Is It Okay To Not Give My Dog A Breed-Standard Cut?
As the owner of a purebred Shih-Tzu with a non-traditional cut, it’s perfectly acceptable! I know there are many traditionalists out there, but we need to first consider the historic origins of the breed-standard cut.
Longer styles can end up being more costly and time consuming. I’ve found that many owners opt for alternative styles, just like the one Lucky Diamond has. These styles keep your pet looking good, but are far easier to manage. The hair type of a Poodle allows the groomer to groom it in a number of ways – over 150 to choose from! I think it’s safe to say that a Poodle is a hair stylist’s best friend!
It’s extremely important to consider the strength of each breed and highlight them. I looked at Bumpy’s body type, the length of his legs and even studied the way he walked so that the style I gave him would complement his whole swag. Much like it is with humans, it’s necessary to modify each hairstyle in order to show off the best features.
Many traditional breed-standard styles that require lots of maintenance may not be the best option. Many clients prefer my Modified Breed Cut – a slightly shorter version of the traditional breed-specific cut that focuses more on comfort and manageability. I always recommend that you choose a haircut for your dog that fits your lifestyle. These days, it’s all about ease and functionality.
Non-traditional styles are not only fine and easier to manage, but they can be more fun and adventurous too. Bumpy Johnson has a specialized cut that keeps up the sexy, aristocratic Shih-Tzu look while showing off his personality. Some clients have even asked me to do highlights and paint toe-nails (Puppy Pedicure)!
There are definitively some clients that prefer the traditional breed-standard grooming, which is fun because I get to test my knowledge and skill. There are strict outlines for the way each leg, head and chest should be groomed and traditional cuts should be executed with the greatest care and pride. As a groomer, it’s important for me to ensure that all of my clients are comfortable and satisfied. Sometimes this requires that I groom a dog in a non-traditional cut manner, but whether you ask me for the traditional breed-standard or a streak of blue in a Mohawk, I know you’ll be happy!
A little more about “puppy cuts”
The LA lifestyle is busy and the weather can get hot, so I always receive requests for “Puppy Cuts” and “Summer Cuts”. It’s important to not confuse the two terms as many groomers are not aware of the distinction. A Summer Cut is having your pet completely shaved in order to provide some comfort and relief in the brutal summer months, while a Puppy Cut is a very general term usually used when clients want their dogs to look like they did when they were puppies. However Puppy Cuts are 100% breed specific. Hopefully, your groomer recognizes that a “Puppy Cut” is a breed-specific grooming that targets the look of your pet at a certain stage of its development.
– Artist Know
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