Dog Grooming Style Guide
The English Saddle Clip is the second AKC-approved show clip for Poodles and is considered slightly less dramatic than the Continental Clip. The face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved clean. The front half of the body carries a full mane, similar to the Continental. The key difference is in the hindquarters: instead of bare skin with hip rosettes, the English Saddle leaves a short blanket of hair across the back and hindquarters with two shaved bands on each hind leg, creating a "saddle" appearance. Pom-poms remain on the lower legs and tail. The English Saddle Clip is more forgiving than the Continental because the hindquarter coverage hides imperfections in angulation and structure. It requires the same level of professional skill and maintenance — daily brushing, regular banding, and grooming every 2-4 weeks. Like the Continental, this is a show-ring style, not a practical pet cut. Many show Poodle owners alternate between the two clips depending on the dog and the judge.
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