Popular Small Dog Haircuts: Find the Perfect Style for Your dog

Choosing the right haircut for your small dog can feel overwhelming. With dozens of grooming styles, breed-specific cuts, and maintenance requirements to consider, many pet parents don’t know where to start. The good news? Finding the perfect small dog haircuts for your furry friend doesn’t have to be complicated.

The right haircut keeps your small dog comfortable, reduces matting, and makes grooming easier for everyone. Whether you have a Shih Tzu, Maltipoo, Yorkshire Terrier, or any other small breed, understanding your options helps you make the best choice for your pup’s coat type, lifestyle, and your grooming abilities.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about small dog haircuts, from understanding different coat types to choosing the perfect style for your companion.

Understanding Small Dog Coat Types

Before selecting a haircut, you need to understand your dog’s coat type. Different coats require different grooming approaches and work better with specific styles.

Curly Coats (Poodles, Bichons, Maltipoos)

Curly-coated dogs have hair that grows continuously and tangles easily. These coats need regular trimming every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting. Poodles, Bichon Frises, and poodle mixes like Maltipoos fall into this category. Their coats are versatile and can hold almost any style, from short practical cuts to elaborate show clips.

Silky Coats (Yorkies, Maltese, Shih Tzus)

Silky coats feel smooth and flow beautifully when kept long. Breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, and Shih Tzus have this coat type. While gorgeous when maintained, silky coats mat quickly without daily brushing. Many owners choose shorter styles to reduce maintenance while keeping their dogs comfortable.

Double Coats (Pomeranians, Some Terriers)

Double-coated small dogs have a soft undercoat beneath a coarser outer layer. Pomeranians are the most common small breed with this coat type. These dogs shed seasonally and require different grooming techniques. Shaving double coats too short can damage the hair growth cycle, so specific trimming methods work best.

Wire Coats (Terriers)

Wire-coated terriers have rough, dense hair that doesn’t shed much but needs regular hand-stripping or clipping. Breeds like Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Miniature Schnauzers have wire coats. These dogs look best with breed-specific terrier grooming cuts that maintain their characteristic texture.

Understanding your dog’s coat type helps you choose appropriate dog grooming styles that work with their natural hair rather than against it.

12 Popular Small Dog Haircuts

Let’s explore the most popular small dog haircuts, including what makes each style unique, which breeds wear them best, and how much maintenance they require.

1. Puppy Cut

The puppy cut is the most requested style for small dogs. This cut trims the entire body to the same length, usually between 1-2 inches, creating an even, fluffy appearance. The face is rounded, and the legs are trimmed to match the body.

Best for: All small breeds, especially Shih Tzus, Maltipoos, Poodles, and Bichons

Maintenance: Low to moderate. Brushing 2-3 times per week prevents tangles. Professional grooming needed every 6-8 weeks.

Why choose it: The puppy cut keeps dogs looking young and adorable while being practical. It’s perfect for active dogs who play outside frequently because the shorter length prevents debris from getting caught in the coat. This style also works wonderfully for dog grooming for beginners since it’s forgiving and doesn’t require precise scissor work between professional grooming appointments.

2. Teddy Bear Cut

Similar to the puppy cut, the teddy bear cut leaves hair slightly longer (2-3 inches) and focuses on creating a rounded, plush appearance. The face is shaped into a perfect circle, making your dog look like a stuffed animal.

Best for: Shihpoos, Maltipoos, Poodles, Bichons, and any fluffy small breed

Maintenance: Moderate. Daily brushing recommended to maintain the fluffy texture. Grooming every 6-8 weeks.

Why choose it: This cut maximizes cuteness while remaining manageable. The rounded face is especially flattering for dogs with large, expressive eyes. When learning how to groom a dog at home, the teddy bear cut offers more margin for error than precision styles because the goal is softness rather than sharp lines.

3. Lamb Cut

The lamb cut features a rounded, fluffy body with closely trimmed legs and face. The body hair is left 2-3 inches long while the legs are clipped shorter, creating a contrast that resembles a lamb’s woolly body and slender legs.

Best for: Poodles, Bichons, and curly-coated breeds

Maintenance: Moderate to high. The longer body coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting. Professional grooming every 5-7 weeks.

Why choose it: This elegant style suits dogs who spend most time indoors. The shorter leg hair means less cleanup after walks, while the fluffy body maintains that cloud-like appearance many owners love.

4 Lion Cut

The lion cut leaves a full mane around the head and chest while clipping the body, legs, and tail short. A puff of hair remains at the tail tip, completing the lion-like appearance.

Best for: Pomeranians, Poodles, and thick-coated small breeds

Maintenance: Low. The short body requires minimal brushing, but the mane needs regular attention. Grooming every 8-10 weeks.

Why choose it: Perfect for hot climates or dogs who overheat easily. The dramatic look makes a statement, and many owners love the playful contrast. This cut also helps you easily spot skin issues since most of the body is visible.

5. Summer/Short Cut

The summer cut clips the entire coat very short (1/2 to 1 inch), providing maximum cooling and minimal maintenance. Everything is trimmed evenly, including the face, body, legs, and tail.

Best for: Any small breed during hot weather, especially double-coated dogs

Maintenance: Very low. Brushing once or twice weekly. Grows out in 8-12 weeks.

Why choose it: Ideal for dogs who swim frequently, play in dirt, or live in hot climates. This practical cut keeps dogs comfortable during summer months and makes bathing and drying much faster. It’s also the easiest style for owners attempting grooming a Maltipoo at home or other breeds without professional help.

6. Show/Standard Cut

Show cuts follow breed-specific standards set by kennel clubs. For Poodles, this means the classic Continental or English Saddle clip. For Shih Tzus, it’s the long, flowing coat that touches the ground.

Best for: Show dogs or owners wanting the traditional breed appearance

Maintenance: Very high. Daily brushing required, sometimes multiple times per day. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks, plus extensive home care.

Why choose it: If you’re dedicated to maintaining your dog’s breed heritage or considering showing your dog, these cuts showcase the breed’s characteristics. However, they require significant time investment and aren’t practical for most pet owners.

7. Kennel Cut

The kennel cut is an ultra-practical, no-nonsense style that trims everything very short and uniform. It’s essentially a more basic version of the puppy cut, prioritizing function over fashion.

Best for: Active dogs, dogs who swim, or owners wanting minimal grooming

Maintenance: Very low. Weekly brushing sufficient. Lasts 8-12 weeks.

Why choose it: When you need a low maintenance haircut that keeps your dog comfortable without fuss, the kennel cut delivers. It’s named after boarding kennels where easy care is essential. This style works perfectly if you’re setting up dog grooming rooms at home and want simple maintenance you can handle yourself.

8. Top Knot Style

The top knot features a longer body with the hair on top of the head pulled up and secured with a bow or elastic. The face is trimmed short around the muzzle and eyes.

Best for: Yorkies, Shih Tzus, Maltese, and breeds with hair that grows over the eyes

Maintenance: High. Daily brushing and top knot redoing required. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

Why choose it: This classic style keeps hair out of your dog’s eyes while maintaining length elsewhere. It’s particularly popular for female dogs and creates an elegant, feminine look. The top knot also prevents eye irritation that can occur when hair constantly falls into the eyes.

9. Round Face Dog Grooming

Round face dog grooming focuses specifically on creating a perfectly circular face shape while the body can be any length. The groomer carefully scissors the face hair to form a sphere, emphasizing the eyes and creating a sweet expression.

Best for: Poodles, Maltipoos, Shihpoos, and any breed with sufficient facial hair

Maintenance: Moderate. Face needs careful brushing to maintain shape. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

Why choose it: The round face makes dogs look perpetually young and friendly. This style particularly flatters dogs with large, dark eyes by creating a frame that draws attention to their expressions. Many groomers combine round face grooming with various body styles, letting you customize the overall look.

10. Terrier Trim

Terrier grooming cuts maintain the characteristic blocky, rectangular appearance of terrier breeds. The body is hand-stripped or clipped short, the legs are left slightly longer and cylindrical, and the face features distinctive eyebrows and beard.

Best for: Schnauzers, Scotties, Westies, and other wire-coated terriers

Maintenance: Moderate. Beard and eyebrows need daily combing. Hand-stripping every 8-12 weeks or clipping every 6-8 weeks.

Why choose it: Terrier cuts preserve the breed’s working heritage and create that distinguished, dignified appearance terriers are known for. The longer beard also protects the muzzle during activities. For authentic texture, hand-stripping is preferred, but clipping works for pet owners not concerned with show-quality coats.

11. Asian Fusion Style

Asian fusion grooming creates elaborate, artistic cuts featuring rounded heads, sculpted ears, and precisely shaped bodies. These cuts often include creative elements like heart-shaped ears or perfectly round puffs on the legs.

Best for: Poodles, Bichons, and owners wanting a unique, Instagram-worthy look

Maintenance: High. Requires skilled grooming every 4-6 weeks and regular brushing to maintain precise shapes.

Why choose it: If you want your dog to stand out and don’t mind the maintenance, Asian fusion cuts are miniature works of art. These styles originated in Asia and have become increasingly popular worldwide. They require highly skilled groomers who specialize in creative grooming.

12. Low Maintenance Practical Cut

The low maintenance cut combines the best elements of practical grooming: short body (1-1.5 inches), trimmed face that keeps eyes clear, short legs, and minimal styling. Everything is functional rather than fancy.

Best for: Busy owners, dogs who resist grooming, or anyone prioritizing practicality

Maintenance: Very low. Brushing 1-2 times weekly. Professional grooming every 8-10 weeks.

Why choose it: Sometimes you just need your dog clean, comfortable, and tangle-free without spending hours on grooming. This cut delivers exactly that. It’s perfect for dogs who spend time outdoors, get muddy frequently, or simply prefer not to sit through lengthy grooming sessions.

Breed-Specific Grooming Guides

Different breeds have unique grooming needs and traditional styles. Here’s what works best for popular small dog breeds.

1. Haircuts for Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus have beautiful silky coats that grow continuously. Traditional haircuts for Shih Tzus include the puppy cut, top knot style, and practical short cut. Most pet owners choose shorter styles because the long show coat requires daily maintenance that’s unrealistic for busy households.

Popular Shih Tzu options include the teddy bear cut for maximum cuteness, the summer cut for hot months, and the puppy cut for year-round practicality. If your Shih Tzu has a mix in their background, Shih Tzu mix haircuts follow similar principles but may need adjustments based on coat texture.

2. Maltipoo Haircuts

Maltipoo haircuts range from ultra-short summer clips to fluffy teddy bear styles. Since Maltipoos have poodle genetics, their curly coats mat easily without regular care. The puppy cut is most popular, keeping them adorable while manageable.

When grooming a Maltipoo at home between professional appointments, focus on brushing thoroughly before bathing, using a slicker brush and metal comb to work through any tangles. Many Maltipoo owners maintain a 1.5-2 inch length year-round for the perfect balance of cute and practical.

3. Shihpoo Grooming Styles

Shihpoo grooming styles blend Shih Tzu and Poodle grooming approaches. These dogs can have wavy to curly coats depending on which parent they favor. Most Shihpoos look great in teddy bear cuts, puppy cuts, or round face styles.

The key with Shihpoo grooming is regular brushing—at least every other day—to prevent the tight curls from matting. Their face hair grows quickly around the eyes, so keeping the face trimmed short between grooming appointments helps maintain visibility and comfort.

4. Yorkie Cuts

Yorkshire Terriers traditionally wear long, silky coats, but most pet Yorkies sport shorter, practical styles. The puppy cut works beautifully on Yorkies, as does the Schnauzer cut with longer beard and eyebrows for a different look.

Yorkie coats are fine and silky, making them prone to tangling at friction points like under the collar and behind the ears. Keeping these areas shorter or brushed daily prevents painful mats.

5. Terrier Grooming

Wire-coated terriers need specialized terrier grooming cuts to maintain their coat texture and breed characteristics. The standard terrier trim includes a short body, cylindrical legs, and the distinctive bearded face.

Hand-stripping (plucking dead hair) maintains wire coat texture better than clipping, but requires skill and time. Most pet terriers are clippered instead, which softens the coat texture but remains practical and attractive.

Seasonal Haircut Considerations

Your dog’s grooming needs change with the seasons. Adjusting their haircut helps them stay comfortable year-round.

1. Summer Cuts for Hot Weather

During hot months, shorter cuts prevent overheating and make outdoor activities more enjoyable. Summer cuts, kennel cuts, or shorter versions of regular styles work well. However, don’t shave double-coated breeds completely—their coat actually insulates against heat when properly maintained.

For most small dogs, cutting to 1-1.5 inches provides cooling without removing too much coat. This length still offers some sun protection while reducing heat retention.

2. Winter Grooming Tips

Winter doesn’t mean skipping grooming. Maintain regular grooming appointments but leave hair slightly longer for warmth—usually 2-3 inches instead of 1-2 inches for summer styles. Pay special attention to paw pad trimming since hair between pads collects ice balls and salt.

Many owners use dog sweaters or coats for short-haired small breeds during winter, allowing them to maintain practical haircuts year-round without temperature concerns.

3. Year-Round Styles

Some cuts work beautifully in all seasons. The puppy cut at 1.5-2 inches, teddy bear cut, and low maintenance practical cut provide adequate coverage year-round while remaining manageable. Adjust accessories (like sweaters) rather than drastically changing the cut with seasons.

Choosing the Right Haircut for Your Dog

Selecting the perfect small dog haircuts involves considering several factors beyond just appearance.

Lifestyle factors: Active dogs who swim, hike, or play in dirt benefit from shorter cuts that dry quickly and resist debris. Indoor dogs who mostly lounge can maintain longer styles more easily.

Activity level considerations: High-energy dogs appreciate shorter cuts that don’t restrict movement or collect burrs during play. Calm, gentle dogs may tolerate longer coats that require more maintenance.

Face shape matching: Round faces look adorable with round grooming styles. Longer muzzles suit well-groomed beards and mustaches. Work with your dog’s natural features rather than against them.

Your grooming commitment level: Be honest about how much time you’ll dedicate to brushing, bathing, and maintaining the cut. Choosing a style that matches your commitment level prevents frustration and keeps your dog comfortable. If you’re new to this, start with simpler styles recommended for dog grooming for beginners before attempting elaborate cuts.

Similar to how different breeds have unique care needs—just like learning about essential puppy training tips or discovering most loyal dog breeds—grooming requirements vary significantly between styles and breeds.

Conclusion

Finding the right small dog haircuts for your companion doesn’t have to be stressful. Start by understanding your dog’s coat type, consider their lifestyle and your maintenance abilities, then choose a style that keeps them comfortable and looking great.

Remember that grooming isn’t just about appearance—it’s essential for your dog’s health and comfort. Regular haircuts prevent matting, reduce skin issues, and make daily care easier. Whether you choose the classic puppy cut, adorable teddy bear style, or practical kennel cut, the best haircut is one that works for both you and your furry friend.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles until you find your perfect match. Professional groomers can guide you toward cuts that work with your dog’s specific coat and your lifestyle. With regular grooming and the right haircut, your small dog will look and feel their absolute best.