How to Groom Show Poodles

Brush the pet regularly to prevent tangling of fur using a coat rake and a metal comb. Poodles shed less than other breeds, but all the hairs tend to build up in the dog's coat and stay there. Thus, you should brush your pet daily or at least three times a week. Brush your poodle before a bath as well.

Bathe your dog with lukewarm water. Use a gentle shampoo and apply it on the poodle's back, avoiding circular motions that create tangles. Rinse well with a shower head.

Apply conditioner in the dog's hair and rinse. Always rinse thoroughly, because shampoo or conditioner that remains in the dog's hair may make it look greasy and facilitate the accumulation of dirt.

Blow dry your poodle's hair.

Clean your pet's ears. Poodles tend to have ear problems because they are floppy and air doesn't circulate in the openings, making it amenable for bacteria and yeast cell accumulation. Trim the hair in the ears with scissors and use an ear-cleaning solution to remove ear wax or other debris.

Clip the dog's nails close to the quick, but pay attention not to cut into the nerve endings.

Trim the dog's hair according to the dog show requirements. The American Kennel Club mentions three acceptable poodle cuts for shows. Puppies less than 12 months old should get the puppy clip. Poodles older than 12 months can choose between the English saddle or the continental cut. For the puppy cut, shave the face, throat, feet and the base of the tail and leave a pompon at the end of the tail. Shape the coat to underline the shape of the pet's body. For the English saddle cut shave the face, throat, feet, front of the legs and base of the tail using an electric shaver. Shave a thin band on the back legs and leave a pompon at the end of the tail. Achieve the continental cut by shaving the face, throat, feet and the base of the tail. Leave pompons on the hips or shave the entire area of the hindquarters. Shave the legs, leaving bracelets on the back legs and puffs on the front legs.