Shearing a Poodle

Standard poodles are typically white, black, gray or apricot in color and can be clipped in a variety of styles. When deciding on a clip for your poodle, consider how active your poodle is and consider if you want to enter your poodle in shows. Poodle shows require that dogs have specific styles of clips. To shear a poodle, choose a size of electric clippers and scissors specific for the size of your poodle. Poodles need regular trim and maintenance on their coat a minimum of every eight weeks. Be sure to brush your poodle daily so that its coat doesn̵7;t mat.

  1. Kennel Clip

    • The kennel clip is designed for owners that don't plan to show their dogs and want a low maintenance cut. This is the preferred cut for poodles that are very active and is also known as a Utility Clip. To achieve this cut, shave the poodle̵7;s feet, tail and face. The tail should be cut into a pompon and a topknot should be shaved onto the front of the head. Don̵7;t completely shave the body and legs, but shave them to a length under half an inch.

    Sporting Clip

    • A sporting clip is similar to a kennel clip but is appropriate in some competition class, like the stud class. For this clip, shave the base of the tail, feet, face and throat of the poodle. Cut a scissor cap onto the top of the poodle̵7;s head. The body of the poodle should be clipped or scissored parallel to the dog̵7;s natural curves, but the hair on the legs should be slightly fuller than the body. Leave the coat on the body no longer than one inch long.

    Continental Clip

    • A continental clip is a classic show clip that leaves the front body of the poodle in a full coat. To give a poodle a continental clip, begin by shaving the feet, tail, face and throat of the poodle. Shave the legs but leave bracelets on the poodle̵7;s hind legs and puffs on its forelegs. Leave the rest of the poodle̵7;s body in a full coat and shape to curve with the dog̵7;s body.

    Puppy Clip

    • This clip draws attention to the throat, face, feet and tail of the poodle. Puppy clips are designed for poodles less than a year old. For this clip, leave the poodle̵7;s coat long on the body and legs. If the poodle̵7;s coat grows unevenly you should shape the coat with electric clippers so the coat appears smooth. The feet should be shaved and entirely visible and the tail should be cut into a pompon.