Rated 4.7 Excellent 21,000+ Reviews.io
Have you ever wondered what the most popular dog grooming style is? Is the cut you typically ask for at the groomers still in style? Or is there a new trend emerging for your dog that you haven't tried yet?
At Groomers Online, we have developed our very own 2026 Dog Styling Report to dig into the data and show you the tried-and-tested cuts that have remained popular over time, trendy cuts at their peak, and emerging trends to keep an eye on.
Jump To:
Groomers Trend Intensity Scoring System
We have used a few metrics to develop our scoring system, and to give you the full picture, we’re about to provide a brief overview of how we built our ranking.
- Search Intent (50%): The collective monthly UK search volume for terms containing specific style keywords. This data shows which style owners are actively looking to book.
- Social Hype (30%): The total number of posts for specific style hashtags on Instagram. This statistic helps us to identify the “visual” trends driving the most engagement.
- Viral Velocity (20%): The most up-to-date interest score from the end of a 5-year Google Trends graph. This metric reveals which styles are rising in popularity and which are on their way out.
By combining these, we can reveal not just what is popular today, but the Sleeper Trends set to dominate salons throughout 2026.
Without further ado, here is our full report and some interesting stats we’ve collected.
The 2026 Trend Intensity Leaderboard
1. Lion Cut
The Lion Cut is our 2026 winner for the most-searched cut. Traditionally associated with Poodles, it involves shaving the rear of the body, the legs, and the tail base, while leaving a full, majestic “mane” around the head and chest.
- Why it’s trending: With nearly 150,000 Instagram posts, it has moved from the show ring to the street. Owners of Pomeranians and Doodles are adopting "modified" lion cuts to create a high-fashion, dramatic silhouette.
- Maintenance Level: High. The contrast between the shaved skin and the long mane requires regular conditioning and precise blending. This cut requires regular grooming and a high skill level for the groomer to complete it.
- Common Breeds: Historically reserved for Poodles and Lowchens (the "Little Lion Dog"). However, it is now a viral favourite among Pomeranians, Chows, and Doodle hybrids seeking a dramatic silhouette.
2. The Teddy Bear Cut
The undisputed search leader, the Teddy Bear cut is designed to make a dog look like a cuddly stuffed animal. It features a rounded face, fluffy ears, and a uniform body length (usually 1-2 inches).
- Why it’s trending: It remains the gold standard for the UK’s Cockapoo and Cavapoo population. It softens the dog’s features and maintains a "forever puppy" look that owners adore.
- Maintenance Level: Moderate. It requires professional grooming every 4–6 weeks to maintain the face's rounded shape.
- Common Breeds: The gold standard for Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus, and Maltese. It is the most requested style for any breed with a curly or wavy coat.
Owner Advice: To keep the fluff from matting, a daily brush-through with a slicker brush is essential. Also, make sure to reduce tangles with Groomer’s Coat Management Spray.
3. The Puppy Cut
Often confused with the Teddy Bear, the Puppy Cut is actually a utility trim. It involves cutting the hair to one consistent length all over the body, usually between half an inch and two inches.
- Why it’s trending: It’s the ultimate choice for busy owners. It offers a clean, tidy look that is significantly easier to wash and dry at home after muddy winter walks.
- Maintenance Level: Low-to-Moderate. This cut is perfect for busy pet owners, as it's one length, forgiving, and lasts longer between salon visits.
- Common Breeds: Highly popular for Yorkshire Terriers, West Highland White Terriers (Westies), and Lhasa Apsos. It’s also the default first cut for young dogs of almost any long-haired breed.
4. The Asian Fusion
This creative style focuses on high-fashion, "anime-like" features. It often features "bell-bottom" flared legs, pigtails on the ears, and an extremely short muzzle paired with round, puffy cheeks.
- Why it’s trending: This represents the biggest market gap. While search volume is low, social engagement is massive (51,000+ posts). Owners are seeing these anime-style dogs online and bringing photos to salons without knowing the term for them.
- Maintenance Level: Very High. This style is a technical cut that requires extreme precision from the groomer and daily "detangling" from the owner.
- Common Breeds: Exclusively for breeds with high hair density, like Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles, Maltipoodles, and Schnauzers.
5. The Kennel Cut
The Kennel Cut is a short, uniform shave-down, typically leaving less than half an inch of hair. It is the most functional of all styles.
- Why it’s trending: While it lacks social hype, it remains a constant for active, sporting breeds and senior dogs who struggle with long grooming sessions.
- Maintenance Level: Very Low. It’s the reset button for coats that have become unmanageable or for dogs that spend their days in fields. It is the perfect cut for active dogs, and we would recommend regular brushing at home between grooming visits every 6-8 weeks.
- Common Breeds: Most frequently used for Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, and Senior Dogs who find long grooming sessions stressful. It is also the "utility" choice for working dogs and active breeds prone to burrs and tangles.
FAQS regarding some of the most popular grooming cuts
What is the most popular dog grooming style in 2026?
Groomer’s data confirms that the Teddy Bear Cut is the most popular dog grooming style in 2026, leading in UK searches (17,590 monthly searches). However, in terms of social media influence, the Lion Cut is the clear winner, with nearly 150,000 Instagram tags, making it the year's most viral trend.
How is a Puppy Cut different from a Kennel Cut?
A Puppy Cut leaves more fluff (typically 1-2 inches) for a softer, rounded look. A Kennel Cut is a much shorter, functional shave (often 1/2 inch or less) designed for maximum ease of care and durability against the elements.
| Feature | Puppy Cut | Kennel Cut |
| Average Length | 1-2 inches (Even all over) | ½ inch or less (Short shave) |
| Visual Style | Soft, fluffy, and youthful | Neat, tidy, and athletic |
| Primary Benefit | Maintains a “cuddly” look | Maximum ease of maintenance |
| Best For | Pet owners and “Instagram” looks | Active dogs and muddy walks |
| Home Care | High (Requires daily brushing) | Low (Minimal brushing needed) |
| Drying Time | Longer (Holds more moisture) | Very fast (Wash and go) |
| Frequency | Every 4-6 weeks | Every 6-10 weeks |
Is Asian Fusion grooming difficult to maintain?
Yes. Due to exaggerated features such as flared bell-bottom legs and a rounded muzzle, it requires daily brushing with a high-quality Slicker Brush. Without this, the long hair on the limbs will mat quickly, potentially requiring a shorter utility cut at the next appointment to protect the dog's skin. Due to the high maintenance needs of this cut, we recommend scheduling regular grooming appointments to prevent matting.
Does a shorter cut like the Kennel Cut mean I can wait longer between appointments?
While a shorter cut is lower-maintenance day-to-day, we still recommend a professional visit every 6–8 weeks. Even if the hair is short, regular appointments are vital for nail clipping, ear cleaning, and checking for any skin irregularities that might be hidden under the coat.
|
Research Methodology & Data Sources Groomers Online synthesised three specific data streams to produce this 2026 report: Search Intent: Monthly UK search volume for terms containing the specific “style keywords” (Source: SEMRush). Social Sentiment: Total number of posts for specific style hashtags (Source: Instagram). Market Velocity: The most recent interest score at the end of a 5-year longitudinal graph (Source: Google Trends UK). Weighting: Scores are calculated as (Search Volume x 0.5) + (Social Count x 0.3) + (Google Trends Score x 0.2), normalised to a 100-point scale. |
| Style | SEMRush Volume (Monthly) | Instagram Hashtags (Total) | Google Trends (5yr Score) | Final Trend Score |
| Lion Cut | 12,690 | 149,000 | 74 / 100 | 92 / 100 |
| Teddy Bear Cut | 17,590 | 41,700 | 48 / 100 | 81 / 100 |
| Puppy Cut | 16,070 | 60,400 | 49 / 100 | 79 / 100 |
| Asian Fusion | 890 | 51,300 | 11 / 100 | 42 / 100 |
| Kennel Cut | 270 | 100 | 17 / 100 | 12 / 100 |
