Most westie owners walk into a grooming salon and say “just the usual” – and then wonder why their dog comes back looking nothing like they wanted. The problem isn’t the groomer. It’s that westies have a specific coat structure that can be cut in very different ways, and if you don’t communicate what you want, you’ll get whatever the groomer defaults to.
Here are the most common westie haircut styles, what they look like, and what to actually say when you’re in the chair.
The Breed Standard Cut
This is what you see at dog shows. Longer body coat blending into a fuller “skirt” around the legs, a rounded head with pointed ears, and a longer chin and mustache. The coat is hand-stripped (not clipped) to maintain the correct harsh texture.
Unless you’re showing your westie, you probably don’t want this cut. It requires regular hand-stripping appointments, extensive between-visit brushing, and a groomer who actually knows the breed standard. The maintenance is significant.
The Teddy Bear Cut
This is the most popular pet westie cut, and it’s what I get for Sami. The body is clipped to a uniform shorter length, and the head is rounded into a soft, full shape. The ears are trimmed round instead of pointy.
The result looks like a stuffed animal – hence the name. It’s easier to maintain than the breed standard, keeps the coat manageable between grooming visits, and honestly, I think it looks better on most pet westies.
What to tell your groomer: “Teddy bear cut, round ears, body about [half an inch / one inch] all over.” Specify the length – groomers vary wildly on what “short” means.
The Puppy Cut
Everything is trimmed to one even length, usually about one inch all over, including the legs and face. This gives your westie a youthful, uniform look that’s extremely low-maintenance.
This is a great option for westie owners who aren’t interested in elaborate grooming between visits. It also works well for westies with skin allergies because shorter hair means fewer places for allergens to accumulate.
What to tell your groomer: “Puppy cut, one inch all over, keep the head rounded.”
The Summer Cut
A shorter version of the puppy cut – sometimes down to half an inch or even shorter on the body. The head stays slightly longer and rounded.
I do this with Sami in the summer, especially when we’re traveling. Shorter coat means less maintenance on the road, less heat retention, and faster drying after baths. During Portuguese summers, a shorter cut makes a noticeable difference in his comfort level.
One caution: don’t shave a westie down to the skin. The double coat protects against sunburn, and shaving can damage the coat texture permanently. A short clip is fine. A full shave is not.
What to tell your groomer: “Summer cut, half inch on the body, keep the head a bit longer. Don’t shave to skin.”
What I Specifically Ask For With Sami
After years of trial and error, here’s my exact request:
Chin and mustache quite short – because it’s easier to keep clean. Sami gets food in his facial hair constantly, and a shorter cut means less wiping after meals.
Skirt shorter than standard – purely practical. A long skirt drags on the ground, picks up dirt, and mats faster.
Round teddy bear ears – not the classic pointy tips. Personal preference, but I think it suits him better.
Body hair slightly shorter than typical – because I love the puppy look on him, and it’s better for his skin.
No perfume or cologne at the end. This is non-negotiable. Fragranced products are one of the fastest triggers for skin irritation in allergy-prone westies. Tell your groomer before the session starts.
How to Find a Groomer Who Knows Westies
Not all groomers have experience with double-coated terriers. Before booking, ask:
Do they know the difference between stripping and clipping? Even if you want your westie clipped, a groomer who understands the coat structure will do a better job.
Can they do breed-specific cuts for terriers? A groomer who mostly works with doodles and retrievers may not know how to shape a westie head properly.
Will they skip the fragrance spray at the end? If they push back on this, find a different groomer.
Show photos of what you want. Bring reference images to your appointment – it’s the single most effective way to get the haircut you’re picturing. What you call a “teddy bear cut” might look very different from what your groomer imagines.
For the full grooming routine between professional visits – brushing schedule, bathing tips, nail care, and more – see our complete westie grooming guide. And for summer-specific grooming advice, check out grooming your westie in summer.
