Grooming

The first time I saw a show dog I was impressed with the beautiful, flowing, fluffy hair.  The dog had a Puppy Show Cut and was just adorable.  Then I saw the Continental Show Cut with all the pom-poms and... I was not too sure about what to think.  With time, however, I have come to appreciate the Continental Clip as well.

Many wonder, "why in the world do you keep those funny hair cuts on your dogs?"  The main reason is because we are exhibitors and they must have the AKC Show Haircut standard to be able to compete in the Dog Shows. 

After our dogs earn their title of AKC Champion, we can cut their hair down to anything we want.  I think of Poodles are the ornamental trees you can find at Disneyland shaped like Mickey Mouse or Winnie the Pooh.  They have such good, coarse hair, that you can cut them into different shapes to look like Bichon Frises, Schnauzers, or Teddy Bears.  I have tried all types of haircuts on mine and have had lots of fun with them.  The funny thing is to see my husband's reaction when he sees the dog: "...and who is this? What has mommy done to you?"

Below are some of the hair cuts that I have seen.  If you like any of them, print out a picture and take it to your groomer.   Be sure to take a print out with you.  Groomers are known to surprise you if you just verbally tell them what you want! 

Show Hair Cuts

Continental Clip - one of the clips allowed in the AKC Dog Shows for adult poodles.  This is a picture of Macarena when she was in her Continental Show Cut.  It is the most traditional cut.  Most people know a dog is a poodle when they see the pom-poms.  Back in Germany where the breed was developed, poodles were used as hunting dogs who would retrieve birds from the water.  The pom-poms were strategically placed over the kidneys and ankle joints to protect from the cold.  The pom-pom on the tail top helped the hunter to spot the poodle from a distance (that's why the AKC breed standard calls for a tail that is 90 degrees up in the air).

English Saddle Clip - another clip allowed in the AKC Dog Shows for adult poodles.  Not as common to see perhaps because it is not as easy to maintain.

Puppy Show Clip - This is Macarena's brother who earned an International Champion title in a World Dog Show.  He competed as a puppy (less than 12 months old) and here he has the Puppy Show Clip.

Pet and Other Poodle Hair Cuts

I have included some pet haircuts as well as some Creative Grooming haircuts (there are contests all over the country for Creative Grooming).  I wanted to show a variety so you can see that the poodle hair is SO VERSATILE that you can do just about anything to the poodle and make it look like just about anything you want!  I have personally groomed my poodles to look like Teddy Bears, Bichons, and  Schnauzers.  I just have fun with my babies.

I hope to always add to these pictures... so if you have any pictures of different poodle trims, feel free to send them to me and I'll post them here.

Teddy Bear Clip	Moustache	Abounding Pet Hairdo	Dutch Clip	Lamb Clip Tail is intact (not docked)
Creative Grooming	Creative Grooming	Creative Grooming	Creative Grooming	Creative Grooming
Creative Grooming	Creative Grooming	Creative Grooming	Creative Grooming	Creative Grooming
Creative Grooming	Creative Grooming	Creative Grooming	Creative Grooming	Creative Grooming