1.
A “plume tail” may be left in its long and natural state, though some owners prefer to have it shortened.
2.
For highly stylized trims, the tip of the “pom-pom tail” should be almost in line with the top of the dog’s skull.
3.
If a dog has an overabundance of tail coat, do not bother the owner before trimming the tail.
4.
If time becomes an issue in a busy grooming salon, you can save time when trimming tails by not being overly picky, but make sure the tail is neat.
5.
On a “carrot tail,” there is always excessive length or a flag hanging off the back side of the tail.
6.
On a “pom-pom tail,” the tail structure should be long enough to allow you to clip a third of the base of the tail bone with a #10 or #15 blade in reverse.
7.
On “rat tails,” only the end of the tail is trimmed very close to the skin.
8.
On some “pom-pom tails,” the bone may be so short or non-existent that only a puff of fur can be left, hence a “bunny tail."
9.
Some breeds need no trimming or shaping to accentuate their natural tail style.
10.
The completed “carrot tail” shape looks like a thick carrot, wider at the base, tapering to the tip.
11.
The ideal ratio for a poodle type tail is ½ clipped, ½ pom-pom.
12.
The proper length of a “flag tail” is determined by trimming the tail tip even with the top of the hock.
13.
If shortening a plumed tail length with V snips, always hold your hand around the tail bone for protection.
14.
The shape of a poodle type tail will be more ball-like on pets that lack length in the tail bone.
15.
When a “carrot tail” is held upright, there should be no dip right in front of the tail where it meets the spine.
16.
When beveling the lower line of a pom-pom, comb the coat down and trim well below the clipped line.
17.
When creating a “flag tail,” the tail must be clean, properly fluffed, and brushed out.
18.
When shortening a “plumed tail,” make it look as natural as possible.
19.
When trimming a “plumed tail,” double check around the base of the tail for long strays or unevenness.
20.
When trimming is required on a short, natural tail style, it is best to hand scissor the tail.