8 Best Dog Hair Clippers Reviews: Our Professional Clipper Guide
Contents
- Different Types of Dog Hair Clippers
- Key Components of the Best Dog Hair Clippers
- Understanding the Blade
- Overall Best Professional Grade Dog Clippers
- Best Cordless Dog Hair Clipper
- Best Dog Clippers for Thick Coat and Hair or Matted Fur
- Budget Friendly Clippers
- 4 More Top Rated Hair Clippers for Dogs
- Our 10 Step Guide to Using Clippers on Your Dog’s Hair
- FAQ about Dog Hair Clippers:
- Conclusion
| Quick Look: Best Dog Hair Clippers of 2023 | |||
| Rank | Clippers | Price | Rating |
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Overall Best |
 |
$$ |
A+
|
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Runner-Up |
 |
$$$$ |
A+
|
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Best Corded |
 |
$$$ |
A+
|
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Budget Friendly |
 |
$ |
B+
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Ensuring that your dog is well-groomed can help make your furry friend happier and healthier, not to mention the positive effects it will have on their appearance. Proper grooming can completely alter the look of a pooch, but you’re going to need a set of clippers if you plan on doing the job yourself.
In this guide, we’re going to go over eight of the best dog hair clippers, in the hope that we can help you find the ideal model for your needs.
Different Types of Dog Hair Clippers
Professional Grade – Professional dog hair clippers are meant for vets and groomers, and they will typically be more durable and reliable when compared to other options. One of the downsides to professional clippers is that they tend to be more expensive and harder to find when compared to mid-range models, but they are worth it.
Quiet and Low Vibrating – Other clippers are designed for home use, and these will typically use a motor which works at a lower frequency, reducing vibration and noise levels during operation. Clippers such as these will often feature a marginal reduction in power, though they will also ensure that your pet isn’t too nervous due to them being quieter.
Single Speed – Single speed clippers, as the name suggests, only have a single speed, which is defined in strokes per minute. Clippers such as these tend to be less complicated than other models, which makes them a more affordable choice, though they will be less versatile because they will only be suitable for a certain fur texture.
Variable Speed – Clippers that feature a variable speed will be more versatile because they will be capable of two or more cutting rates. Slower speeds will typically work better for animals with a thicker coat, while dogs with less coarse fur will be better served by clippers that cut faster, so if you have multiple furry friends, these clippers are ideal.
Corded – When it comes to the power source of your clippers, the more common choice is the wired variety, and this can save you money on replacement batteries in the long run. Corded models even have some advantages over rechargeable clippers, as they can’t run out of juice halfway through grooming.
Cordless – There are two kinds of cordless dog hair clippers: models with disposable batteries and those with rechargeable cells. Rechargeable dog hair clippers will usually be more expensive, and they can either come with a cord or a charging dock. The lack of a wire will make these clippers more maneuverable and easier to use.
Key Components of the Best Dog Hair Clippers
Motor Speed and Type – When buying the right set of clippers, you’re going to want to look at the kind of motor that it uses and the frequency at which it runs. High-frequency motors will usually be louder and more powerful. Most will argue that the best type of motor is the rotational electric motor, being quieter than older magnetic models.
Noise and Vibrations – Vibrations and volume should also be considered before you make your purchase, and they will be affected by the kind of motor you’ll find in the clippers. As you would expect, louder clippers may cause your pet to become uneasy, making your job harder, and the vibration can get uncomfortable over longer grooming periods.
Heat – The electric motor in dog hair clippers can tend to get hot during extended grooming sessions, so you’ll want to look for a more efficient design that can expel the heat effectively. Various cooling systems are used in dog hair clippers, and they range from simple heat sinks all the way to dedicated fans.
Understanding the Blade
As you would expect, the blade of a set of dog hair clippers will be just as crucial as the clippers themselves, if not more so. You can have the best clippers in the world, but if the blade is of poor quality, you will have terrible cutting performance, and the clippers may even end up pulling your dog’s hair while cutting.
Even if the blade can cut efficiently, you may have issues with durability and retaining an edge, which is typically up to blade composition. Two of the most common materials used for clipper blades include stainless steel and ceramic, and we’ll be taking a closer look at each of them later on.
Of course, you’ll also have to consider who makes the blade for your clippers and whether or not it will be compatible with your particular model. Some clippers can use blades from various makers thanks to a universal mounting system, but there are others that use a more specialized method.
Finally, you may also want to look at how the blade is manufactured, as some may be treated to improve both durability and sharpness. In the end, you’ll want to put as much effort into finding the best blade as you would when looking for the right dog hair clippers for the needs of your pet.
Types of Blades
Fine Tooth Blades – Fine tooth blades are ideal for when you’re putting the finishing touches on your pet’s coat, and you want to ensure that everything looks smooth. To get the most out of a fine tooth blade, you’re going to want to trim your pet’s coat beforehand, as these blades aren’t meant to cut large amounts of fur.
Skip Tooth Blades – Skip tooth blades play the opposite role of fine tooth blades, and they are meant to clip large amounts of dog fur, which makes them perfect for dogs that haven’t been groomed in a long time. The downside to these blades is that they will give your dog a rougher look if they are used for the final stages of grooming.
Steel – You’ll also have to take a look at the composition of the blade that you use with your clippers, and steel is the most common option. Stainless steel is a favorite for razor blades, as it does not corrode, like other forms of the metal. In other words, even if there is still some moisture in your pet’s fur, the razor blades won’t end up rusting.
Ceramic – Ceramic blades are typically overkill for home use, as they are meant for professional settings or for grooming large amounts of animals. If you plan on using your clippers for livestock as well as your dog, then you may require the added durability of a ceramic blade. This type of cutting edge will also remain cooler than steel over longer periods.
Types of Blade Edgings
UltraEdge Blades – UltraEdge blades are made out of steel and finished in chrome, and they undergo a special treatment to ensure that they stay durable for longer than other steel blades. If you’re looking for high-quality clipper blades made out of steel, you won’t find many that can compare to UltraEdge blades.
CeramicEdge Blades – As you can expect from the name, CeramicEdge blades are made out of ceramic, and they are meant for professionals and groomers because they can last far longer than UltraEdge blades. While these blades may be more expensive, they will also last longer than steel, giving you better value for your dollar.
ShowEdge Blades – ShowEdge blades are unique in that they are made primarily for livestock and horses, but they can still be used for dogs. These blades are excellent for owners of larger pooches, as they are meant to operate continuously for a longer time. The carbonized steel construction of these blades further increases their durability.
| Our 2023 Picks: 2023 Dog Hair Clippers | |||
| Rank | Clippers | Price | Rating |
|
Overall Best |
|
$$ |
A+
|
|
Runner-Up |
|
$$$$ |
A+
|
|
Best Corded |
|
$$$ |
A+
|
|
Budget Friendly |
|
$ |
B+
|
|
#5 |
 |
$ |
A
|
|
#6 |
 |
$$ |
A
|
|
#7 |
 |
$$$ |
A
|
|
#8 |
 |
$$ |
A
|
Overall Best Professional Grade Dog Clippers
Andis Pro Animal 2-Speed
- Grooming kit that runs quietly
- Includes a clipper, 4 attachment combs, a durable storage case, 14-inch power cord and blade oil
- Detachable blade allows you to select the correct one for what you need
- Features a blade lock design to ensure the blade won’t come loose
You can ensure that your pet is always looking the best with this Andis Pro Animal 2 Speed Dog & Cat Grooming Kit. It comes with a clipper, four attachment combs, a durable storage case, 14-inch power cord and blade oil. The clipper features a blade lock design to ensure the blade won’t come loose during grooming–a necessary safety feature. The Andis Pro Animal is ideal for grooming on curly, double-coated and long hair breeds.
Pros:
- Blade lock design
- Comes with everything you need
- Runs quietly
- Detachable blade
Cons:
- The cord can get in the way
Best Cordless Dog Hair Clipper
Andis Endurance Brushless Motor Clipper
- Suitable for all hair types from a variety of pets including dogs, cats, horses and livestock
- Two speeds—3,00 and 3,800 strokes per minute
- Comes with a #10 UltraEdge blade
- 17-foot tangle-free, heavy-duty power cord.
You can give your pet a professional grooming job right at home with this Andis Endurance Brushless Motor Clipper. It is affordable, although it is definitely more expensive than other options. It is also lightweight and easy-to-use tool, as well as made in the USA. The Andis Endurance Clipper has a long-life brushless motor that delivers high power and high torque for more than 10,000 hours, so you can tackle even some of the toughest grooming jobs. You are able to choose between two speeds—3,000 or 3,800 strokes per minute to get the results you desire. In addition, it also comes with a #10 UltraEdge blade and a tangle-free swivel cord, allowing you to groom your pet with ease.
Pros:
- Tangle free, swivel cord
- Long battery life
- Very powerful
- Versatile
Cons:
- Pricey
- Only comes with one blade (size 10)
Best Dog Clippers for Thick Coat and Hair or Matted Fur
Oster A5 Two Speed Animal Grooming Clipper
- Comes with a size 10 CryogenX blade
- Two speeds: 3000 spm, and 4000 spm
- 12-foot cable
- Available in two standard and four limited edition colors
This animal clipper from Oster is similar to the last product in that it is versatile to trim the fur of dogs, cats, and livestock, which makes these an attractive choice if you have more than just a dog. Beyond that, you’ll have access to two cutting speeds, which allows you to work with different fur densities without any trouble.
The size 10 blade is cryogenically treated to ensure that it retains its edge longer, so you won’t have to worry about wasting money on replacements too often. If you need the right clippers for a dog with longer hair like a Golden Retriever, the Oster A5 Two Speed clipper is one of the better options.
Pros:
- Can be personalized
- Cryogenically-treated blade
- Compatible with several accessories
- Lightweight and ergonomic
Cons:
- Reliability issues
Budget Friendly Clippers
Wahl Clipper Pet-Pro Pet Clipper Dog Grooming Kit
- Blades are self-sharpening and snag-free
- PowerDrive motor improves cutting efficiency
- Comes included with four guide combs
- Features a five-year warranty
On the other hand, for those of you that are looking to save money, the Wahl Pet-Pro is a reliable choice, yet it is surprisingly affordable. Value for money is the name of the game when it comes to this set of dog clippers, and if you’re worried about reliability, it even comes with a five-year-long warranty.
Unlike some of the more expensive choices on this list, this set of clippers even comes with four guide combs, which will make it easier for you to keep your dog’s coat at a certain length. The guide comb sizes are as follows: ⅛”, ¼”, ⅜”, and ½”. This makes these clippers ideal for dog breeds like the Shih Tzu, with multiple possible grooming styles.
Pros:
- Included guide combs
- More powerful motor than competitors
- Blades retain their edge and sharpen themselves
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Less durable than other choices
- Heavier than competition
4 More Top Rated Hair Clippers for Dogs
Andis Easy Clip Mini Trimmer II Dog & Cat Clipper
The Andis EasyClip Mini Trimmer is a dog clipper that is designed to be affordable, but as you can guess from its name, it is also easier to use than competing models. It is great for trimming your dog’s face, around the ears and paws, or other areas that might be difficult to get otherwise. It has a snap on blade for precision cleaning, too.
The Andis Mini Trimmer is also really quiet, so it makes for an easy and stress-free grooming experience for dogs (or cats!) who are not used to having their hair trimmed.
Wahl Professional Animal BravMini+ Cordless Pet Trimmer
Wahl Professional Animal BravMini+ Cordless Pet Trimmer is small in size, but not in power. It provides an impressive 5,350 strokes per minute and can run for 100 minutes. It is both lightweight and cordless, and it comes equipped with a #30 fine blade. The Wahl Professional BravMini+ is ideal for trimming faces, ears, and paws on pets and muzzles and ears on horses. It’s also pretty quiet, so your pet can have a stress-free experience. The kit we have included here comes with a a 5-position adjustable comb attachment, a charging stand, blade oil, and a cleaning brush.
Wahl Professional Animal ARCO
For owners of smaller dogs, the ARCO from Wahl is designed to be comfortable and convenient. Much like the previous model, it features a five-position adjustable fine blade, making it perfect for light trimming and finishing. The medium duty design of this clipper means that it isn’t recommended for use with larger dogs.
One of the more impressive parts of this set of clippers is that it comes included with two rechargeable battery cells, allowing you to swap one in when the other dies. Combined with a max operating time of 80 minutes per battery, you can get a total of 160 minutes of trimming.
Wahl SS Pro Clipper Kit
The Wahl SS Pro Clipper Kit is a 1-speed professional clipper set with PowerDrive performance. The clippers are fast and powerful and can cut through thick and matted coats. The Wahl SS Pro Clipper Kit is quiet, making it a great choice for noise-sensitive pets. The clippers have 3,200 SPM with a rotary motor and a professional, detachable blade for a smooth finish. The kit we have included here has a #10 Competition Series blade, storage case, drive tip removal tool, two replacement drive tips, two stainless steel attachment combs, a cleaning brush and blade oil.
Our 10 Step Guide to Using Clippers on Your Dog’s Hair
- Thoroughly wash your furry friend and brush their fur so that it is easier to cut.
- Make sure that your dog’s fur is dry before you begin clipping it.
- Ensure that the clippers are charged (or plugged in) and clean before beginning to groom your dog.
- Check the blade on your clippers for sharpness, as a duller blade will pull your dog’s fur and cause discomfort. Replace the blade if needed.
- When you begin trimming your dog’s fur, start with shallower passes to make sure that you don’t shave too much fur off.
- As you shave, make sure you cut in the direction that your dog’s fur grows. This will make for a more even and better-looking grooming.
- Trim your dog’s fur slowly, as going too fast will result in a poor job, and lines in your pet’s fur.
- Make sure your clippers don’t overheat as you work, take breaks if they need to cool down.
- If you require more precision when it comes to the finishing touches, work with manual clippers to reach tougher spots.
- Once you’ve finished grooming your dog, wash their coat one more time to get rid of any loose fur left over.
FAQ about Dog Hair Clippers:
Can you use Human Clippers on a Dog? – We are often asked whether or not you can use clippers meant for people on dogs, and while it is possible, it will not be ideal. Human clippers are intended to be used for a shorter time than dog clippers, as we simply have less hair than our furry friends, so these clippers will get hotter far quicker.
What are the quietest clippers for dogs? – If you want the quietest clippers possible (perhaps for nervous dogs who shy away from the sound of a clipper), you’ll want to opt for manual instead of electric clippers. Since manual clippers are essentially shears, they won’t have an electric motor creating any noise.
What are the most popular brands of dog hair clippers? – There are two manufacturers which are more popular than the rest when it comes to dog clippers: Oster and Andis. Traditionally, Oster is a more versatile brand that makes all sorts of appliances, but Andis specializes specifically in products that are meant for hair, and their blades are top-notch.
Do I need to sharpen the blade on the clippers? – Whether or not you need to sharpen the blade of your clippers will depend on whether or not they are self-sharpening. If your clippers do not sharpen the blades themselves, then you will need to get a honing stone that you can use to sharpen them yourself. On the other hand, you can always buy replacement blades when your current ones go dull.
Why do Dog Hair clippers get so hot? – Dog hair clippers get hot while in use thanks to the electric motor that is responsible for the cutting action, but more importantly, due to the friction of your pet’s fur against the blades.
While older models of clippers didn’t get so hot, you have to consider that today’s models run at much faster speeds, resulting in even more friction. Both coolant and lubricant are essential to keep your clippers running as cool as possible.
Conclusion
Finding the best dog hair clipper can be a challenge because you can’t exactly test out the product before you buy it, but it can be made simple with a bit of help. We hope that this guide has helped guide you through the process of getting the right dog hair clippers for your needs.
