Miniature Poodle Grooming

In one aspect, Miniature Poodle coats are great: they're hypoallergenic, and they don't shed much. On the flip side, Mini Poodle coats require a lot of grooming--otherwise, the fur will be a tangled, matted mess. See below for details on how to properly care for a Mini Poodle coat, and for info on a few of the numerous Mini Poodle grooming styles.

Although Mini Poodles shed little (and are hypoallergenic), there's a trade-off: the typical Miniature Poodle needs grooming on a regular basis. Their curly coats mat easily, so brushing these dogs at least three times per week (and bathing them weekly) is a good idea. Some Mini Poodles can be quite fussy, though, and will dislike any type of grooming, so it's best to visit a professional groomer at least once to learn how to groom a Miniature Poodle at home.

To brush your Mini Poodle: make sure to spray the coat with a mist bottle beforehand. Use a pin brush (without rubber tips) and brush the dog section by section. (Some owners also use a slicker brush on stubborn mats.)

When bathing, use canine shampoo and conditioner (available at pet stores), then brush the dog while the fur is still wet. After that, dry the coat with a towel or blow-dryer; if a Mini Poodle's coat is allowed to air-dry, it will become extremely matted. Repeat the brushing process after the coat is completely dry.

Practically as many Miniature Poodle haircuts exist as there are human hairstyles. Here are four of the most popular:

• Puppy Cut: A Miniature Poodle can have the fur on its entire body cut to equal length (usually 1.5-2 inches); this cut will need frequent touch up. It can be done at home, but it might be a good idea to have this Mini Poodle haircut done initially by a professional groomer, who can show you how to do it yourself.
• Town & Country Cut: Also called the Summer, Bikini, or Pom-Pom Cut, this Miniature Poodle cut sees the body shaved to about an inch (or less) in fur length--but the top of the head and the ears are left full and rounded, and full "fur balls" (pom-poms) are sculpted on the bottoms of the legs. (Some people also opt for a pom-pom on the tail.) This is often the style for show dogs; usually best done by a groomer.
• Teddy Bear Cut: A bit longer than a Puppy Cut, this style has the fur in equal length, but is more rounded to make the dog resemble a teddy bear. This cut can also be done at home, with initial guidance from a groomer.
• English Saddle Cut: Probably the most exotic Miniature Poodle grooming style of all. The head, chest, ears, and front half of the body are clipped round and full, with the rear half of the body shaved close; "oval" pom-poms on the legs and tail, often with two "stacked" oval pom-poms on the rear legs. This cut is definitely recommended only for professional groomers.