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The Ultimate Poodle Teddy Bear Cut Guide (Photos and Instructions)

Teddy bear cuts are becoming increasingly popular for Poodles, and it’s easy to see why.

They’re absolutely adorable and make your Poodle look like a cuddly toy.

Poodle teddy bear cut
The Ultimate Poodle Teddy Bear Cut Guide (Instructions)

But before you take the plunge and get your Poodle a teddy bear cut, here are a few things you need to know.

What Is a Teddy Bear Cut?

As the name suggests, a teddy bear cut is a popular grooming style for Poodles that gives them a teddy bear-like appearance. Groomers achieve the cut by trimming the hair around the face and body to create a rounded shape. 

Toy Poodle with a red scarf
Toy Poodle with a red scarf pose for a photo shoot!

This technique is most commonly used on Toy Poodles and those with longer hair but can also be used on Standard Poodles. The result? A dog that looks like a stuffed animal come to life!

Perks of Having a Poodle with the Teddy Bear Cut

Aside from helping them look adorable, there are several benefits to giving your Poodle the teddy bear cut.

A gray merle Poodle incredibly rare.
A gray merle Poodle incredibly rare.

For one, this haircut is low-maintenance and easy to care for. Simply brush your Poodle’s coat once or twice weekly to keep it neat. 

Secondly, the teddy bear cut can help keep your Poodle cool in the summer months. Shaved down to the skin, your dog will have no problem beating the heat.

Finally, the teddy bear cut is ideal for dogs with allergies. Since there is less hair on the body, there is also less opportunity for allergens (such as pollen or dander) to get trapped in the coat. So if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic option, the teddy bear cut is certainly worth considering.

How Do You Go About Getting the Teddy Bear Cut for Your Poodle?

If you have a Poodle, you want to ensure its hair looks its best. One of the easiest ways is to get a “teddy bear” haircut. This gives your dog’s hair a softer look, like a cuddly teddy bear ready for a nap.

groomer holding poodle ears
A groomer holding the Poodle ears.

First, you’ll need to find a reputable groomer with experience giving this haircut. Once you’ve found a groomer, you’ll need to make an appointment and take your Poodle for a haircut. 

The groomer will likely start by trimming the Poodle’s fur to a shorter length using a pair of scissors. They may also use thinning shears to help create a more even look. 

After the initial trimming, the groomer will shape the Poodle’s fur into the teddy bear cut. This will involve creating different lengths around the Poodle’s head, body, and legs. The groomer will then use a clipper to create a smooth, even look. 

teddy bear cut for Poodle
A Standard Poodle looks like a big teddy bear. (Image: Instagram/@love_poodle)

Finally, they may use trimming scissors to tidy up any uneven ends.

Once you’ve gotten your dog’s haircut, be sure to keep it clean and trimmed.  

DIY: Tips to Achieve a Teddy Bear Cut

Have you ever seen a Poodle teddy bear cut and thought, “I want one of those for my dog!” but then opened your wallet and realized you couldn’t afford a groomer’s fee? 

grooming tools for dogs
It is cost-effective to groom your dogs at home with your own grooming tools.

Don’t sweat it. You can still do it yourself if you’re willing to put in the effort. With some considerable time and patience, you can give your Poodle a teddy bear haircut at home.

For starters, refer to our ultimate Poodle teddy bear cut guide

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To achieve this haircut on your Poodle, you will need:

  • A pair of scissors.
  • A clipper.
  • A comb.
  • A styling book or YouTube video on how to style a Poodle teddy bear haircut.

Step 2: Cut Your Poodle’s Hair Short

Start by brushing their coat to get rid of any knots or tangles. Next, use a pair of scissors to cut off all the long hair around the dog’s neck and head. You can also cut the hair around the dog’s ears.

Pro Tip: You will want to make sure you use sharp scissors. This will help to prevent any accidental cuts.  

Step 3: Gently Trim Your Poodle’s Hair

Next, use a clipper to trim the hair around their face, body, and legs. Be sure to avoid cutting too close to their skin.

Begin trimming around the face. After you’ve trimmed the hair around the face, it’s time to move on to the body. 

Before trimming, part the coat down the middle of the back and clip the hair on either side. Work your way down the body, taking care to blend the hair so that there are no visible lines.

Pro Tip: You will want to take your time and be careful when cutting around the face. This is a very sensitive area for Poodles; you don’t want to cut them accidentally.

Step 4: Comb and Style Your Poodle’s Hair

Now, use a comb to smooth out the dog’s hair and style it into a teddy bear look. You can also watch a YouTube video for tips on styling the dog’s hair.

Pro Tip: The key to achieving the perfect teddy bear cut is to start with a good base cut. Once you have a good base cut, you can start working on the specific details of the teddy bear cut.

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Paws

When trimming the fur around the feet, use a comb to help guide your scissors. This will help to ensure that the fur is even and there are no bald spots. 

Pro Tip: Leave the hair on the legs longer to create a “pouf” effect.

Step 6: Clip to Finish!

After you have trimmed all the excess hair, you will need to use a clipper to give their coat a nice, even finish

Although the Poodle teddy bear haircut may seem like a lot of work, it is a relatively easy style to maintain. But with the right cut, you’ll have your pup looking cuddly in no time. 

Additionally, brushing your dog’s coat regularly and trimming the hair around its face and paws every few weeks is key.

How Do I Wash My Dog After a Teddy Bear Haircut?

Some people consider bringing their dogs in for a teddy bear haircut a special treat. But while it may seem like a fun idea, some cleanup is involved afterward. The good news is that you can do most of the work relatively quickly and easily.

Poodle taking a bath
A Poodle puppy having a bath!

First, use mild soap and water on their coat and rinse well. This will not only get rid of any oils or residue from the grooming process, but it will also avoid potential staining.

Second, you’ll need to deal with any loose hairs that were cut off. Simply use a brush or comb to remove them from your dog’s body and fur. Be sure not to pull too hard, as this could cause pain and further damage.

towel-drying the poodle
The owner is towel-drying his Poodle. (Image: Instagram/@teddybeartoypoodle)

Finally, you’ll want to ensure that any dried hair is removed. Use a hairdryer on a low setting and gently blow the hair away from your dog’s skin. Make sure to brush it off afterward to avoid any residual smell or marks.

Pro Tip: Instead of using a towel to dry your Poodle, fluff-dry to make its coat look softer and curlier. To do this, comb through your Poodle’s coat while blow-drying it.

Which Shampoo Should I Use for My Dog After a Teddy Bear Cut?

There are a few things to consider when purchasing shampoo for a dog that has recently gotten a teddy bear haircut. 

shampoo bottle
Getting shampoo in an orange bottle.

The first is the coat type. If the dog has a short coat, a multipurpose shampoo will likely suffice. If the dog has a long or double coat, a coat conditioner or detangler may be necessary in addition to shampoo to help keep the coat from matting. 

The second thing to consider is the dog’s skin type. Dogs with sensitive skin may require a hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoo, while dogs with normal skin can likely use any type of shampoo. 

Finally, it is important to consider what scent you would like the dog to have after bath time. Some shampoos are unscented, while others have various floral or fruity scents.

Other Suitable Haircuts for Poodles

Some people think that all Poodles should have the same haircut—a short, curly coat. But there are different kinds of Poodle haircuts, and your pooch will look amazing in whichever one you choose.

grooming white beautiful poodle
Grooming a white beautiful Poodle at a pet salon.

The classic Poodle haircut is a short, curly coat with a tuft of hair at the front of its head. This style is best for heavy sweating dogs or dogs who tend to get a lot of rain or snow on their coats.

Try a cropped haircut if you want a more subtle look for your Poodle. You’ll still get a short, curly coat, but the hair at the front will be shorter and neater. This haircut is perfect for those who want to show off their Poodle’s bright personality but don’t want everyone to know how much fun they’re having!

If you have a more laid-back lifestyle and prefer your pup to have a more shaggy coat, go for a long curly coat haircut. This look is perfect if your dog loves to play in the snow, as it will protect their coat from becoming dirty. You can also try a trim around the muzzle to give your dog a bit of extra oomph.

FAQs

Poodle at a pet salon
A Poodle at a pet salon having a haircut!

1. How Often Should My Poodle Get A Teddy Bear Haircut?

Your Poodle will need a teddy bear haircut every four to six weeks.

2. How Much Will it Cost at the Groomers?

There is no definite answer since it will depend on the groomers’ rates, the size of your dog, and the complexity of the teddy bear haircut. However, rough estimates for a basic teddy bear haircut would cost between $30 and $100. Depending on the details, more intricate teddy bear haircuts may cost a little more.

3. Why is This Haircut Recommended for Poodles?

Groomers often offer the “teddy bear haircut” for Poodles, as it is a shorter style that still leaves plenty of hair on the dog’s head.

4. Do All Groomers Use the Same Technique to Create this Look?

Groomers achieve the “teddy bear haircut” on Poodles in a few different ways

One way is to use a clipper with a size 10 blade to clip the fur on the body and legs. You can clip the fur on the head with either a size 10 or 8 blade. 

Another way to achieve this haircut is to use scissors to trim the fur on the body and legs. You can also trim the fur on the head with scissors, but it may take a bit more time and effort to get the desired look. 

Whichever method they choose, the key is to take their time and to be careful not to cut too much off at once.

5. Can Other Dog Breeds Sport This Haircut?

Yes, but it would still depend on the individual dog’s hair length and texture. Some dog breeds that could sport the “teddy bear haircut” include Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Maltese, Pugs, Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, and Welsh Corgis.

6. How Long Will My Poodle Teddy Bear Haircut Last?

This style is bound to require a bit of upkeep, particularly if your Poodle tends to play hard and get a bit matted down in the fur every so often. On average, a Poodle teddy bear haircut lasts around four to six weeks before it needs to be re-trimmed.

7. Why do People Choose to Get the Teddy Bear Cut for Their Poodles?

To state the obvious, the teddy bear haircut can help to make a Poodle look less like a dog and more like a stuffed animal or plush toy, which some people find irresistible. Additionally, this particular haircut is low-maintenance.