Poodle Teacup Poodle Grooming

Because these hybrids are the offspring of two pure Poodle breeds, their coats are Poodle types too--so overall Poodle-Teacup Poodle grooming is pretty time-consuming. While a Poodle mix's coat won't shed much at all, frequent brushing will be necessary to minimize tangling.

Brush your Poodle mix's coat often (2-3 times per week) with a pin and/or slicker brush, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you run across a tangle, try working it out with either your fingers or the end teeth of a greyhound comb (or both).

Bathing will be needed every 4-6 weeks. When bathing a Poodle-Teacup Poodle mix, be sure to use shampoo mae for dogs, as the human kind has a different pH and can irritate the dog's skin. Also take the time to rinse the shampoo completely from the coat; leftover soap residue can cause further skin irritation.

And of course, a variety of Poodle haircuts are possible. (See descriptions below of some great Poodle hairstyles.)

A Poodle mix will also need regular care in other areas. Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week; clean the ears monthly; and trim the dog's nails every 6-8 weeks.

Though owners can learn to perform all the aspects of Poodle mix grooming themselves, many people rely on professional groomers for major tasks like bathing and haircuts. In any case, it's good to take the dog to a pro at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Poodle mix from home.

With their medium-length, curly coats, numerous Poodle cuts (for Toy Poodles or Standards) are possible with these hybrids. Depending on the style, your Poodle mix will need a touch-up trim every couple of months.

Four popular Poodle-Teacup Poodle grooming styles:

• Puppy Cut: A short, low-maintenance style. The entire coat is clipped to about two inches; some like to leave the hair on the legs, face, and head a bit longer. Can be done at home with some practice.
• Lion Cut: Makes the dog resemble a little King of the Jungle. The hair on the head, chest, and front half of the body is left long, while the hair on the legs, rear of the body, and tail is clipped short. Rounded hair "poms" are sculpted on the tail (and often on the feet as well). Definitely requires a groomer's expertise.
• Teddy Bear Cut: Similar to a Puppy Cut, but the hair on the legs, face, and head is left longer and is sculpted and rounded to make the dog look like an adorable stuffed animal. Probably best done by a groomer.
• Town and Country Cut: A sophisticated style. The hair on the body is clipped short, but the hair on the legs is left longer and sculpted into cylindrical patterns. The hair on the face, head, and tail is rounded and teased out. Requires a groomer's skills.