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If you’ve ever admired a fluffy Shih Tzu or Maltese with their hair neatly tied up, you’ve seen the magic of a doggie topknot. Not only does this grooming technique look adorable, but it also serves important purposes like protecting the dog’s eyes and keeping their hair healthy.
Whether you’re going for a playful ponytail, pigtails, or a neat bun, topknots are a quick way to make your pup look polished while protecting their health. With just a few tools and some practice, you can master this at home safely and with style.
Which Dogs Can Have a Topknot?
While any long-haired dog can rock a topknot, they’re especially common on breeds such as:
- Maltese
- Shih Tzus
- Lhasa Apsos
- Chinese Cresteds
- Mixed breeds with long coats
Whether you want a neat everyday style or a little flair with bows and accessories, topknots are versatile for both males and females.
What is a Topknot?
In everyday terms, a topknot is simply a ponytail—or sometimes pigtails—tied up on the top of the head, usually with a rubber band made for hair. In pet grooming, we use the term “tied-up topknot” to describe this same style when it’s done on dogs.
Why Topknots are Important
The purpose goes beyond looks: tying up the hair keeps it neat, prevents tangles, and most importantly, keeps strands out of the dog’s eyes. While it might look like a fashionable ponytail, in the grooming world it’s more than just style—it’s comfort and care.
- Protects eyes: Keeps hair from rubbing against your dog’s eyes, preventing scratches, unnecessary irritation or infections.
- Keeps hair healthy: Changing out the topknot every day or every other day reduces breakage and tangling, while maintaining healthy skin.
- Comfort: As the hair on the top of the head gets longer, dogs can be bothered by the hair getting in their eyes, ears, and mouth. If hair gets trapped around your pets teeth, that can also cause issues with dental health.
What You’ll Need
- A rolled towel or grooming pillow (to rest your dog’s chin)
- Treats (to keep your pup calm and happy)
- A fine metal comb or rat-tail comb (for clean parting)
- Small dog-safe rubber bands (not office rubber bands!)
- Light brushing spray (e.g., iGroom Magic Mist or Les Pooch Detangling Spray; avoid silicone sprays)
- Optional: bows, clips, or small accessories
Step-by-Step: How to Do a Topknot
1. Prep the Hair
Always start with a dog that has been bathed and properly dried. Clean hair is key to keeping it healthy and looking great. Comb out any tangles before beginning.
2. Position Your Dog
Roll up a towel and place it under your dog’s chin. Gently guide their head down to rest on the towel, and reward with treats. A calm dog makes the process smoother. If you have someone that can help, sometimes it can be helpful for them to hold a long spoon with peanut butter or yogurt on it. You can even prepare by putting some yogurt on a spatula and freezing it for longevity while placing the topknot.
3. Section the Hair
- Using your comb, start at the corner of the eye and draw a half-circle up to the top of the ear. A rat-tail comb is especially helpful here for precise parting.
- Part the hair in the middle if doing pigtails and do each side separately.
- Gather this hair section neatly—straight lines help the topknot stay secure and prevent matting.
4. Secure the Topknot
- Spray lightly with brushing spray to reduce flyaways.
- Gather the hair and place the hair-safe elastic band. It does not need to be especially tight. Leaving some give in the pony tail is good as it helps with movement and ensures safety.
- Use your comb to slide under the band to make sure no skin is caught—this is very important for safety.
5. Style Options
- Simple Ponytail: Classic look, leaves the hair long and more natural in appearance.
- Bun: Twist hair around itself before banding for a neat bun. This style generally needs two elastic bands rather than just one. If there is a significant amount of hair, you will need to place a band before wrapping into a bun.
- Pigtails: Part the hair down the middle and make two small topknots. This can be a fun, extra cute look.
- Braids: For longer coats, you can braid the top section of hair before securing with a band. This keeps hair secure, reduces tangling, and adds a stylish twist to your dog’s look.
- Masculine Look: Poof the front section slightly forward before tightening the band at the back for a more “boyish” style. Using your rat tailed comb, put the tail end of the comb in the front of the topknot and gently pull small sections forward before tightening the back of the topknot.
Safety Tips
✔ Change out the topknot every 1–3 days to avoid breakage and sores.
✔ Always use grooming elastics, not household rubber bands.
✔ Never pull the hair too tight—it can be snug but comfortable.
✔ Double-check that no skin is caught under the band.
Final Thoughts
With a little practice, creating a topknot can become part of your dog’s regular grooming routine. It keeps their hair healthy, their eyes safe, and gives them a polished, adorable look. Whether you choose a playful ponytail, a bun, or stylish pigtails, topknots are a fun way to care for your long-haired pup at home.
