How to Give Your Dog a Puppy Cut

If your groomer rolls their eyes when you come in and ask for a puppy cut, here is why:  The term 'puppy cut' is not well-defined, and could mean anything from a short 1-inch to medium 2-inch or more all-over clip and any kind of grooming style applied to the face and head. So what's a groomer to do?  

Usually, a groomer will ask you lots of questions as to what you really mean when you say “puppy cut” so they understand what you want. Originally, the 'puppy cut' was a term used when young Poodles were given a short fluffy trim all over, before they were old enough and ready for a show ring clip. It has since been used to apply to a short, all-over clip, but there are numerous variations, including overall length and treatment of head, legs, and tail styles. Other terms that are more specific and define the type of cut often referred to as a 'puppy cut' are 'kennel cut', 'teddy bear trim', 'lamb trim' or 'summer cut'. 

You will need to make a decision on the length of puppy cut you want; 1 to 2 inches is common. This may be based on your dog’s type of hair, activity level, environment, and season.In the summer, dogs may be clipped shorter than in the winter. Check with a ruler and compare to your fingers so you can communicate length to your groomer or use your fingers as a guide while you puppy cut your dog yourself. Decide how you want the face, head, legs, and tail to be clipped. They can be left longer than the body, blended to the body, or clipped relatively short to match the rest of your dog. You can look at pictures of puppy cut styles to help you decide. Provide the picture to your groomer, or use it as a reference while you are giving your dog a puppy cut. 

A puppy cut gives your dog an easy to maintain haircut that is cool in hot summer months, or easy to clean if your dog will be getting dirty. Rural and farm dogs are often trimmed this way, so that mud, water and underbrush does not become a problem for their fur coat. A puppy cut can be used on various coats and breeds, is practical and looks cute, making it one of the most commonly asked for haircuts around.

• Puppy cuts make your daily dog grooming relatively low-maintenance, but you will still need to groom your dog regularly to check for skin conditions and remove debris.
  
• A puppy cut will need to be maintained every 4-8 weeks.
  
• If you live in an inclement climate and your dog spends a lot of time outside, a short puppy cut may not be appropriate, as it does not provide adequate insulation or protection from the cold.
  
• Clippers need to be checked frequently when doing a short puppy cut to ensure they are not overheating, which could cause a clipper or razor burn to your dog. Check often and use coolant on the blades or take breaks if necessary to let clippers cool.
  
• Make sure you hold scissors and trimmers parallel to your dog's body so your dog is not injured.
  
• Use restrains and non-slip footing while trimming to make sure your dog is not liable to move and become injured by cutting implements.