Last summer, I took my small dog to a new groomer. I was aiming for something simple, just a trim, maybe a cute face cleanup. But when I picked her up… she looked like a tiny lion mixed with a teddy bear. It was adorable but also not at all what I had in mind.
That’s when I realized how many dog grooming styles are out there, and how important it is to actually know the names and references before your pup ends up with a surprise glow-up (or glow-down).
Since then, I’ve gotten way more into exploring different dog haircut styles. Whether you’re after a show-dog look, a low-maintenance cut, or just something fun and unique, there are tons of options, from traditional cuts to trendy Japanese dog grooming styles.
And yes, I’ve also found that bringing dog grooming styles photos to the groomer makes all the difference.
Table of Contents
Dog Grooming Styles Chart
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to grooming, different breeds, coats, and even your dog’s lifestyle can impact what style works best.
A dog grooming styles chart with pictures can help you visualize the options and figure out what might suit your pup’s size, coat type, and personality.
| Breed | Style Name | Trim Description | Tools Needed | Frequency | Key Notes |
| Poodle | Continental Clip | Shaved hindquarters, hip/knee pom-poms, sculpted mane & tail | #10 blade, curved shears | 4-6 weeks | Show standard; requires precision |
| Miami Clip | Short body (¼”), fluffy legs/neck, topknot | #5 blade, comb | 6 weeks | Sporty summer cut | |
| Schnauzer | Schnauzer Cut | ¼-½” body/back, full beard/brows, skirted belly | #7F blade, stripping knife | 6-8 weeks | Hand-strip for show coats |
| Shih Tzu | Top Knot | Floor-length coat, hair tied above eyes, short sanitary area | Slicker brush, silk ties | 3 weeks | Prevents eye stains |
| Puppy Cut | 1-2″ uniform length, rounded feet/face | #4F blade, ball-tip shears | 4 weeks | Low-maintenance pet cut | |
| Golden Retriever | Feather Trim | Trim feathers (legs/chest/belly) to 1-2″, neaten outline | Thinning shears, undercoat rake | 8 weeks | Preserves water-resistant coat |
| Pomeranian | Fox Cut | Short torso (¾”), full “mane” chest, tapered tail, rounded rear | Pin brush, #3 blade | 4 weeks | Enhances fox-like silhouette |
| Bichon Frise | Powder Puff | 2-3″ rounded overall, sculpted “cloud” shape | Slicker brush, curved shears | 4 weeks | Daily brushing essential |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Show Coat | Floor-length silk coat, middle-parted, ribboned topknot | Detangling spray, wrap papers | Daily | High-maintenance show style |
| Cocker Spaniel | Hunter Clip | ½” body/sides, full leg feathers, rounded feet, shortened ears | #5 blade, thinning shears | 4 weeks | Reduces burr entanglement |
| Siberian Husky | Natural Maintenance | Trim paw pads/sanitary areas only; de-shed undercoat | Undercoat rake, nail clippers | Seasonal | ⚠️ Never shave—insulation loss |
| Pug | Wrinkle Trim | Shave between folds, shorten body (¼”), clean tail pocket | #10 blade, antiseptic wipes | 4 weeks | Prevents fold dermatitis |
| Labradoodle | Lamb Cut | 1-2″ uniform length, rounded legs/face | #4F blade, curved shears | 6 weeks | Minimizes matting |
| Maltese | Kennel Cut | ½-1″ body/legs, long topknot/skirt | Comb, ball-tip shears | 4 weeks | Silk coat requires conditioning |
| Bulldog | Hygienic Trim | Shorten face rolls, clean tail pocket, trim paw pads/belly | #10 blade, ear powder | 4 weeks | Critical for skin health |
| Shetland Sheepdog | Outline Trim | Neaten feathering (legs/chest), trim hocks, underline | Thinning shears, rake | 8 weeks | Maintains natural flow |
| West Highland Terrier | Hand-Stripped | Maintain 2″ harsh topcoat, shorten skirt, sculpt round head | Stripping knife, carding tool | 8 weeks | Preserves terrier texture |
| Afghan Hound | Show Coat | Floor-length silky coat, topknot | Pin brush, leave-in conditioner | Daily | Bathe weekly; air-dry only |
| Doberman | Natural Trim | Short body (¼”), clean neck/ears, trim paw pads | #7 blade, rubber curry | 8 weeks | Enhances muscular definition |
| Chow Chow | Lion Cut | Shave body (½”), leave full mane/leg fluff, plume tail | #5 blade, rake | 6 weeks | ⚠️ Avoid overheating in summer |
| Dalmatian | Spot Enhancement | Short trim (¼”) to emphasize spots, clean feet | Rubber mitt, hound glove | 8 weeks | Frequent brushing reduces shedding |
| Samoyed | Arctic Trim | Trim paw pads/trouser feathers, de-shed undercoat | Rake, mat splitter | Seasonal | ⚠️ Never shave—double coat essential |
| Airedale Terrier | Terrier Clip | Hand-strip back/sides, sculpt beard/legs, short skirt | Stripping knife, clippers | 8 weeks | Maintains wiry texture |
| Lhasa Apso | Traditional Cut | Floor-length coat parted down back, short feet | Detangler, metal comb | Weekly | Time-intensive show style |
| Portuguese Water Dog | Retriever Cut | 1″ body/legs, lion tail, shortened muzzle | #3 blade, curved shears | 6 weeks | Hypoallergenic coat |
| Bernese Mtn Dog | Farm Trim | Shorten belly/chest feathers, trim paw pads, neaten tail | Thinning shears, rake | 12 weeks | Focus on sanitary areas |
| Great Pyrenees | Pasture Clip | Trim hind feathers/belly, shave paw pads, de-shed | Undercoat rake, blower | Seasonal | ⚠️ Never fully shave |
| Komondor | Corded Coat | Separate cords, shorten face/feet cords, maintain length | Fingers, slicker (tips only) | Monthly | Bathe 2-3x/year only |
Dog Haircut Names
Knowing the common dog haircut styles by name makes communicating with your groomer so much easier. Some of the most popular cuts include:
- Puppy Cut: Super popular across breeds, this is an even-length trim all over the body (usually around 1–2 inches), giving that soft, “puppy” look no matter the age.
- Teddy Bear Cut: Often used on doodles, Shih Tzus, and Pomeranians. It keeps the face rounded and fluffy while trimming the body shorter, basically, your dog looks like a plush toy.
- Lamb Cut: Used for poodles and similar breeds, with shorter fur on the body and longer, styled legs. It’s neat but still has some flair.
- Kennel Cut: A very short, practical cut for dogs who live active lifestyles or get matted easily, great for summer.
- Lion Cut: Bold and fun, long mane, shaved body, and sometimes a tuft at the tail. Definitely a statement.
Dog Haircut Styles for Females
Female dogs don’t need bows or glitter to look fabulous, although hey, if that’s your vibe, go for it. What really matters is a cut that suits their build and coat.
For long-haired girls, something like the Puppy Cut or Teddy Bear Cut can be super flattering and easy to maintain.
These styles keep your dog looking clean and polished. If you want a little something extra, groomers can round the face or shape the ears for a cute, feminine touch.
On the practical side, trims around the eyes, paws, and underbelly are musts, especially if your pup is active or plays outside often. A tailored cut not only looks good, but it keeps her cleaner and more comfortable too.
And yes, if you’re scrolling Pinterest for dog grooming styles photos, you’ll find a ton of cute inspo with bows, braids, and frilly finishes. But don’t worry you can always go classy and clean without the accessories.
Dog Haircut Styles for Males
When it comes to grooming your boy dog, you don’t have to settle for a buzz cut or the same trim every time.
Whether you’re into stylish or simple, there are plenty of dog haircut styles that can give your male dog a fresh, put-together look.
A lot of male dog owners go for the Lamb Cut or a modified Puppy Cut short enough to be easy care, but not so short that your pup looks scalped. Some even go for a Lion Cut to show off some personality.
If your dog has a double coat (like a Husky or Golden Retriever), grooming doesn’t always mean cutting, sometimes it’s about shaping, de-shedding, and creating definition around the chest, tail, and legs. For male dogs, keeping things clean around the sanitary areas, chest, and paws is key.
Japanese Dog Grooming Styles Chart for Males and Females
Japanese grooming is its own adorable thing. These styles focus on precision shaping, round edges, and bringing out your dog’s cute factor, no matter the breed.
Unlike traditional Western grooming, Japanese dog grooming styles are often customized to highlight your dog’s natural expression, rather than sticking to strict breed standards.
Think rounded faces, sculpted fur, poofy legs, and paw-perfect proportions.
| Breed | Style Name (Japanese) | English Translation |
| Shiba Inu | Shiba no Miyabi | Elegant Shiba |
| Akita | Matagi Clip | Hunter’s Trim |
| Japanese Spitz | Yuki no Hana | Snow Blossom |
| Tosa Inu | Kensei Trim | Warrior Cut |
| Pomeranian | Kitsune Cut | Fox Style |
| Poodle | Panda Mōdo | Panda Mode |
| Chihuahua | Kawaii Pup | Cute Pup |
| Mixed Breeds | Anime Style | Anime Character |
Small Dog Grooming Styles Photos
Small dogs get all the fun when it comes to grooming, you can get really creative here.
Whether you want a cute bob, round teddy face, or something sleek and low-maintenance, there’s no shortage of options.
From Shih Tzus to Poodles to Poms, many small breeds have coats that work well with sculpted cuts and layered styles.
Just be sure to find a groomer who’s familiar with your dog’s specific coat texture and can deliver the look you want.
FAQs
What are the most popular dog grooming styles?
Some of the most loved dog grooming styles include the Puppy Cut, Teddy Bear Cut, Lamb Cut, and Lion Cut.
These vary in length and flair, but they all serve different coat types and lifestyles. A good style keeps your dog comfortable, manageable, and of course, adorable.
Always go with something that fits your dog’s personality and your ability to maintain it between grooms.
How do I choose the best dog haircut style for my dog?
It really depends on your dog’s coat type, age, lifestyle, and even personality. Long-haired breeds may benefit from a Teddy Bear Cut or Layered Trim, while active dogs might be more comfortable with a Kennel Cut.
Don’t forget to factor in your grooming routine, if you don’t brush often, shorter cuts are easier to manage.
And always bring dog grooming styles photos to make sure your groomer knows exactly what you want.
Is there a difference between male and female dog grooming styles?
Not in a strict sense, but some people do like to customize the look based on the dog’s build or personality.
For example, some female dogs might get rounded ears or a fluffier face, while male dogs might get a sharper, cleaner look.
But honestly, any dog haircut style can work for either gender, it’s more about what looks good on your dog and what makes them feel comfortable.
Where can I find a dog grooming styles chart with pictures?
Many online grooming directories and pet care blogs (like this one) include a dog grooming styles chart with pictures to help you choose a cut.
You can also search by breed on Pinterest or Instagram to get real-life examples. Just remember, not every groomer can recreate everything, so always check if your local salon has experience with the style you’re after.
Can I switch grooming styles often, or should I stick to one?
You can absolutely switch it up, especially if your dog enjoys the attention (and you enjoy the variety).
Just keep in mind that some styles require growing out certain areas of fur, so there may be awkward stages in between.
Regular maintenance, brushing, and communication with your groomer will help make the transition between dog grooming styles smooth and stylish.