Standard Poodle Clip Styles

A well-groomed Standard Poodle is pleasing to the eyes, right? Many dog lovers will definitely agree to that. Poodles have excessively dense coat that just keeps on growing and growing just like the human hair. In addition to their dignified gait, this coat, clipped in varying styles, is what makes Poodles beautiful and unique. But despite the effect on the appearance of a Poodle, the coat is not primarily clipped for the purpose of good looks alone. Clipping is originally done to improve the Poodle's ability to swim through water, help it avoid snagging on undergrowth and keep the joints warm and protected from cold.

But as time goes by, clipping has evolved and became an art form and fashion for some people. The style you choose largely depends on you - your lifestyle, your willingness to spend time grooming and the purpose of your Poodle (appear in show rings, household pet, etc).

If you are a proud owner and believes that your dog can shine in show rings, then you should choose a show clip for this is the only official clip allowed. Show clips could be continental clip or English saddle clip. In the continental clip, the face, throat, feet and part of the tail are shaved. The upper part of the legs is shaved leaving pompons around the ankles. There is also a pompon at the end of the tail. English saddle clip is similar to continental in which the face, throat, feet and part of the tail are shaved. The hindquarters are not shaved except for a curved shaved area on each flank and two shaved bands on each hindleg. A Poodle under one year old may be shown in the puppy clip. In the puppy clip, the face, throat, belly and base of the tail are shaved. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. Shaping of the coat is allowed for neatness.

When your Poodle's show career is over or if your Poodle is not intended to appear in shows, pet clip is apt in this case. Pet clips can be as simple or elaborate depending on the owner's preference. But it is recommended that the hair in the feet, face and under the tail should be kept short to keep dirt from matting in these areas.

When deciding which clip style to choose, owners should bear in mind the hygiene and cleanliness. Longer coats require more brushing to avoid mats and short coat in the face, feet and base of tail ensures cleanliness.