Whether your dog has smooth and shining fur, unruly curls, or a puffy undercoat that sheds constantly, grooming is important. Dogs of all breeds can use a little trim every once and a while.
Grooming helps your dog to look his of her best. Beyond that, taking care of that overgrown mane can make a huge difference in their overall comfort.
With a good trim, your furry friend will be able to stay cool during the summer.
Professional grooming sessions come with a substantial cost. Furthermore, many dogs have a difficult time working with a complete stranger that's armed with noisy tools. For these reasons, many dog owners opt for the self-service route.
The market is filled with great equipment to trim back fur and give your dog the grooming they need. These tools allow you to save money and make the experience more enjoyable for your pup.
You know your dog better than any professional groomer. You already have the trusting relationship needed to keep your canine companion calm and comfortable.
Here's a selection of some of the best dog clippers that money can buy.
Top 5 Best Dog Clippers That Work With Any Breed, incl Poodles & Dogs with Thick or Matted Fur
1. Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper, Professional Animal Grooming
These clippers from Andis are designed to be powerful and quiet. It's a variable-speed model that comes with two built-in settings. You can set the unit to run at 3,400 or 4,400 RPM.
The blade can be detached for easy cleaning. In terms of performance, the clippers are designed to run quietly without overheating. There's no air vents or fans. This minimizes noise. The product is also easy to maintain. You don't need to oil internal parts to ensure consistent performance.
The mechanics are hidden behind a shatter-proof housing. The clippers come with a 14-foot cord so that you have plenty of room to maneuver.
2. Oster A6 Cool Comfort Heavy Duty Clipper with Detachable Blade #10
[easyazon_link identifier="B00ADWJSVC" locale="US" tag="dailydogg-20"]This model from Oster[/easyazon_link] is carefully designed to reduce discomfort for your dog. The internal motor is surrounded by vibration isolators. They help to minimize noise and vibrations that would normally transfer to your dog's skin.
The clippers can run at three different speeds. The lowest operates at 3,100 RPM while the medium and high modes run at 3,600 and 4,400 RPM respectively. A metal faceplate helps to keep fur out of the device while it's in use.
When you're finished, the plate can be removed for easy maintenance. Soft grip material covers the body of the device so that you can stay comfortable while you groom your dog.
3. Andis EasyClip Pro-Animal 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper Kit
If you're looking for the best in versatility and performance, consider [easyazon_link identifier="B00UT553Q2" locale="US" tag="dailydogg-20"]this model from Andis[/easyazon_link]. It's a variable-speed model with 5 different settings. The lower speeds are ideal for sensitive areas or to keep the unit cool. The highest speed can help you achieve a smooth finish.
The EasyClip Pro-Animal is a corded model that uses a magnetic motor that can reach speeds up to 7,200 RPM. It comes with a size 10 ceramic blade that's built to retain its hard edge.
The blade detaches for maintenance. The body of the unit is made for comfort. It has an anti-slip material that's soft to the touch.
4. Wahl Motion Lithium Ion Clipper
[easyazon_link identifier="B00EZQ2WTC" locale="US" tag="dailydogg-20"]This option from Wahl[/easyazon_link] is cordless and versatile. Its strong battery provides you with up to 90 minutes of power. It's designed to run cool with fewer vibrations to help your dog feel comfortable.
The body of this device is sleek. It's ergonomically designed to help you get the job done. There's even a removable scissor grip. The clippers come with a unique 5-in-1 blade. The single blade can be adjusted to size 40, 30, 15, 10, and 9.
The motor utilizes constant speed control technology to deliver 5,500 RPM. The set comes with 6 different combs, maintenance accessories, and a charger stand for your convenience.
5. Oster A5 Two Speed Animal Grooming Clipper
[easyazon_link identifier="B000LRN31A" locale="US" tag="dailydogg-20"]The Oster A5 clippers[/easyazon_link] are a variable-speed model. They can provide you with 3,000 or 4,000 RPM depending on your particular needs. You can easily switch speeds with a simple flick of a switch at the bottom of the unit.
The housing is rounded and features vertical grooves to improve grip. A size 10 blade is included. The blade is made of hardened steel that's gone through a unique cryogenic process. This manufacturing process helps to prolong the life of the blade.
It's corded for consistent power. The cord measures roughly 12 feet long. The clippers come with blade oil, clipper grease, and cleaning brushes.
2 Budget Options
1. Wahl Home Pet Pro-series Complete Pet Clipper Kit
Groom your dog without breaking the bank with [easyazon_link identifier="B002R85GMU" locale="US" tag="dailydogg-20"]this device from Wahl.[/easyazon_link] It's a single-speed clipper that can be operated with or without a cord.
A built-in lithium-ion battery provides up to 45 minutes of use on a single charge. If you're out of juice, you can plug in the included cable and continue to groom.
Self-sharpening steel blades are used. They're specifically designed to get through even the toughest dog fur.
The set comes with 4 different attachable combs, oil, brushes, a blade guard, and a handy storage case to keep everything protected.
2. Wahl Professional Animal Deluxe U-Clip Pet Grooming Kit
[easyazon_link identifier="B00A8D95OG" locale="US" tag="dailydogg-20"]This clipper[/easyazon_link] is designed for dogs with smooth and short hair. It's a single-speed model that can run at speeds up to 7,200 RPM. An adjustable blade is included.
It's made from stainless steel and can be adjusted with a switch to size 30, 10, or 15. The product is corded. The cord has a length of 8 feet.
It comes with a variety of accessories. 7 different combs allow you to cut fur in lengths ranging from a tight 1/8 of an inch up to 7/8 of an inch. They're each color-coded for easy organization.
The set also comes with maintenance tools, a storage case, and a how-to DVD.
A Quite Alternative for Sensitive Dogs
Scaredy Cut Silent Home Pet Grooming Kit For Dogs
Give your dog a stress-free grooming experience with [easyazon_link identifier="B004ZEJDL4" locale="US" tag="dailydogg-20"]these clippers[/easyazon_link]. Unlike traditional options, these clippers are completely manual. There's no worry about unwanted noise or vibrations. They're designed very similarly to scissors but feature detachable combs that help you achieve the results you want.
The 7 included combs allow you to cut between 1/2 an inch up to a full inch of fur. The clippers feature two distinct blades to cut through the fur. One is serrated while the other is smooth and easy to sharpen. Gel inserts in the finger holes make the clippers comfortable to use. You can also adjust the tension of the product with a simple twist of a screw.
What to Look for in Dog Clippers
On the search for those perfect clippers for your dog, you'll quickly find that the options are plentiful. While it can be a bit overwhelming to comb through the details, it's important that you take time choosing the right model.
There are a number of features to look out for that can help you narrow down your choices. You can choose specific characteristics based on your dog's needs.
Power
One of the most important factors to consider is how much power the Clippers have. Clippers come with a built-in motor that moves the blades so that you can glide the unit through your dog's fur with ease.
The blade spins rapidly at a specific speed. This speed and power are represented as rotations-per-minute, or RPM. The higher the RPM, the more powerful the clippers are.
The power you'll need will depend entirely on your dog's fur. Thick and matted fur will need more power to get through. Fewer rotations will only cause the fur to tangle up or knick the pup's skin. This can cause discomfort and pain. Clippers with more power can make the task quicker and easier.
With that being said, it's not always recommended that you go with the highest power available for the sake of being safe. Higher RPM clippers tend to be louder and generate more heat, which could also be bothersome to your pooch. It's important that you match the power of the clippers to the job you're performing.
Design
Generally, clippers are available in two basic designs: single-speed and variable-speed. Single-speed clippers are built to provide a constant RPM whereas variable-speed clippers provide you with the option to change the settings based on the job you're performing.
Single-speed models are great for beginners or if you have a single dog that needs grooming. They don't heat up as fast and are easier to operate. Variable-speed options are built with professionals in mind and provide you with the versatility to accomplish a perfect finish.
Corded vs. Cordless
This choice is mainly up to personal preference. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Corded clippers can be difficult to maneuver. This is especially true if you have a rowdy dog. However, cordless models come with the added hurdle of battery charge.
Batteries usually run out of juice after an hour, so you'll have to remember to keep the unit charged at all times. Furthermore, a draining battery can affect the device's performance.
As you lose power, the RPM level may decrease and cause tangles. Usually, cordless models are built with less power. They're ideal if your dog's fur is soft, supple, and easy to get through.
Size and Weight
While clippers are built to be small, they can quickly cause arm pain the longer you hold onto them. Keep the unit's size and weight in mind when choosing a product. Look out for ergonomic designs and a smaller footprint to ensure that you'll have no problem getting the job done from start to finish.
Noise and Vibration Level
The motor used to move the blades will create significant noise and vibration. This can startle sensitive dogs and make it difficult for you to trim their fur. Keep this in mind when you're looking for clippers for your pooch.
The noise and vibrations produced by the motor are directly related to its power. It may be a tradeoff that you'll have to make. Luckily, many reputable brands are designing their systems to cut back on these issues.
Look out for options that are capable of staying quiet for longer periods of time to ensure that your furry friend stays calm.
Blade Quality
Clippers are only as good as their blades. Advances in technology and manufacturing have opened up the possibilities quite a bit in terms of dog grooming. Blades were once only made of stainless steel. Today, there's a number of different designs to achieve unique results.
Ceramic blades are regarded as some of the best. They hold up well through many grooming sessions and stay cool for much longer. When you're choosing clippers, take a look at the blade. Make sure that it's built to last. Also, pay attention to blade compatibility.
Some brands utilize blades that are readily available for easy replacement. Others use proprietary blades that are more expensive and only available from the original manufacturer.
Comb Selection
Clippers often come with a selection of combs. These combs snap onto the blade. They're available in a range of sizes to achieve different lengths.
Some combs also make it easier to get through certain types of fur. Clippers come with sets of up to 10 different combs. Make sure that the options included will work for your dog.
Included Accessories
Most clippers come with some extra tools to help you maintain your investment. They may come with brushes, oil, and even a carrying case. The brush and oil are an important part of upkeep.
The blades will dull over time. Eventually, they'll start to pull the fur and cut unevenly. Apply a bit of oil to the blades and brush off any stray fur after each use. Look out for clippers with these tools included so that you don't have to make a separate purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Human Hair Clippers on My Dog?
If you have a pair of standard human hair clippers, you may be tempted to save your money and use those. However, doing so can lead to more expenses and pain to your dog. Human hair clippers are no match for the fur of a dog.
Human hair is much smoother and thinner, thus, they don't need as much power. Dog clippers also have blades with more teeth in them. Using a human hair clipper on a dog will cause the motor to overheat the blades to dull out much faster. Ultimately, this could lead to you burning and cutting your dog's skin.
How Noisy is the Average Clipper?
Dog clippers often produce enough noise to scare sensitive dogs. While it may not seem like a big deal to us humans, the loud buzzing is a lot for their delicate ears.
The exact noise level of your clippers will depend entirely on the power they hold. Higher RPM speeds will produce a louder buzz.
Generally, you can expect a constant low buzz that may require you to speak louder to calm your dog. Clippers also produce a startling "click" when they're first turned on.
Are there Specific Clippers for Poodles?
Poodles have unique curls that can present a problem for groomers. These curls can lock into one another and tighten. Poodles are very prone to matting, so you'll need robust clippers that can get through the thickest hair.
It's best to get a corded model that can provide you with consistently high cutting power. Variable-speed models are a great choice because you can make adjustments to prevent sticking and over-heating.
* All of the top 5 clippers in the review section above are suitable for tackling poodle fur.
Related - Big Fluffy Dog Breeds
Over to You
Grooming your pooch on your own doesn't have to be difficult. All it takes are the right clippers. It's a worthy investment that can help you save money in the long run. You can keep your canine companion comfortable, cool, and looking sharp.
Also Read: 10 Long Haired Dog Breeds
