The Grooming Style Glossary

The puppy cut is one even length all over the body, legs, and often the face

The puppy cut is one even length all over the body, legs, and often the face — typically between half an inch and one inch, though "puppy cut" describes the concept (uniform length) more than a specific measurement. It's the practical, low-maintenance choice: easy to brush, comfortable in heat, and cute on almost every breed. The catch: "puppy cut" without a specified length is meaningless — half an inch and two inches are both "puppy cuts" to different people. Always specify the length or bring a photo. Best for: Doodles, Yorkies, Shih Tzus, Maltese, and any owner who wants simple.

The teddy bear cut keeps the body at a fluffy medium length (usually 1–2 inches) with the signature feature: a round, full, scissored face — circular cheeks, rounded muzzle, fluffy ears blended in. It's the cut that makes Doodles look like stuffed animals, and it's the most requested style in our Memphis salon. The requirements are real: the coat must be mat-free (mats can't be scissored into a round face), and the fluffy length needs brushing every 1–2 days at home. A matted dog cannot get a teddy bear cut — the groomer isn't being difficult, the physics don't work. Best for: Doodles, Poodles, Bichons with well-maintained coats.

The lion cut is the dramatic one

The lion cut is the dramatic one: the body shaved close, leaving a full mane around the head and neck, fluffy "boots" on the lower legs, and a tuft on the tail tip. It's primarily a cat cut — Persians, Ragdolls, and Maine Coons — though some small dogs wear a version. Practical reasons exist beneath the drama: it resolves severe matting humanely, reduces hairballs in heavy shedders, and keeps longhaired cats cooler. The mane needs regular brushing to stay majestic rather than matted. Note: the shaved body needs sun protection, and some cats find the sensation stressful at first. Best for: severely matted longhaired cats, owners battling hairballs.

Traditional poodle trims shave the face, feet, and base of the tail close while leaving the body fluffy — the "clean face" look. It's striking, practical (no food in the beard, no eye irritation from facial hair), and very much a statement. Variations include the Miami clip (shaved face/feet/tail with a full fluffy body), the lamb cut (short body, fluffy legs), and the classic continental show cut (not for pet owners — that's a lifestyle). If you like the teddy bear look but fight tear stains or a messy beard, a clean face with a fluffy body is the compromise worth discussing.

Many breeds have a signature trim worth knowing by name.

Many breeds have a signature trim worth knowing by name. The Schnauzer cut: short body, longer skirt and legs, rectangular beard and eyebrows — the breed's unmistakable silhouette. The Westie cut: short, neat body with a rounded head. Cocker Spaniels get a longer, flowing skirt with a neat back. These breed trims exist because they suit the breed's coat and shape — but they're all customizable. Love the Schnauzer silhouette but hate maintaining the beard? Say so. The breed standard is a starting point for pet owners, not a contract.

Three rules.

Three rules. One: bring photos — two or three, of the same style from different angles. Words fail; photos don't. Two: specify length in practical terms ("about an inch," "short enough to not mat between 6-week appointments"). Three: tell us about your maintenance reality — a teddy bear cut on a dog that never gets brushed becomes a shave-down in one cycle, and we'd rather set you up with a maintainable style than a disappointing one. The best haircut is the one that still looks good at week five, not just day one.