If you are planning to show your Poodle in the breed ring, the ears are never clipped. Only the bottom edges are scissored to create a more balanced outline. On all the pet Poodle trims, however, the way the ears are groomed is a matter of personal preference. They may be left with full feathering, they may be partially clipped with tassels left on the bottoms, or they may be clipped short.

Full Feathered Ears

Fully feathered ears are required for all the show trims and are very attractive in many pet trims as well.

Once the topknot has been shaped, most professionals like to scissor a slight indentation at the top of the ears, just enough to show a definite separation between the topknot and the ear. To finish the ears, comb the feathering straight down. Then round the edges with your shears to neaten any straggly hairs at the bottoms or to shorten excessive length for a more balanced appearance. Make both ears even in length and shape.

Tasseled Ears

Tasseled ears are currently out of fashion; most professionals and pet owners currently prefer the elegant look of full-feathered ears. However, tasseled ears can be a sensible choice for Poodles who experience chronic heavy, waxy secretions in their ear canals which condition is then further aggravated by poor air circulation.

1. Sit the Poodle on the grooming table, facing you. Use a No. 15 blade. Always use the clippers in one direction, from the top of the ear downward. Never turn them the opposite way, or you will cut the flaps of skin on each side of the leather! In so doing you will cause the dog considerable pain and bleeding.
2. Lay the ear flat on the palm of your hand. Start at the top of the ear and clip downward. If you prefer a full tassel, clip to the middle of the ear. If you prefer a slimmer tassel, clip to within 1 inch of the end of the leather.
3. Clip the inside of the ear as far down as you clipped the outside.
4. Press your thumb and index finger on the edge of the leather, and scissor along the edges to remove the shaggy hairs.
5. Clip the opposite ear in the same way.
6. The tassels may be left long, or shortened to a length of from 1 to 2 inches.

Fully Clipped Ears

Ears that are clipped short are good choices for country or working Poodles, especially those trimmed in the Retriever clip or the Miami clip. The hair is shortened to a length of 1/2 inch all over.

1. Sit the Poodle on the grooming table, facing you. Best results are obtained by using a No. 5F blade on clean hair.
2. Lay the ear flat on the palm of your hand. Start clipping at the top of the ear, and clip down to the end of the leather.
3. Clip the inside of the ear.
4. Press your thumb and index finger on the edge of the leather, and scissor around the ears to neaten any untidy hairs.
5. Clip the opposite ear in the same way.

On the German trim, the ears are clipped in the same way as described here, except that a No. 10 or No. 9 blade is used in place of the No. 5F.