Choosing the right haircut for your dog isn't just about looks — it affects comfort, temperature regulation, and how easy daily grooming will be. Some breeds need professional clipping every six to eight weeks to stay tangle-free; others just need an occasional trim around the eyes, paws, and rear. Our haircut guides cover popular styles for breeds like Poodles, Doodles, Shih Tzus, and Cocker Spaniels, plus practical options like the puppy cut, summer trim, and teddy-bear face. You'll learn what to ask for at the groomer, how to communicate the length and finish you want, and which cuts to avoid for double-coated breeds where shaving can damage the coat. Whether you're booking a salon visit or trimming at home, find a style that suits your dog and your lifestyle.
Dog Haircuts by Coat Type
| Coat Type | Common Styles | Frequency | DIY or Pro | Australian Owner Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth Coat | No haircut required — coat is self-regulating. Labradors, Beagles, Boxers, Whippets, French Bulldogs. | Never. Brushing and bathing only. | DIY friendly | Save your grooming budget on tools rather than salons. A good rubber curry brush and a deshedding tool cover everything a smooth coat needs at home. |
| Short Double Coat | Light trimming of feathering on tail, ears or feet only. German Shepherds, Border Collies, Kelpies, Huskies. | Every 8–12 weeks for tidying. | DIY friendly | Never shave double-coated breeds for Australian summers — the undercoat insulates against heat as well as cold. Brush out the loose undercoat with a rake instead. |
| Long Silky Coat | Pet cut (short all over), top knot, breed-show long coat. Maltese, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terriers, Lhasa Apso. | Every 4–6 weeks. | Pro recommended | For Australian summers, ask your groomer for a "summer pet cut" — around 1–2cm length all over keeps your dog cooler and reduces matting between visits. |
| Curly / Wavy Coat | Teddy bear, puppy cut, lamb cut, kennel clip. Poodles, Bichons, Cavoodles, Labradoodles, Spoodles. | Every 4–6 weeks. | Pro essential | Cavoodle grooming runs $80–$120 in Australian capital cities. Book recurring appointments to lock in your slot — good groomers book out months in advance. |
| Wiry Coat | Schnauzer cut (skirt and beard), terrier trim. Hand-stripped for show or clipped for pets. Schnauzers, Wire Fox Terriers, Border Terriers. | Every 6–8 weeks. | Pro recommended | Hand-stripping preserves the harsh texture and rich colour of wiry coats. It's rare outside specialist groomers in Australia — ask your breed club for referrals. |
| Specialty / Show Coats | Continental clip, English saddle clip, breed-show patterns, creative grooming for competition. | Weekly maintenance plus regular shaping. | Pro essential | Show-quality grooming starts at $150 in Australia and requires a specialist groomer. Not all salons can produce breed-correct cuts — contact the breed club for trusted names. |