Choosing a Style

Doodle Haircut
Styles

There is no single correct doodle haircut. The right style depends on coat type, lifestyle, season, and how much brushing you can realistically commit to between grooms. These are the five styles we see most, with honest notes on maintenance.

Teddy Bear Cut

Most Popular

Also called the Puppy Cut. An even 1 to 2 inches across the body with a rounded face, trimmed ears, and a tidy tail. There is no formal standard, so tell your groomer the exact length you want.

Maintenance: moderate. Easy to bathe, resists matting at shorter lengths, keeps the classic soft doodle look.

Poodle Cut

Classic

Short over the body with longer hair on the ears, tail, and topknot. Borrowed from traditional poodle styling and well suited to curlier doodle coats.

Maintenance: low on the body, focused brushing on the longer sections.

Lamb Cut

Stylish

A Teddy Bear body (about 1 inch) with longer hair left on the legs (2 to 4 inches). Several variations exist; some keep longer ears or tail as well.

Maintenance: moderate. Body is easy; legs need regular brushing to stay mat-free.

Lion Cut

Bold

Back half clipped short (about a quarter inch) with a full mane, chest, tail tip, and paw cuffs left long. A statement style, not a starter style.

Maintenance: high on the long sections; the mane and chest mat quickly without frequent brushing.

Kennel Cut

Practical

A short, even clip under 1 inch over the whole body. The easiest style to maintain, the coolest for summer, and the most forgiving for families behind on brushing.

Maintenance: minimal. Longest interval between grooms, least brushing, easiest cleanup.

Which style fits your dog?

Our Guidance

Coat type decides more than preference does. Curlier coats mat faster and generally favor shorter styles; wavy and straighter coats hold longer styles with less work. Ask at your next appointment and we will match a style to your dog's coat and your household's brushing rhythm.

Book a Riv&Eve groom at the Stokeshire spa

Whatever style you choose, the interval between grooms matters more than the cut itself. Generally every 6 to 8 weeks for professional grooming, with line brushing at home in between. Growing a style out? Expect an awkward phase and increase brushing frequency while the coat lengthens.