If you’re wondering what poodle haircuts Dog Groomers can offer, look no further! We’ll break down some of the most popular styles that bring out the best in every poodle breed.

Why grooming is essential for poodles

Before diving into the haircuts, it’s essential to understand why grooming is so crucial for poodles. Their coats are dense and curly, which makes them prone to matting if not cared for properly. Regular grooming not only keeps them looking fabulous but also ensures their coat stays clean, healthy, and tangle-free.

Popular poodle haircuts that Dog Groomers offer:

1. The Continental Cut

This is one of the most iconic poodle haircuts, often seen in dog shows. In this style, the poodle’s rear is mostly shaved, with pom-poms left on the ankles, tail, and hips. The upper half of the body is left longer and styled into fluffy pompoms, creating an elegant, show-stopping look.

• Best suited for: Standard Poodles, though Miniature and Toy Poodles can also wear this look with flair.
• Perfect for: Formal events, shows, or owners who love a traditional, classic style.

2. The Puppy Poodle Cut

Despite the name, the Puppy Cut isn’t just for puppies! This style keeps the poodle’s coat short and even all over the body, making it easy to maintain. It gives the poodle a youthful, fresh look and is perfect for active dogs that love to play.

• Best suited for: All poodle breeds.
• Perfect for: Owners who want a low-maintenance grooming style that still looks adorable.

3. The Teddy Bear Cut

The Teddy Bear Cut creates a soft, rounded look, making your poodle resemble a cuddly stuffed toy. The hair is cut slightly longer than the Puppy Cut, but it’s shaped carefully to give the poodle a rounded, fluffy appearance.

• Best suited for: Toy and Miniature Poodles.
• Perfect for: A playful, adorable look that doesn’t require extensive maintenance.

4. The Lion Cut

This dramatic style involves shaving the poodle’s body and leaving a mane of long fur around the neck and chest, resembling a lion. The legs and tail are usually left with some fur, styled into pom-poms for extra flair.

• Best suited for: Standard Poodles.
• Perfect for: Poodles with bold personalities or owners who love making a statement.

5. The Modern Cut

The Modern Cut offers a more natural, balanced look compared to the Continental Cut. The body hair is left longer and evenly trimmed, while the face and feet are kept neat and tidy. This style gives a chic, yet functional, appearance.

• Best suited for: Standard and Miniature Poodles.
• Perfect for: Pet owners who prefer an elegant look that’s practical for everyday life.

6. The Summer Cut

Also known as the Kennel Cut, this is a short, practical style ideal for hot weather. The coat is trimmed short all over the body to help keep the poodle cool, making it perfect for active dogs in warm climates.

• Best suited for: All poodle breeds.
• Perfect for: Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors or during the summer months when heat can become an issue.

Tailoring haircuts for different poodle breeds:

Image courtesy of mrlittle.alfie

Cavoodle haircut style

If you’re looking for a balanced look that’s easy to maintain but still retains some length for that characteristic Cavoodle fluff, the Cavoodle Comb Cut is the way to go!

It keeps the coat a bit longer than the Puppy or Summer Cut, allowing for a more natural, flowy look while still being short enough to manage.

Labradoodle haircut style

Since Labradoodles can have a variety of coat types (from straight to curly), the right haircut should suit both the dog’s coat texture and lifestyle.

The Lamb Cut is one popular style for Labradoodles. It features a slightly longer coat, typically around 1-2 inches, with the legs trimmed a little longer to give a fluffy, fuller look. The coat on the body is trimmed shorter, providing a well-rounded appearance that highlights the Labradoodle’s curly or wavy fur.

The Kennel Cut is another option – perfect for Labradoodles who spend a lot of time in the water or outdoors. The coat is trimmed very short (about 1/4 inch or less) all over the body. It’s a functional cut that helps prevent matting, tangles, and dirt buildup, making it easy to clean and care for.

Spoodle haircut style

For a Spoodle (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix), there are a number of haircut options that work:

The Cocker Cut leaves the body coat slightly shorter but allows the ears and legs to have longer, feathered fur. It’s a great option if you want your Spoodle to resemble its Cocker Spaniel heritage while keeping the coat manageable.

The Lamb Cut gives the Spoodle a fluffy, balanced appearance by keeping the body coat slightly shorter (about 1-2 inches) and leaving the legs a little longer to create a fuller, puffier look. This style highlights the natural curls or waves of the Spoodle’s coat while maintaining a manageable length.

Or, choose a kennel cut or summer cut for something ultra low maintenance, and to keep them cool in warmer climates.

Stylish grooming for every poodle breed

Poodles offer endless opportunities for creativity when it comes to grooming. The key is to choose a cut that complements both your dog’s temperament and your lifestyle, ensuring your furry friend looks and feels their best!

Browse Dog Groomers near you, on the Mad Paws marketplace >

Looking for dog grooming supplies? Check out the range of products available at Pet Chemist.

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Keen to find out what they are? So are we!

What are hypoallergenic cats?

It first helps to understand what causes cat allergies. It’s widely believed that cat hair leads to allergic reactions, but this isn’t usually the case. Instead, cat allergies are mostly caused by proteins found in cat saliva (a protein called FEL D4) and skin secretions (FEL D1). All cats make these proteins. They’re spread when cats groom themselves and shed hair, causing a reaction in those who are allergic.

So, what makes a cat hypoallergenic? Many hypoallergenic cat breeds make less of these proteins than other cat breeds, while others shed less – resulting in less protein being spread around the home. Interestingly, female cats produce a lower amount of FEL D1 than males, and males create less after they’ve been desexed.

It’s important to note that no cat is 100 per cent allergen-free. However, you may find that those pesky cat allergy symptoms we mentioned earlier are nowhere near as bad.

The 10 best hypoallergenic cat breeds

Without further ado, here are 10 hypoallergenic cats to consider.

Sphynx

The Sphynx is probably the most well-known hypoallergenic cat breed of all – mainly due its lack of hair. While the Sphynx does produce the FEL D1 protein, the fact that it’s hairless means there’s nowhere for the protein to stick to.

Siamese

The Siamese is a truly lovely cat: it’s loving and affectionate, playful, and known for being very chatty. It’s also a great one for allergy-sufferers, as it sheds much less than other breeds. This means those allergy-causing proteins are less likely to get spread around your home.

Balinese

Thought owning a long-haired cat was out of the question? Fortunately, the beautiful Balinese is an ideal cat for allergy-sufferers. Often known as a long-haired Siamese, this cat produces less FEL D1 protein, doesn’t shed a whole lot, and requires pretty minimal grooming.

Siberian

The Siberian is another long-haired cat that’s great for allergy-sufferers. Like the Balinese, it’s thought this breed makes less FEL D1. The Siberian has a really thick coat that requires regular grooming. But with a decent amount of brushing, you can help minimise the amount of cat hair that ends up around the home.

Rex

Both the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex are perfect if you suffer from cat allergies. These cats have very short coats – that sometimes don’t look like coats at all – and they don’t shed a whole lot. Plus, they’re awesome cats: they’re fun, playful, and mischievous, but are equally happy curling up in your lap.

Russian Blue

Russian Blues are known for being incredibly smart and loyal cats. But perhaps what’s not quite as well-known is just how good they are for people with allergies. This is because they produce less FEL D1. That being said, they do shed a little more than some other hypoallergenic breeds, so may not be ideal if you have serious allergies.

Burmese

The Burmese boasts a beautiful, silky coat that’s relatively low-shedding – making this cat perfect for allergy-sufferers and those who want a pet that doesn’t require much grooming. Add to that the fact that Burmeses are friendly, smart, and playful, and you’ve got yourself one darn fine cat!

Oriental Shorthair

True to their name, Oriental Shorthairs have short hair. That hair also doesn’t shed very much, meaning these cats are great for anyone with allergies. You’re also likely to have a lot of fun with this breed: Oriental Shorthairs are very energetic and frisky, and require quite a bit of playtime to keep them occupied.

Bengal

The Bengal may look like something out of the jungle, but it’s actually a fantastic house cat that’s loyal and affectionate. It’s also considered a hypoallergenic breed because its coat requires a lot less maintenance, so less saliva is spread around.

LaPerm

The LaPerm is a slightly lesser-known cat breed, but it’s no less suitable for allergy-sufferers. This cat has a dense, curly coat that doesn’t shed much and also helps trap the allergy-causing proteins. LaPerms are also fiercely loyal and very affectionate, making them excellent sidekicks.

Tips for reducing allergies with cats

While owning a hypoallergenic cat breed can certainly help, there are a few more things you can do to reduce allergy symptoms even further.

• Keep your home relatively clear of hair. Using a good vacuum cleaner for pet hair can minimise the amount of cat fur that ends up around your home. Make sure to get under the couch and pay particularly close attention to rugs and carpets, which trap hair.
  

• Restrict your cat’s access to certain rooms. You could keep your cat contained to certain parts of the house, like the living room, to avoid getting their hair in areas like your bedroom. If your cat is happy to go outdoors, you could also encourage them to spend more time outside the home to minimise fur inside.
  
• Circulate fresh air. You can do this by keeping a window open or using a fan. You can also purchase an air purifier, which may help reduce the number of allergens floating around.
  
• Groom your cat frequently. Even low-shedding cats need semi-regular grooming to remove excess hair and keep their coat healthy. Cat grooming tools like brushes, combs, and even shampoos can help do the job. Yep, you read right! You can bathe your cat every two weeks or so to reduce allergens in their hair. Not game to dunk your kitty in a pool of water? An expert Cat Sitter might be more up to the task!
  

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Before we get into the best hypoallergenic cat breeds, let’s get into what it is that triggers allergic reactions to kitties and find out what “hypoallergenic” actually means.

Cat allergies explained

It’s estimated that about one in five Australians experiences pet allergies, with twice as many people experiencing cat allergies than dog allergies. But it isn’t their fur that’s the issue – it’s their saliva, urine, and skin flakes (also known as dander). More specifically, cat allergies are generally caused by a protein called Fel d 1. When you think you’re having an allergic reaction to the cat, you’re actually having a reaction to this protein.

When we talk about “hypoallergenic” cat breeds, we’re talking about breeds who produce less of the Fel d 1 protein. Therefore, they tend to cause fewer reactions in those sensitive to it.

Unfortunately, opting for a hypoallergenic cat breed doesn’t 100% guarantee that you’ll never have a reaction again. If you have a severe cat allergy, it’s best to avoid getting a cat altogether. For those with mild allergies, you may be able to get away with one of the following breeds. Still, it’s best to arrange a meet and greet before committing to a lifetime caring for one of these sweet kitties.

7 hypoallergenic cat breeds

#1: Sphynx

How could we start our list with anything other than the always divisive Sphynx? Whether you think they’re beautiful or ugly, there’s no denying their position as the very best cat breed for those with allergies. Why? Well, when you’ve got no fur to speak of, there’s no need to groom yourself. And when you don’t groom yourself, you’re not spreading the Fel d 1 found in saliva onto your fur, which sheds, and finds its way onto humans. That said, the protein is secreted through other parts of the body, so while you’re less likely to react to a Sphynx, it’s not impossible.

#2: Balinese

Despite its name, the Balinese cat was actually developed in the United States. It’s closely related to the Siamese cat (as you can see by its similar colouring), and despite their long coats, they don’t shed as much as you might think and are thought to secrete less of that allergy-triggering protein. They’re intelligent, friendly, and adaptable, making them fantastic family pets.

#3: Siberian

One look at the Siberian’s luscious locks might have you questioning its position on our list, but looks can be deceiving. Like the Balinese, this agile, smart kitty is believed to produce less Fel d 1, making it a safer choice for people with mild allergies. Of course, that glorious hair does require a decent amount of grooming, so you’ll need to commit to regular brushing to keep its coat looking beautiful.

#4: Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a pretty low-maintenance breed, with thin hair that sheds very little. That, combined with its happy, lovable personality make it an ideal addition to the family, but these cute kitties can also be incredibly cheeky, so prepare to catch them red-handed in all manner of cheeky situations!

#5: Cornish Rex

Cornish Rexes are much like their Devon counterparts, but with one intriguing difference – their coat. Yep, the Cornish Rex has a curly coat, much like a poodle! The fur itself is still quite thin, short, and low shedding, making for a reasonably hypoallergenic cat breed. They’re curious, agile, and absolutely adore attention, so prepare to have yourself a little shadow! Because they love people so much, it’s a good idea to engage a local Cat Sitter to keep them occupied when you’re out on the town.

#6: Burmese

Soft, silky and a little stubborn, the Burmese is a breed with many facets. They’re highly social (so don’t take kindly to being left alone for long periods of time), smart, and great around children. They do still shed, so regular brushing is required, but compared to many other breeds, they’re certainly on the more hypoallergenic side of the scale.

#7: Oriental Shorthair

Known for its large ears, captivating eyes, and long, slender body, the Oriental Shorthair is a sight to behold. Not only are they absolutely stunning to look at, but these kitties have surprisingly easy-to-look-after coats and charming, outgoing personalities. They love spending time with people and have tons of energy, so be prepared to spend some time tuckering them out!

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Looking to welcome a new furbaby to your home? Here’s the 411 on the dog breeds that tend to shed more than others.

A quick note on dog shedding

Frustrating it may be to clean up, but shedding is simply a fact of life for most dogs. When a dog sheds, they’re getting rid of old, dead hair to make way for new, healthy hair. 

When it comes to dog fur, breeds typically fall into one of two categories: single-coated and double-coated. Single-coated dog breeds only have one type of coat all over their body. Double-coated dog breeds, on the other hand, have two coats. The lower layer is a thick and woolly undercoat that keeps a double-coated dog warm. The top layer is usually made up of longer hairs that are coarser and more waterproof.

Double-coated breeds often come from working stock. In the past, their coats developed to help them withstand harsh conditions and to keep them warm when they were travelling through snow, cold water, or rain.

For single-coated dogs, shedding is mostly a light, year-round thing. This means that while they’re constantly shedding their fur, the amount is fairly minimal. 

Double-coated dogs shed a little year-round and completely shed their coat up to several times a year. This is known as “blowing coat”. Double-coated breeds often shed during spring so they can swap out their thick winter coat for a lighter summer one. Then, they’ll shed again during autumn so they can regrow their cosy winter coat.

On the whole, double-coated pooches are the dog breeds which shed most. They tend to lose considerably more hair than single-coated breeds. Although, as we’ll soon find out, that’s not entirely true of all single-coated breeds.

And lastly, don’t be deterred if your heart is set on a fur-flinging pooch! Cleaning up dog hair is just part and parcel of being a Dog Owner. There’s really very little we can do to entirely prevent it. Plus, it’s pretty easy to minimise dog shedding. All it takes is a bit of dedication and a good fur brush!

What are the dog breeds which shed most?

1. Labrador Retriever

Ask any Lab Owner, “Do Labradors shed?”, and they’ll probably tell you that cleaning up stray hairs is one of their main responsibilities. Labradors are double-coated, so they shed some of their fur throughout the year and have twice-yearly blowouts. Yep, that’s right. Despite their single-coated appearance, beneath a Lab’s layer of short, coarse hair lies a thick and fluffy coat!

2. Golden Retriever

The longer, wavier, softer-coated cousin of the Lab is equally as notorious when it comes to shedding. Just like Labradors, Golden Retrievers have a double coat. This means shedding all 365 days a year, as well as a couple of blowouts during spring and autumn. 

Because Golden Retrievers have such long fur, you’ll need to stay on top of grooming to ensure it stays tangle-free. You can probably get away with brushing them once per week, but daily is ideal when they’re blowing coat. 

3. German Shepherd

German Shepherds have a double coat, which results in multiple blowouts per year – in some cases, up to four. The good news is, these gentle giants are minimal shedders the rest of the year. And the hair they do lose is pretty easy to clean up.

At the start of their heavy shedding season, you’ll probably notice tufts of hair falling off your German Shepherd’s body. Fortunately, these only require a brush to keep them under control.

4. Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are the ultimate snow dogs. When humans used to employ them as cold-weather working dogs, their double coats kept them warm in harsh, freezing environments. 

While they may not necessarily be living in snowy climates anymore, Malamutes have retained their dense lower layer of fur. As a result, they also shed their coats a few times a year, much like other double-coated dog breeds. Malamutes have such thick coats that they usually require daily brushing throughout the year.

5. Husky

Just like Malamutes, Siberian Huskies were once utilised as working dogs in frosty locales. They have the same bulky double coat to help protect them from the cold. They also go through multiple shedding seasons every year where they totally blow their coat.

But, because many huskies no longer live in the snow, there’s less need for their winter coat. So, huskies living in temperate and warm climates may blow their coats up to four times per year to help them stay cool.

6. Corgi

Her Royal Highness’s pupper of choice could be dubbed the queen of shedding – or one of them, at least. Both Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a double coat, so you know what that entails: total blowouts around twice a year (along with ongoing shedding the rest of the time). 

Regular brushing is ideal for Corgis, especially during their biannual shedding seasons. While they’re blowing coat, you may want to up their brushing regimen to once daily.

7. Fawn Pug

Pugs are an interesting breed in that some have double coats, while others have single coats. Luckily, you don’t have to dive down to their lower layer of fur to find out which kind of coat they’re wearing. Generally speaking, Black Pugs have single coats and Fawn Pugs have double coats. 

This does mean that Fawn Pugs shed a heck of a lot. They lose hair across the year, and undergo massive sheds during moulting season. That’s not to say that Black Pugs don’t shed, though; they certainly do, just not quite as much.

8. Chow Chow

You only need to take one look at a Chow Chow to tell this doggo is a big shedder. In fact, despite the breed’s small stature, Chow Chows can shed the same amount of hair as much larger breeds. This is because underneath that bushy, luscious coat is another coat that’s even bushier and more luscious. Yep, this guy is a double-coated breed, too.

Rough-coated Chow Chows generally need more grooming than their smooth-coated counterparts. This is due to their fur being longer and more prone to getting tangled.

9. Rottweiler

Don’t be fooled by their smooth appearance; Rottweilers sit very firmly in the double-coated breed camp. Below their slick, black coat you’ll find a dense layer of fur designed to keep them warm in cold environments.

Throughout most of the year, your Rottie is unlikely to shed excessively. But come moulting season, you’ll need to brush them daily to stay on top of their hair.

10. Dalmatian

Shout out to the only single-coated breed on our list! Dalmatians may not have the thick underlayer and regular blowouts as double-coated dogs, but boy can they shed. These dogs lose their hair all year round, mainly due to the fact that their hair shafts have a short life span and need to be routinely replaced.

This means Dalmatians require regular brushing pretty much all the time – ideally three to four times a week. If this seems like a lot, well, just be glad you don’t own 101 of them…

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