Standard Poodles -
Grooming Equipment, Supplies and Products

We have found that by getting the proper grooming equipment and doing some of the grooming ourselves, we can lengthen the time between our Standard Poodle’s grooming. By trimming the face, feet and tail, we only have to go to the groomer every 8 to 10 weeks, instead of every 4 to 6 weeks. This can save you quite a bit of money!

What Type of Grooming Equipment Do I Need?

Depending on how involved you want to get in your Standard Poodle’s grooming, you can go with just basic grooming equipment like combs and brushes or go all the way with additional scissors, clippers, dryers, etc.

Whatever you decide to do, get the best grooming equipment you can afford. You can usually find it at a good pet store or dog shows. There are also many excellent sources online. You may find some excellent buys on Grooming Equipment on Amazon as well.

Read through the suggestions below for the different types of grooming equipment available. This should help you decide what type of equipment to purchase.

Scissors

For trimming a Standard Poodle, it’s best to use an 7” to 10” straight pair of scissors. Good scissors can cost anywhere from $50 to $100. A good pair should have a finger rest. If they are too heavy, they will make your hands tired. Try out several pairs to see how they feel. A curved pair of scissors is good to have on hand also.

Clippers

A word of advice, spend the money upfront and get the professional animal clippers. Although they are more expensive, running around $175, they are worth it in the long run. A few good brands of clippers to consider are the Oster, Andis and Wahl.

Good clippers should last a long time if they are cleaned and oiled regularly. You may have to replace the small carbon brushes or the springs once in a while. It’s a good idea to have extras of these on hand. They will also last longer if you don’t clip your dog when it is too dirty.

Clipper Blades

Clipper blades generally cost anywhere between $25 and $40 per blade. It’s a good idea to have a few of each size blade available, so you can change the blade out when it gets hot or dull. Dull blades can scrape the skin and cause clipper burn. Also, get a can of "Cool Lube" to keep the blades from getting too hot and to keep them running smoothly.

If you are not “showing” your dog, the best blade size to use for the face, feet and tail is a #10. You can use a #15 to clip a little closer. A good general blade to use on body parts is the #4F. The 4F blade is a full-tooth blade, meaning the teeth are even all the way across the blade. This type of blade makes it more difficult to catch your Poodle’s skin while you are grooming. On blade sizes, the lower blade numbers leave more hair. The #3 blade leaves about ½”, the #5 blade about ½” and the #10 blade about 1/16”.

Brushes

For pet trims, use a soft slicker brush, since they don’t scratch the skin like some of the harder ones. Be sure to brush out all the mats, knots and tangles before you bath your Poodle. It can be very difficult to get them out after bathing, since it seems to make them tighter.

Combs

A Poodle comb, or any steel comb with long-pinned teeth work great on Poodles.

Dryer

Generally, a stand dryer is the best, because it allows you to have both hands free to dry and brush your Poodle. They are quite expensive, usually over $300. For pets, you can use your own personal blow dryer.

Nail Clippers

Use whatever type of nail clippers you are the most comfortable with. The guillotine type seem to work quite well. You should try to clip your Poodles nails a little every week. By keeping them clipped regularly, it will keep the “Quick” further down in the nail. The “Quick” is a blood vessel that runs the length of the nail. Cutting the “Quick” is painful for the dog and it may bleed quite a bit. Have some "Quick Stop" on hand in case you happen to cut the “Quick”.

Grooming Surface

The ideal work surface is a grooming table with a non-slip top. If you can’t afford to purchase a grooming table, a rubber bath mat on any flat surface that is comfortable to work from will do.

Now that you know what type of grooming equipment to purchase, you're off to a good start at keeping your Poodle in tip-top shape!

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