Every pup is unique, and different breeds have different grooming needs. Some breeds have different fur textures and lengths, and your companion needs a fashionable cut that makes them look extra cute and cuddly!
When you bring your dog into the salon, you want to make sure the cut matches their breed needs while still being practical to maintain.
Want to learn more about different breeds and their preferred haircuts? Our expert stylists at Paws ‘n’ Rec are here to help! This breed grooming guide will go over various dog grooming styles by breed, as well as how you can balance heritage with practicality in the perfect haircut for your pup!
Understanding Breed Identity
Think about how many different doggies you see at the park or on your way to work. The history of dog grooming stems from how we specifically bred dogs to perform certain tasks or have a certain appearance.
For example, Corgis were originally bred to be herding dogs for sheep and cattle. Their tiny legs give them a lower center of gravity, allowing them to bob and weave through herds of cattle without getting bumped or stepped on.
Iconic breed characteristics either play a practical role or were strategically bred due to their popularity. All of these different breeds look unique, and they also have specific grooming standards!
Since our furry companions are now lounging on our couches rather than herding cattle, their haircut should be practical for you to maintain while still honoring their heritage as a breed.
Grooming Styles That Reflect Heritage
If you want to know the specific breed appearance standards for your pup, the first thing you need to know is which breed category your furry friend fits into.
Most dog breeds are divided into two main groups: working breeds and show breeds. Working breeds will have different breed conformity standards than show breeds, and each will also have different dog coat types.
Working Breeds and Practical Cuts
As the name suggests, working breeds were originally bred to assist with specific jobs or tasks. From herding cattle to hunting rodents, these pups worked hard and loved every second of their jobs!
The goal with working dog grooming styles is practicality. Since these little sidekicks were hard at work and getting their paws dirty, they needed a haircut that was easy to maintain and helped keep them safe while they worked!
For example, poodles were originally bred to help hunters retrieve game from the water, specifically waterfowl. Their iconic curly coat repels water and insulates them, keeping them warm as they swim.
When you see a poodle on the street with the iconic puff of curls on their head and chest, this cut was originally meant to streamline the pup in the water while insulating vital areas of their body.
Show Breeds and Standard Styles
While working breeds had a job to do, show breeds were meant to have a very distinct look and act as a sort of status symbol. If someone had a certain breed of pet with a pristine cut, that showed their status.
Show dog grooming comes down to a distinct and universal cut that adds to the breed’s iconic look. A classic example of this is the Shih Tzu! These tiny pups were originally bred to be lap dogs, and they are known for their luscious and long coats.
A classic Shih Tzu haircut is to either leave the fur extra long with a little ponytail on the top of their head, or clip it shorter to reveal their adorable faces!
The Role of Groomers in Preserving Breed Identity
Groomers have extensive breed knowledge and expertise on heritage grooming styles for dogs. They know how to perfectly balance the aesthetics of a good haircut with the comfort of the animal. If you want to honor a traditional cut but tailor it to fit your lifestyle, they can also help with that!
The right professional dog grooming service can make all the difference. At Paws ‘n’ Rec, our experienced pup groomers can help with coat maintenance and make sure your pup looks their best! Whether you’re grooming for function or fashion, our team is happy to help.
Grooming Tips for Dog Owners
Not sure where to begin? Not to worry, we’re here to help! Here are a few dog grooming tips that will make your best friend look their absolute best!
Research the history of your dog’s breed and see what traditional haircuts they have. From there, you can work with your groomer to come up with the perfect style that honors your pet’s heritage while still fitting your lifestyle.
If you want a more traditional cut for your show breed, you can look up AKC grooming guidelines and figure out what the standards are for your pup.
Be sure to pick a style that you can easily maintain at home between grooming sessions. If you go with a longer style, be prepared to keep up with regular brushings to prevent matted fur!
Book Your Pup’s Next Spa Day!
Honoring your furry friend’s roots through a stylish and professional haircut can help keep your pet comfortable and adorable. Traditional hairstyles served a purpose for the breed, and now they make your pup look fresh and clean as they chew on their toys.
The evolution of grooming styles changes with the times, and a good groomer can give your pup a traditional cut with a modern twist.
Looking to book your companion’s next cut? Paws ‘n’ Rec has a team of experienced stylists ready to give Fido a makeover. Give us a call today or visit our website to find a location near you and book a spa day for your furry best friend!
