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If you've been wondering which clippers you should buy to maintain your dog's coat at home, you've come to the right place.
As each dog is different, when it comes to clippers, each breed and coat type will require different grooming tools, creating a minefield of options when you're trying to shop for your dog.
With this in mind, we've compiled this handy guide on what to look for in dog clippers to make it easy to find the perfect pair for your dog. With needs and coat types considered, finding your ideal choice has never been easier.
Table of contents:
What are the best dog clippers?
Look at accessories and blades
What are the best dog clippers?
When choosing the best dog clippers for your dog, the first thing to consider is the grooming you plan to give them at home.
If your dog regularly visits the groomers and you're looking for something to touch up its coat between appointments, a lighter, inexpensive pair of clippers will be a great choice. The Andis Vida Cordless Clipper is a great example of this, as it is lightweight and ergonomic and designed for all coats and sizes, whether you're looking to give your dog a quick trim or a show cut.
Or, if you're more experienced in grooming and want to perform pristine show cuts on your dog at home, you'll probably require something much more heavy-duty, like the Andis Pulse ZR II Purple Galaxy Cordless Clipper; its super-long battery life is tailor-made for more detailed work.
For intricate, show-worthy cuts, you should always choose professional-rated dog clippers and a variety of blades and attachments to help you achieve various looks.
If you're new to clipping your dog's fur and are unsure where to start, it may be best to book an appointment with a professional groomer first to ask them for tips on maintaining your dog's coat at home between appointments.
What is your dog’s hair type?
The length, texture and thickness of your dog's coat will all affect the level of grooming it requires and will impact which clippers will work best. For example, a fine-haired dog or a dog with a short coat will require a completely different level of grooming than a dog with a longer or wiry coat.
Opt for a clipper with attachments if your dog has a long or especially thick coat. This will allow you to alter your grooming routine to suit the seasons and your preferences, such as the ability to clip the hair shorter in summer.
If your dog has a coat that is extremely matted or tangled, it is always advisable to take it to a professional groomer first; they will be more experienced in dealing with this coat condition without harming your dog. Then, you can ask them for advice on how to groom and maintain the coat at home to prevent your dog's hair from becoming matted.
Look at accessories and blades
If you're looking at higher-end, professional clippers, these usually come with attachments, including additional clipper blades and attachment combs to suit different coat varieties.
If you're new to grooming or are nervous about clipping your dog, use a clipper with an attachment guide comb to help keep the cut neat and even, preventing you from making any rookie mistakes.
When choosing the correct clipper blades for your dog's hair, the higher the number, the shorter the cut. Each blade will be labelled to detail the length of the cut, but specific numbers may vary between brands, so always double-check the details of your blades when purchasing.
Clipper blade numbers for dogs
Here is a general guide to clipper blade numbers and what they are generally used for:
- Blade #10 - Leave 1.5 mm to 1.8mm of hair. Used for sanitary trims, on the hair inside the ears and around the stomach, or for badly knotted or matted coats.
- Blade #15 - Leave 1.2 mm to 1.5 mm of hair. Used for the feet and paw pads. If you want to trim between the toes, we'd recommend investing in a trimmer.
- Blade #7 - Leave 3 mm to 4 mm of hair. Used for a smooth coat, a short body, or a knotted coat.
- Blades #3, #4 and #5 - The length of hair left behind ranges from 6 mm to 19 mm. Used for curly-coated bodies and medium to long coats.
- Blades #40 and #50 - Leave around 0.1 mm to 0.25 mm of hair behind. Used in surgery and wound care.
Remember that these blade numbers and hair lengths are a general guide and can differ between brands. Always check the clipper blade brand guidelines before investing in your blades.
Consider your dog’s nerves
Before investing in clippers or any home grooming essentials, it's important to consider your dog's nerves.
Often, dogs don't enjoy being groomed and may become anxious or restless or have trouble standing still, making your job even harder.
Opt for cordless dog clippers if your dog moves around during grooming. These rechargeable clippers mean you'll have full flexibility whilst grooming without being restricted by the cord.
Cordless clippers are also great if you sometimes need a grooming tool on the go, and their extra-long battery life means that you never have to worry about running out of charge.
Dogs in an uneasy state can also become even more stressed by loud noises, so a quiet clipper is the best choice if your dog is particularly anxious during grooming. The Heiniger Saphir Style Pink Paws Clipper is the perfect example, with an extremely quiet running sound ideal for anxious pets.
If you need more tips on grooming anxious dogs, why not read our blog post on How To Keep A Dog Calm During Professional Grooming?
Choose quality clipper brands
Now you know what to look for in a clipper for your dog, you'll want to choose clippers that won't just get the job done but will continue to do so for years to come. For this, you must ensure you choose clippers from a trusted brand.
Andis is well known throughout the industry as a producer of high-quality hair clippers, and their grooming collection is no different. From their single-speed clippers to their Lithium Ion Clippers, you're sure to discover your new go-to pair that is reliable and built to last.
Another exceptional clipper brand is Wahl, a tried and trusted brand throughout the industry with a wealth of experience spanning back to 1919. Explore standard Wahl corded and brushless motor clippers to find the right option for you and your dog.
How do I clip my dog at home?
When you finally invest in your clippers, refrain from using them immediately on your dog as it's important to take the time to get used to the sound and feel of them, so it doesn't develop any clipper-related anxieties.
Start by switching on the clippers near your dog, but don't place them on its fur until it becomes accustomed to the noise. Once your dog becomes more comfortable with the noise, you can touch the clippers against its fur, removing them again quickly if your dog becomes anxious or frightened.
By progressing with this technique slowly, giving lots of encouragement and rewarding your dog, eventually they'll become comfortable with the noise and feel of the clippers.
Once your dog is ready to be clipped, bathe them first to remove any dirt and tangles that could clog up the clippers and potentially stress out your dog. Then, work slowly and calmly with the clippers to clip your dog's hair, cutting toward the direction of hair growth.
If you're unsure how to start clipping your dog, ask your professional groomer for advice and guidance so you can safely maintain your dog's coat at home between appointments.
Shop clippers at Groomers to find your perfect pair Alongside Andis and Wahl, we stock an extensive collection of clippers and trimmers from a wealth of trusted brands at Groomers, so finding the perfect pair for your dog has never been easier. Or, for maintaining your professional dog grooming clippers, why not explore our clipper maintenance collection?
