How to Trim a Papillon

Despite their flowery appearances, Papillons are relatively easy dogs to groom. Centuries of breeding makes their hair grow naturally long over the ears, giving them an elegant look. The hair on their bodies is also long, fine and flowing. Though the Papillon needs little maintenance, a bit of trimming on the feet, legs and head can make the difference between a companion dog and a show dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Straight grooming scissors
  • Thinning scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Trim the paw pads with regular grooming scissors. Be sure to trim only the hair growing from the bottom of the pads, or else the foot will have a lopsided appearance. Leave some hair to protect the paw pads.

    • 2

      Trim the sides of the feet so that the front of the foot seems to come to a V-shaped point at the tip of the paw when you're looking at it from the front. The foot should look clean and compact, without hair sticking out.

    • 3

      Trim the long hair on the backs of the lower legs. First, comb it outward, then snip with the scissors. You don't have to cut it as short as the hair on the front of the legs, but cut it short enough so that it looks even and full, not wispy. Show groomers usually trim this hair to within 1/2 inch of the leg.

    • 4

      Trim the upper part of the backs of the rear legs, under the tail, and around the anus to keep the dog's fur from getting dirty when it defecates.

    • 5

      Use thinning scissors to even out the coat on the main part of your Papillon's body. Use these scissors very sparingly, or you may cut off more hair than you want. Trim enough to make the coat even without obviously showing that it's been cut.