Top 12 Poodle Clip Styles: Photos & Grooming Guide for Owners

What Are Poodle Clips?

Poodle clips became a trademark of the breed for practical reasons. Early poodles were used as water retrievers, and their coats had to be clipped in certain ways to help them swim. The clipped areas allowed poodles to move freely in the water, while the thicker fur on the chest and hips kept them warm. Over time, these functional clips turned into fashionable styles. Today, poodle clips are not just about function—they’re an important part of the poodle’s breed identity.

Did you know? There are over 12 distinct types of poodle clips, each designed for different grooming needs and styles.

Why Do Poodles Get Clipped?

Poodles get clipped for several important reasons, all tied to their health, history, and lifestyle. Here are some reasons on which basis poodle gets clipped.

Historical Origin (Water Retrievers)

Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers. Their thick, curly coats helped them swim, but they could get weighed down with excess fur. Early poodle clips were designed to reduce the amount of fur in areas that would get wet, like the legs and belly. This allowed the poodle to move more freely in the water, while the fur on the chest and hips kept them warm.

Health Reasons (Skin and Hygiene)

Regular clipping helps maintain your poodle’s health by preventing matting. Matting can trap dirt and moisture close to the skin, which may lead to skin infections or irritations. Clipping also helps with hygiene, keeping the poodle’s coat clean and reducing the chance of parasites, like fleas or ticks, from hiding in the fur. Clipping is a big part of poodle coat care. It helps owners manage thick fur and avoid matting that can lead to skin problems.

Dog Shows and Style

Clipping also plays a big role in dog shows. Poodles are often clipped in specific styles to meet show standards. These styles highlight their elegant features, and the clips give them a well-groomed and polished look. Grooming and clipping are a key part of showcasing a poodle’s beauty and breed standards in competitions.

Owner Lifestyle and Climate

Clipping poodles can be a practical choice based on the owner’s lifestyle and the climate. For example, in warmer climates, shorter clips help keep poodles cool. For active owners, trims like the Puppy Clip or Sporting Clip are easier to manage and require less maintenance. Some owners also prefer clipping for convenience—regular trims can reduce shedding and make grooming sessions shorter.

Types of Poodle Clips

Poodle clips come in many styles. Some are made for dog shows, while others work better for everyday life. Each clip changes how your poodle looks, but it also affects how much grooming they need.

Here are 12 popular types of poodle clips:

Continental Clip

The Continental Clip is the most recognized poodle style in dog shows. It leaves full hair on the chest and ribcage, while shaving the face, throat, feet, and base of the tail. Two rounded pom-poms called rosettes are left on the hips. The legs feature clean-shaven areas with full bracelets on the ankles, and the tail ends in a ball-shaped puff. This clip shows off the poodle’s elegant structure while allowing free movement.

🧼 Maintenance: Very high – needs brushing daily and trimming every 3–4 weeks
👑 Best for: Standard Poodles in AKC and FCI shows

English Saddle Clip

This is another AKC-approved show clip, very similar to the Continental but with a fuller appearance. Instead of rosettes, the hindquarters are only partly shaved, with more fur left around the hips and legs. Legs have shaved bands between thick cuffs of fur, creating a layered, banded look.

🧼 Maintenance: Very high – brushing every day, grooming every 3–4 weeks
🎩 Best for: Show dogs; less common today

Sporting Clip

Used mainly for active dogs, this clip is functional and stylish. The coat is trimmed to one even length all over the body and legs, with the face, feet, and tail base shaved. The topknot is usually rounded, and the tail has a small pom-pom.

🧼 Maintenance: Medium – clip every 4–6 weeks
🏃 Best for: Working or hunting poodles, especially Standard Poodles

Puppy Clip

This clip is required for show puppies under 12 months. It leaves the coat long and fluffy all over, with a shaved face, feet, and tail base. The topknot is usually tied up or styled into a soft puff. This cut helps pups grow into their adult coats.

🧼 Maintenance: Easy – weekly brushing and regular baths with one of the best poodle shampoos will keep the coat soft and clean.
👶 Best for: Show puppies and young pets

Modified Continental Clip

This modern version of the Continental Clip keeps the same shape but skips the rosettes. The hindquarters are shaved more smoothly, and pom-poms may be reduced or removed. It’s easier to manage while still looking classy.

🧼 Maintenance: High
🌟 Best for: Owners who want a show style with less maintenance

Scandinavian Clip

This clip focuses on soft, rounded lines. The coat is scissored to look natural but polished. The head, ears, and body are kept fluffy, while the feet and face are neatly shaved. The tail has a ball or is shaped to blend naturally.

Maintenance: Medium to high
Best for: Miniature and Standard Poodles in pet homes or European shows

Miami Clip (Bikini Clip)

This style is popular with pet owners in warm climates. The face, feet, and tail base are shaved. The body coat is clipped short. Pom-poms are left on the ankles and tail tip, giving a fun, clean look.

🧼 Maintenance: Low to medium – clip every 6–8 weeks
🌞 Best for: Toy and Miniature Poodles, especially in summer

Lamb Clip

The Lamb Clip features a coat of even length all over the body and legs. The face, feet, and tail base are shaved clean. This clip mimics a lamb’s woolly coat and gives a soft, rounded appearance.

🧼 Maintenance: Low
🌧️ Best for: Cooler weather or owners who want a full, even coat

Kennel Clip

This is the easiest clip to maintain. The coat is clipped short all over, with shaved face, feet, and tail base. It’s functional and neat—ideal for senior dogs or busy owners.

🧼 Maintenance: Very low – every 8–10 weeks
🛏️ Best for: Seniors, rescues, or owners with limited time

Town and Country Clip

A stylish clip where the legs are left full and cylindrical, while the body is shorter. The head is rounded, and the ears are fluffy. It gives a modern teddy bear vibe with elegance.

🧼 Maintenance: Medium
🏙️ Best for: Toy and Miniature Poodles with fashionable owners

Royal Dutch Clip

This creative style involves dramatic lines, sculpted hips, and rosettes. It often includes styled topknots and tailored ankle bracelets. Used in Europe and grooming competitions, it blends showy and modern looks.

🧼 Maintenance: Very high
🎭 Best for: Competitions and attention-grabbing looks

Teddy Bear Clip

This adorable cut gives your poodle a plush, rounded appearance. The face is shaped into a teddy bear look, and the body is trimmed evenly to look soft and cuddly. Very common for family pets.

🧼 Maintenance: Regular brushing and a poodle bath at home every 4–6 weeks will help maintain this cute, rounded look. Be sure to use a gentle shampoo for curly coats to prevent matting.
🐻 Best for: Toy and Miniature Poodles, especially with kids

How to Choose the Right Clip for Your Poodle?

Match the Clip to Your Poodle’s Lifestyle

If your poodle runs around outside, hikes with you, or plays in the yard often, you need a low-maintenance clip. Active dogs do well with the Sporting, Lamb, or Kennel clips. These styles are short, clean, and less likely to trap dirt or debris.

For poodles that spend most of their time indoors or getting carried around, like Toy Poodles or seniors, go with a clip that shows off their personality. Teddy Bear, Puppy, and Miami clips work well for this lifestyle.

Consider How Often You Groom

Some clips need more brushing and frequent trims. For example, the Continental Clip may need weekly brushing and a touch-up every 4–6 weeks. That can add up to over 12 grooming sessions per year.

If you don’t have time for frequent grooming or want to save money, go with a simple clip like the Kennel Clip. You can maintain it easily at home and visit the groomer every 8 weeks instead.

Choose a Clip That Matches Your Climate

In warm climates, poodles need lighter cuts that keep them cool. Miami, Kennel, and Sporting clips remove excess fur and let air reach the skin. These clips help prevent overheating in the summer months.

If you live in a cooler area, choose clips with more coverage. The Lamb Clip, Teddy Bear Clip, and Scandinavian Clip leave more fur on the body to keep your dog warm without matting.

Think About Your Poodle’s Age

Puppies do best with easy starter clips like the Puppy Clip or Teddy Bear Clip. These help them get used to brushing and bathing without too much stress.

Adult poodles can try more complex styles, depending on their energy and coat type. For show dogs, owners often choose the Continental Clip or English Saddle.

Senior poodles need comfort first. Choose clips that prevent matting and reduce brushing time. The Kennel Clip or a short Lamb Clip works well for older dogs with thinner or sensitive skin.

Pick a Style You Like

Finally, don’t forget your personal taste. Some owners love the classic poodle show look, while others prefer a cute and fluffy style. There’s no wrong choice—just pick a clip that fits both your lifestyle and your poodle’s needs.

According to the American Kennel Club, over 30% of poodle owners switch between clips based on season or age. Talk to a trusted groomer if you’re unsure. They can help you choose a clip based on coat condition, health, and daily routine.

Which Poodle Clips Are Accepted by the AKC?

If you want to show your poodle in a dog competition, you must follow the grooming rules set by kennel clubs. Each group has its own list of accepted clips. The most common ones are AKC (American Kennel Club), UKC (United Kennel Club), and FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale).

Quick Summary Table: Accepted Clips by Registry

What Are The Most Popular Clips by Poodle Size?

Not all poodles need the same haircut. Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodles have different sizes, energy levels, and grooming needs. Pick a clip that matches your dog’s lifestyle, coat type, and how much time you want to spend on grooming.

Toy Poodle Clips

Toy Poodles stay small and light, so they need easy-to-manage clips that keep them clean and cute. Here are some toy poodle clips that one can consider:

• Miami Clip (Bikini Clip): Groomers shave the face, feet, and tail base. They leave short fur on the body with pom-poms on the ankles and tail. This clip keeps Toy Poodles cool and easy to brush.
• Teddy Bear Clip: This clip gives the poodle an even, fluffy coat. Groomers shape the head round, like a teddy bear. Many pet owners love this look.
• Puppy Clip: AKC rules require this clip for poodles under 12 months in shows. Groomers trim the face, feet, and tail base while leaving a fluffy body.

📌 Use these clips if your Toy Poodle spends most of the time indoors or on your lap.

Miniature Poodle Clips

Miniature Poodles love to run and play. They need a clip that keeps them comfy and clean.

• Lamb Clip: Groomers trim the coat evenly on the body and legs. The head stays rounded. This clip works great for families who want a neat, low-shedding dog.
• Kennel Clip: Groomers clip the whole body short. It’s one of the easiest styles to keep clean. You only need to brush it once or twice a week.

📌 These clips work best if your Miniature Poodle plays outside often or lives in a busy home.

Standard Poodle Clips

Standard Poodles stay active and large. They need a clip that fits their energy level—or the show ring.

• Continental Clip: This is the famous show clip. Groomers shave the face, feet, and base of the tail, leaving puffs on the ankles and hips. This clip takes time but wins points in competitions.
• Sporting Clip: Groomers clip the body short but keep longer cuffs on the legs. This style gives the poodle a balanced and athletic look.

📌 These clips fit Standard Poodles that train, perform, or need extra cooling in warm weather.

Seasonal Clip Recommendations

Poodles don’t shed like other breeds, so their hair keeps growing all year. That makes grooming extra important during changing seasons. Choosing the right clip based on the weather helps keep your poodle safe, comfortable, and good-looking.

Best poodle clips for summer

Hot weather can make poodles overheat fast, especially in active dogs or darker-colored coats. Go for a clip that removes extra hair and allows air to reach the skin.

Top Summer Clips:

• Miami Clip (Bikini Clip): This cut removes most of the hair from the face, feet, and tail base, while keeping short fur on the body. It looks stylish and works great in the heat. Many owners choose it for Toy and Miniature Poodles during summer walks.
• Kennel Clip: Groomers cut the coat evenly short all over the body. It’s easy to manage and helps reduce the risk of overheating. Perfect for outdoor activities or high-energy dogs.

📌 In warm climates, stick with these clips from May to September or when the temperature stays above 75°F (24°C).

Best poodle clips for winter

Cold months mean your poodle needs a little more coat for insulation. Choose a clip that leaves more fur but still stays neat and manageable.

Top Winter Clips:

• Lamb Clip: This style keeps more length on the legs and body, offering a soft and warm layer during cold walks. It also works great with winter coats or sweaters.
• Teddy Bear Clip: The rounded, fluffy shape acts like a built-in coat. It’s especially good for indoor dogs who go out only for short breaks but still need to stay warm.

📌 In colder regions, use these styles between November and March or when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Pro Tip:

You can adjust the clip length each season instead of switching styles completely. For example, keep the Kennel Clip year-round but make it longer in winter and shorter in summer.

Traditional Vs. Non-Traditional Poodle Clips

Poodle grooming has evolved over time. While some owners and breeders prefer the traditional poodle clips seen in dog shows, others choose non-traditional styles for their poodles. These non-traditional cuts are more practical and often easier to maintain. Both styles work well, depending on your poodle’s needs, personality, and lifestyle.

Traditional Poodle Clips

Traditional poodle clips have been popular for years, especially in dog shows or competitions. Groomers typically style these clips with more detail and require regular upkeep to maintain their look. They focus on making poodles look elegant and refined.

Common Traditional Clips:

• Continental Clip: This classic cut remains a favorite for shows. Groomers shave the face, feet, and tail base, leaving the legs and hips fluffy. The body stays long and full. Maintaining this clip requires frequent grooming to keep it sharp.
• English Saddle Clip: Similar to the Continental Clip but with a bit more hair left on the back. This style works well for shows and gives poodles a distinguished look.

These clips focus on beauty and refinement, but they also need frequent care. Owners often visit the groomer regularly to keep their pets looking perfect.

Non-Traditional Poodle Clips

Non-traditional poodle clips offer a more modern twist on the classic styles. They’re simpler, quicker to do, and tend to focus more on practicality. These styles are perfect for pet owners who prefer low-maintenance grooming.

Common Non-Traditional Clips:

• Teddy Bear Clip: This clip creates a soft, rounded look. It leaves the poodle with a fluffy and cute appearance. The Teddy Bear Clip requires minimal maintenance and is loved by pet owners who want a manageable yet adorable style.
• Miami (Bikini) Clip: The Miami Clip features short fur on the body, leaving the head and legs with rounded puffs. It’s a sporty cut and perfect for warmer climates or poodles who enjoy being active outdoors.
• Kennel Clip: This style keeps the coat short and even all over the body. It’s easy to maintain, making it ideal for poodles who live an active lifestyle or need a low-maintenance option.

Non-traditional clips focus on comfort and convenience. They make grooming easier for pet owners and still keep poodles looking neat.

Conclusion

Choosing the right poodle clip is important for both style and health. Whether you prefer a traditional look like the Continental Clip for shows or a non-traditional cut like the Teddy Bear Clip for easy maintenance, each style serves a different purpose. Consider your poodle’s size, activity level, and lifestyle when selecting the best clip.

Proper grooming with the right clip helps prevent matting, skin infections, and keeps your poodle comfortable in various climates. Regular grooming is key to your dog’s overall well-being.

If you’re unsure which clip suits your poodle, consult a professional groomer. They can guide you in picking the right style and offer grooming tips. Prioritize your poodle’s health and comfort while keeping them stylish.

FAQs About Poodle Clips