How to Achieve the Perfect Pomeranian Teddy Bear Look

The teddy bear cut is one of the most adored grooming styles for Pomeranians, transforming these already cute companions into irresistible, plush toy lookalikes. With their fluffy coats, expressive faces, and energetic personalities, Pomeranians are ideal candidates for this style. But achieving and maintaining the teddy bear look takes precision, grooming know-how, and the right tools.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to give your Pomeranian that perfect teddy bear finish—from understanding the style to executing it step-by-step, and maintaining the look between grooming sessions.

What Is the Pomeranian Teddy Bear Look?

The teddy bear cut is a grooming style that rounds and softens the Pomeranian’s overall appearance, making the face resemble that of a stuffed animal. It involves trimming the coat evenly all over the body and shaping the face into a round, symmetrical puff with gentle lines and soft features. Unlike the show-standard trim, which keeps more of the natural coat, the teddy bear style is more playful and functional for everyday pet owners.

This cut is popular for several reasons:

• It’s adorable and gives a youthful appearance.

• It helps reduce matting and shedding.

• It makes grooming maintenance easier for owners.

• It enhances the dog’s personality and expressions.

Is the Teddy Bear Cut Safe for Pomeranians?

Before we dive into the how-to, it’s important to understand that Pomeranians have a double coat—a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, coarser topcoat. Shaving or trimming too short can damage this coat permanently. The teddy bear cut should never involve shaving down to the skin. Instead, it should preserve at least 1–2 inches of coat length.

Always work with a professional groomer experienced with double-coated breeds, or take extra care when grooming at home to avoid harming the coat.

Tools You’ll Need

To achieve the teddy bear cut at home, you’ll need the following grooming tools:

• Slicker brush and metal comb: For detangling and fluffing the coat.

• High-quality clippers: With adjustable guards to avoid cutting too short.

• Blending and curved grooming scissors: For precision shaping around the face, ears, and legs.

• Dog shampoo and conditioner: To keep the coat soft and manageable.

• Hairdryer (with cool setting): For blow-drying after a bath.

• Grooming table or non-slip surface: To keep your pup secure during grooming.

Optional items include a dematting tool, grooming apron, and pet-safe detangler spray.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Teddy Bear Cut

Step 1: Start with a Thorough Bath

Before trimming, bathe your Pomeranian using a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo followed by a conditioner. Use warm water and take your time to work through the coat, especially behind the ears and under the legs where mats often form. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.

Step 2: Blow-Dry and Brush

Using a dog-safe blow dryer on a cool or low heat setting, dry your Pomeranian’s coat while brushing in the direction of hair growth. A slicker brush helps lift the fur and gives it that fluffy volume essential for even trimming. Once fully dry, use a metal comb to ensure there are no knots or tangles left.

Step 3: Trim the Body Coat

Set your clipper to leave about 1 to 1.5 inches of fur. Start trimming from the shoulders and work your way down the body, using even strokes. Avoid clipping too close to the skin. The goal is a soft, even length all over the body that still preserves the double coat.

Keep the trim uniform down the back, sides, and belly, blending the transition into the legs. Some groomers like to leave the chest slightly fuller to create a more rounded silhouette.

Step 4: Sculpt the Legs and Paws

Using your curved scissors, trim the legs into cylindrical shapes to maintain the "stuffed animal" appearance. Be sure to leave some fullness on the legs and avoid over-thinning. Round off the paws, trimming excess fur around the pads to create neat, compact feet.

This step adds polish and structure to the look and prevents dirt from getting trapped in the paw fur.

Step 5: Shape the Head and Face

This is the most defining part of the teddy bear cut. Brush all the facial hair forward, then begin shaping using curved scissors. Carefully round the cheeks and forehead, trimming evenly from side to side. The muzzle should be short and rounded but not shaved.

Trim around the eyes to ensure they remain visible and expressive, but be cautious—use safety shears and work slowly to avoid injury. Round the edges of the ears, blending them naturally into the face shape. The result should be a fluffy, symmetrical ball that resembles a teddy bear’s head.

Step 6: Tail Trim (Optional)

Some owners prefer to keep the tail natural and bushy, while others opt for a soft trim to enhance the overall look. If trimming, follow the natural shape of the tail, leaving a fluffy plume effect.

Maintaining the Look

The teddy bear style requires consistent upkeep. Here’s how to maintain the look between full grooming sessions:

• Brush daily or at least every other day to prevent matting and keep the coat fluffy.

• Wipe the face regularly, especially around the eyes and mouth, to keep it clean.

• Trim every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain the shape and length.

• Use dry shampoo or grooming wipes between baths if your Pom gets dirty.

• Monitor coat health, and never clip too short—damage to the undercoat can lead to permanent hair loss.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Shaving the coat too short: This can permanently damage the coat and disrupt temperature regulation.

• Using the wrong tools: Dull scissors or incorrect clipper guards can result in uneven cuts and injury.

• Skipping brushing before a bath: Water can tighten mats and make them worse.

• Over-trimming the face: The teddy bear style relies on fluff and shape—cutting too much can ruin the effect.

When to See a Professional Groomer

If you’re new to grooming or unsure about clipping your dog’s coat safely, it’s best to consult a professional. A skilled groomer can create the teddy bear look while preserving your Pom’s coat health. You can also request a tutorial or demonstration to learn the proper techniques for home maintenance.

Conclusion

The teddy bear cut is a perfect match for the Pomeranian’s adorable charm and energetic personality. It balances practicality with style, Pomeranian style making your dog look like a real-life stuffed animal. While it does take time and care to execute properly, the results are well worth it. Whether you’re grooming at home or with a professional’s help, the teddy bear look is sure to draw smiles and compliments wherever your fluffy companion goes.