Miniature Poodle Grooming Types

The coat of a miniature poodle is suitable for modification in a variety of ways. Show dogs require specific show cuts, whereas poodles kept as domestic companion animals can sport any style. Choosing the right style for your miniature poodle depends on how much time you are willing to dedicate to grooming, cleaning and cutting your dogs fur.

  1. Puppy Clip

    • The puppy clip is acceptable for showing your miniature poodle puppy (under 12 months of age) in the show ring. A miniature poodle with a puppy clip will have the fur on the face, feet and the base of the tail shaved close and short. The entire foot is shaven and visible. There is a pompom at the end of the tail. The fur on the body is not shaved down but is left long and is shaped according to the contours of the dog's body. The hair on top of the head is left long and is pulled into a ponytail.

    Kennel Clip

    • With the kennel clip, also known as the utility clip, the face, feet and base of the tail of your miniature poodle will be cut short and close to the body. All of the fur covering the body is cut short and follows the contours of the dog's body. The top of the head and the fur on the tail are both left longer than the fur on the body. This clip is easy to maintain and ideal for dogs in warmer climates. The tail has a pompom at the tip.

    Bikini Clip

    • The bikini clip, also known as the summer or Miami clip, gives the dog the pompom look around the feet so typical to poodles. The fur on the face, feet and base of the tail are shaved short and close to the body and the body fur is left medium-length and fluffy. The fur on the legs is shaved close until right above the top of the dog's wrist. The fur below the wrist is shaped into a pom and ends right above the top of the foot.There is a rounded pompom at the tip of the tail.

    Town and Country Clip

    • With a town and country clip, your miniature poodle will have the fur around the face, neck area, feet, base of the tail and belly shaved close and short to the body. A narrow line is shaved from between the shoulders, down the spine into the belly area, and another narrow line is shaved between the hips, up the spine and around the belly area. The rest of the hair can be left at whatever length you desire and is usually left fluffy. There is a pompom at the end of the tail.