What Is a Teddy Bear Cut?

The teddy bear cut is by far the most requested grooming style we get at Animal Friends. It's cute, practical, and works on almost every fluffy breed. But "teddy bear cut" means slightly different things to different people, so here's exactly what it involves and how to make sure you get the look you want.

What a teddy bear cut looks like

A teddy bear cut keeps the body hair at a uniform 1–2 inch length, with a rounded face that makes your dog look like — you guessed it — a teddy bear. The ears are trimmed to blend with the rounded head shape, the legs are scissored to look like "pillars" (fluffy but shaped), and the tail is trimmed proportionally. The overall effect is soft, rounded, and adorable.

Which breeds get teddy bear cuts

The teddy bear cut works best on breeds with continuously growing, curly or wavy coats:

• Goldendoodles and Labradoodles — the quintessential teddy bear breed
• Poodles (standard, mini, and toy)
• Bichon Frises
• Shih Tzus
• Maltipoos and Cavapoos
• Cockapoos
• Yorkies (modified version)
• Any poodle mix or designer breed with a curly/wavy coat

How to ask your groomer

Don't just say "teddy bear cut" and assume your groomer reads minds. Be specific:

• Body length: "I want about 1 inch on the body" or "shorter this time, maybe half inch"
• Head: "Round face, fluffy on top" or "shorter face, I don't like when it gets in their eyes"
• Ears: "Blend into the head" or "leave them a little longer"
• Legs: "Same length as body" or "keep them fluffy"
• Bring a photo: A reference photo is worth a thousand words. Find a picture online of the exact look you want and show your groomer.

Maintenance between grooms

A teddy bear cut at 1–2 inches needs professional grooming every 4–6 weeks in Panama City's humidity. Between appointments, brush 2–3 times per week (line brushing, not just surface brushing) to prevent matting. A shorter teddy bear cut (under 1 inch) stretches to 6–8 weeks and requires less brushing.

Teddy bear vs. puppy cut

People often confuse these two. A puppy cut is a uniform length all over (body, legs, face — all the same). A teddy bear cut has the same body length but a specifically rounded face shape and sometimes fuller legs. The teddy bear cut involves more scissor work and takes more skill.