Pomeranian Lion Cut Hairstyles

The lion cut is practical hairstyle for Pomeranian dogs and other long-haired dog breeds as it keeps them cool in hot climates. Though practical, it is a high-maintenance haircut that requires weekly attention. With a basic lion cut hairstyle, the dog's fur is cut into a shape that resembles a lion. The cut is so popular that it's now the AKC (American Kennel Club) standard for the Pomeranian dog breed. If your pet is not a show dog, however, variations to the standard lion cut are possible based on owner preference.

  1. Standard Lion Cut

    • With a standard lion cut, your dog's hair is left naturally long around the neck and face while his torso and hindquarters are shaved close. The hair on the points of his ears is trimmed into a smooth arch. His legs and tail are cut short but left with a pouf of hair around his ankles and the end of his tail. The standard lion cut is also referred to as the "Pomeranian Cut."

    Lion Cut Variation #1

    • One version of a lion cut leaves more of your Pomeranian's long hair covering her upper body. Her hindquarters are shaved midway up the back, allowing the dog's chest, shoulders and the top half of her back to remain full. The close shave starts in the middle of her back and continues to the base of her tail. The hair on her tail and all four legs is cut short with a pouf of hair left on the end of her tail and around her ankles.

    Lion Cut Variation #2

    • For a more exaggerated lion look, your dog's torso, entire back and hindquarters are shaved. With this variation, the dog's long hair is buzzed further up his back, as far up as the front of his shoulders. The fur that creates the fullness of the "lion's mane" is left long just around the dog's neck. There is clear definition between the dog's body and his mane. The hair around his face and neck is trimmed into the shape of a symmetrical cylinder, mimicking a lion's full mane. His legs are shaved smooth and a pouf of hair is left at the end of his tail.

    Lion Cut Detail Variations

    • With any lion cut, it's your choice how close to shave your dog's body. Additionally, the hair on your dog's tail and legs can be modified. You decide whether to trim the hair on your Pomeranian's tail entirely or to leave a pouf on the tip to emulate the end of a lion's tail. Same goes for your dog's legs; some dog owners prefer to leave a fluff of hair around the ankles while others prefer a smooth shave all the way down the legs. Experiment until you find what looks best for your dog.