Poodles are the reason dog grooming is a profession. Their coat is hair, not fur — it grows continuously, sheds barely at all, and curls tightly enough to trap every loose strand. That makes them brilliant for allergy-prone homes and demanding for everyone else: a Poodle that misses its grooming schedule doesn't just look scruffy, it mats to the skin.
The coat
A single coat of dense, curly hair that never stops growing. There's no seasonal shed to reset it; whatever the coat does is down to you and your groomer. Left unbrushed, the curls felt together — first behind the ears, in the armpits and around the collar line, then everywhere. Severe matting can't be brushed out humanely; it has to be clipped off short and grown back.
How often should a Poodle be groomed?
Every 4–6 weeks for a full professional groom, whether Toy, Miniature or Standard. Between visits, line-brush to the skin two or three times a week with a slicker brush and metal comb — brushing over the top of the coat looks effective but leaves mats forming underneath.
Popular styles
- Puppy clip — one even length all over, usually 10–25mm. The most practical everyday choice and the least expensive to maintain.
- Lamb clip — short body with fuller, blended legs. The classic pet trim.
- Teddy bear — a rounded face and plush, even body. Ask your groomer for a "teddy head" if you dislike the traditional shaved Poodle face.
- Continental and English saddle — the show clips with shaved hindquarters and pom-poms. Almost never requested as pet trims, but any Poodle-literate groomer will know them.
- German trim — short back and sides with a neat moustache-free face; suits active dogs that swim or hike.
What does Poodle grooming cost?
In most of the UK expect £35–50 for a Toy, £45–60 for a Miniature, and £65–90+ for a Standard for a full groom (bath, dry, clip, nails, ears). Standards sit at the top of most groomers' price lists — they're a two-to-three-hour job. Matted coats usually incur a surcharge or a shave-off.
Between grooms
Daily face and eye wipe, weekly ear check (Poodle ears grow hair and trap wax), and line-brushing as above. If you keep the coat longer than 15mm or so, a dog conditioner spray while brushing prevents breakage. Find a groomer who knows the breed — every groomer clips Poodles, but not every groomer can scissor one well.