If you’ve ever taken a dog to see a groomer, particularly a longhaired breed, you may have been asked whether you’d like a breed clip or a puppy cut. Breed clips are specific “hairstyles” for different breeds of dog, but what is a puppy cut?
Puppy Cuts Aren’t Just for Puppies
You can request a puppy cut for your adult dog; in fact, many people do. A puppy cut is merely a term for a simple trim that leaves your dog with an even coat, usually around one to two inches in length. This simple trim makes brushing and upkeep between grooming appointments quick and easy.
A puppy cut may be a good choice if your dog’s fur tends to become matted between grooms. Longhaired dogs that play outdoors in wet or muddy conditions may also benefit from the ease and reduced weight of a puppy clip.
Variations on the Puppy Cut
A summer cut is similar to a puppy cut. As the name suggests, this is a popular hot weather clip for heavy-coated breeds. The fur is clipped as short as half to one-quarter inch, sometimes leaving the ears or tail long. Whether to leave some hair long is a matter of personal preference.
A lamb trim or teddy bear trim are easier to maintain than many breed cuts, and may be a good choice for some mixed-breed dogs as well. A teddy bear trim will leave the face and legs a bit fuller than a puppy clip, giving dogs with curly or frizzy hair a decidedly teddy-bear-inspired look. A lamb trim is a bit shorter, though longer than a summer cut. Like the teddy bear style, this can be an attractive choice for a curly-haired canine companion.