by Blake Hernandez
he Bolero in any variation just screams retro! It is a very old-looking style, and those who have been grooming for over two decades probably remember it fondly.
The dog used here is six weeks grown out from a clip and scissor Modern trim with the feet, face and tail base already shaved.
Fig 1) For Retro trims, the neck is actually shaved all the way around. I do the neck in the same length as whatever I did the face in originally.
Fig 2) The dog’s waistband is clipped to the same length as the neck for continuity, and for reference, it is set where the dog’s umbilical scar is.
Fig 3) A center part line should then be clipped down the dog’s spine, beginning with the pants.
Fig 4) Repeat this process on the jacket portion.
Fig 5) The bracelets should be set lower than any other Poodle pattern bracelets. This is so your dog still has nice length of leg with a scissored upper arm/leg.
Fig 6) Round your tail poof however is preferred. I used a large curved scissor and shaped from the back of the tail forward in order to keep the dog square in appearance.
Fig 7) Begin shaping the leg from the pattern line up using a large curved scissor. Make sure to mind the knee and round it forward.
Fig 8) Take the rear shorter from the point of rump through to the deepest point of the dog’s turn of stifle.
Fig 9) Shape your rear bracelet fuller at the top and in front of the foot to close the space from the back to the front of the dog.
Fig 10) Now shape the rear bracelet tighter at the bottom behind the foot with a detail-type curved scissor for an “up-on-toes” appearance.
Fig 11) Begin transitioning your shave work to scissor work seamlessly with a straight scissor.
Fig 12) Shave the front leg part line even with the one in the rear and bevel those transitions with a curved scissor.
Fig 13) Continue to transition the pattern lines to achieve continuity. Notice the “V” shape to the pattern line behind the dog’s head.
Fig 14) Finish it off with a big, smooth topknot of your choice using curved scissors.
I’d say this trim is probably best reserved for purebred Poodles, but, with the skills perfected, I could see elements of this trim added to many curly-coated personality trims for a special touch.