Groomer Reveals: 15 Popular Dog Haircuts and How to Choose the Right One
- Riverview Grooming
- Sep 19
- 17 min read
Choosing a haircut for your dog should feel fun, not overwhelming. The right style keeps your pup comfortable, makes daily care easier, and shows off their personality. From fluffy teddy bear trims to practical summer cuts, there’s a look for every breed and lifestyle.
Not all coats are the same. Curly, straight, wiry, and double coats each behave differently when trimmed. Double-coated dogs, like Huskies and Golden Retrievers, need special attention — shaving them short can sometimes affect how their coat grows back, especially as they get older.
In this guide, you’ll find:
The 15 most popular dog haircuts, revealed by a professional groomer
Coat type basics to help you choose the best style
Tips for keeping your dog’s haircut looking fresh between grooms
Whether you want a low-maintenance trim or a stylish cut that turns heads at the dog park, this guide will help you make the best choice for your pup.
Understanding Dog Coat Types Before Choosing a Haircut
Before you pick a style, it helps to understand how your dog’s coat grows and reacts to trimming. Each coat type has its own strengths and challenges, and the wrong haircut can mean extra upkeep, mats, or even long-term coat changes. Knowing your dog’s coat is the first step to choosing a style that looks good and stays healthy.
Curly and Wavy Coats
Examples: Poodles, Doodles, Bichons
These coats naturally hold their shape, which makes them great for rounded, fluffy looks like the Teddy Bear, Lamb, or Asian Fusion cuts.
They can mat quickly if not brushed several times a week. Once mats tighten, they often need to be shaved out.
Because curls hide length, regular trims help keep the coat even and manageable.
Straight and Long Coats
Examples: Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier
The hair grows continuously, much like human hair, and will keep growing until trimmed.
Long coats are prone to tangles, especially around the ears, armpits, and legs.
Styles like Puppy Cuts or Top Knots work well to keep length manageable while still highlighting the natural flow.
Daily brushing prevents breakage and keeps silky coats smooth.
Wiry Coats
Examples: Schnauzers, Terriers
The wiry outer layer protects against dirt and weather, while the undercoat provides insulation.
Breed-standard trims, such as the Schnauzer cut, rely on this crisp, wiry texture for their sharp outline.
Hand-stripping (removing dead outer hairs by hand or with a stripping tool) helps maintain texture and color, but clipping is a practical option for pet homes.
Without upkeep, wiry coats can lose their natural harshness and become soft and fluffy.
Double Coats (Undercoat + Guard Hair)
Examples: Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds
These coats are made of two layers: a dense undercoat that insulates and longer guard hairs that protect against dirt and sun.
They naturally adapt to weather, keeping dogs warm in winter and cool in summer.
Shaving can damage the coat’s ability to grow back correctly, especially in older dogs, leading to patchy or coarse regrowth.
Better options include seasonal de-shedding treatments, thinning, or light trims to reduce bulk while preserving coat health.
Regular brushing during shedding seasons makes a huge difference in comfort and appearance.
The Best Haircuts for Each Coat Type
Understanding your dog’s coat makes it much easier to choose a style that looks good and stays healthy. Not every cut works on every coat, and some can even cause problems if done incorrectly.
Curly and Wavy Coats
Best suited for shaped cuts like the Teddy Bear, Lamb, or Asian Fusion styles
Curly hair holds rounded trims beautifully and allows for more creative grooming
Avoid leaving it too long without upkeep — curls can mat quickly if not brushed often
Straight and Long Coats
Work well with Puppy Cuts, Top Knots, and Hygiene Trims
These styles keep the coat manageable while still showing off natural flow
Ideal for dogs whose hair grows continuously, like Shih Tzus and Maltese
Wiry Coats
Fit best with breed-standard trims such as the Schnauzer Cut or hand-stripped terrier styles
The wiry texture often doesn’t lend itself well to fluffy looks like Teddy Bear cuts
Regular maintenance keeps the coat crisp and prevents matting at the base
Double Coats (Undercoat + Guard Hair)
Better with seasonal trims or tidy-ups rather than full-body shaving
Styles like the Summer Cut or Hygiene Trim help keep them comfortable without damaging the coat
Shaving short can interfere with the natural regrowth cycle, leading to patchy or coarse hair — especially in senior dogs
Focus on de-shedding, thinning, and maintenance trims instead of dramatic style changes
Brushing: The Secret to Keeping Any Haircut Looking Fresh
No matter which haircut you choose, regular brushing is what keeps it looking sharp and your dog feeling comfortable. Trims can quickly lose their shape if tangles or mats are left unchecked, and a neglected coat can even lead to skin irritation. Brushing is more than just grooming, it’s bonding time too. Most dogs love the gentle attention, and it gives you a chance to check for any changes in their skin or coat health.
Different brushes serve different purposes, and having the right one makes all the difference:
Slicker Brush is ideal for daily detangling and fluffing. Works especially well on curly or wavy coats.
Undercoat Rake is perfect for double-coated breeds that shed heavily. It reaches through the top layer to pull out loose undercoat fur.
Pin Brush is gentle enough for silky, long-haired breeds. It glides through the coat and helps prevent breakage.
Rubber Grooming Gloves are great for dogs that dislike brushes. You simply pet them while collecting loose hair.
De-Matting Comb is essential for breaking apart knots and mats in long or dense coats. It helps prevent painful tangles from tightening and keeps the coat smooth.
💡 Groomer’s Tip: Even short-coated dogs benefit from brushing. It spreads natural oils, reduces shedding around the house, and helps your pup’s haircut last longer between salon visits.
15 Popular Dog Haircuts Revealed by a Groomer
Dog haircuts aren’t one-size-fits-all. The right style depends on your dog’s coat type, their lifestyle, and how much upkeep you want to manage at home. Some trims are designed for easy care, while others are meant to turn heads with a little extra flair.
In this section, you’ll find the most popular haircuts seen in grooming salons today. Each cut includes a description, the coat types it suits best, and what kind of maintenance to expect. Use these examples as inspiration when talking with your groomer about what will work for your pup.
Puppy Cut (All-Over Cut)
The Puppy Cut, sometimes called an all-over cut, is one of the most common requests for small companion breeds like Shih Tzus, Maltese, Yorkies, Poodles, Doodles, and Bichon Frises. The coat is clipped evenly across the body, usually between ½ inch and 2 inches, which gives a neat, youthful look and makes daily care simple.
What to expect
Length guide: coat is trimmed the same all over, usually ½ to 2 inches.
Coat types that work best: straight, long, or curly coats that grow continuously.
Maintenance: brush a few times per week to prevent tangles and keep the trim fresh.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush to lift out loose hair and prevent small mats.
Greyhound Comb for a quick finish pass to catch hidden tangles.
Groomer’s notes
This cut is perfect for families who want a low-maintenance, tidy style.
Because the coat length is uniform, it’s easy to maintain at home between salon visits.
Brushing every other day keeps the coat fluffy and helps prevent matting in high-friction spots like armpits and behind the ears.
Quick tip: The Puppy Cut is adaptable, go shorter in warmer months or leave it longer in winter while still keeping the even, clean look.
Teddy Bear Cut
The Teddy Bear Cut is especially popular for Poodles, Doodles, and Bichon Frises, whose curly coats naturally hold a rounded shape. This style leaves the body fluffy but manageable while the face is shaped into a soft, circular frame that highlights the eyes and gives a youthful, toy-like appearance.
What to expect
Length guide: typically 1 to 3 inches left on the body, with extra shaping around the head and face.
Coat types that work best: curly and wavy coats that can hold volume.
Maintenance: daily or every-other-day brushing is needed to prevent mats, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush to lift and fluff the coat.
Greyhound Comb for finishing and catching hidden tangles.
De-Matting Comb to safely work through knots before they tighten into mats.
Groomer’s notes
This style requires more upkeep than the Puppy Cut, but the payoff is an irresistibly cute, plush look.
Curly coats can mat quickly, so regular brushing at home is essential.
A quick comb-through after brushing ensures tangles don’t get missed, keeping the rounded face and fluffy body looking their best.
Quick tip: For busy pet parents, scheduling grooms every 4 to 6 weeks helps the Teddy Bear Cut keep its shape and prevents the coat from getting too long or matted.
Top Knot
The Top Knot keeps long head hair out of your dog’s eyes while giving a neat, classic look. We leave the hair on the skull and top of the muzzle long enough to gather comfortably into a small pony or bun, then secure it with a soft band or bow. This style suits dogs with silky, flowing hair such as Shih Tzus, Maltese, and Lhasa Apsos, and it keeps their vision clear while still letting you show off tidy long locks.
What to expect
Length guide: leave roughly 2 to 4 inches on the top of the head so the hair gathers without pulling.
Coat types that work best: straight, long coats that grow continuously.
Maintenance: daily gentle brushing through the top knot area and a quick re-tie each morning keeps the knot neat and prevents tangles.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush to lift and detangle the long hair before styling.
Detangling Spray for quick, gentle slip-through when the hair feels tight or slightly matted.
Hair Bows and Small Bands that are soft and snag-free so they do not damage the hair or irritate the skin.
Groomer’s notes
Always brush the top knot area from the roots to the tips before tying. This helps avoid hidden tangles that tighten under a band.
Use a light mist of detangling spray on dry or slightly damp hair to ease styling and reduce breakage.
Choose soft, fabric-covered bands rather than elastic-only ties to avoid pulling the hair.
If your dog rubs off the knot frequently, shorten the tied section slightly and keep a bow for special outings rather than daily wear.
Quick tip: check the scalp under the knot regularly for any redness or tightness. A loose, comfortable tie is the goal so your dog stays happy and the style lasts longer.
Kennel Cut
The Kennel Cut is a practical favorite for active dogs of all sizes, from Terriers and Spaniels to mixed breeds with medium or long hair. It keeps the coat short and tidy, making it easy to clean and perfect for pups that spend a lot of time outdoors, boarding, or playing hard at the park.
What to expect
Length guide: coat is clipped close to the body, usually ¼ to ½ inch, while the face, feet, and tail can be lightly tidied.
Coat types that work best: straight or wavy coats, as well as mixed-breed coats that are prone to tangling.
Maintenance: low-maintenance style that only needs quick brushing once or twice a week to stay neat.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush for quick upkeep between grooms.
Comb to check paws, tail, and ears for small tangles.
Groomer’s notes
This cut is popular with owners who want their dogs cool, comfortable, and easy to manage.
Because the hair is clipped short, mats rarely form, but regular brushing still helps spread natural oils and keeps the coat shiny.
A Kennel Cut is often used for summer months or for dogs who board frequently, since it’s easy for caregivers to manage.
Quick tip: The Kennel Cut grows out quickly. Plan on grooming every 6 to 8 weeks to keep it short and practical.
Lamb Cut
The Lamb Cut is a stylish choice most often seen on Poodles, Doodles, and other curly-coated breeds. The body is clipped shorter for easy upkeep, while the legs are left longer and fluffed out to create a rounded, woolly look that resembles a lamb. This cut strikes a balance between playful and elegant, giving curly-coated dogs extra charm.
What to expect
Length guide: body clipped shorter (½ to 1 inch) with legs left longer, usually 2 to 4 inches, and blended for a soft transition.
Coat types that work best: curly and wavy coats that hold volume.
Maintenance: requires brushing every other day to keep the leg hair free of mats and fluffy in appearance.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush to keep the leg hair fluffy and mat-free.
Greyhound Comb to check for tangles where the longer and shorter hair meet.
De-Matting Comb for working through knots on the legs and behind the ears.
Groomer’s notes
The Lamb Cut is more high-maintenance than an even all-over trim, but it’s worth the effort for the unique look.
Longer hair on the legs tends to mat quickly, so regular brushing is a must.
This style shows off the texture of curly coats and gives an elegant outline without going into full show trims.
Quick tip: Schedule grooms every 4 to 6 weeks to keep the legs shaped and prevent the longer hair from tangling.
Lion Cut
The Lion Cut is a bold and eye-catching style often chosen for Pomeranians, Chow Chows, and sometimes long-haired mixed breeds. The body is clipped short while the hair around the head, chest, and sometimes the tail tip is left long to form a mane. This cut gives dogs a regal, lion-like appearance that always turns heads.
What to expect
Length guide: body trimmed close (¼ to ½ inch) with a full mane left around the head and chest, plus a tuft left on the end of the tail.
Coat types that work best: long, dense, or fluffy coats that can hold volume in the mane area.
Maintenance: brush the mane and tail tuft several times a week to prevent mats, while the short body stays low-maintenance.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush to keep the mane soft and fluffy.
Greyhound Comb to work through longer sections near the chest and neck.
De-Matting Comb if tangles form in the thick mane or tail tuft.
Groomer’s notes
The dramatic contrast between the short body and full mane is what makes this style stand out.
Regular upkeep is important because the mane hair can mat easily, especially if your dog is active outdoors.
While fun and stylish, this cut is best for owners who enjoy brushing and want a bold look for their pet.
Quick tip: Keep the mane brushed out daily for a fluffy, full effect. A light mist of detangling spray before brushing helps keep the hair smooth and easy to manage.
Continental Cut (Poodle Cut)
The Continental Cut is the iconic show style most often seen on Standard Poodles and Miniature Poodles. It features dramatic contrasts, with parts of the body closely clipped while other areas are left full and shaped into rounded pom-poms. This cut highlights the breed’s elegant build and is instantly recognizable in the show ring.
What to expect
Length guide: body clipped close (¼ inch or shorter) with full puffs of hair left on the chest, ankles, hips, and tail.
Coat types that work best: curly coats with enough density to hold sculpted shapes.
Maintenance: very high-maintenance style requiring daily brushing and professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain the precision.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush for fluffing out the sculpted areas.
Greyhound Comb for finishing details and separating sections cleanly.
De-Matting Comb to keep longer pom-poms free of tangles.
Groomer’s notes
This cut was originally designed for working Poodles, with shaved sections allowing freedom of movement in water and pom-poms protecting joints from cold.
Today it’s primarily a show style, but some pet parents choose it for the flair.
It takes skill and patience to maintain, so it’s best left to experienced groomers rather than DIY at home.
Quick tip: If you love the sculpted look but want less upkeep, ask your groomer about modified Poodle trims that keep some roundness without the full Continental style.
Schnauzer Cut
The Schnauzer Cut is the traditional trim for Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers, though many Terriers and Terrier mixes can also wear it well. It’s known for the signature beard and eyebrows that give the breed its dignified, expressive look, paired with a short, tidy body trim.
What to expect
Length guide: body clipped short (¼ to ½ inch), with the legs, beard, and eyebrows left longer for definition.
Coat types that work best: wiry double coats, though softer-coated Schnauzers and mixes can still wear the style with slight modifications.
Maintenance: weekly brushing on the legs and beard, plus combing through the eyebrows to prevent knots or food buildup.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush to keep the leg hair neat and free of mats.
Greyhound Comb to shape the beard and check the eyebrows.
De-Matting Comb to loosen knots around the beard or armpits where hair tangles quickly.
Groomer’s notes
Hand-stripping (plucking out dead wiry hairs) is the traditional way to keep the coat crisp and harsh, but many pet owners opt for clipping, which softens the texture.
The Schnauzer Cut requires consistent beard care — food and water often cling to the longer facial hair, so a quick daily wipe-down helps.
Regular trims around the eyebrows are key to maintaining the classic arched Schnauzer expression.
Quick tip: Keeping sanitary areas short makes this cut more practical for daily life while still holding on to the breed’s signature style.
Summer Cut
The Summer Cut is a go-to style for Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Poodles, Doodles, and many mixed breeds during hot weather. The coat is trimmed short all over to help keep dogs cool and make daily upkeep simple. It’s not about fancy shaping, it’s about comfort and practicality.
What to expect
Length guide: coat usually taken down to ¼ to ½ inch across the body.
Coat types that work best: breeds with continuously growing hair (not double-coated dogs, since shaving them too short can damage regrowth).
Maintenance: very low-maintenance, with just light brushing once or twice a week to keep the coat fresh and free of loose hairs.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush for touch-ups between baths.
Greyhound Comb to check for hidden tangles in longer fringe areas like ears or tail.
Groomer’s notes
The Summer Cut is one of the easiest styles for busy families, keeping dogs clean and cool with little effort.
Double-coated dogs (like Huskies, Goldens, or Shepherds) should avoid being shaved down short, since it can interfere with natural coat growth and protection. For these breeds, ask your groomer about de-shedding treatments instead.
This trim is also helpful for senior dogs who may struggle with heavy coats in warm weather.
Quick tip: Schedule grooming every 6 to 8 weeks during the hot season to keep the length consistent and prevent the coat from growing back too thick before the next trim.
Neaten/Trim (Hygiene Cut)
The Neaten or Hygiene Cut is a practical trim often chosen for Shih Tzus, Maltese, Poodles, and many long-haired or fluffy breeds that need tidy-up work between full grooms. Instead of reshaping the whole body, this trim focuses on key areas such as the face, paws, and sanitary spots. It helps dogs stay comfortable and clean without requiring a full haircut.
What to expect
Length guide: coat on the body is left as-is, while hair around the eyes, paw pads, and sanitary areas is trimmed short for hygiene.
Coat types that work best: long, straight, curly, or mixed coats that grow continuously.
Maintenance: low-maintenance style that still requires regular brushing, especially in longer areas like the ears, tail, and chest.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush to keep longer sections free of tangles.
Greyhound Comb for detail work around the face and paws.
De-Matting Comb for any small knots that develop in areas that aren’t cut short.
Groomer’s notes
This trim is great for stretching time between full grooms while keeping your pup neat and comfortable.
Regular neatening around the eyes prevents irritation and helps dogs see clearly.
Tidying sanitary areas also reduces the risk of hygiene issues, especially for long-coated breeds.
Quick tip: A hygiene trim can be scheduled every 3 to 4 weeks, even if you wait longer for full-body cuts, to keep your dog looking clean and feeling comfortable.
Asian Fusion Cut
The Asian Fusion Cut is a trendy style most often seen on Poodles, Doodles, Shih Tzus, and Maltese. Inspired by Japanese and Korean grooming, it emphasizes exaggeratedly round faces, big expressive eyes, and soft, cartoon-like outlines. This style gives dogs a playful, youthful appearance and is especially popular with owners who love a fashion-forward look.
What to expect
Length guide: body is usually kept shorter, while the face, legs, and ears are sculpted into rounded shapes.
Coat types that work best: curly, wavy, or straight coats with enough density to hold sculpted volume.
Maintenance: requires brushing several times a week and consistent shaping every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain the style.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush for fluffing the coat before shaping.
Greyhound Comb to smooth through and separate hair when styling.
De-Matting Comb to handle tangles in high-friction spots like the legs and under the ears.
Detangling Spray to protect the coat, ease out knots, and keep the rounded finish soft and manageable.
Groomer’s notes
This cut is more artistic than practical, and it requires regular upkeep to hold its signature round shapes.
Daily brushing helps keep the fluffy look from collapsing into mats.
Because it draws attention to the face, clean eyes and trimmed corners are important for the full effect.
Quick tip: Use a gentle detangling spray before brushing to protect delicate hair and keep the rounded finish looking smooth.
Mohawk Cut
The Mohawk Cut is a playful and bold style that works well on Poodles, Doodles, Terriers, and many mixed breeds. A strip of longer hair is left running down the head, neck, or even along the back, while the rest of the coat is clipped short. It adds instant personality and is perfect for dogs with a little extra spunk.
What to expect
Length guide: body clipped short (¼ to ½ inch) with the mohawk strip left longer, anywhere from 2 to 4 inches depending on preference.
Coat types that work best: curly, wavy, or straight coats with enough density to hold the mohawk upright.
Maintenance: low-maintenance overall, with extra attention needed to brush and style the mohawk strip.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush to keep the mohawk lifted and neat.
Greyhound Comb for separating and styling the longer strip.
Detangling Spray to keep the mohawk smooth and free of knots.
Groomer’s notes
The mohawk can be as subtle or dramatic as you like, from a short accent on the head to a strip running the full length of the back.
A touch of safe, pet-friendly dye can add even more flair for special occasions.
Because the body is clipped short, upkeep is simple — the main work is keeping the mohawk brushed and styled.
Quick tip: Use your fingers and a little water or pet-safe styling spray to give the mohawk a defined finish after brushing.
Mullet Cut
The Mullet Cut is a fun, quirky style that works well on Poodles, Doodles, Spaniels, and many mixed breeds. The hair is clipped shorter on the head and front of the body, while the back and hindquarters are left longer. It creates the classic “business in the front, party in the back” look that always gets a laugh at the dog park.
What to expect
Length guide: front and head trimmed shorter (¼ to ½ inch), with the rear and hind legs left longer, often 2 to 4 inches.
Coat types that work best: curly, wavy, or straight coats that can hold some length in the back without matting.
Maintenance: moderate upkeep, with brushing needed on the longer rear sections several times a week.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush to keep the longer back hair fluffy and mat-free.
Greyhound Comb to check for tangles in the transition area where long and short hair meet.
Detangling Spray to prevent knots in the longer coat sections.
Groomer’s notes
The Mullet is a lighthearted style best suited for owners who love making a statement.
It can be customized to be subtle or dramatic depending on how much length you leave in the back.
Regular brushing is important to prevent mats forming where the coat is left longer, especially if your dog is active.
Quick tip: To keep the contrast sharp, schedule grooms every 4 to 6 weeks so the shorter front and longer back stay balanced.
Westie Cut
The Westie Cut is the classic trim for West Highland White Terriers, but it also works beautifully on other small Terriers and Terrier mixes with a similar coat type. This style keeps the body clipped short while leaving the head shaped into a rounded, fluffy frame that highlights the breed’s alert expression.
What to expect
Length guide: body clipped short (¼ to ½ inch), with the head, legs, and chest left slightly longer and shaped into a rounded outline.
Coat types that work best: wiry double coats, though softer coats can be styled in a modified version.
Maintenance: moderate upkeep with brushing two to three times a week and grooming every 4 to 6 weeks.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush to keep the longer areas fluffy and free of mats.
Greyhound Comb to smooth through the rounded head and chest hair.
Groomer’s notes
Traditionally, Westies are hand-stripped to maintain their crisp, wiry coat texture, but clipping is more common in pet homes.
The round head is the signature feature of this cut and should be brushed regularly to keep its shape.
Keeping the body short makes the cut practical while still preserving the Westie’s iconic outline.
Quick tip: Clean the eyes and beard daily to keep the white coat looking bright and avoid staining around the muzzle.
Splash of Color
The Splash of Color style is for pet parents who love creativity and want their dog to stand out. It’s popular on Poodles, Doodles, Maltese, and other breeds with coats that take dye evenly. Using safe, pet-friendly dyes, groomers can add accents like colored ears, tails, or even full designs such as hearts, rainbows, or seasonal themes.
What to expect
Length guide: can be combined with any haircut, since color is applied to specific areas rather than changing coat length.
Coat types that work best: lighter coats and coats with curl or wave tend to hold color best.
Maintenance: requires upkeep as the hair grows out and color fades, typically lasting 4 to 6 weeks depending on the product and washing frequency.
Tools we recommend
Slicker Brush to keep the dyed areas fluffy and neat.
Greyhound Comb to separate sections before and after coloring.
Detangling Spray to protect the hair shaft and keep colored areas smooth.
Groomer’s notes
Only use professional-grade, pet-safe dye products — never human hair dye.
Dogs with sensitive skin should avoid color, or test with a small streak first.
Bold designs are fun for holidays and events, but simple accents like tipped ears or a colorful tail puff are easier to maintain.
Quick tip: Ask your groomer about temporary chalks or sprays if you want a splash of color that washes out quickly for a special occasion.
