Scissoring the Poodle TopKnot - Slide Show

A step-by-step guide to scissoring a poodle topknot.

1. After clipping the face against the grain with a close blade, the line is first scissored from the outside corner of the eye to the top of the base of the ear.
2. Scissor over the top of the ear and behind the ear to blend into the neck. Do not scissor across the back of the neck.
3. Comb over to one side and scissor the shape of the side of the topknot. I do NOT scissor straight up, but slightly rounded out.
4. Do the other side, hopefully to match.
5. Shape the top to the height you need to balance the length of muzzle.
6. I like to leave a beveled ledge over the eyes to give depth of expression. The fullness of the topknot relates to the length of the overall style, the frequency of grooming, and occasionally the owner's wishes. :-)
7. Scissor the back of the head to flow into a long elegant neck line.
8. Looking down from the top, you have a nice oval shape.
9. This TK is not perfect. I'd love to snip a little more off the corners of the eyes. Next time!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• pet
• grooming
• poodle

[tikespoodles]

Can you tell me how far up you shave a poodles tail mine all have the longer cut tail (show cut) and I never know how far up from the base of the tail to shave I am learning but cant seem to find anything im looking for like the different types of cuts like the Continental or Lion Clip,The Bikini Clip,English Saddle Clip (I mean videos.) can ou recommend any websites or videos for me?

[GroomClassroom]

Sorry for the delay. The Poodle tail is shaved to the point that, if the tail is held down, the end of the clipping comes to the bottom of the rectum. It is often "set in" to the back (croup) some in a reverse V, so that there is no bunching of hair at the base. I can't think of websites or videos with the clips you mention, sorry.

[marylee48]

What brand tool do you use for shaving?

[GroomClassroom]

I use a Laube Speed Feed on the #30 setting for the face. On the feet, I like to use a Wahl Tid Bit (formerly Peanut) trimmer.

[Neltronzero]

never saw a pair of scissors!

[GroomClassroom]

Good point! This slide show is not about how to scissor, but how to shape. The scissors would obscure the shape. I'll try to do it again with a video instead of pics.

[FeceMcGee]

LOL at "scissoring"

[vespertinne]

three inches. go against the grain (toward the butt) on TOP and with the grain beneath.

[vespertinne]

Mention that you need to hold the dog's muzzle LIGHTLY. <--Please. 

[msancho23]

Thats a great topknot!!!!

[captmicha]

I hope you do. I need to learn how. My standard poodle have similar markings and color! It's really rare. Of course my poodle is the prettiest dog in the world...

[Myownlittleworld101]

NICE POODLE