Haircut names

Dog haircut names: puppy cut, teddy bear cut, lion cut, and more

Haircut names help you tell the groomer what you want. But groomers don’t all use the same words, so here is what each name usually means, and how to ask for a length.

Short answer: A puppy cut trims the coat to one even length, about 1 to 2 inches. A teddy bear cut is about the same, with a longer, rounder face. A lion cut shaves the body and leaves the head long. Names differ from groomer to groomer, so say the length you want in inches and show a photo.

Puppy cut.

The whole coat is cut to one even length, about 1 to 2 inches, says VCA. It is easy to brush and keeps mats away. It suits poodles, doodles, Shih Tzus, and many other haircut breeds.

Teddy bear cut.

This is like a puppy cut, about 2 inches on the body. The face is left longer and rounder, so the dog looks like a stuffed toy.

Lion cut.

On a dog, the body and legs are shaved and the hair on the head stays long. On a cat, the body is cut short and the hair stays long on the face, feet, and tail tip. Cats most often get it when they have bad mats. VCA says most cats need to be sedated by a vet for a body shave, since few cats can stand the noise of clippers.

Poodle cuts.

The AKC poodle rules name show cuts like the puppy clip, the continental, and the English saddle. The continental shaves the face, feet, and back half, with puffs of hair left on the legs. Most pet poodles get a simple puppy cut instead.

Hand stripping.

Many terriers have a wiry coat. Instead of clipping it, a groomer pulls out the dead hair by hand. That keeps the coat rough and strong. Clipping it over and over can make it soft.

What the blade numbers mean.

Groomers clip with blades that have numbers. A higher number cuts shorter, says the AKC. A groomer quoted by PetMD says a #10 blade leaves about 1/16 inch and a #7F about 1/8 inch. Those are very short, and are used for things like mats. For a body cut, a poodle groomer quoted by the AKC uses #4 to #7 blades.

How to ask for the cut you want.

One groomer told PetMD that puppy and teddy bear cuts can run from 1/4 inch to more than 2 inches. So the name alone isn’t enough. Say the length you want in inches, and show a photo of a cut you like. VCA says to leave at least 1 inch of coat in summer so the skin doesn’t burn. Talk about it before the groom starts, not after.

Questions people ask.

What is a puppy cut?

The coat is cut to one even length all over, about 1 to 2 inches. It is easy to care for and keeps mats away.

What is the difference between a puppy cut and a teddy bear cut?

They are about the same length on the body. A teddy bear cut leaves the face longer and rounder.

What is a lion cut for cats?

The body is cut short, and the hair stays long on the face, feet, and tail tip. It is often done for bad mats. Many cats need a vet to sedate them for it.

What does a #10 blade leave?

About 1/16 inch of hair, which is very short. A higher blade number cuts shorter.

How do I tell my groomer what cut I want?

Give the length you want in inches and show a photo. Ask how the cut will work with your dog’s coat before they start.

Where these facts come from.

We read each page on November 2, 2026. This is general advice, not vet care. Ask your vet about your own pet.