As pet parents, we love to see our canine companions look their best. The good news is that it is not so difficult to achieve; you can get your dog a haircut that goes perfectly with their personality and makes them comfortable. From teddy bear cut to lion cut, there are so many popular haircuts you can choose from. Let's dive in and learn about the different types of haircuts for dogs and how they can enhance your dog's overall look.
What Are the Most Popular Dog Haircuts?
Haircuts that are most common and popular among the dog community include:
Teddy Bear Cut
If you’re looking for a haircut suitable for your curly-haired pup, a teddy bear cut is perfect for curly hair dog types. It keeps the hair short and even - about one or two inches around the body. Also, these haircuts are more manageable. But this hairstyle doesn’t include shaving hair around the face.
Kennel Cut
Kennel cut is one of the simple and easy-to-maintain dog haircuts you can give your canine friend. In this hairstyle, hair is cut short around the body and face. And this generally cuts the hair shorter than other haircuts. If you are a busy pet parent, get your pup a kennel cut so you do not have to worry about it for some time.
Lamb Cut
A lamb cut is another haircut that is perfect for your cute poodle. The hair is cut short on your pet’s torso and chest; however, the fur on the legs is kept longer. This hairstyle is generally included in the poodle cuts styles. It is also more common in Airedale Terriers.
Puppy Cut
If you think puppy cuts are only for puppies, we have news: dogs of any age can get this dog haircut. In this hairstyle, hair is cut short in one length around the body. However, you can get different lengths for different body parts; the good idea is to decide according to the puppy's breed and how you would like your dog to look.
Top Knot
Top knot dog haircuts look good on long-haired dogs such as Shih Tzus. In this haircut, your dog’s hair is tied into a ponytail on top of their head with a bow. This way, you can keep your dog’s hair out of their eyes and give them a clean look.
Lion Cut
With a lion cut dog gets a bold look, which looks adorable on dogs with specific facial and body features. The hair is cut short around the body while leaving the face, legs, and tip of the tail with hair. Usually, professional groomers execute this hairstyle with perfection. This haircut became popular in the 17th century when Portuguese Water dogs got them to function efficiently in the water. Lowchens, Pomeranians, and Poodles are common breeds that get lion cuts. Lion cut is one of the best-suited haircuts for Maltese dogs.
Seasonal Haircuts for Dogs
You can even get your dog seasonal haircuts, such as summer and winter.
Best Haircuts for Summer
Summer calls for a hair trim to keep your dog cool and comfortable. Haircuts like teddy bear cut, puppy cut, and lamb cut are some of the haircuts that go perfectly for warmer months. Summer cuts include haircuts in which the hair is cut short but styled according to the breed such as miniature schnauzer cut styles.
Also, avoid shaving your pet completely because their natural fur is responsible for insulation in cold and hot weather and keeping them safe from sunburn and other skin problems.
Winter Haircuts for Warmth
Since a dog's fur coat helps keep them warm in winter, it is a good idea to keep their hair long for the season. The problem is they get matted and tangled easily. Hence, trimming and brushing their hair every other day is essential. Moreover, you can get inspiration from cocker spaniel hairstyles to style your dog's long hair.
How to Choose the Right Haircut for Your Dog
Breed and Fur Type
If you’re looking for ideas for your dog’s haircut, the best way to decide is by considering their breed and fur type. For example, if your dog is a toy breed like Yorkshire Terrier, you can choose from toy poodle haircut styles that match perfectly for that breed. Moreover, understand your dog’s fur type and then select a haircut; if they have thick fur coats, getting them trimmed often is a good idea to keep your dog comfortable.
How Often Do Dogs Need Haircuts?
Certain factors influence how often dogs need haircuts, including:
Age and Activity Levels
Younger dogs are more active and run outdoors, which makes them dirty easily, short hair will be easy to maintain. Also, hair in younger dogs grows more rapidly, calling for more groomer visits.
Hairstyle
Some hairstyles require regular grooming sessions, such as lion cut, where you need a professional groomer's help.
Hair Length
Long-haired dog breeds need haircuts more frequently because their fur can get dirty and tangled easily. So, according to an article by Purina, get your dog's hair trimmed every six to eight weeks.
Coat Thickness
If you have a dog with thick hair or double coats, how often you get them a haircut depends on certain temperatures and seasons. For example, in summer, you want to clear the extra hair to keep your dog cool.
Your Personal Choice
You can get your dog’s hair short if you prefer a haircut that doesn’t require regular grooming.
Grooming Routine
Haircuts can be added to the dog's overall grooming session, meaning you can get a haircut every time you visit the salon for their complete grooming.
Maintaining Your Dog’s Haircut
Dog's haircut maintenance depends on how short or long you have kept their hair.
Daily and Weekly Grooming Routines
According to an article by ASPCA, if your dog has a smooth and short hair coat like that of a Chihuahua or Basset Hound or if their fur is short and dense, such as retriever, brushing once a week is fine. However, if you have a dog breed with long and silky hair, like Yorkshire Terriers, they need grooming every day to prevent matting. Try choosing more manageable haircuts for Yorkie dogs.
Conclusion
Understanding your dog's grooming needs helps keep them comfortable and happy. Haircuts give dogs a clean and posh look, but it is important to know the hairstyle you select for them looks good on them and is easy to manage. For example, if your dog has a teddy bear Shih Tzu haircut face, then go for a haircut that suits them.
