How to Clip Poodles

Poodles can be complicated dogs to maintain properly. Still, you can clip a poodle yourself, once you know some safety and maintenance tips and choose the right style of cut for your poodle's lifestyle.

Things You'll Need

  • Electric Clippers
  • Scissors
  • Nonslip Rubber Mat
  • A Sturdy Table or Cleared Area on the Ground
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Instructions

  1. How to Clip a Poodle

    • 1

      Be aware of safety. Be sure to have properly functioning electric clippers, as well as an appropriately sized pair of scissors, depending on the size of the dog. Find a place where the poodle can be comfortably secured with a lead, preferably on sturdy table covered with a nonslip mat.

    • 2

      Choose the most appropriate style of cut. A poodle's coat is versatile, allowing for everything from a formal show cut to a "corded cut." The most common style for a poodle not being prepared for show is a "pet cut," which is a more casual style, dictated by the owner's preferences as opposed to the guidelines of formal styles. Two common show clips are the "English Saddle Clip," and the "Continental Clip," both utilizing a combination of shaved areas, unshaved areas, and "pom poms" on the legs.

    • 3

      Follow a few guidelines for general hygiene. Poodle coats are nonshedding and hypoallergenic but still need regular maintenance, on average every six to eight weeks. Some areas that should be more regularly addressed are clipping of the nails, monitoring the health of the eyes and teeth, and frequent brushing of the coat to prevent matting. During regular clippings, the areas that should be most carefully maintained are the feet, the muzzle, and the underside of the tail, in order to prevent the matting of dirt or food.

    • 4

      Watch a brief instructional video, or search the Internet for step-by-step guides and style descriptions if your goal is to clip your poodle at home with your own equipment and you do not have prior experience.