25+ Dog Haircut Styles Guide: Photos, Costs & Maintenance

Getting the right dog haircut style goes beyond the look; it also includes the ease, comfort, and health benefits that come with it. Dogs come in many shapes and sizes, making it important to consider one that matches the shape and personality, along with the breed’s coat style. 

Whether it's a trendy, cute look or a practical solution for easy grooming, different dog grooming styles can help inform your decision. Consider Mobile Dog Grooming services, where help can be provided in choosing the dog grooming style and haircut that best suits the dog’s coat. 

In this guide, we have researched different dog hairstyles and dog grooming styles to provide 25 of the most popular dog haircut styles, with dog haircut maintenance tips 

Top 25+ Dog Haircut Styles

1. The Puppy Cut

The Puppy Cut is one of the most classic, cute, and universally popular dog grooming styles. Despite its name, this cut is not limited to puppies. It works beautifully on adult dogs as well. The Puppy Cut involves trimming the coat to a uniform length throughout the body, usually short to medium, giving the dog a soft, fluffy, youthful appearance.

This style is ideal for dogs with continuously growing hair, such as Poodles, Shih Tzus, Maltese, and many mixed breeds. It reduces tangles and matting while remaining easy to maintain. Regular brushing and trims every 6–8 weeks are usually enough to keep this style looking neat.

2. The Teddy Bear Cut

The Teddy Bear Cut is a show-stopper and a favorite among dog owners who love an irresistibly cute look. This style gives dogs a rounded face, soft edges, and a plush, stuffed-animal appearance. The body hair is trimmed to a medium length, while the face is shaped into a round, fluffy form.

This cut works especially well for small, fluffy breeds such as Bichon Frises, Poodles, Cavapoos, and Cockapoos. While adorable, this style requires regular brushing to prevent mats, especially around the face and ears.

3. The Lion Cut

The Lion Cut is a bold and distinctive grooming style often seen on Poodles, Shih Tzus, and even cats. In this cut, most of the body hair is clipped very short, while longer hair is left around the head, neck, and sometimes the tip of the tail, creating a mane-like appearance.

This cut is both practical and dramatic. It helps reduce shedding and keeps the dog cool, especially in warmer climates. However, because much of the body is shaved, sunscreen or protective clothing may be needed for dogs with sensitive skin.

4. The Schnauzer Cut

The Schnauzer Cut is a traditional and breed-specific style designed to highlight the Schnauzer’s distinctive features. The body hair is clipped short, while the beard, mustache, and eyebrows are left longer and neatly shaped. The legs may also have slightly longer hair for balance.

This cut is functional and stylish, keeping the body easy to maintain while preserving the breed’s iconic look. Regular beard trimming is essential to keep it clean and free of food debris.

5. The Continental Cut

The Continental Cut is one of the most recognizable and dramatic grooming styles, primarily associated with Poodles. In this style, the body and the legs are shaved close, while specific areas, such as the chest, hips, ankles, and tail tip, are left with rounded pom-poms.

Originally designed for practical reasons, this cut allowed Poodles to move easily in water while keeping vital joints warm. Today, it is more commonly seen in dog shows and requires professional grooming and frequent maintenance.

6. The Kennel Cut

The Kennel Cut is a simple, practical, and low-maintenance hairstyle. The coat is clipped very short all over the body, making it ideal for dogs in boarding kennels, shelters, or highly active households.

This cut works for most breeds and coat types and is especially useful for dogs prone to matting or those who spend a lot of time outdoors. Maintenance is minimal, with occasional brushing and trims every few months.

7. The Mohawk Cut

The Mohawk Cut is perfect for dogs with bold personalities. In this edgy and trendy style, the sides of the head and neck are trimmed short, while a strip of longer hair runs along the center, forming a mohawk.

This style is more about fun than practicality and suits dogs with straight or wiry hair. Styling products made specifically for dogs can be used to shape the mohawk for special occasions.

8. The Short and Trimmed Look

This clean and simple grooming style is ideal for short-haired breeds such as Beagles, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Dobermans. The coat is trimmed or lightly clipped to maintain a neat appearance without drastically altering the natural coat.

This style is extremely low-maintenance and perfect for hot climates. Regular baths and brushing are usually sufficient to keep the coat healthy and shiny.

9. The Summer Cut

The Summer Cut is designed to keep dogs cool during warm weather. It involves trimming long coats to a shorter length than usual while maintaining a natural shape. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Collies, and Australian Shepherds benefit from this cut when done carefully.

It’s important not to shave double-coated breeds too short, as their coats help regulate their body temperature. A professional groomer can ensure the coat is shortened safely without damaging its natural protective function.

10. The Top Knot

The topknot is a signature style for breeds like Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers. The body hair is trimmed short, while the longer hair on the head is tied up into a neat knot or ponytail.

This style keeps hair out of the dog’s eyes and adds a touch of elegance. Daily brushing and regular re-tying of the topknot are necessary to prevent tangles and discomfort.

11. The Field Cut

The Field Cut is popular among working and active dogs such as Border Collies and Spaniels. The coat is trimmed short on the body to reduce debris buildup, while slightly longer hair is left on the legs and tail.

This style balances practicality with appearance and is ideal for dogs that spend time outdoors. Routine brushing helps keep the longer areas clean and mat-free.

12. The Cocker Spaniel Cut

This classic cut keeps the body hair short while leaving the ears, chest, and legs longer and flowing. It highlights the natural elegance of Cocker Spaniels while keeping grooming manageable.

Because the ears are left long, regular cleaning and brushing are essential to prevent infections and mats.

13. The Poodle Cut

The Poodle Cut includes several variations, but most involve a short body with sculpted pom-poms on the legs, tail, and sometimes the head. This style emphasizes the Poodle’s athletic build and curly coat.

Professional grooming is recommended, as shaping requires skill and precision. Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting.

14. The Pomeranian Cut

The Pomeranian Cut maintains the breed’s fluffy appearance while reducing excess bulk. The coat is trimmed evenly to enhance shape without shaving too close.

This cut helps reduce shedding and tangles while preserving the dog’s iconic look. Frequent brushing is necessary to keep the coat healthy.

15. The Doxie Cut

Designed for Dachshunds, the Doxie Cut keeps the body hair short while allowing longer hair on the chest, ears, and legs. This style maintains the breed’s classic charm while improving comfort.

It requires minimal maintenance, with occasional brushing and trims.

16. The Lamb Cut

The Lamb Cut gives dogs a soft, fluffy appearance by trimming the body short and leaving the legs slightly longer. It’s popular with Poodles and Doodles.

This style is both stylish and easy to maintain with regular brushing.

17. The Clean Face Cut

Commonly used on Poodles, this style involves shaving the face clean while keeping the rest of the coat styled. It highlights facial features and reduces mess around the mouth.

18. The Westie Cut

The West Highland White Terrier Cut maintains a short body with a rounded, fluffy head. It preserves the breed’s traditional look while being practical.

19. The Bobble Head Cut

This playful style features a shorter body with an oversized, rounded head. It’s popular among small breeds and creates a cute, cartoon-like appearance.

20. The Shave Down

The Shave Down involves clipping the coat very short all over. It’s ideal for dogs with severe matting or those needing a fresh start.

21. The Asian Fusion Cut

This modern style emphasizes exaggerated features such as round faces and sculpted legs. It’s trendy and creative but requires skilled grooming.

22. The Utility Cut

The Utility Cut focuses on function, keeping hair short and manageable. It’s ideal for working dogs and busy owners.

23. The Natural Trim

This style lightly trims the coat to enhance its natural shape. It’s perfect for owners who prefer a minimal grooming look.

24. The Show Cut

Designed for competitions, the Show Cut follows breed standards and requires extensive grooming and maintenance.

25. The Hygiene Cut

This cut focuses on trimming sanitary areas, paws, and the face for cleanliness and comfort. It’s often combined with other styles.

Conclusion

It can be fun and creative to choose dog haircut styles that suit your pooch. 

Dog grooming and maintenance are crucial for your dog’s overall comfort and care, whether you choose a dog haircut for a touch-up or a whole new dog style. 

Picking a style can be tricky, and if you don’t think you can do it, that’s okay. Choose the best haircut for your dog, and consider professional mobile dog grooming for a safe, relaxed session with your precious pup.