by Sasha Riess | 15.07.26. | Coat Care
How We Complicated Everything and Lost the Dog in the Process In the world of dogs, at first glance, everything appears as endless diversity. Different breeds, different coat textures, different colors, lengths, and densities. One dog has silky, flowing hair, another has a dense and curly structure, a third has a harsh and wiry coat.
Everything seems to require completely different approaches, different grooming methods, and different cosmetics. It is precisely on this perception that the entire modern dog grooming industry has been built, becoming more complex, more fragmented, and increasingly difficult to understand, both for professionals and dog owners.
But what if this diversity is not what we truly see? What if the difference exists only on the surface, while the essence remains the same?
Skin Biology: The Truth the Grooming Industry Does Not Tell You
When we begin to observe a dog’s coat not through the lens of aesthetics, but through the lens of biology and function, the picture changes. Beneath all these variations lies the same system. Skin as the foundation, the follicle as the production unit, keratin as the structure, sebum as the protective mechanism.
Whether we are looking at a Yorkshire Terrier or a Poodle, a Maltese or a Schnauzer, the fundamental principles remain the same. The difference is not in how the system functions, but in how it is expressed externally.
In other words, what appears different on the outside functions according to the same laws at its core. This understanding does not only offer a new perspective, it shifts the very foundation upon which the industry has been built.
For decades, we have been taught that grooming must be fragmented. That every coat type requires a specific product, a specific formula, and a specific treatment. The more variations, the more products. The more products, the more complexity.
In that process, groomers have become dependent on a wide range of formulations to achieve consistent results, while dog owners have remained in constant confusion about what to choose.
What is rarely questioned is the origin of this approach.
If we look deeper, it becomes clear that most cosmetic concepts for dogs did not arise from an understanding of canine biology, but were borrowed from human cosmetology. And human cosmetology, to a large extent, has not been shaped solely by science, but by strong market forces.
Product development followed the rise of consumerism. Every difference in hair structure became the basis for a new product category, every problem an opportunity for a new formulation, every nuance a reason for another choice.
Why Modern Dog Grooming Became an Inheritance of Human Cosmetics
In this way, not only cosmetics developed, but also the perception that complexity is necessary. This model was almost imperceptibly transferred into the world of dogs.
The coat became the equivalent of human hair, and differences in its structure began to be interpreted as entirely different systems, rather than variations of the same biological process.
Formulas and approaches developed for humans were transferred without critical evaluation, ignoring the key differences in anatomy, function, and growth cycles between canine coats and human hair.
Thus, a system emerged in which complexity is no longer a reflection of real need, but the inheritance of a different way of thinking.
When viewed from a biological perspective, this approach reveals inconsistency. Instead of supporting the natural processes of skin and coat, it often burdens them. Instead of simplifying understanding, it obscures it. Instead of leading to stability, it often creates dependency on constant correction.
At that point, a different question becomes inevitable. Not what more we can add, but what we can understand.
When the focus shifts from external appearance to internal function, dog grooming ceases to be a sequence of technical steps and becomes a process of working with a living system.
The skin is no longer just a surface, but an active regulator. The follicle is no longer just a site of growth, but a dynamic unit that responds to conditions. The coat is no longer just material to be shaped, but the result of complex biological interactions.
In this context, cosmetics take on a completely different role. They are no longer tools for masking or short term correction, but instruments that support function.
Their purpose is not to imitate results, but to allow them to appear naturally. Instead of adapting to every external variation, they align with the fundamental needs of the system.
This does not mean that differences between dogs do not exist. They do, but they are not primary. They are the way in which the same system expresses itself through different forms.
When we work at the level of cause, these differences do not disappear, they come into balance.
This approach does not simplify dog grooming in a superficial way. On the contrary, it requires deeper understanding. But at the same time, it removes unnecessary complexity that has burdened the practice for years.
In this context, the groomer is no longer someone who selects products based on coat category, but an expert who understands the state of the system.
Someone who recognizes when to cleanse, when to stabilize, when to support. Someone who does not react to consequences, but works with causes.
For dog owners, this brings clarity where confusion once existed. Instead of endless product choices and uncertainty, the possibility of understanding emerges.
The focus shifts from the question of what to buy to what is truly needed.
When the system follows natural processes, diversity comes into balance.
And it is precisely in this shift that space for a different approach to cosmetics is created.
There are formulations that were not created to occupy another position on the market, but to answer an essential question. How to support the skin and coat as a unified system, regardless of external variations.
How to create stability instead of dependency. How to enable long term results instead of short term effects.
Such products do not rely on complexity to prove their value. Their strength is not in the number of variations, but in precision.
They do not try to impress, but to function. That is why they often do not appear spectacular at first glance. They do not promise miracles, they do not offer endless options, they do not create the feeling that you cannot move forward without them.
And it is precisely in that simplicity that their essence lies.
Because when something follows natural processes, it does not need to be complicated. It only needs to be aligned.
This understanding does not mean the end of diversity, but the end of misinterpreting diversity.
Everything still appears different. Different structures, different forms, different expressions. But now we know that beneath it all there is order.
And once we see that order, the way we perceive dog grooming changes forever.
We no longer look at the surface as the starting point. We no longer make decisions based on visual impression. We begin to understand the processes behind it.
And from that understanding comes a new responsibility. Because once we know the system is the same, we no longer have the excuse to act randomly.
At that moment, dog grooming stops being a routine and becomes a conscious practice. A practice that respects biology, understands function, and uses cosmetics as support, not as a substitute for understanding.
And perhaps that is the greatest shift. Not in the products. Not in the techniques. But in the way we see.
Because when perception changes, everything changes.
To discover more about how emotional alignment, balanced lifestyle, and authentic energy restore internal balance, read our canine coat care guidelines.
See you next time.
At Sasha Riess, we look past commercial labels to honor the unique biological blueprint of your companion. True health requires addressing the subtle internal patterns that create lasting vitality and pureloveandharmony. Discover the customized path to your dog’s longevity: Linktree Sasha Riess
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by Sasha Riess | 08.07.26. | Coat Care
Is This the End of Grooming as We Know It?
Modern holistic dog care is changing fast. Consequently, the dog grooming profession is evolving across the globe. New local laws and animal welfare debates now impact countries like Germany and Austria. Because of this, public conversations challenge traditional grooming habits. People demand better care for pets. Therefore, pressure grows on large clubs like the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, American Kennel Club, and The Kennel Club.
Conscious canine care stands at a historic crossroads. Indeed, professionals who adapt to new standards will secure the best future.
A Historic Step in Holistic Dog Care: Sasha Riess International College
We proudly announce a major evolution. Sasha Riess Academy now becomes Sasha Riess International College. Our new main headquarters is in Los Angeles, California. This step represents more than three decades of hard work, research, and global collaboration.
Now, we introduce the SAVE THE DOGS program. This advanced education focuses on animal welfare, responsible ownership, and long-term canine health.
Transform Your Salon Through a Modern Approach to Professional Dog Care
Today, technical grooming is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. To build a stable business, you must focus on the long-term quality of a dog’s life.
We offer our Dog Care Expert diploma program completely online. Students can study in both Serbian and English. This unique course prepares you for new industry demands. The curriculum combines three core areas:
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Canine communication and behavior – Learn about the nervous system, stress triggers, and sensory perception.
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Nutrition and nutritional planning – Master the power of the hidden 7% of minerals and living food.
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Hygiene, coat care, and grooming – Treat the coat and skin as primary health indicators.
Dog Nutrition: Allowed Fruits, Vegetables, and Mushrooms – A Complete Guide
Creative Flow in Grooming: The Moment When Technique Ends and Magic Begins
Can You Recognize a Urinary Infection in Dogs by Smell?
Why Does This Matter?
If you already work in the grooming industry, expanding your current services to include professional nutritional guidance and behavioral education can significantly broaden your professional portfolio. Consequently, it allows you to build stronger relationships with clients, provide greater value, and position yourself as a trusted, irreplaceable resource within your community.
Are you already working in the grooming industry? If so, you can expand your business easily. Adding professional nutrition guidance and behavior education will broaden your portfolio. Consequently, you will build stronger relationships with owners. You will provide greater value and become a trusted leader in your local community.
Modern holistic dog care rewards those who understand the whole animal. Do not focus on physical appearance alone. Stay ahead of global changes. Become a true leader instead of a victim. To explore our specialized curriculum and global educational standards, read our holistic behavior guidelines.
At Sasha Riess, we elevate professionals from simple stylists to certified guardians of canine vitality. Empower your practice with advanced biological knowledge to bring authentic health and pureloveandharmony to every dog you touch. Join the future of global dog care today: Linktree Sasha Riess
by Sasha Riess | 01.07.26. | Coat Care
Problems with dry skin in Maltese dogs often catch owners by surprise. However, this is not a rare issue for the breed. Sanja asked me whether it happens because the Maltese supposedly has no undercoat. She also wondered what she should use to treat it. Furthermore, she read that owners should increase humidity in the home during winter. These are all common misconceptions. I have been hearing them for years. Therefore, understanding how to treat maltese dry skin requires breaking down these myths, because the true solution relies on correct bathing techniques rather than changing your indoor climate.
Does the Maltese Have an Undercoat?
The claim that the Maltese has no undercoat is completely incorrect. There is no dog breed in the world without an undercoat. Some dogs may appear hairless, which is very rare, yet even they have both types of hair. From every follicle where hair grows, an undercoat grows as well. Whether it is small, silky, invisible, or does not shed, it still exists.
Regardless of whether we are talking about short-haired dogs, hairless breeds, or curly-coated dogs, the coat is composed of two types of hair: the undercoat and the outer coat.
Proper Bathing and the Maltese
When it comes to dry skin, the real cause is often the incorrect practice of using only shampoo during bathing, without conditioner. It is important that a Maltese is bathed frequently enough. Ideally, you should bathe your dog within an interval of 7 to 12 days. Never do it less often than that.
Why is conditioner so important? If you use only shampoo, it dries out both the coat and the skin. The skin then begins producing much more lanolin to compensate for the natural oils that were washed away. Lanolin is an extremely strong fat that creates a paradox. The more lanolin there is, the drier the skin becomes. It forms a thin layer on the skin that dries out and prevents new oils from surfacing, which ultimately leads to flaking. This destructive metabolic feedback loop shows exactly how to treat maltese dry skin by stopping the overproduction of lanolin.
Every dog breed has an undercoat, and the bathing process must always include conditioner to protect the skin.
Hydration as the Key to a Healthy Coat
What is actually shedding is skin overloaded with lanolin. We have placed the dog in an unnatural environment. An apartment has conditions very different from nature. Shampoo removes all oils because dirt adheres to them. If we truly want to bathe a dog properly, we must clean thoroughly, which includes removing natural oils.
That is exactly why the bathing process should not end with shampoo. It must always be completed with conditioner. Only then does bathing gain its full meaning for a breed like the Maltese, and further coat maintenance becomes much easier. Advice about increasing indoor humidity is unnecessary. The real issue is insufficient hydration of the coat and skin. The only reliable way to achieve proper hydration is to apply conditioner to a clean coat. To explore more about professional hygiene routines, proper bathing intervals, and advanced protection for your dog’s skin, read our holistic coat care guidelines.
At Sasha Riess, we look past popular myths to honor the unique biological blueprint of your companion. True coat health requires proper external care to create lasting vitality and pureloveandharmony. Discover the customized path to your dog’s longevity: Linktree Sasha Riess
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by Sasha Riess | 30.06.26. | Coat Care
This isn’t just an article. It’s a confession. When analyzing how show grooming affects purebred dog health, a deep look beneath the surface reveals a shocking shift from traditional care to mechanical illusion. What began as a functional practice to enhance a working dog’s performance—trimming the coat to keep it out of the eyes, cleaning up the feet to avoid matting in the field—has, over the decades, transformed into something else entirely. Grooming became performance. Performance became prestige. And prestige? It began to cost us something far greater than ribbons. It began to cost us the dogs.
The Fall Hidden in the Flourish
As the show ring glittered with meticulously groomed specimens, a darker reality was quietly taking root beneath the fluff. Breeds once defined by function became defined by silhouette. The Poodle, once a water retriever with a practical cut, now parades in stylized clips so rigid they disqualify dogs who deviate from the rulebook. The Shih Tzu, once a hardy temple guardian, must now drag a floor-length coat simply to be eligible for the podium.
We, the groomers, became both artists and enablers. We raised the bar so high that only a select few could clear it—dogs who could tolerate hours of pre-ring preparation, and handlers who could sculpt perfection. And as these winners became the breeding stock for the next generation, we didn’t just influence fashion—we influenced genetics. This directly illustrates how show grooming affects purebred dog health, as we helped normalize styles that made coats harder for dogs to live with, rewarded exaggerated outlines that didn’t reflect comfort or function, and turned presentation into a goal in itself—sometimes at the expense of the dog’s well-being.
Beauty Over Biology
In celebrating grooming excellence, we unintentionally helped promote exaggerated features. While breeders shape genetics, groomers have shaped perception. Our combs and shears haven’t just sculpted coats—they’ve influenced public desire. We turned grooming from preparation into presentation, and the show ring rewarded it.
The Shift in Visual Standards
We mastered the art of camouflage: hiding faults, enhancing silhouettes, balancing proportions to suggest perfection. In doing so, we contributed to a standard of appearance that often overlooked function, comfort, and long-term well-being. What was once a finishing touch became a defining factor—one that quietly redirected the course of expectations, not only in the ring but in everyday dogs.
When Did Function Stop Mattering?
Let’s remember: function creates form. The retriever had a waterproof coat for a reason. The terrier’s wiry texture helped him navigate through brush. These weren’t aesthetic choices—they were evolutionary ones. But in the pursuit of aesthetic “perfection,” we’ve reversed the equation, breeding form without a job. Dogs were never meant to be static statues; they were meant to live, breathe, run, think, and feel. So here’s the hard truth: grooming helped glamorize a version of the purebred dog that no longer serves the dog. And it’s time we own it.
The illusion of perfection: Sculpting the traditional show clip to meet visual standards.
My Part in this Fall
I’ve stood in the world’s most prestigious rings. I’ve groomed legends. I’ve sculpted silhouettes that earned gasps from the crowd and bows from judges. I’ve handled dogs with million-dollar careers—icons of their breed. And yes—I finished over 800 champions across 33 breeds. But here’s the truth only time, regret, and self-reflection can reveal: I helped create the illusion that led to the decline of the very dogs I swore I loved. And worse—I was paid well to do it.
Working with the most demanding clients in the world meant I couldn’t just be a great groomer—I had to be a strategist, a fixer, a magician. They expected results, and I delivered them. I didn’t just groom dogs—I went the extra mile. I studied harder, looked deeper, traveled further. I handpicked my mentors and surrendered to their teachings and discipline. I merged their knowledge with my own instincts; I found ways to stay one thoughtful step ahead in the highly competitive environment of the show world.
Unlearning Old Habits
And in time, I realized something dangerous: it was even more exciting to win with a dog that wasn’t meant to win. The adrenaline rush was stronger. The applause meant more. It became a personal challenge to out-style, out-think, and outmaneuver everyone. While my original commitment was to groom and present great dogs, I found myself building winners out of charisma and flaws. I knew how to hide what shouldn’t be seen and highlight what couldn’t be ignored. I became a master of illusion.
Of the 800+ champions I helped craft, fewer than 20% were born for greatness—structurally sound, anatomically correct, truly brilliant. The rest? They had charm. Maybe a spark. But mostly… they had me. My hands. My eye. My talent for storytelling through scissors. And owners who were willing to pay for that. And I know I’m not alone. Every colleague I’ve ever spoken to agrees—we all had a few top dogs. But the reality is: every client wants a championship. And our job—unspoken but understood—is to deliver it, no matter what. If you don’t do it, someone else will. And that’s how it begins.
A Story I Never Told so Loud
Let me share something I’ve never spoken about publicly—at least not in writing, and never in the detail I’m about to offer in the context of this article. It was 1999, during the war in Serbia. My daughter Sara had just been born, and my wife was pregnant with our son Luka. The economy had collapsed, and clients were scarce. It was a slow, uncertain time.
Then one day, a woman walked into my salon with a Black Toy Poodle. She said he was her pride and joy, and she wanted to travel the world with him. “He deserves it,” she said. “And I want you to handle him—because I heard you’re the best.” He was charismatic. Showy. Full of spirit. He wasn’t structurally perfect, but he had that undeniable something. Then I looked in his mouth. He had only five incisors in the upper jaw. One was missing. A disqualifying fault. She told me she had already tried an implant. The body rejected it. Then she looked me in the eye and said, “Name your price.”
I knew the rules. I knew what this meant. But I also knew the war had wiped out every opportunity to earn. My family needed support; I needed a future. Here was a way out—if I was willing to look away from my values. And I did.
We began touring the world—from Japan to North and South America, from Finland to Israel. The dog became a sensation. When one judge whispered, “I’ve heard your dog has five teeth,” I smiled and said, “Let’s count together.” I lifted the lip. I touched one tooth twice, pretending to count six. The judge looked at me and nodded. “Just a rumor,” he said.
We won again. A legend was born—built on charm, charisma… and my silence. I did the job I was paid to do, and for a long time, that was enough for me to keep lying to myself—that what I was doing had a purpose. The dog’s career skyrocketed. He became an extremely popular breeding stud. That dog took my career even further into the spotlight, and the higher it went, the harder it became to step down. I remember sitting in the prep ring before Best in Shows, silently crying and telling myself, “This is the last one.” That thought lasted—until I wasn’t placed, and the client had already laid out the next full agenda of shows. If I hadn’t betrayed my principles, none of those puppies would have been born. But I did it—for survival. For my family. For myself.
Do I regret it? To be completely honest, I’m not sure what I would have done differently in that situation. But I do know that I have to tell the truth now. Because that story wasn’t just about one dog—it was a mirror of what our industry became: a world of glamour and pressure, performance and illusion, built on our silence. And to be even more honest, that wasn’t the only time. I did it again—many times—with other dogs as well. But that was the first time I truly broke my own moral code. Maybe I lost it for good that day, and from then on, it didn’t even matter. I don’t know. But maybe this is the cross I’m willing to carry for the rest of my life. And the only excuse I had was this: it was my job to do.
The Groomer’s Role in the Fall: The Real Impact of Show Grooming on Dog Health
Grooming used to be about preparation—revealing the best of a dog’s true nature. But over time, it became something else: performance. Pageantry. Perfection. We groomers didn’t just style coats—we shaped perception. We became the final line before the ring, the last chance to make a flawed dog look like a champion. When we succeeded, that dog got bred. That illusion got passed on. And no one ever asked how it happened. Because no one knew what we were capable of. Because we never told them. We were the silent killers of the dog.
By understanding natural canine anatomy, modern groomers can move away from camouflage and become trusted guardians of health.
A New Way Forward
It’s time for groomers to rise. Whether you groom show dogs or beloved pets, every groomer should have a solid foundation in understanding a dog’s structure, physiology, and overall well-being. This knowledge should be at the core of our practice, enabling us to identify and address issues that go beyond mere appearance.
By embracing this educational approach, we position ourselves as trusted partners in the professional dog world. Breeders, owners, and the industry as a whole will look to us for our expertise and insights. We must move beyond being a conduit for companies to sell products or a means to achieve a flawless look. Instead, we should stand as guardians of the dog’s health and well-being.
Embracing Anatomy Over Artifice
Grooming is more than just aesthetics; it’s a crucial part of a dog’s holistic care. As groomers, we see dogs more frequently than many other professionals, giving us a unique perspective and the ability to notice subtle changes that others might miss. This puts us in a powerful position to educate owners, advise breeders, and advocate for healthier practices. We need to shift the industry’s focus toward the holistic well-being of the dog. Our role isn’t just about making dogs look beautiful—it’s about ensuring they lead healthier, happier lives. By doing so, we elevate our profession and make a lasting impact on the industry. Let’s use our skills and knowledge to champion the well-being of the dogs we care for. Let’s become the trusted advisors that the dog world relies on. The future of grooming should be built on integrity, compassion, and a commitment to the true welfare of the dog.
Beyond the Ribbon, Back to the Dog
This article isn’t just my confession—it’s my offering. We built an industry that revolved around the dog. But somewhere along the way, in the pursuit of perfection, we lost the dog at the center of it all. The entire system grew around helping us mask the faults of the dog—offering colors, coat texturizers, and every imaginable product to conceal imperfections and enhance presentation. Clients were willing to pay for results, and the industry simply took their money. But what was the cost of that richness? In the show world, we became masters of illusion, perfecting the art of hiding flaws. Grooming competitions rewarded the skill of masking, and over time, craft turned into contest.
Yet, here’s the reality: only about 1.5% of groomers are involved in showing dogs. The vast majority of us serve pet owners who simply want their dogs to be healthy, happy, and beautiful. These pet groomers are the backbone of our industry. They may admire the show world for its elegance and artistry, but that world is changing—crumbling under the weight of its own illusions.
We need to ask ourselves: where do we draw the line between skill and deception? When does the craft we pride ourselves on become a disservice to the dog? If we claim to love dogs and dedicate our careers to their well-being, then we must prioritize truth over the ability to conceal faults.
There’s nothing wrong with helping a beloved pet look its best for its owner. That’s an act of kindness. But hiding faults in the show ring to create a false image of perfection—this should give us pause. We must turn our educational focus toward exposing the consequences of poor breeding practices and advocating for the health and integrity of the dog.
If we want to be trusted professionals, if we want to build a future where the dog truly comes first, we need to shift our perspective. Let’s use our skills to elevate the well-being of every dog we touch. Let’s bring the heart of grooming back to its roots: enhancing the dog’s quality of life, not just its appearance. This isn’t about abandoning the show world. It’s about transforming it, and transforming ourselves in the process. It’s about recognizing that the world we might have once idolized is in need of change—and that change starts with us. Let’s be the generation that speaks the truth, that values the dog over the ribbon, and that leads our industry with integrity and compassion. Right here. Right now.
With the courage to tell the truth—
And the love to do better.
The price of perfection: Celebrating a sculpted exterior on the winner’s podium, while internal anatomy is often left unconsidered.
From Illusion to Influence: The Groomer’s Role in Reform
As I proposed in my White Paper: “Embracing Dog Show Evolution: A Proposal for Reform in Purebred Dog Judging Culture,” if we, as groomers, master the Biomechanical Model, Harmony in Dog Structure, and the General Harmonic Net—not only can we understand the „why“ and „how“ behind what we’ve been trained to hide, but we can also use that knowledge to lead a fundamental shift. Rather than perpetuating illusions, we can become the trusted interpreters of structure and health.
Groomers stand in a unique position of influence. We know how faults are masked. We know how perception is shaped. And if we choose to shift our tools—from concealing flaws to revealing truth—we can guide the industry toward a more ethical, transparent, and welfare-centered standard.
This isn’t just a moral pivot—it’s a strategic one. When we become known as the professionals who can see through the illusion and explain what lies beneath, our value skyrockets. We are no longer just stylists—we become structural analysts, educators, and guardians of integrity.
This is our moment. Not to reject our craft, but to elevate it. Not to abandon the ring, but to purify it. Not to hide flaws—but to heal the system that created them. And through that, we will redefine not just how the world sees the dog—but how the dog is allowed to live.
To discover more about how healthy grooming practices, natural skin protection, and anatomical integrity support your companion’s well-being, read our holistic coat care guidelines.
At Sasha Riess, we look past commercial labels to honor the unique biological blueprint of your companion. True health requires addressing the subtle internal patterns that create lasting vitality and pureloveandharmony. Discover the customized path to your dog’s longevity: Linktree Sasha Riess
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by Sasha Riess | 26.06.26. | Coat Care
Among the questions owners ask me, the majority relate to poodles. Some wonder why the term hair is used for this breed instead of fur. They wonder if the reason lies in styling or in the quality of the coat. Ana, a dog lover, asked me whether a poodle’s hairstyle is simply a matter of taste or if other criteria exist. These are questions I hear constantly. Therefore, discovering the history behind traditional poodle grooming cuts reveals a fascinating truth. These styles originated from cold-water hunting requirements rather than modern fashion choices.
Identification: Why Is the Poodle So Close to Humans?
The country of origin of the poodle is Germany. However, after an imperial gift, it became recognized globally as a French breed. It was deeply admired among women of high social status. What I want to emphasize is that the poodle has proven exceptionally suitable for human identification. Its character feels familiar to people, which is why it remains one of the most widespread breeds in the world today.
In this process of identification, we often choose attributes more typical of humans than of dogs, hence the popular term “hair.” This choice has nothing to do with the actual coat itself. Breeds such as the Bichon or the Kerry Blue Terrier have a highly similar coat structure. However, the character of those breeds is not “poodle-like.” Humans have long identified deeply with the unique temperament of this breed.
History: From Goose Hunting to Fashion Runways
Although many people today immediately associate the poodle with extravagant hairstyles and show-ring fashion, the origin of these traditional trims was not cosmetic. The poodle served for centuries as a highly capable water-retrieving dog, especially in Germany, where it was used to retrieve waterfowl from cold lakes, rivers, and marshes.
Its athletic body allowed it to move efficiently through water and dense vegetation, but its dense curly coat created a serious challenge. When fully soaked, the coat could become heavy, slow the dog down, restrict movement, and increase the risk of exhaustion in cold water. Hunters therefore began clipping the coat strategically, not for decoration, but to help the dog swim, work, and survive.
The areas left covered had a specific protective purpose. Coat was preserved over the chest to help protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from cold exposure. These organs are central to circulation, breathing, stamina, and survival, especially when a dog is repeatedly entering freezing or near-freezing water. Hair was also left over the hips, loin, and hindquarters to help protect the kidneys and reproductive organs, which sit in vulnerable areas of the body and can be affected by prolonged cold and wet conditions. Keeping insulation over these regions helped guard the dog’s core body function while still allowing the rest of the body to move freely.
The pompons around the joints also served a practical role. They helped keep warmth around the elbows, hips, stifles, hocks, and other working joints while reducing the heavy drag of a full coat. This mattered because a water-retrieving dog needed flexible movement, strong propulsion, and protection from cold stress during repeated swimming and climbing in and out of water. The shaved areas reduced weight, improved speed, and prevented the soaked coat from pulling the dog down.
Over time, this practical working trim evolved into the more refined patterns we now recognize as the Continental and English Saddle trims. The Continental trim kept the strongest emphasis on protecting the chest, joints, hips, kidneys, and vital organs while exposing much of the body for efficient movement. The English Saddle trim developed as a fuller, more balanced version, with additional coat left over the hindquarters and legs, creating a more elaborate silhouette while still reflecting the same historical idea of protection, function, insulation, and mobility.
What began as a survival-based clipping pattern for a working water dog later became formalized into show presentation. The modern poodle trims may look decorative today, but their roots come from anatomy, organ protection, cold-water work, and the practical needs of a dog bred to retrieve in demanding conditions.
Recommended readin:
Watery Eyes in Dogs: When the Cause Is Not an Infection
A Dog Is Not a Toy: How to Properly Care for a Dog
How to Say Goodbye to a Dog: Offer Them Peace and Dignity
A Signature Style and a Mark of Identity
Today, there are five basic poodle clips. My personal favorite is the Puppy Clip, which truly marked my professional career. That elegant Scandinavian form became a highly recognizable signature of the Sasha Riess brand.
I have devoted much of my life’s work to poodles. Within the strict breed standard and through a deep knowledge of coat quality, I managed to leave my artistic mark on this breed. The poodle is far more than a fancy hairstyle. It is a true reflection of a centuries-long bond between human and dog. To explore more about professional clipping techniques, coat texture maintenance, and advanced hygiene routines for complex coats, read our holistic coat care guidelines.
At Sasha Riess, we elevate grooming from a simple cosmetic service to an art form that honors canine history. Protect the integrity of your dog’s coat to bring out true vitality and pureloveandharmony. Discover our professional standards for your companion: Linktree Sasha Riess
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by Sasha Riess | 25.06.26. | Coat Care
Maša, the owner of a Pekingese, inquired about the phenomenon of grooming this breed. She was intrigued by the sentence: “A well-groomed Pekingese is a happy Pekingese.” She wanted to know what the true path to that happiness is and whether it is more pronounced in this breed compared to others.
Genetic Mutation and Eugenics Within the Pekingese Lineage
Maša, first we must emphasize that we rarely see “true” show-quality specimens on the streets. What we usually see are modifications, genetic “mutations” that actually protect the dog from the harsh effects of eugenics. The Pekingese, similar to the German Shepherd, is a breed shaped and, in many ways, degenerated by human passion for specific utility. It was a dog that guarded the Chinese emperor, sleeping on his bed.
According to the laws of ancient China, no one around the emperor was allowed to sleep. Therefore, dogs were selected that could not close their eyes. Through selection, it was achieved that the Pekingese sleeps with open eyes, their eye appears three times larger than the eyeball, and the eyelids often cannot fully close. The second key point of selection was the dense coat: in winter it warmed the emperor, and in summer it cooled him.
From the Emperor’s Bed to a Happy Imperial Companion
Only a specially groomed dog could sleep in the imperial bed, and thus the concept of beauty became identified with this breed. Over time, owning a Pekingese became extravagant. Even today, their owners seem to belong to a different “breed” of people. A true Pekingese can rarely jump onto the bed by itself; it depends on the owner to lift it, and in that moment its happiness is complete. That is the path from a well-groomed dog to one that is happy because it is accepted into the intimate space of a human.
A lush undercoat requires bathing every 4 to 7 days with a mandatory conditioner.
Meticulous Grooming Routine and the Luxurious Pekingese Coat
The Pekingese has an exceptionally abundant coat that demands high awareness of routine. A proper coat is full of undercoat, which is often longer than the topcoat itself, which is why the fur easily tangles and mats. It is recommended that these dogs be bathed with shampoo and conditioner every 4 to 7 days. Although urban dogs today may have less undercoat, the basic principle remains the same: grooming is the key to their well-being.
At Sasha Riess, we recognize the profound historical and anatomical heritage woven into every strand of your companion’s coat. Honoring their unique lineage with meticulous, compassionate care is how we elevate their daily well-being into absolute pureloveandharmony. Pamper your imperial companion: Linktree Sasha Riess
