Standard Poodle Grooming

Clipping the Poodle's Face	Clipping the Poodle's Feet

The greatest expense in owning a poodle is keeping it well groomed. By undertaking this task yourself you will save money in the long run and develop a great relationship with your poodle. Grooming is a task that can be done by anyone with patience and a willingness to take the time to practice the skills required.

Grooming a standard poodle completely from start to finish will take about 3 hours when you become proficient at it. When you are first learning to clip you may have to spread the task over a few days for the sake of yourself and your poodle.;If you do not have the time or inclination for performing this task yourself you will require the services of a professional groomer. Please chose this person with care. A recommendation by another poodle owner is a good way of finding a qualified groomer.I have a list of recommended Adelaide groomers at the bottom of this page.

Which Trim?

The poodle's coat lends itself to many different looks. The choice is endless, but will be determined by how much time and effort you are able to spend on looking after the coat and for what purpose you keep your poodle.There is only one official clip for the conformation ring, and that is the

Traditional Lion Trim.

It comes in three basic varieties: The Continental Trim, The English Saddle (sometimes referred to as" Lion Trim") and the Puppy Trim.This method of shaping the poodles' hair has been around for centuries and was originally performed to help the dog's ability to swim while retrieving birds.

The long mane over the chest protected the heart and lungs while the tufts of hair on the legs protected the joints. Most people, unaware of the breeds history, laugh at this trim. Once you research the breed you will have a greater appreciation for the trims' utilitarian nature and realize that conformation show people do not fashion their dog's coat in this manner just to win at shows. As a breeder I wish to preserve the history of the breed, and prefer my dogs in this trim.

For the poodle that is not competing in the show ring there is a vast number of styles to choose from. Those trims where the hair is kept shorter are far easier to maintain than those where the hair is left long and fluffy. The shorter trims are easier to get dry in the winter too. Discuss with your groomer how you wish your poodle to look. Find books on various trims or surf the net.

blade

Blade in Lamb Trim

georgie

Georgie with Ears Off

Avonti Jubilation in Continental Trim

English Saddle Trim

Teddy Bear Face

Adelaide Groomers

These people are all poodle specialists. They all own poodles and understand the specific breed requirements of grooming these dogs. They have all been taught the art of poodle grooming and have been in the business for many years. Your poodle will leave the salon looking a million dollars not like it has just been run over by the lawnmower. These groomers will tell it to you like it is and not lead you to believe that they can perform miracles on a neglected coat. They will check your poodle's ears and cut his nails.

Angela Heyburn - Angela's Dog Grooming in the Southern suburbs 8370 6344

Jacqui McLeay - All Breeds Dog Grooming in the Eastern suburbs 8331 9966

Margie Nottle-Justice - Sterling Vet Clinic 8339 4466

General Hints for Grooming Your Poodle

Most people prefer to have the face, feet and base of tail to be clipped very short on their poodles. I find it better for hygiene and general cleanliness. Leaving a moustache on the face of your poodle requires more work on your part, as this area can get smelly with food getting trapped here. If your poodles feet are kept short he will not track in as much dirt and mud and helps keep him safe from grass seeds. When deciding on the length to keep your poodle's body coat, remember that it is easier and quicker to dry a short coat rather than a long fluffy coat. A longer coat needs regular brushing and combing to keep it mat free. Never clip a dirty poodle as it will dull your blades and scissors!

The most important thing is to purchase and use good quality equipment. The initial cost may be dearer but they will out perform the cheaper items, and make the task of grooming far easier.

Learning to Clip and Groom

I provide lessons for the individual to learn how to correctly maintain their poodle's coat. Please contact me if you wish to learn how to clip and groom your poodle. Phone Angela on 8370 6344 or you may email me at avonti@bigpond.com