Poodle Grooming is Important for All Poodle Owners

By Geraldine Dimarco

If you own a poodle, you will find that one of the expenses that will start eating away at your pocket book is grooming them! Many people are finding that grooming poodles themselves can both help them save their money and help them get to know their pet a little bit better as well. While the art of poodle grooming might seem a little esoteric, the truth is, anyone who has a bit of patience and a willingness to help their pet look the best that it can can do a fairly accomplished job.

Grooming standard poodles completely takes about three hours, once you get good at it. While you're still learning, you might have to spread the job out over a few days. This is both to give you a break, and for your poodle. If you're not willing to learn poodle grooming on your own, or are worried about the time it takes, you'll have to choose a professional to do it. Remember to pick this person out carefully. Talking to other poodle owners is a good way to find a good groomer.

You'll have to decide which trim you prefer. Poodles have coats that lend themselves to plenty of different looks. However, your choice will in part be dictated on how much time and effort you're willing to put into keeping your dog's coat in shape. Why you keep your poodle will make a difference too. Show poodles have a very limited range of acceptable trims.

When you are looking at the lion cut, you'll find that there are three different variations on it. These variations will include the continental style, the English saddle style and the puppy cut. All three of these styles will involve longer fur in the areas of the chest and legs, and this can give the poodle the distinctive poodle cut that you might easily recognize. For dogs who were originally bred to be swimmers, it is worth noticing that this cut, with it's extra shaped fur around the chest and the legs, could keep the chest warmer and the protect the joints in cold water.

If you are not going to compete your poodle in the ring, you'll find that you can choose a shorter trim, which is excellent for easy maintenance and drying, especially in the colder months. You can get a longer furred look, too, but remember that it will take more time to keep up. You'll find that there are many pictures and books that can help you out.

Most people choose to clip the fur at the base of the tail and on the feet and face very short. It works better for the dog's hygiene, since long hair can trap food. Short clipped feet don't pick up grass seeds, and mean that your dog won't track in as much dirt. Remember that shorter coats are easier to wash and dry, and they don't need as much brushing as a fluffy, long coat. Always wash your poodle before grooming to keep your clippers and scissors in good shape. Use high quality equipment, too. While it's more expensive to start with, it'll make poodle grooming much easier. - 29895

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