Dog Haircut Ideas: Cute & Trendy Grooming Styles

Dog haircut ideas vary widely depending on the breed, coat type, and personality of the dog, as well as the owner’s lifestyle. Popular cuts for fluffy breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frises include the “teddy bear cut,” which leaves the fur rounded and plush around the face and body, giving a cuddly appearance. For warmer climates, a “puppy cut” is a great option—keeping the fur short and even all over to make grooming easier while helping the dog stay cool. Some owners prefer breed-standard trims, such as the “lion cut” for Pomeranians and Chow Chows, where the mane is left longer while the body is clipped shorter, creating a bold, regal look. For practicality, many active dogs get sporty, low-maintenance trims that reduce matting and shedding. There are also creative haircut trends, like sculpting fun shapes into the fur or leaving unique styles on the tail and ears. Whatever the choice, the best haircut balances aesthetics with comfort, ensuring the dog can move freely, stay clean, and feel happy while also reflecting their personality.

Dog Haircut Ideas

Puppy Cut

Credit @anniesdoggrooming

The puppy cut is one of the most popular styles for dogs with long or curly coats. It involves trimming the fur evenly all over the body, usually to a length of 1–2 inches. This gives your dog a youthful, teddy bear-like appearance. The style is easy to maintain, comfortable in warm weather, and helps reduce tangling or matting. It’s a versatile cut suitable for most breeds, especially Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, and Maltese. Because of its simplicity, the puppy cut is also ideal for pet owners who prefer a low-maintenance grooming option without sacrificing style.

Teddy Bear Cut

Credit @pawsandplay.id

The teddy bear cut is similar to the puppy cut but with a twist. While the body hair is trimmed evenly, the face is shaped into a rounded, fluffy look resembling a teddy bear. This style is especially popular with small, fluffy breeds like Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus, and Poodles. The rounded facial styling emphasizes the eyes, giving your dog an irresistibly cute and cuddly appearance. This cut requires regular maintenance to keep the face neat and prevent fur from covering the eyes or mouth. It’s a great choice for owners who want their dogs to look charming year-round.

Lion Cut

Credit @Grooming Girls

The lion cut is a bold and eye-catching style where the fur around the head, chest, and sometimes shoulders is left long to resemble a lion’s mane. The rest of the body is trimmed very short, while a tuft of fur may be left on the tail tip. This style works especially well on breeds with thick coats like Pomeranians, Chow Chows, and Shih Tzus. Aside from being fun and unique, the lion cut helps keep dogs cool in warmer months while still giving them a majestic appearance. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain the mane’s volume and cleanliness.

Lamb Cut

Credit @National Purebred Dog Day

The lamb cut leaves the dog’s legs with longer, fluffy fur while trimming the body shorter. This creates a balanced, soft, and rounded look reminiscent of a little lamb. The style is especially common among Poodles, Bichons, and other curly-coated breeds. Groomers carefully shape the leg hair into cylinders or slightly rounded columns for a polished yet playful effect. The lamb cut is great for colder seasons since the legs retain warmth, but it’s also functional for dogs who play outdoors, as the shorter body fur minimizes dirt accumulation. Regular brushing keeps the leg fur fluffy and tangle-free.

Kennel Cut

Credit @Prwe.com

The kennel cut is a very short, low-maintenance grooming style that involves clipping the fur close to the skin. It’s ideal for active dogs, especially those who spend a lot of time outdoors, at daycare, or boarding facilities. The short coat makes it easier to spot ticks, prevents matting, and helps with hygiene. This cut is popular among breeds like Schnauzers, Spaniels, and mixed breeds with medium to long hair. While it lacks decorative styling, the kennel cut is practical, easy to maintain, and keeps dogs comfortable in warm climates or during summer months.

Schnauzer Cut

Credit @schnauzer__lover__

This classic cut mimics the signature grooming style of Schnauzers but can also be applied to other breeds. The body is clipped short while the legs, beard, and eyebrows are left longer. The longer facial hair creates a dignified, distinguished look. It’s especially charming on terrier breeds or dogs with wiry coats. The schnauzer cut requires careful trimming around the muzzle and eyes to avoid irritation. Regular grooming ensures the beard stays clean and free from food debris. This style is perfect for owners who want their dogs to have a sharp, sophisticated, and breed-specific appearance.

Continental Cut (Show Cut)

Credit @amber.andher.standards

The continental cut is one of the most elaborate and glamorous grooming styles, most commonly seen on show Poodles. This cut leaves pom-poms of fur on specific parts of the body such as the legs, hips, and tail, while other areas are clipped very short. The mane around the chest is left longer for dramatic effect. While not very practical for everyday pet owners due to its high maintenance, the continental cut is undeniably stunning and highlights the breed’s elegant silhouette. It requires expert grooming and frequent upkeep to preserve its shape and show-ready appearance.

Mohawk Cut

Credit @dandedoggrooming

The mohawk cut adds personality and fun to a dog’s appearance. The fur on the body is trimmed short, while a strip of hair down the head, neck, or back is left longer to resemble a mohawk. This style works well for playful breeds like Bulldogs, Frenchies, or any dog with a bold personality. The mohawk can be styled spiky, soft, or even dyed (with pet-safe dye) for extra flair. It’s a great option for owners who want their dog to stand out with a quirky and edgy look while still keeping the overall grooming fairly low-maintenance.

Summer Cut

Credit @thegroovymobilegroomerbk

The summer cut is a practical grooming style designed to help dogs stay cool in hot weather. It involves trimming the coat short all over the body, but not as close as a kennel cut, leaving just enough fur to protect the skin from sunburn. This style is particularly useful for thick-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, or Collies during warm months. It minimizes shedding, prevents overheating, and makes outdoor play more comfortable. The summer cut is also easy to maintain and reduces the risk of mats forming, making it a favorite among active dogs and their owners.