Quick Answer:
Poodle grooming costs $70-$150 every 4-6 weeks, depending on size and cut complexity. Toy Poodles cost $70-$100, Miniature Poodles $80-$120, and Standard Poodles $100-$150. The Puppy Cut is easiest to maintain; show cuts cost $150-$200+. Daily brushing is essential.
Poodle Grooming Costs
Here's what to expect for professional Poodle grooming based on size and service type:
| Size | Weight | Basic Groom | Full Groom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Poodle | 4-6 lbs | $70-$100 | $120-$150 |
| Miniature Poodle | 10-15 lbs | $80-$120 | $140-$180 |
| Standard Poodle | 45-70 lbs | $100-$150 | $175-$250+ |
Annual grooming costs: $840-$1,800 (based on grooming every 4-6 weeks).
For comparison with other breeds, see our complete dog grooming cost guide.
Poodle Coat Type & Care
Poodles have a unique curly, dense coat that grows continuously like human hair. Their coat doesn't shed but requires regular grooming to prevent matting. The texture can range from soft waves to tight curls.
| Coat Type | Curly |
| Shedding | Non-shedding (hypoallergenic) |
| Grooming Frequency | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Brushing | Daily to every other day |
| Grooming Difficulty | High |
Popular Poodle Haircuts
Here are the most popular grooming styles for Poodles:
Puppy Cut
Best for: Low-maintenance owners, active dogs
Hair trimmed to 1-2 inches uniformly across the body. Despite the name, it works for Poodles of all ages.
Maintenance: Low - brush every 2-3 days
Teddy Bear Cut
Best for: Owners wanting a fluffy, rounded appearance
Similar to Puppy Cut but with a rounded face and head creating a teddy bear look. Face is scissored into a round shape.
Maintenance: Low-Medium - brush every 1-2 days
Lamb Cut
Best for: A slightly more styled look
Legs left slightly fuller than the body, creating a lamb-like silhouette. Face typically shaved clean.
Maintenance: Medium - daily brushing
Continental Cut
Best for: Show dogs, classic Poodle look
The iconic show cut with shaved hindquarters, pom-poms on legs and tail, and a full mane.
Maintenance: Very High - twice daily brushing
Modern/Miami Cut
Best for: Fashionable but manageable style
Shaved face, feet, and base of tail with pom-poms on ankles and tail tip. Body length is uniform.
Maintenance: Medium - daily brushing
Poodle Grooming Schedule
Follow this schedule to keep your Poodle looking and feeling their best:
- Professional grooming: Every 4-6 weeks (do not exceed 8 weeks)
- Brushing: Daily to every other day (prevents matting)
- Bathing: Every 2-4 weeks or at professional groom
- Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks
- Ear cleaning: Weekly (Poodles are prone to ear infections)
Puppy Grooming
Start grooming early! Schedule "puppy intro" visits from 8-16 weeks where the groomer does face trim, feet trim, and sanitary area to get your puppy comfortable with the process.
Senior Dog Grooming
Senior Poodles may have thinner coats and more sensitive skin. Consider shorter, more comfortable cuts. Mobile grooming can be less stressful for older dogs.
Find a Poodle-experienced groomer
Search our directory for professional groomers experienced with Poodles and similar breeds.
Find Groomers Near MeCommon Poodle Grooming Problems
Matting
The #1 issue with Poodles. Mats form when loose hair tangles with the coat, tightening over time until they pull painfully on the skin.
Prevention: Brush daily, never skip more than 2 days. Pay attention to friction areas: behind ears, armpits, around collar, and rear end.
Ear Infections
Poodles grow hair inside their ear canals, which traps moisture and leads to infections.
Prevention: Professional groomers remove this hair. Watch for head shaking, ear scratching, odor, or discharge.
Tear Staining
Light-colored Poodles often develop reddish-brown stains under their eyes.
Prevention: Daily face cleaning helps prevent buildup. Persistent staining may indicate blocked tear ducts or allergies.
At-Home Poodle Grooming
Between professional grooms, here's what you need and how to maintain your Poodle's coat at home.
Essential Tools
- Slicker brush for daily brushing
- Metal comb to check for mats
- Detangling spray for easier brushing
- Ear cleaner for weekly maintenance
- Nail clippers or grinder
- Eye wipes for daily face cleaning
Grooming Tips
- Use the "line brushing" technique - part coat in horizontal sections and brush from skin outward
- Always mist coat with detangling spray before brushing (never brush dry)
- Work from back legs forward, bottom to top
- Finish by combing through to check for missed tangles
- Clean face daily to prevent tear staining
Finding a Poodle-Experienced Groomer
Not all groomers are equally experienced with every breed. Here's what to look for when choosing a groomer for your Poodle:
- Ask about Poodle experience - how many do they groom weekly?
- Request photos of their work on Poodle clients
- Look for certifications like NDGAA or breed-specific training
- Check reviews specifically from Poodle owners
- Ask about blade and scissor work - quality Poodle grooming requires skilled scissoring
For more tips, see our Signs of a Good Dog Groomer guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to groom a Poodle?▼
Poodle grooming costs $70-$150 depending on size. Toy Poodles cost $70-$100, Miniature Poodles $80-$120, and Standard Poodles $100-$150. Specialty cuts like the Continental can cost $150-$200+.
How often should a Poodle be groomed?▼
Poodles should be professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks. Their curly, non-shedding coat grows continuously and mats easily without regular care.
What is the easiest Poodle cut to maintain?▼
The Puppy Cut (or Kennel Cut) is the easiest. Hair is trimmed to 1-2 inches all over, requiring less daily brushing than longer styles.
Can I groom my Poodle at home?▼
You can handle basic maintenance at home: daily brushing, face cleaning, ear care, and nail trims. However, haircuts require professional training and equipment.
Why do Poodles need to be groomed so often?▼
Poodles need frequent grooming because their hair grows continuously and doesn't shed. Without regular grooming, the curly coat mats tightly to the skin.
What happens if you don't groom a Poodle?▼
An ungroomed Poodle develops severe matting that causes pain and potential skin infections. Neglected Poodles often require complete shave-downs and veterinary care.
The Bottom Line
Poodle grooming requires professional appointments every 4-6 weeks, with costs ranging based on size and service level. Regular at-home maintenance between appointments keeps your Poodle looking and feeling their best.
Find a groomer experienced with Poodles, establish a consistent grooming schedule, and maintain regular brushing at home. Your Poodle will thank you with a healthy, beautiful coat.
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