A poodle’s coat grows continuously and does not shed on its own, so clipping is not a matter of looks — without it the coat mats down to the skin. Here are the most common clips and how to keep them.
The lamb clip
The coat is left at one length over the whole body, with the face and paws trimmed short. The most practical for everyday life: it does not tangle, dries quickly and is easy to comb out.
Clipping every 6–8 weeks. Combing every other day.
The teddy bear clip
A round face, fluffy paws, and a coat slightly longer than the lamb clip. The prettiest of them, but the most work — longer hair mats faster.
Clipping every 4–6 weeks. Combing daily.
The puppy clip
One even, very short length over the whole body. Suits summer, active dogs, and those who dislike being combed.
Clipping every 8 weeks. Combing once a week.
The continental clip
A show clip, leaving pompons of coat on the chest, hips and paws. Impractical for everyday life — it needs a groomer every 3–4 weeks and daily care.
What you need at home
A metal-toothed comb — without one you will not catch mats in time. A flexible slicker brush for daily combing. A microfibre towel after a bath, as a coat left wet for long will mat.
What to avoid
Coarse nylon collars and harnesses — they rub the coat under the neck and in the armpits, exactly where a curly coat mats fastest. Choose soft leather, suede or flat fabric webbing.