk Cut

Do you remember Yondu from the Guardians of the Galaxy movie series? The iconic Mohawk accurately matches the persona of the villain-turned-hero character, but does it look good on a poodle?

The Mohawk requires the groomer to leave a strip of longer fur along the top of the head and back, styled to resemble a traditional mohawk, while the rest of the body is clipped short.  It’s a playful and modern grooming option, often chosen by those who want their poodle to stand out with an edgy look.

11. Lion Cut

Lions are known for their majestic mane, which often resembles a man's beard. Due to their thick fur, the style is effective on a poodle, giving them a unique look. Best for summer or warmer months, the lion cut involves removing hair from parts of the dog's coat, except the ones on its face, neck, and tail.

The lion cut is performed by removing the hair on the back, belly, and feet of the dog. Then, the tail hair is shaved, except for fluffy hair left on the tip. Also, style the hair on the face and neck to make it look like a lion's mane, and you're good to go.

12. Asian Fusion Cut

Inspired by Asian grooming trends that feature an expressive look, the Asian fusion cut focuses on creating a more rounded shape for the dog. The body hair is generally cut short to keep it neat and manageable, while the head, face, and legs are sculpted with longer fur to create a rounded appearance.

Achieving the Asian fusion cut requires a skilled hand and attention to detail. Use clippers to trim the body hair shorter for a smooth finish. Meanwhile, for the head and face, use scissors to shape the fur into a rounded, symmetrical look, keeping the muzzle fluffy. Finally, the legs are scissored into a cylindrical or slightly flared shape to maintain a balanced aesthetic.

13. Dutch Cut

The Dutch cut is a relatively lesser-known haircut that reflects practicality and simplicity. This cut keeps the fur on the body at a medium length, with no dramatic pom-poms or exaggerated features. While the ace, feet, and tail base are shaved, as in traditional poodle grooming, the rest of the coat remains natural and minimally styled.

The name "Dutch cut" is thought to originate from its historical popularity in the Netherlands, where functionality was highly valued in dog grooming. It suits the active lifestyle of working dogs while still highlighting the poodle's refined features.

14. Bikini Cut

The bikini cut in poodles is particularly beneficial in warmer climates, as the short body fur helps keep the dog cool while the shaved areas reduce the risk of matting. Similarly, the pom-poms add a decorative element, further enhancing the poodle’s signature look without compromising comfort. This cut is also easier to maintain compared to more elaborate grooming styles, requiring less frequent brushing and trimming.

When it comes to the execution, the bikini cut features a short-clipped body and shaved face, feet, and base of the tail, while leaving distinctive pom-poms on the ankles and at the tip of the tail. At the same time, the head is styled with a rounded topknot that adds an elegant touch, giving the dog a refined yet playful look.

15. Summer Cut

The summer cut is more than just a name;  it is genuinely useful during summer. Poodles have dense coats that can trap heat, making them prone to overheating in hot climates. The summer cut reduces the coat’s insulating properties by allowing for better airflow across the body. Additionally, the shorter coat minimizes the risk of matting and makes it easier to remove dirt, sand, and burrs after outdoor activities.

In appearance, the summer cut is streamlined, with a neat, no-frills look that prioritizes the dog’s comfort. It’s a versatile choice that suits both active and less active poodles, offering a stylish yet practical solution for warm weather.

16. Sporting Cut

A practical hairstyle, the sporting cut is particularly designed for poodles and active dogs, who enjoy outdoor activities. This haircut features trimming hair across the body to an even length, including the legs and tail, for a no-nonsense look.

The grooming process begins with a brushed-out coat to ensure smooth clipping. Use clippers with a uniform guard length to trim the body and legs evenly.

Next, shave the face, feet, and tail base carefully for a polished finish, removing any rough edges. Scissors can be used for final touches, especially around the head.

17. Modified Continental Cut

Like the traditional continental cut, the modified version features a pom-pom on the tail, as well as puffed areas on the hind legs. However, the modified cut differs in that it trims the body much shorter, leaving only a small amount of fur on the back and sides. The chest and legs are kept fuller, but the overall look is less extravagant than the traditional continental cut.

In the traditional continental cut, the poodle's coat is left much longer, particularly on the body and neck. While this style is striking, it requires frequent grooming to keep the coat in top shape. On the other hand, the modified continental cut retains the signature poodle look but with less emphasis on long fur.

18. Scandinavian Cut

Influenced by the practical hairstyles in northern Europe, the Scandinavian cut is designed to suit active dogs, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities. It involves trimming the body, legs, and tail to a uniform short length, leaving the head and ears a bit longer for a neat look.

While the face and feet are shaved clean, the tail may have a small pom-pom; but, the cut is more minimalistic compared to more elaborate styles like the continental cut.

The Scandinavian cut is particularly well-suited for cooler climates or transitional seasons like spring and fall; its shorter body fur helps prevent overheating, keeping the poodle cool and comfortable during outdoor play.

19. Winter Cut

As its name suggests, the winter cut is perfect for poodles during colder months. This practical hairstyle includes leaving the fur longer across the body, as insulation to keep the dog's body warm in winter. Normally, the coat length is kept uniform but slightly longer than in summer or sporting cuts. For added warmth and style, some breeders even leave the topknot untouched.

The winter cut is primarily carried out to protect the poodle from chilly weather, while preventing the coat from becoming too unmanageable. Although this longer retains body heat, it's still short enough to avoid excessive matting and tangling.

20. Corded Cut

Under the corded hairstyle, the poodle's curly coat is separated into rope-like cords, instead of being brushed out. Resembling dreadlocks, this hairstyle requires significant time, patience, and maintenance.

Creating a corded coat at home is possible but challenging. It requires dedication, as the process can take months to achieve the desired look. The poodle's coat must be clean, tangle-free, and fully grown out, usually at least six inches long.

Initially, the poodle's coat is sectioned into small strands, which are twisted or rolled between your fingers to begin forming cords. Over time, these cords are maintained by separating them regularly to avoid matting.