The AKC standard permits four Poodle trims, so options are limited for show dogs. However, there are a myriad of trim styles for pet Poodles. Some of these are widely popular, but, just as with show trims, that does not imply that groomers follow universal accepted patterns. If you request a particular style, don’t assume that a groomer will have exactly the same thing in mind. You may return to find that your dog’s entire body coat has been removed if you don’t specify a desired length.

Be prepared with a precise description. If you want a mustache rather than a clean face, for example, it can be done in several ways: donut mustache and beard, sweetheart mustache and beard, or French mustache. Most professional groomers have photo books illustrating various styles and will offer suggestions.

Thanks to technical improvements in coat care and equipment, Poodle grooming has improved significantly in the past decade. Rather than simply following a pattern, styles can be individualized to enhance your dog’s physical advantages and disguise his flaws. A trim should never create the illusion of imperfections that he doesn’t possess. Your Poodle’s coat texture and color will also affect the appearance of various trims. As you watch your Poodle, you may decide that he would look better with a little more hair here and a little less there. Trims can be subtly shaped and refined with judicious scissoring and trimming.

The Puppy Trim

The AKC standard requires Poodles under a year old to be shown in a puppy trim. The coat on the body and legs is left long and shaped with scissors. The front legs are shaped into straight columns, and the rear legs are trimmed to follow the body contour. The coat on the neck is left full. The topknot is pulled into a ponytail. The face, throat, feet, and base of tail are shaved with a #15 or #10 blade. The pompon on the tail is shaped with scissors.

Dogs over one year old must be shown in the continental or English saddle, depending on which one is most flattering to the dog’s balance and proportions.

Continental Trim

The continental, with its shaved hindquarters, is the most familiar Poodle trim. The face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The body coat is shaved to approximately 1 inch behind the last rib. The hindquarters are shaved, except for two rosettes on the hips. These are actually optional, but this detail is rarely omitted from the trim. The legs are shaved, leaving bracelets over the hocks and puffs at the pastern joint, which are shaped with scissors.

The tail coat is shaped into a rounded pompon. The remainder of the body is fully coated and shaped with scissors to enhance proportions. The topknot is long and held off the face with a series of elastic bands.

English Saddle Trim

The English saddle involves much more trimming and scissoring. It is considered the most technically challenging Poodle trim, which explains why it is not often seen in the show ring. The body coat is full and shaped. The forelegs are shaved, leaving puffs at the pasterns, which are shaped with scissors.

The coat on the hindquarters is scissored shorter into a smooth blanket, with two crescent-shaped areas shaved onto the flanks. Two bands are shaved onto each hind leg. The face, throat, base of the tail, and feet are shaved. The topknot is long and pulled into a ponytail with elastic bands, and a rounded pompon is scissored onto the tail.

Sporting Trim

Poodles exhibited in non-regular classes can be shown in a sporting trim, which requires much less regular maintenance. Also called a kennel trim, this is a shorter version of the puppy trim. The neck and body coat is trimmed to no more than 1 inch long. The leg coat is left slightly longer. The body and legs are scissored to follow natural contours. The face, feet, throat, and base of the tail are shaved. The topknot is scissored into a rounded cap to balance the size of the pompon covering the tail.

Retriever Trim

The retriever trim is a shorter version of the sporting trim. The body and legs are trimmed uniformly short. The face, feet, throat, and base of the tail are shaved. The topknot is shaped into a rounded cap, and no pompon is left on the tail.

Working Continental Trim

This is a shorter version of the continental, similar to a traditional hunting trim. It is somewhat less complicated than the full version. It preserves the typical Poodle silhouette while providing protection from the elements. The legs, tail, and hindquarters are trimmed to 1-2 inches following the pattern of the continental but omitting the rosettes.

Scissors are used to shorten and shape the topknot, mane, and remainder of the body coat to a manageable length. Bracelets, puffs, and pompon are shaped tighter than the traditional version. The face and feet are shaved.

Lamb Trim

The lamb trim is the most popular style for pet Poodles today. It is easy to maintain but provides enough coat length to look stylish and disguise faults. The body coat is trimmed to a length specified by the owner. The legs are left slightly longer and fluffier. The front legs are scissored into columns, with the hind legs trimmed to follow body contours. The face, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The pompon on the tail is shaped round or oval. The topknot is scissored short to balance the pompon on the tail.

Clown Trim

The clown, bikini, ponjola, Miami, and summer trim are all variations of the same style. Basically, the feet and base of the tail are shaved closely. The body coat is trimmed short and fluffy. The leg coat is trimmed close with modified puffs and bracelets shaped onto the legs at the hock and pastern joints.

Preventing and Treating Clipper Burn

Light-colored Poodles and dogs that are trimmed infrequently have more sensitive skin, making them more prone to clipper burn. Always work on a freshly bathed coat and use good quality clippers with sharp blades. Forcing a dull blade through the coat will cause clipper burn.

If you are inexperienced, avoid using #30 blades and higher. These are more likely to cause clipper burn if you are not skillful. High-speed clippers heat up faster and hot blades can cause clipper burn. Check the blade frequently while you work. If it begins to heat up, change blades or stop until the blade cools down. Coolant spray can also help to keep blades cool and lubricated. Wipe off residue before use.

Clipper rash usually heals in three days. It should be treated with topical antibiotic, cortisone cream, or diaper rash ointment. Keep the injury clean and prevent the dog from scratching it, which can lead to secondary infections.