Best Dog Hair Clippers

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 2, 2024
It doesn't matter whether you are a vet, a professional groomer or just a happy dog owner, 'cause we've got something for you that ...Read more
PROS
The cool-running body has a ventless design. Zero holes mean no overheating from the stuck hair.
CONS
The only extra item is the blade oil.
OUR VERDICT
Andis nailed it with this dog grooming clipper! It can work non-stop for hours without overheating. Regardless of your professional level, you and your dog will be happy with the results. Works great with small details on any coat type!
detailed parameters
Coat type
All types
Modes / Strokes Per Minute
2 (3400 and 4400 spm)
Blade Length
1 x detachable: #10 (1/16")
Blades
UltraEdge - high-carbon stainless steel
Power Supply
Corded
Attachment Guide Combs
Not included (can be bought separately)
Additional Features
Shatter-proof housing, Locking mechanism, Cool-running design with no vent holes
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Blade oil
Warranty
1 year
PROS

The CryogenicX blade is made of a hand-sharpened special stainless steel. It's ultra-sharp and designed to stay that way for a very long time.

CONS

The placement of vent holes is quite awkward, so you will need to make sure that you don't accidentally cover them with your hand.

OUR VERDICT

Not only is the Oster Turbo A5 dog shear suited well for all coat types of dogs but it can also be recommended as a professional animal clipper to be used on cats and horses. Available in 3 different colors.

detailed parameters
Coat type
All types
Modes / Strokes Per Minute
2 (3000 and 4000 spm)
Blade Length
1 x detachable: #10 (1/16")
Blades
CryogenX - high-carbon stainless steel
Power Supply
Corded
Attachment Guide Combs
Not included (can be bought separately)
Additional Features
Internal fan, Shatter-proof housing, Cooling vents near the bottom part
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Clipper Brush, Motor Oil, Blade Grease
Warranty
1 year
PROS

The kit including 7 guide combs and an adjustable blade will meet the needs of any groomer. 

CONS

Some might find the 8-ft. power cord a bit too short.

OUR VERDICT

This Wahl U-Clip Kit features a lot of extra items by using which you'll be able to hone and improve your grooming skills. Give it a try and highlight your dog's style with an artistic haircut.

detailed parameters
Coat type
Fine and Medium
Modes / Strokes Per Minute
7200 spm
Blade Length
1 x detachable and adjustable to #30, #15 and #10 (1/48", 1/24" and 1/16")
Blades
Wahl - High grade stainless steel
Power Supply
Corded
Attachment Guide Combs
1/8" Red 1/4" Purple 3/8" Blue 1/2" Orange 5/8" Yellow 3/4" Light Purple 7/8" Green
Additional Features
Patented SuperShunt motor, Ergonomic grip handle, Cooling vents, Blade adjusting slider
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Storage case, Styling apron, Stainless steel scissors, Pet styling comb, Blade guard, Cleaning brush, Blade oil, DVD with grooming tips
Warranty
2 years
PROS

This hair clipper for dogs can grapple with any coat type thanks to the 8,200 spm powerful motor.

CONS
The full charging may take up to 5 hours.
OUR VERDICT

With this Maxshop cordless dog clipper, the process of trimming will be very simple and quick. Be sure that your four-legged friend will always look forward to each next clipping session.

detailed parameters
Coat type
All types
Modes / Strokes Per Minute
8200 spm
Blade Length
1 x detachable and adjustable: 5 positions from 1/32" to 1/16"
Blades
Titanium blade comb with movable ceramic teeth
Power Supply
Rechargeable, 70 min working time
Attachment Guide Combs
1/8" 1/4" 3/8" 1/2"
Additional Features
Charging LED indicator, Quiet motor - up to 50 dB, Blade adjusting ring
PACKAGE CONTENTS
AC Power Adaptor, Cleaning Brush, Stainless steel scissors, Stainless steel comb
Warranty
1 year
PROS

A Li-ion battery takes around 1 hour for complete charging.

CONS
Some might find it a bit loud.
OUR VERDICT
Thanks to this cordless Wahl clipper set, you are no longer bounded to a socket. Feel free to give your dog a high-style look anywhere you like.
detailed parameters
Coat type
All types
Modes / Strokes Per Minute
Up to ~6000 spm
Blade Length
1 x detachable, adjustable
Blades
Wahl Precision - self-sharpening high-carbon stainless steel
Power Supply
Rechargeable, 120 min working time
Attachment Guide Combs
1/8" Red 1/4" Purple 3/8" Blue 1/2" Orange
Additional Features
Charging indicator light, Blade adjusting slider
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Storage Case, AC Power Adaptor, Cleaning Brush, Scissors, Styling comb, Clipper blade guard, Blade oil
Warranty
5 years

For Novices and Professionals

The top of our list crowns the ProClip dog hair trimmer by Andis – a reputable company which is known around the world for its wide range of goods designed specifically for professional groomers. A lot of salon groomers give their preference to this brand as the Andis professional dog hair clippers not only proved to be extremely efficient on all hair types but also because they've demonstrated phenomenal durability and ease of use. The key feature of this dog hair trimmer is its unique design: the lack of vents on the housing means that you'll not need to clean them out after each session. Another reason why the ProClip dog hair trimmer has gained in popularity that much is that its operation doesn't tend to deteriorate even after hours of use. 

Choose between 2 speeds for a different coating type. If you are new to dog grooming, the first few sessions might take a bit longer than expected, since a pet might have the varying hair's length and density on different parts of its body. Switch from 3,400 spm to 4,400 spm and back to find out the best one for the desired effect. The locking mechanism effectively prevents switching from one mode to another by accident. This clipper comes with the rust-resistant #10 UltraEdge detachable blade. It’s pretty sharp and is stated to stay that way for as long as possible. The naked blade leaves just 1/16" short hair - awesome for preparing a pet for the hot season or removing the matted fur.

In our opinion, whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will be fully satisfied with the high quality of this capable dog trimmer however you use it.

History of Grooming

The history of dog’s hair grooming and styling can be traced back to the Roman Empire period. In Europe, the officially documented pieces of evidence show that the very first breed to experience the fashion tendencies on themselves were the poodles. Some of the tombs and monuments, built during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 B.C. – 14 A.D.), depict the Royal Poodles with a haircut popularly known as the Lion Cut: the hair is groomed almost everywhere, leaving only the mane and the tips of the tail and legs modeled like on a lion. By the way, this fashion is popular among the home cats too.

More images from the 16th-17th centuries have the well-groomed dogs depicted on them. They were mostly the breeds popular among the royals and aristocrats - Spaniels, Bichons, Maltese. At the beginning of the 20th century, the animal beauty salons and vet clinics started to appear in the European cities. One of the first such salons was Dogs’ Toilet Club in London – talk about funny store names. Along with the hair styling, a pet could take a bath, have its claws cut, even put on the tailored apparel or special dog's jewelry - pendants or gem-encrusted collars. Anyhow, by the 1930s, many families have started keeping dogs at homes and apartments. Since then, the small and large dog's hairdressers have gradually become widespread. But now, you can be a pro stylist all by yourself - with one of the special electric trimmers like the Andis ProClip hair clipper from above.

More Products to Consider

We can recommend this dog seat cover by iCode for car owners. It is designed to fit on almost any car seat without sliding or folding. You can also set its sides upright to make a box with the open top if your dog is a naughty one.

Last updated price $174.95
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ASIN B00UT3EYPA

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What customers say about this product

Features(4.8)

The long cord is nice, and the two speeds work well.

Key Specs(4.8)

The two speed feature is really nice on the Andis as the clipper blades will not heat up as fast in the slow speed setting and still has plenty of power to do the job.

Pet-friendly Hair Clipper

The trimming results are important and all, however, the process itself should also be enjoyable both for a groomer and for a groomee. Without a doubt, the Oster Turbo A5 dog hair trimmer will become your best assistant. Its operation is relatively quiet and also very smooth. The included wide #10 CryogenicX blade is a handcrafted piece produced from a carbon steel alloy. Therefore, it stays razor-sharp after hundreds of haircuts. The blade can be easily removed for its quick replacement - handy in case you decide to buy a larger or shorter one for even more advanced hair modeling. To change them you’ll only need a cross-diver for reattaching a couple of screws that hold the blade plate in place.

The dog hair trimmer comes with the motor oil and the blade’s grease. Make sure to use them once in a while between sessions. The powerful rotary engine works at two speeds: 3,000 and 4,000 for thick and thin coat types. The cooling fan is hidden inside the body. Therefore, it's possible to continuously trim animal after animal for hours to come. Just keep the vents clear from the fur to allow the air access.

The A5 model is suitable not only for dogs or cats but also for large animals, such as horses and other livestock. The Oster Turbo is a corded clipper. Thus, get ready to have a wall socket or extension lead at hand. Nevertheless, the 12 ft. cord is long enough to give a user the mobility to move around a large dog. Make your pet happy and beautiful by trimming it with this heavy-duty clipper!

Novice Advice

If you have just started learning the ropes of grooming, make sure that your dog enjoys the process too. We want to share a couple of basic useful advice with you.

1. If you have no previous experience in hair clipping or grooming at all, start with a longer guide comb attached - that way you'll be able to fix possible mistakes with a shorter comb later.

2. Hold the blade at a little angle to the animal's skin. The shorter the blade is, the greater the angle should be. If necessary, pull the skin with a second hand to even out the wrinkles.

3. Clip the hair along the growth direction. This makes pet’s coat look natural and attractive. Start with the dog's head and gradually move toward the back. Generally, the feet are the last thing to trim.

4. For the sensitive areas, armpits, and the area around the eyes we recommend the # 10 blades that have 1/16" long teeth.

5. Beginners often ask whether they should cut the whiskers. You can cut them – they’ll grow back over time. However, whiskers are a very sensitive part of many animals. Dogs and cats rely on them similar to humans relying on their finger touch. So, unless you are preparing a dog for a show, consider either clipping them just a bit or leaving untouched.

6. The dogs with long, bouffant hair are less tolerant to heat. Therefore, buy a hair clipper like the Oster Turbo A5 to relieve your lovely pet from the stress during the hot seasons. Leave no more than 1" for the best effect or keep it even shorter if you live in a State like Arizona.

More Products to Consider

For the greatest look of your pet, we recommend buying additional tools. Take a look at this Augymer pet grooming scissors kit. Not all of the pets are very docile. So, flattened tips on the scissors will protect their skin from accidental cuts. There are totally 5 items in the soft case, including a comb and 4 scissors. This set will surely come in handy for you on many occasions.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $134.99
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ASIN B000LRN31A

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4.8)

One knot was a little bigger so I switched to the faster speed. No problem. And not too loud.

Features(4.8)

I'm not gonna say it looks professional, because I'm a first timer, but it took off the hair that I hadn't been able to get before and took a haphazard, hasty trace clip to a passable full body clip with very little effort.

More Combs for Variety of Styles

The fact is, you have to buy separate guide combs after buying a single clipper. Not anymore. You might be surprised by how many things you are getting with the set. This Wahl professional animal grooming kit has literally anything that your heart might desire. Including the clipper itself, there are 16 items in total. The 7 attachment guide combs to help you trim the pet’s hair to the different lengths: from 1/8" to 7/8". For groomer’s comfort, each comb has its own color. Moreover, the blade can be adjusted to one of the following sizes: #30, #15 and #10 (1/48", 1/24" and 1/16" accordingly). Thus, there's no need to switch between the blades when you need the one with shorter teeth.

The one-speed motor shows incredible figure at 7,200 spm. Rest assured, the clipping will be quick and effective regardless of the hair’s length and density. In our opinion, it produces rather quiet noise that won’t scare an animal during the process. The only thing that might limit you is the 8 ft. long power cord - get a lead beforehand if this length is not enough for you.

The whole set comes in a carrying case that includes an easy-to-clean vinyl apron, scissors, a styling stainless steel comb and a DVD with the dog grooming tips from professional hairdressers. But there's more! The box also includes a tube of blade oil, a blade guard for storing and blade cleaning brush.

All-in-all, this Wahl clipping set that will be a solid companion for beginning practitioners and professionals. It includes a great clipper for sorting out finishing details, although you can still use it as a trimmer on smaller dogs like Labradors, Shih Tzus, Spaniels, etc.

Dog Hair Grooming Techniques

The standard hairstyles may differ from a breed to breed. However, there are some techniques that can be universally applied to most of the dogs. Let's take a quick look at some of them.

  • Flatwork haircut is probably a most common one. It aims to maintain the same coat length on every part of a dog’s body. As a rule, this one is performed with a trimmer or scissors.
  • Blending is a haircut with the seamless transition between long and short hair. This procedure is usually performed at the very end to give the coating a finished look. Mostly done with special thinning scissors.
  • Show trim is generally referred to a haircut for the dog shows. As a rule, it involves many stages to give the pet either unique or classic look like in a dog breeds encyclopedia.
  • Stripping is not a haircut per se, rather the way that the hair is trimmed. The hair is plucked entirely out with a special knife to give a room for a new one to grow.
  • Plucking is similar to the previous one but done by hands only. Simply put, the dog’s old hair is pulled out with fingers instead of a knife or clippers.

More Products to Consider

If you are tired that a pet constantly twitches and swirls during the grooming, you might need a haunch holder. This device is designed to comfortably support a pet in a standing position by attaching the middle part to a special table arm crane above the dog, while the two ends are clipped to the collar and around the belly. That way, the dog stays still and relaxed while you safely groom it. You can make one by yourself or just grab this No-Sit Haunch holder by Pro Guard. It's available for small-medium or large breeds.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $42.74
Stock In stock
ASIN B00A8D95OG

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Magnificent Performance

The main criterion for a trimmer’s efficiency is the number of blade strokes per minute. Maxshop dog clipper from this trimming kit shows one of the best results among its equals. It doesn't matter whether your dog has a long or thick coat, its blade copes well with any fur type by moving at 8,200 spm. Rest assured, this Maxshop dog hair clipper will help you easily improve your styling skills. Just a quick glance at the cute doggy engraved near the blade plate will surely cheer up almost anyone. As you might know, the dogs can read people's mood as an open book. Therefore, feeling well makes the process more enjoyable on both sides.

The professionals will appreciate the near-whispering sound of this dog hair clipper: its 50 dB are quieter than a human voice. The groomee can still hear the calming voice of the owner throughout the whole process. The adjustable blade along with 4 included guide combs allows styling with a split-hair accuracy. The standard comb and scissors that also come in the set will come in handy at the finishing stage. The only missing part is the blade oil - don't forget to buy one. Anyway, the real advantage that this clipper has to offer is a cordless operation. It can run up to 70 minutes on 1 battery charge. In most cases, this is enough for at least a couple of grooming sessions.

To sum it all up, this cordless dog clipper is an impressive combination of a powerful motor and elegant design. All of the included items will surely be useful for groomers of all levels - we urge you to try it in action and see for yourself that it's all true.

The Full Package for the Dog's Beauty

The grooming usually implies not only trimming but also a list of other procedures aimed to keep your pet healthy and good-looking. Take notes if you want to choose this career path or simply want to take care of your dog.

  • Brushing or combing is an important part of managing the coat appearance. First of all, choose the comb specifically for your dog's hair. For flat-coated breeds use either a closely-spaced side of a comb or the models specifically designed for this. As for the long or shaggy hair, use widely-spaced combs. Of course, you can just grab a 2-in-1 brush like the model by Vets Pride USA.
  • Ears cleaning. The words speak for themselves. As the dog ears are very sensitive, it's critical to keep them clean and healthy.
  • Toenail clipping. Another regular procedure that a dog should undergo. Unlike stray dogs that have their claws wear off from the asphalt or rough ground, home pets should have their claws clipped by a human. You can ask a vet for a few tips and get yourself a pair of nail clippers to get it done by yourself.
  • Bathing. Well, this one is simple. In order to have healthy skin and hair, dogs should be cleaned with a special shampoo. Please note, that human shampoos may contain colorants and deodorants that a pet might be allergic to. The grooming specialists and vets might give a couple of recommendations specifically for your dog's breed and coat type.
  • Dental care. This service might not always be provided in every salon, but your dog can have its teeth cleaned and cured in many of them. Grab a dog toothbrush if you want to clean them yourself.

More Products to Consider

After the trimming, lots of hair stays on a pet. To remove it without bathing a dog once again, you can buy the low-power portable vacuum cleaner by AerWo. It's capable of sucking up the short hairs without grabbing the uncut one. You might also want to get 3 AA batteries to power it as it comes without them.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $27.99
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ASIN B01DXVIVLW

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Designed for Your Comfort

You can often find a groomer performing a hair styling indoors. However, it's mostly dictated by the fact that you need an access to a socket to power the fan or the trimer. But with this Wahl hair clipper kit, you can forget about the wires caught between dog's legs. The mobility is always welcomed by on-call groomers, at dog shows or in dog shelters. Therefore, the fact that its Li-ion powered motor can work for up to 2 hours nonstop is nothing short of amazing. The full charging takes just about 3 hours. Now, you are free to do the trimming anywhere you want.

The color-changing LED indicator is placed on top of the clipper's body to inform you when the battery is charged. The heavy-duty self-sharpening blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel. Surely, the teeth might become dull in the course of time from the active use. But even then they can be quickly replaced with a new one. Additionally, the blade length can be adjusted with a little lever on the left side of the body. Light ergonomic housing design combined with long-lasting materials allow you to hold the Wahl clipper with firm and steady grip for the most effective grooming.

Well-supplied Clipper

In the end, we want to say a few words about the package content. All items come in a durable plastic case with a handle for transportation. The latch prevents it from accidental opening. There's also the blade oil to ensure the smooth operation and prolonged service life, while the narrow brush effectively cleans the fur stuck between the blade's teeth. The included scissors and comb are perfect for giving a touch of elegance to the finished hairstyle. Each item of this Wahl clipper kit looks the highest quality. 

With this Wahl kit, you will easily accentuate the smallest features of any dog haircut. The cordless clipper is a great means to improve and demonstrate your stunning grooming skills anywhere. After all, it is a great present that will make any dog owner happy.

More Products to Consider

If you are eager to master all the secrets of dog grooming asap, we can recommend you this awesome book: DIY Dog Grooming, From Puppy Cuts to Best in Show: Everything You Need to Know, Step by Step by Jorge Bendersky. A must-have for both beginners and pros. Totally worth reading if you want to know more than just a few basic tricks.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $64.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00BCGAOUW

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Infographics


What is a Dog Hair Trimmer

If you are a happy dog owner, quite likely you already know that your pet requires constant care. Every now and then, a dog needs to have its hair cut just like we people do. In the last few decades, professional pet groomers have been in constant demand. Their job description includes trimming and styling the animal fur, notably before the dog shows. However, if you can’t get your dog to a hairstylist for any reason or just want to do this job yourself - buy a dog hair clipper. This is an electric motor-driven tool that looks exactly the same as the trimmers used in beauty salons. Its main function is to cut off the animal fur leaving it at a specific length.

Although super-advanced haircuts require some twist of the wrist, using a trimming device is not a rocket science. Therefore, we'd like to offer you to read these best dog grooming clippers reviews as well as to consider our step-by-step guides on how to use dog clippers and how to cut dog's hair at home.

Take a glance at our picks of the best dog harnesses and best dog leashes on this site as well. Let us lend you a hand with choosing all the accessories from every category so that you could make a perfect gift for your lovable pet.

Best Dog Hair Trimmers

What Features to Compare

Types of Dog Grooming Clippers

Basically, all models of dog hair clippers are classified according to their blade length. Broadly speaking, if you'd like to do a haircut for a dog with long hair, you will need to consider the models of dog clippers designed either for poodles or for other long-haired breeds. However, if your pet's hair is short, it is better to go for a trimmer. As a matter of fact, if you wonder what type of clippers to use on a cat, you will still need to take into consideration the length of your cat's hair and then, choose between the two.

Motor Type

Speaking of the motor type, all clippers for grooming fall into rotary, magnetic and pivot-driven models. The rotary models are commonly considered the better hair clippers of the three. Their features being compared, the rotary grooming clippers are considerably more powerful and are capable of working for much longer without overheating than the other two. Professional dog clippers of the rotary type are also remarkable for their smooth and whisper-quiet operation, which is an advantage if you need to work with animals that may be scared by the loud operation noise. On the other hand, the strong point of the trimmers of magnetic and pivot types is their light weight. So, you're to choose what suits you better.

Blade Movement Speed 

The moving speed of blades is measured in Strokes per Minute (spm). The higher it is, the faster the process of grooming will be. The downside, though, is when the blades move too fast, they tend to get hot pretty quickly too. Typically, professional animal clippers feature two speed settings. However, it's better to opt for the models that provide you with a wider range of options and could be used on pets with coatings of different thicknesses. Some manufacturers specify on the product for which animal the given scissors are desgined for. So, you can find dog clippers for shih tzu, for poodles, for cats, for dogs with matted hair, and so on and so forth. Luckily, though, a lot of hair clippers for dogs can also be used on many other animals. 

Blades

The ceramic or stainless steel models are the best. Some big companies engrave their blades with numbers like #30, #15, #10. The bigger this number is, the shorter the blade teeth are. Moreover, some trimmers have the option to adjust the length of a blade within a specific range without changing blades. If you want to leave more hair on your dog, get additional guide combs.

Ease of Use and Extra Features

The unit has to be lightweight in order to not tire your hand right away. The quiet motor is a welcomed feature, as some pets become nervous when they hear a constant loud sound. The firm grip is important as well because the blades are extremely sharp, and a dog doesn't always stay in one place. Take a look if the blade oil is included too, as it's recommended to grease the teeth after every 4-5 sessions to ensure the smooth running. Among the other extra items, you may often find guide combs, blade cleaning brushes, scissors, regular combs, storage cases etc. Finally, the electric trimmers can be either corded or cordless (rechargeable).

In our detailed review below we have collected the great models of both kinds. We've combined a few tips and recommendations for beginners too. Check them out and take your pick!

Sources:

1. Juliana Weiss-Roessler Dog Grooming Tips, Cesar's Way.

2. Anna Shwartz 15 Dogs Before And After Their Spring Haircuts, The Dodo. March 13, 2015.

3. Caryn Anderson Different Style Haircuts for Small Dogs, The Nest.

4. Alissa Wolf Pet Groomer Shows, The Balance. August 10, 2016.

5. More Grooming Required, DogTime.

6. Dog grooming, Wikipedia. September 11, 2016.

7. C.D. Watson A Beginner’s Guide to Buying and Using Dog Clippers, Petful. May 22, 2012.

8. Lessons From a Groomer: Clipper Tips and Tricks, PetHelpful. February 24, 2016.

9. Dog Grooming Tips, ASPCA.

10. Grooming tips for dogs, Animal Humane Society.

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