Haircuts for Small Long-Haired Dogs

Part of the grooming process for long-haired dogs includes haircuts. For small long-haired dogs especially, haircuts are important being that smaller dogs stand closer to the ground. For this reason, smaller breeds of long-haired dogs are more susceptible to gathering leaves, dirt and debris in their fur. Haircuts are important to keep these smaller breeds clean and free of painful matting, which can occur if the fur or hair is neglected over time.

  1. Purpose

    • Small long-haired dogs receive haircuts as a part of the grooming process to cut down on the amount of brushing and washing needed to keep long hair clean. Haircuts are also helpful for small dogs that are not tolerant of daily brushing and regular washing. Long hair can also be dangerous for smaller dogs, as it is easily caught and tangled. Additionally, haircuts will keep long hair from getting into your dog̵7;s eyes and impeding its vision.

    Cleanliness

    • Haircuts are essential for keeping your small long-haired dog clean. It will also help to keep your house clean, as dogs with long hair will pick up dirt and debris in their coat and track it inside. Haircuts will also cut down on shedding. Small dogs with long hair receive haircuts to ensure sanitation for the dog and the home, as fecal matter will often stick to long hair beneath the tail. Small dogs with beards and long hair around the face and ears benefit from haircuts as it keeps the hair from falling into their food and water bowls as they drink and eat.

    Long vs. Short

    • Not all haircuts for small dogs with long hair have to be short cuts. A professional groomer can help you decide the length and style that is appropriate for your dog̵7;s coat, breed and lifestyle. It is important to note that the longer you keep your dog̵7;s coat, the more frequent and regular grooming will be required, such as brushing and washing. Shorter cuts require less maintenance and are better for small dogs in warmer seasons and climates.

    Styles

    • There are many different haircut styles to choose from for smaller dog breeds. Popular styles include the puppy cut, a basic cut in which the hair is evenly trimmed but left at a medium-short length. Hair around the face may be shaved. The retriever is a common cut for small dogs with curly hair. All the hair is shaved to about an inch, with the hair around the face and tail being the shortest. The teddy bear is a cut very similar to the retriever, only a much softer, longer look. The teddy bear is more of a trim to keep the coat manageable.

    More Styles

    • There are also more extreme, stylized cuts for small dogs, such as the lion. This style is commonly seen on small breeds like Pomeranians. The body and back of the dog is shaved leaving a pompom at the tip of the tail and a long lion-like mane around the dog̵7;s neck and face. The continental is another style, typically seen in toy poodle breeds. The continental calls for the shaving of legs, hindquarters, feet, face and tail. Rings of fur, called bracelets, are left above each paw, with pompoms on the tip of the tail and at each of the hipbones.