The Ultimate Guide to Standard Poodle Haircuts: From Teddy Bear Cuts to Pom Pom Cuts

Riverview Grooming
3 days ago
5 min read

Three standard poodles with black, brown, and white fur sit against a blue background. Text reads "Standard Poodle Haircuts."

Standard Poodles are among the most versatile breeds when it comes to haircuts and styles. Their curly coat is hypoallergenic and serves as a canvas for creative grooming. From practical, low-maintenance trims to extravagant show clips, the right haircut can greatly influence your dog’s comfort, appearance, and daily upkeep. Many owners are surprised by the variety of styles available and how much a haircut can change the overall look of a Poodle. This guide explains the most popular Standard Poodle haircuts so you can decide which style best fits your dog’s personality and lifestyle and clearly communicate your choice with a professional groomer.

Professional grooming: Every 4–6 weeks
Brushing at home: Several times a week, daily for long styles
Goal: Balance style with practicality so your dog looks great and feels comfortable

Understanding the Standard Poodle Coat

The Standard Poodle’s coat is dense, curly, and continuously growing. Unlike breeds with seasonal shedding, the Poodle’s hair grows year-round, which makes it prone to matting if not regularly maintained. Mats can pull on the skin, trap debris, and even cause infections. Because of this, every Standard Poodle benefits from professional grooming every four to six weeks. Between appointments, brushing several times a week, or daily for longer styles, is essential. Choosing the right haircut balances style with practicality, ensuring your dog looks great and remains comfortable.

Best Brushes for Standard Poodles

Because of the thickness and curl of the coat, using the right tools is key to preventing mats and keeping the coat healthy. A slicker brush is the go-to tool for detangling and removing loose hair, especially around the ears, legs, and tail where mats form most easily. A metal comb should be used after brushing to check for hidden tangles close to the skin. For dogs kept in longer cuts, daily use of both tools helps maintain the coat’s shape and comfort. Shorter clips can usually be maintained with brushing every few days. Investing in quality grooming brushes saves time and helps keep your dog’s coat shiny and mat-free.

Slicker brush: Detangles curls, prevents mats
Metal comb: Catches tangles close to the skin after brushing
De-matting tool: Helps work through stubborn knots without excessive pulling
Flea comb: Perfect for fine details around the eyes, face, and for checking for fleas

Daily brushing for longer cuts; every few days for shorter styles. Invest in high-quality brushes to save time and keep the coat shiny and healthy

Popular Standard Poodle Haircuts

Cream standard poodle with a short haircut against a blue background, text above reads "Puppy Cut". The mood is calm.

The Puppy Cut or All Over Cut

A favorite for many owners, the Poodle Puppy Cut keeps the coat evenly trimmed. It is easy to maintain and gives your Poodle a soft, fluffy appearance that highlights natural curls. This cut is particularly suitable for busy families who need something manageable but still want their dog to look polished. Some owners request slightly longer legs or a rounded head for a stylish variation.

Best for: Families who want a polished look with minimal upkeep
Upkeep: Moderate; brushing every few days

Brown standard poodle with a fluffy teddy bear cut against a neutral background. Text above reads: "Teddy Bear Cut." The dog looks calm and adorable.

The Teddy Bear Cut

This cut uses rounded edges and a full, plush face, giving Standard Poodles a cuddly, youthful appearance. It requires more frequent upkeep since the fluffy look fades quickly as the coat grows. Owners who love a cute and stylish presentation often choose this popular trim.

Best for: Families who want a polished look with minimal upkeep
Upkeep: Moderate; brushing every few days

Black standard poodle with a fluffy coat against an orange background with "Kennel Cut" text above. The dog looks elegant and well-groomed.

The Kennel Cut

A practical and comfortable trim that keeps the coat short all over, making it very easy to maintain. This style reduces grooming time while still keeping your Poodle looking tidy and neat.

Best for: Owners who prioritize convenience and comfort for their dog
Upkeep: Low; brushing a few times a week and regular professional trims

White standard poodle with a Mohawk cut sits against a bright yellow background. Bold text reads "Mohawk Cut" at the top, adding a playful mood.

The Mohawk Cut

A playful and bold style, the Mohawk Cut leaves a strip of longer hair running from the top of the head down the neck or back while the rest of the coat is clipped shorter. Some owners extend the mohawk along the spine, while others limit it to the head and neck. It is not traditional but appeals to those who enjoy giving their Poodle a modern, distinctive look.

Best for: Owners wanting a modern, standout style
Upkeep: Moderate; brushing every few days, regular shaping

Grey standard poodle with a lamb leg cut sits on a blue background. Text above reads "Lamb Leg Cut." The dog appears calm and well-groomed.

The Lamb Cut

The Standard Poodle Lamb Leg trim leaves the body hair shorter while the legs are styled with fuller, rounded cylindrical legs. It creates a soft, balanced look and is popular for pet owners who want a cute yet manageable style.

Best for: Owners who want a playful, stylish cut without extreme upkeep
Upkeep: Moderate; brushing several times a week and professional grooming every few weeks

Brown Standard poodle with a fluffy pom-pom cut stands against a beige background. "Pom-Pom Cut" text above. The dog appears groomed and calm.

Pom Pom Styles

Pom poms on the legs or tail can be added to many cuts. These playful and customizable details add flair to simpler trims. Some owners request them seasonally for holidays or special events.

Best for: Owners looking for playful details
Upkeep: Varies depending on overall cut

Black standard poodle with a "Lion Cut" on a purple background. Styled fur on head, tail, and legs. Text "Lion Cut" above. Elegant and groomed.

The Lion Cut

A bold and traditional style where the coat on the chest, head, and sometimes the tail tip is left longer while the rest of the body is clipped shorter. It creates a dramatic, regal appearance reminiscent of a lion’s mane.

Best for: Owners who enjoy a striking, classic look
Upkeep: High; requires frequent grooming to maintain sharp contrast between long and short areas

Choosing the Right Cut

Selecting the best haircut depends on your dog’s personality, your lifestyle, and how much time you want to dedicate to grooming. Each style has unique strengths, ranging from low-maintenance trims to bold, eye-catching cuts.

Low-maintenance: Puppy Cut or Kennel Cut for a neat, simple style with minimal upkeep.
Cute and stylish: Teddy Bear Cut or Lamb Cut for a soft, rounded appearance that requires more regular grooming.
Bold and unique: Mohawk Cut or Lion Cut for owners who enjoy dramatic, standout looks.
Playful or seasonal: Pom Pom Styles add fun and flair to almost any haircut.
Comfort for seniors: Kennel Cut or Lamb Cut to reduce matting and make grooming easier for older dogs.

Grooming Maintenance

Most Standard Poodles require professional grooming every four to six weeks regardless of style. Some cuts, such as the Lamb Leg or Teddy Bear, may need touch-ups even sooner. Between visits, regular brushing prevents mats, especially around the ears, legs, and tail. Bringing reference photos helps your groomer match your expectations. Clear communication using the correct style name ensures you and your groomer are aligned.

Grooming every 4–6 weeks is essential, with some cuts needing sooner touch-ups
Daily or frequent brushing helps prevent mats, especially on ears, legs, and tail
Always bring reference photos to your groomer to ensure you get the cut you want
Use the correct style names for clear communication

Final Thoughts

From the practical Puppy Cut to the glamorous Continental Clip, Standard Poodles can wear a variety of styles, each with its own charm and upkeep level. This guide helps you discover which haircut best fits your lifestyle and your dog’s needs. The right style enhances appearance while keeping grooming manageable and your dog comfortable. With the right haircut, your Standard Poodle will look its best, feel at ease, and stand out wherever it goes.