Best Types of Haircuts For Dogs

Many different dogs require regular haircuts, especially if they don’t shed. However, most dogs get the same general haircuts as any other breed. While there are some breed-specific haircuts, most are shared between all breeds.

Each haircut has its own pros and cons. Some are easier to take care of (which can make a huge difference in dogs with grooming stress), while others may be more aesthetic. Ultimately, what haircut you choose largely depends on how much grooming you want to do and where you live. You may not always choose the same cut, depending on the season.

Below is a list of the most common doggie haircuts. Learning about all the styles helps you determine the best haircut for your pooch.

1. Teddy Bear Cut

As the name suggests, the teddy bear cut makes a dog look like a teddy bear. The hair throughout the dog’s body is cut about the same length to give the dog an even appearance. You can get this cut at several different lengths, depending on your dog’s needs.

Usually, this cut doesn’t require much maintenance. If you cut it shorter, it requires almost no maintenance, and you don’t have to return to the groomer all that often. Typically, this cut is chosen by those that want a more aesthetic cut than the puppy cut.

2. Lamb Cut

Despite how it sounds, the lamb cut doesn’t look all that much like a sheep. Instead, the dog is cut down fairly low across much of their body, while the hair on the legs is left long. This cut tends to be rarer, as it works best for specific breeds. Often, it is utilized in the summer months, as it keeps them cooler. However, it can be utilized at any time of year, especially if you live in a warmer area.

This cut requires a bit more work than others (usually). You may brush their leg fur to prevent matting, and the dog may have to get more trims due to their long fur.

We particularly recommend this cut for the snowy area. It helps keep their legs and paws warm, though it may promote snowballing.

3. Kennel Cut

The kennel cut is shorter than most other cuts, making it one of the easiest to care for. Therefore, it is a wonderful option for dogs in a larger pack setting, hence the name. It’s the perfect choice for an owner that wants the least amount of work possible.

This cut looks a bit different on different dog breeds. However, most people who choose this cut don’t care much about the aesthetic — it’s about the maintenance. Dogs with curly fur often look best with this cut. However, you can get it on any dog.

4. Clean Face

If you have plenty of time for maintenance, then you may choose to only get your dog’s face trimmed. This cut looks nice for dogs with longer fur if you’re looking to keep their natural hair. Most dogs require their face trimmed even if you keep most of their fur kept full length.

Of course, if you keep all of their fur long, remember that the added maintenance is significant. You’ll need to brush your dog regularly (maybe even multiple times a day). Therefore, this cut works best for owners that have a lot of extra time on their hands.

You’ll need to keep this cut up, as well. You have to trim it regularly as it grows to prevent it from interfering with their eyesight and causing infections.

5. Poodle Cut

The Poodle cut is the traditional cut for poodles. Therefore, it is almost always utilized for poodles. While this cut may seem prim and proper, it actually has a lot of practical use. Poodles were originally utilized for retrieving ducks and other games from water. Their fur helped keep them warm, but if it was too long, it could prevent mobility.

Therefore, the Poodle cut helps prevent mobility problems by shaving around the joints. However, the fur kept everywhere else is kept long to help them stay warm.

You can get this Poodle cut on any dog, but it is most utilized on Poodles. It requires significant maintenance, though. Therefore, it is best for show dogs and owners with a lot of time.

6. Shaved

You can shave some dogs, especially in a warmer climate. Usually, this isn’t utilized for most dogs, as it can look strange. Often, dogs are only shaved when they are heavily matted or require surgery. However, if you’re looking for reduced maintenance, you can’t get any better than a shaved dog.

If you utilize this cut, you won’t have to get it all that often. You can let the dog’s fur grow out quite a lot before you need to get them trimmed again.

Not all dog breeds can be shaved, as it may make their fur grow back incorrectly. Sometimes, it makes their fur wirier and can even change their coat colors. Therefore, don’t jump into this cut without doing some research. Ask your vet or groomer before deciding to shave your dog.

7. Topknot

The topknot cut isn’t as popular as it once was, but it still makes a great cut choice. These dogs are cut short across much of their body. However, the fur on their head is kept longer. The fur on the top of their head is kept rounded and edged nicely. Many Poodles get this cut, but it can be hard to maintain.

This cut must be redone often, as it can readily be overgrown. It needs to be edged regularly, and you’ll likely have to brush your dog daily.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Arthur Lookyanov/Shutterstock.com