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Choosing the Best Haircut for Your Dog’s Lifestyle & Coat

  • furology
  • Dec 1, 2025
  • 3 min read
Plush teddy bear dog haircut at Furology cage-free grooming salon in Durham NC


Choosing the right haircut for your dog isn’t just about how cute they’ll look when they leave the salon; it’s about comfort, coat health, lifestyle, maintenance, and what keeps grooming safe and stress-free long term.


At Furology, we organize haircuts into three clear categories: Short & Practical, Plush, and Full / Styled. This helps ensure your pet is booked into the right amount of time and receives care that matches their coat type, home routine, and comfort level.


If you’ve ever wondered which option your pet needs — you’re in the right place!


Why the Right Haircut Matters


Selecting the right haircut helps:

  • Ensure your groomer has enough time to work calmly and safely

  • Prevent matting, skin irritation, and coat damage

  • Keep your pet comfortable between appointments

  • Support long-term behavior and positive grooming experiences

  • Avoid extra dematting fees & time needed to complete the service


Haircuts aren’t one-size-fits-all. A style that works beautifully for one dog may be unrealistic or uncomfortable for another.


Short & Practical Haircuts


Best for: Active dogs, low-maintenance lifestyles, pets prone to matting, or families who prefer easy upkeep.

Short haircuts are clipped close to the body for simplicity and comfort. These styles are ideal for dogs who love adventure, swimming, daycare, or rolling in everything they can find.


What to expect:

  • Typically ⅛"–¼" coat length all over

  • Clean, tidy finish

  • Easy brushing at home

  • Faster drying time

  • Lower maintenance between visits


Ideal for: Doodles, poodles, mixed breeds, and long-coated dogs whose families prefer minimal brushing at home.


Recommended schedule: Every 6-8 weeks to maintain skin, coat, and nail health and comfort.


Short practical dog haircut for easy maintenance at Furology in Durham NC

Plush Haircuts


Best for: Pet parents who love a soft, fluffy look but still want manageable maintenance.

Plush haircuts maintain a slightly longer length while preserving shape and softness. Think teddy bear finishes, puppy cuts, balanced proportions, and soft texture.


What to expect:

  • Typically ½"–⅝" coat length, legs fuller than body

  • Soft, full appearance

  • Requires consistent at-home brushing & combing

  • More frequent professional maintenance


Ideal for: Well-maintained coats with consistent home brushing and a predictable grooming schedule.


Recommended schedule: Every 4–6 weeks to prevent matting and maintain shape.


Plush teddy bear haircut with soft rounded face at Furology grooming salon

Full / Styled Haircuts


Best for: Clients who love longer styles, breed trims, or custom shaping and are committed to coat care.


Full haircuts allow for longer lengths, layered styling, scissoring detail, and breed-inspired shaping. These styles require the most coat maintenance and consistent scheduling to stay comfortable and mat-free.


What to expect:

  • Typically ¾" or longer

  • Maximum styling and customization

  • Daily or near-daily brushing & combing at home

  • Highest maintenance level


Ideal for: Pet parents who enjoy grooming as part of their routine and want a polished, styled look.


Recommended schedule: Every 2-4 weeks to prevent matting and maintain a healthy coat.


Long styled dog haircut with scissored finish at boutique grooming salon in Durham

How to Choose the Best Haircut for Your Dog


Ask yourself:


✔️ How much brushing can I realistically commit to at home?

✔️ Does my dog swim, hike, or go to daycare?

✔️ How often can I schedule grooming appointments?

✔️ Is my dog sensitive, wiggly, or still learning grooming skills?

✔️ Do I prefer convenience or aesthetics?


Your answers matter more than breed trends or social media photos.


Grooming Schedule Matters More Than Style


Longer styles require shorter intervals between visits. Skipping or stretching appointments often leads to matting, discomfort, and longer grooming sessions — which can be stressful for pets.


Consistent grooming supports:

  • Healthier skin and coat

  • Calmer appointment behavior

  • Better coat quality over time

  • Predictable scheduling and pricing


Still Unsure Which Style Is Right?


That’s okay! You don’t need to have everything figured out when booking. Choose the option that feels closest and we’ll happily guide you at check-in based on your pet’s coat condition, comfort level, and lifestyle.


Our goal is always calm, clean, comfort — for every pet, every visit.


Ready to Book?


Explore our haircut options or schedule your pet’s next visit online.If you have questions, our team is happy to help you find the best fit.


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