Poodle grooming: popular clips, coat care and what to expect
Toy, miniature or standard, poodles are one of my specialities. Here's my guide to poodle coats, the most popular poodle clips and how to keep your poodle looking fabulous.
Poodles are one of my favourite breeds to groom. Their coat can be shaped into almost anything, from a simple, practical clip to a stunning show style, which makes them a groomer's dream. I specialise in poodle grooming at my salon in Little Totham, and I've won awards at multiple grooming competitions and competed at Crufts.
Understanding the poodle coat
Poodles have a single, tightly curled coat that grows continuously. They shed very little, but that means loose hair gets trapped in the curls instead of falling out. Without regular brushing and grooming, that trapped hair quickly turns into tangles and mats. That's why every poodle, whether toy, miniature or standard, needs regular professional grooming.
Popular poodle clips
Puppy clip
An even length all over the body and legs, with a rounded head and tail pom. Simple, practical and very cute, and not just for puppies.
Lamb clip
A shorter body with fuller, fluffier legs. A lovely balance between smart and easy to look after.
Teddy bear trim
A rounded face and soft muzzle instead of the traditional clean face, for that cuddly look. Read more in my teddy bear trim guide.
Asian Fusion
Creative, rounded shapes, big round heads and full, fluffy legs. Poodles are perfect for this style, and it's one of my specialities. Find out more in my Asian Fusion guide.
Show clips
Traditional styles like the Continental and the English Saddle are the classic poodle show looks. They take a lot of coat and skill to create and maintain, and they're mainly for dogs in the show ring.
Classic poodle details
Many poodle styles include a clean face, clean feet and a clipped area at the base of the tail, finished with a rounded topknot, fluffy ears and a tail pom. If you prefer a softer look, we can leave the face fuller instead. It's completely up to you.
Groomer's tip: not sure which clip to choose? Think about how much brushing you can do at home. Shorter styles are easier to keep tangle free, while fuller styles need more regular care.
Caring for a poodle coat at home
- Brush every couple of days with a slicker brush, working in small sections right down to the skin
- Follow up with a metal comb to make sure no tangles are hiding
- Dry your poodle thoroughly after baths, walks and swims
- Check their ears regularly and keep them clean and dry
- Take off harnesses and coats at home to stop rubbing
My guide on how to prevent matting has lots more tips.
How often should a poodle be groomed?
Every 6 to 8 weeks. Regular grooms keep your poodle's clip looking sharp and their coat healthy and comfortable. If your poodle is matted, their coat will have to be clipped short, but we can grow it back into the style you'd like, and I'll show you how to look after it at home.
Poodle grooming near Maldon, Essex
Whether you have a toy, miniature or standard poodle, or a poodle cross like a cockapoo, I'd love to groom them. My salon is in Little Totham, near Maldon, and welcomes poodles from Tiptree, Witham, Chelmsford and beyond.
Izzy is a City & Guilds Level 2 and 3 qualified groomer, a BIGA member and an award winner at multiple dog grooming competitions, including competing at Crufts. She runs Izzy's Groom Room in Little Totham, near Maldon.
