Dog Grooming Style Guide
The kennel cut, sometimes called a utility cut or strip-down, is the most practical and low-maintenance grooming style available. The entire body is clipped to a very short, even length — usually a #5 or #7 blade — including the face, ears, and tail. This cut prioritizes comfort and hygiene over aesthetics. Originally designed for dogs being boarded at kennels (hence the name), this style eliminates matting concerns entirely, dries quickly after baths or rain, reduces shedding around the house, and makes skin checks and tick removal easier. The kennel cut is ideal for dogs with chronically matted coats, dogs that swim frequently, working dogs, and owners who want the absolute minimum grooming maintenance. Some groomers may bristle at calling it a "kennel cut" since it implies a purely functional, no-frills approach, so you may hear it called a "summer cut" or "short all over" instead. Plan for professional grooming every 8-10 weeks with this style, and in between, minimal brushing is needed.
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