Buying guide for best dog clippers
Some dogs need regular clipping to keep their coats neat and tidy, but not only does the cost of professional grooming soon add up, many dogs are also scared by the ordeal. Instead, you can buy your own dog clippers and groom your pup yourself at home. This will save you money over time, even if you splurge on expensive clippers, plus many dogs prefer having their coats clipped at home and are more relaxed.
If you're new to grooming your own dog, it might take some practice and a few bad haircuts to get it right. However, once you've learned your craft, it gives you the freedom to clip your dog's fur exactly how you like it. Still, there are a handful of decisions you need to make before you buy. For instance, do you want the power of corded clippers or the convenience of cordless ones? What kind of blade adjustability or guide combs will you need to trim your dog's coat just right?
Andis AGC2 Super 2-Speed Professional Clippers are our top choice. They're of professional quality, giving you precise results. They're powerful enough to work for all coat types and dog sizes. However, we also love Enjoy Pet Dog Clippers if you're looking for something more affordable for occasional or light use.
Best dog clippers
These corded clippers have a powerful rotary motor that provides two speeds for extra power and fast, smooth clipping. The high speed is ideal for thick coats, while the low speed is better for thin coats. Since they're corded, you don't need to worry about battery life. The motor runs relatively quietly, so it's not too stressful for your pet. The blade is made from durable stainless steel, which is easy to maintain, and it’s detachable, so you can easily switch to a different blade if needed. They come with four guide combs of different lengths to let you tailor your dog’s new ‘do however you want it.
If you're looking for affordable cordless clippers, these should be on your radar. They take three hours to fully charge but run for a total of seven hours before you'll need to charge them again. You can adjust the blade to five lengths for close trimming, plus the clippers come with four guide combs to lengths between 3 and 12 millimeters. They have three adjustable speeds, which makes it easier to tackle a range of coat types, although they can struggle with very dense coats. They emit between 50 and 60 decibels of noise, which is quiet enough not to startle dogs.
Thanks to their cordless design, these clippers are easy to use. They aren't as powerful as some corded models and are best suited to small and medium dogs with smooth or medium coats. However, if you're just looking to trim the face, ears and paws, you can use them for all breeds and coat types. The battery takes 75 minutes to fully charge and runs for 80 minutes. They also come with a spare battery, so you can switch them out when one runs out of juice. The stainless steel blade is interchangeable and adjustable to five lengths. They have four included combs, which are great for full-body clips.
With their powerful corded design, these clippers are suitable for dogs of all breeds and coat types. So, if you're working with a dense or curly coat, these might fit the bill. They have variable speeds, with the lower speed great for finer coats and sensitive areas and the higher speed perfect for thicker coats and full-body trims. The blade has undergone a hardening process to make it extra durable and long-lasting. Plus, the housing is exceptionally tough and chew-proof, should your dog manage to sink their teeth into it. While these clippers don't come with any guide combs for longer cuts, Oster sells them separately, should you need them.
Offering professional quality at an affordable price, these clippers are great for pet parents just delving into the world of home grooming, as they come with an instructional DVD. You can use them on dogs with silky, smooth, wiry, curly and medium coats — only owners of thick-coated dogs need look elsewhere. They're corded so battery life isn't an issue, and they pack a punch, although there's only one speed setting. The seven included guide combs let you trim fur to a range of lengths and they're color-coded to help avoid mishaps. The blade is made from durable high-grade stainless steel and is adjustable.
You might have heard of BaByliss grooming products for humans, but they also make a pet range. These clippers can be used cordless with a three-hour runtime. However, you can also use them corded if you forget to charge them. The stainless steel blades are durable and easy to maintain, plus the clippers have durable metal housing. Although they're suitable for all coat types, they're only up to trimming areas such as faces, paws and ears, rather than full-body haircuts. They have a single speed and come with two comb attachments, which improves their versatility.
These clippers are pricey, but they pack a punch, so they're a good choice if you're serious about home grooming or have a dog with a thick coat that needs regular clipping. Despite being cordless, they rival the power of top corded clippers, so you don't have to sacrifice power for convenience. They have a single-speed motor and run for up to two hours on a full charge, although the battery is removable, so you can switch it with a spare for longer runtimes. The included blade is made from rugged high-carbon steel and goes through a hardening process so it stays sharp for longer. Although these clippers only come with one blade, they're compatible with all Oster blades and guide combs.
The powerful motor that these clippers boast makes them strong enough for dogs with thick coats, reducing the chance of pulling or discomfort. They offer two speeds and run quietly at less than 55 decibels on the lower speed, which is good news for nervous dogs. The battery runs for up to five hours when fully charged, and the LCD display lets you keep an eye on the battery life. The eight included color-coded combs clip fur to between 1/8-inch and 1 inch, or you can use the clippers without a comb for an even closer trim.
These two-speed clippers are powerful enough to tackle all coat types and all breeds and sizes of dogs. The lower speed is great for precision trimming and cutting delicate areas, while the higher speed is more comfortable for thick-coated dogs and makes full-body cuts faster. They come with one durable carbon steel blade that holds its edge nicely. As it's removable, you can buy other blades and switch them out to achieve different lengths or extra precision. While these clippers don't come with combs, they're compatible with all Andis combs. Their corded design means you won't need to worry about running out of power.
What to know before buying dog clippers
Corded vs. cordless
Both corded and cordless dog clippers are available. Corded clippers must be plugged into a standard wall outlet, while a cordless model runs on a rechargeable battery.
The benefit of cordless clippers is that you can use them anywhere in your home even if there isn’t an outlet nearby. You also don’t have to worry about the cord getting in the way when you’re trimming hard-to-reach areas like around your dog’s ears or paws.
Cordless dog clippers aren’t always as powerful as corded models, so while they can handle light to medium coats just fine, they aren’t always able to cut effectively through coarse, thick fur. If you want cordless clippers that are as powerful as corded ones, expect a sizable price tag. You also don't have to worry about corded clippers running out of power in the middle of a grooming session.
Single vs. variable speed
Some dog clippers only offer a single speed, which is often easier to handle when you’re new to grooming your pet. Single-speed clippers tend to be lightweight, which can limit fatigue when you're using them for long periods.
You can also find dog clippers that offer variable speeds, so you’re able to choose between two to five speeds. Variable-speed dog clippers are more versatile and typically more effective for cutting through thick, coarse hair or knots and tangles. They’re also helpful if you need to groom dogs with coats of different thicknesses because you can choose the right speed for each pooch.
Blade material
Dog clippers feature blades made of a few different materials. Most models have stainless steel or ceramic blades, though some have blades made of a combination of the two. Both materials are durable and resist rust, but ceramic blades tend to stay sharp longer. You can also find dog clippers with chrome blades that are also rust-resistant, as well as models with silver blades that offer antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Blade type
Certain blades are better suited to specific grooming tasks, coat types or dog breeds. There are three main types.
- Finish-cut blades are effective for trimming and touch-ups between grooming sessions. They’re also suitable for use after your dog has had a bath and for dogs with coats that grow quickly.
- Wide T-blades are designed for giving your dog a complete shave. They’re also suitable for large dogs and those with double coats.
- Skip-tooth blades are meant for precision trimming, shaping and skimming. You should use them before your dog has been bathed.
Battery life
If you opt for cordless dog clippers, be sure to choose a model with a generous battery life so you don’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of grooming. Most models feature a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, but runtimes can vary.
For the most efficient grooming, choose dog clippers with at least 90 minutes of battery life per charge. Pay attention to the charging time required for the battery, too. Avoid clippers that take more than two to three hours to fully charge.
Combs
Clippers usually come with multiple snap-on combs that let you cut your dog’s hair to different lengths. Combs also keep the blades away from sensitive areas where your dog is likely to experience irritation or pain if you clip too aggressively or slip, which may be of concern for pet owners new to using clippers.
Ergonomic grip
To avoid hand and wrist fatigue, choose dog clippers with a comfortable handle. Opt for a model with an ergonomically designed grip that won’t put too much strain on your hand, particularly during long grooming sessions.
Noise
In most cases, the more powerful dog clippers are, the more noise they make. Many dogs can get anxious around noisy clippers, which can make the grooming experience difficult for both of you. If you’re concerned about your dog getting upset, look for clippers that operate at no more than 50 to 60 decibels.
Tips
- Before you groom your dog with a new set of clippers, always read the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for safe, effective operation.
- If your dog is new to getting clipped, have them get comfortable with the sound of the clippers by running them without using them. After a few test runs, your dog should be used to the noise, so they aren't as anxious when you actually trim their fur.
- Wash your dog and brush out any tangles or mats before using your clippers to prevent the blades from tugging at their fur. Make sure your dog is completely dry before clipping, too.
- Make sure that the blades on your clippers are sharp so they don’t pull or snag your dog’s coat.
- During grooming sessions, check the blades of your clippers regularly to make sure they’re not getting too hot.
FAQ
Q. How much do dog clippers cost?
A. The most affordable dog clippers are cordless models that only have a single speed. They typically don’t offer much in the way of special features and range from $10 to $35. Mid-range dog clippers are cordless or corded models that offer variable speeds. They offer some special features, such as combs and quiet operation, and generally range from $35 to $85.
The most expensive dog clippers are corded models that offer variable speeds and a powerful motor. They're more likely to offer special features, including snap-on combs, quiet operation, and an extra-long cord, and range from $85 to $350.
Q. What’s the difference between clippers for dogs and hair clippers for people?
A. Dog clippers feature hardier, more durable materials that are able to trim coarse, thick dog fur and even cut through tangles and mats. Hair clippers for people tend to get hot if they’re used for prolonged periods, which can cause severe burns on your dog. Dog clippers, on the other hand, are designed to stay cool, so you don’t have to worry about your pet getting injured.
Q. How often should I use clippers on my dog?
A. It depends on the type of coat your dog has and what time of year it is. On average, you should trim your dog every six to eight weeks. In warmer weather, you may need to do it more often. Dogs with double coats also require more frequent trimming: once every week or every other week may be necessary.
Q. What sort of maintenance do dog clippers require?
A. You should clean your clippers after each use to remove any hair or other debris from the blades. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper cleaning method for your model. You should also oil the blades about every two months to make sure they’re lubricated. Some manufacturers recommend a specific oil type for their clippers, so check your owner’s manual to determine the best way to oil your dog clippers.
