Grooming

Best Dog Grooming Clippers For Long & Short Coats

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Last Updated: October 18, 2023 | 17 min read

Dog Grooming Clippers Shaving Dog

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If you have a long-haired dog, you’re probably used to taking the dog to the groomers. It can start to add up quickly if they have a double coat. Whether you have a Border Collie, Poodle, or a Sheep Dog you’re used to this process of growing hair. Once their coat blows out you’ll need to do a lot of deshedding and start consider shaving your pup’s fur. That makes finding the best dog grooming clippers for your pup essential.

You’re probably tired after reading that sentence, right? Just thinking about taking your dog to the groomers is stressful enough without being reminded of it! Still, you want your family member to look their best. What else can you do?

Or, what if your pets don’t like going to the parlor? Have you experienced your lovable pup cry in the back seat of the car because they know what’s going to happen next? Is getting trimmed by the groomer really uncomfortable, or do they start biting them?

Investing in a clipper is one of the best ways you can save money and make your pet feel comfortable when their hair has to be cut. Having your pup trimmed in the comfort of their home might be a more tolerable experience for you and them. But before you buy clippers, there’s a lot to consider – so don’t run off to get a pair yet! Read on to find out the best clippers in multiple categories and some advice on how to get started trimming your pet.

At a Glance: Our Favorite Grooming Clippers

WAHL Clipper Pet-Pro
Our Rating

Best Overall

WAHL Clipper Pet-Pro

Andis Ultra Edge
Our Rating

Best Luxury

Andis Ultra Edge

WAHL Professional Animal Deluxe U-Clip
Our Rating

Best Value

WAHL Professional Animal Deluxe U-Clip

Note: Clicking the above links will take you to Amazon.com, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Do You Really Need Clippers?

Short Answer: YES.

Even if you decide by the end of this list to continue going to the groomers, having a clipper on hand is always a good idea. Dogs with silky, curly, or long coats will benefit from regular clipping because it helps to reduce shedding and keep their coat looking the best all year.

Even if your dog has a combination, smooth or a double coat, they can still benefit from clipping. While you’re not supposed to trim the dog’s hair in this case, trimming their hair around their face, behind, and paws frequently will keep their coat from getting dirty.

Buyers Guide

Dog Getting Shaved With Best Grooming Clippers
There are several features you’ll want to consider before picking a pair of grooming clippers for your dog.

There’s a lot to think about before you buy your first pair of clippers. A lot of people make the mistake of using the wrong clippers on the wrong hair type or, worse, using human hair clippers on your dog. Every coat needs a different style of a clipper. Here are a few things to consider when buying dog clippers.

  • Comb Guides: Check to see if your clipper comes with comb guides. Comb guides make it easier to clip your dog’s fur at the same length rather than having to eyeball it. If you’re an inexperienced hair/fur trimmer, you should consider getting a comb guide if you’re afraid of cutting off too much hair. Some clippers come with guides, and others are sold separately. Depending on what you buy, you may get many lengths or only one guide. Sometimes buying separately is better if you need different lengths.
  • Blade Material: Look at what the material of the blade is made out of because that can determine the durability and which type of fur/hair it can cut. Carbon steel, for example, is corrosion-resistant and durable, and that makes it a good choice for clippers. On a tight budget? Try stainless steel. They won’t last as long as carbon steel, but they’ll do the job until you can replace them.
  • Blade Sharpening: Similar to knives, sheers need to be sharpened, so they cut better and don’t unintentionally pull your dog’s hair when they start to get dull. Some sheers come with self-sharpening blades, while others may need to be sharpened by a professional. If you’re afraid of your blade getting dull, get a self-sharpening model; it’s worth its weight in gold. Especially if your dog has a thick, long, or double coat, you’ll need a blade with a very sharp edge.
  • Corded or Cordless: Corded clippers will plug into a wall socket, while cordless will run off a battery. There isn’t a right or wrong option here. Just choose the one that’s right for you. Usually, corded models are more powerful – but not always. Corded models do get in the way while clipping, plus you have to stay near an outlet at all times. Cordless models can be used anywhere, but depending on how big your dog is, they may run out of power before you’re done.
  • Safety Features: Do the clippers have any safety features? Some clippers have an off switch if they graze your pup, or they have guards that will cut your dog’s fur without cutting your skin. Inexperienced users should consider a safety feature while learning.
  • Speed and Noise: Loud or slow, you’ll have your pup trimmed. Still, there are many clippers that are faster and quieter. Getting a quieter motor may be better for jumpy dogs. If your dog can’t handle the vacuum cleaner, they won’t be able to deal with the sound of loud clippers. Professional clippers normally have 2-speed options, which is great for large dogs with thick coats. You’ll probably know if your dog will be difficult to clip by the thickness of their coat. Double-coated dogs work better with multiple speed options.

Don’t Use Human Hair Clippers

Dog Getting Groomed with Clippers
You should never use human hair clippers on your dog.

Human hair is softer and less dense than dog hair. Dog “hair” actually resembles fur more than hair. Keeping that in mind, human hair clippers won’t be as powerful, and they will either burn out or rip your dog’s hair. More importantly, human hair trimmers overheat faster than dog hair trimmers. If you aren’t careful, you could burn your dogs’ skin before you realize those clippers are hot!

Teeth per blade is another thing to consider. The blades of human hair trimmers have fewer teeth than dog trimmers. Dog trimmers will have more to cut through hair more efficiently. This is another big reason why equip hair trimmers will overheat.

Human hair trimmers will be overwhelmed, and this will cause more problems than burning your dogs’ skin. If your dog’s coat is thick, it may not reach their skin to burn it, but the blades will become dull very quickly – making them useless.

The Thickness Of Your Dog’s Coat

The components of the clippers you’re using are important, but ultimately you have to pick the clippers that are right for the coat of your dog. Dogs with coarse, thick hair will need more powerful hair trimmers.  You’ll also get ahead by coupling proper grooming with the right anti-shed shampoos for the best results.

For thicker coats, consider a corded coat trimmer, as they’re more powerful, and you won’t have to worry about the battery dying halfway through. Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and Newfoundlands have fine coats and won’t normally need a strong set of clippers unless they’re mixed with a dog that sports a thicker coat.

If you’re thinking about doing a fancy, post-parlor look, you may need professional clippers, multiple speeds, and comb guides. Try to look up the breed standard for grooming before attempting your first session, or you may cut off too much.

Check the American Kennel Clubs website for standard breed grooming. Examples of breeds that have specific styles are Airedale Terriers, Scottish Terriers, and Schnauzers.

Top Clipper Brands

The following brands tend to get high reviews across the board on most, if not all, of their clippers. These are the top standard for clippers, and not all of these will cost you an arm and a leg. Let’s take a look at some of the top brands before we get into each pair of clippers.

  • Andis: You won’t find a more commonly used clipper in the industry, and for good reason. Their clippers are dependable, long-lasting, and come in multiple shapes and sizes. They have a special hardening process that keeps their blades sharper and longer, with a chrome finish that inhibits corrosion. You’ll find everything here, even specialty shears that cut spaniels, poodles, and terriers. Their motors are quiet, and they stay cool, so they won’t hurt your pup.
  • Wahl: Although they are often comparable to other top brands, where they shine is in their cordless clippers. Wahl combines the durability and power of a lithium-ion battery to give you the longest-lasting batteries in the industry. A lot of their clippers come with multiple combs, settings, and speeds. Their clippers can even clip cats if you have one as well. Wahl’s clippers are often really tiny as well, making them portable and easy to use.
  • Oster: Well known in the clipping industry and used by professionals, including vets and groomers, their clippers will make your pet’s fur shine. Trusted for years, their cryogenically treated blades are made in the USA and are hardened for long-lasting performance and durability. Offers a wide range of guide combs, corded and cordless options, and heavy-duty shears.

Our Favorite Dog Clippers

Top Clippers For Dog Grooming
Below are our top picks for grooming any type of pup.

There isn’t one perfect clipper. If your dog is a Rough Collie, a cordless clipper won’t be the right fit. If your dog is a Sheltie who jumps at small sounds, you should consider a quieter model. While there are many different types of clippers that are out there, the picks we’ve listed below are some of the best you can find for any budget or breed you have.  Let’s jump in!

WAHL Clipper Pet-Pro

WAHL Clipper Pet-Pro
  • 30% More torque easily powers through coats quickly and comfortably.
  • Color coded combs allow for simple coat length identification.
  • Includes a convenient storage case.
  • High-carbon blades remain sharp.
  • Made in the USA from domestic & imported parts.

Super easy and cost-effective dog grooming set is a great set that offers 4 guards along with a great clipper. What makes the Wahl Pet-Pro unique is its self-sharpening precision blades. You would normally pay a premium for that, but this clipper offers that premium add-on for a budget-friendly price.

Not only is the self-sharpening impressive for the price, but this is also a thick & heavy clipper. This thing will handle everything from double-coated large breeds to small dogs with wiry hair.

Now you’ll have a lot of money on large breed expenses, like coat deshedding, clipping, thinning, and styling. The patented power drive system has 30% more torque, so it can glide through those thick coats and won’t nick your babes in the process.

The 4 color guide combs included come with a storage case for easy transportation. The Wahl Pet-Pro can be corded or cordless. Not only do you have a trusted brand, but you get a clipper that can handle heavy coats. Don’t forget about those 3 guide combs that will make grooming even easier.


Andis Ultra Edge

Andis Ultra Edge
  • Two-speed rotary motor.
  • Cuts hairs at 3400-4400 strokes per minute.
  • Easily attach & detach the blade with the help of the metal clips present in the clipper.
  • Runs with low or no noise.
  • Equipped with a strong housing frame.

This clipper is no joke. With it’s high speed, versatile clipper, and durable blades, you have something that will take on even the thickest coats. The Andis Ultra Edge has both high and low speeds, which makes it ideal for grooming all pets.

This clipper is also quiet, so it’s great for keeping sound-sensitive animals calm. The cooling system in place makes it difficult-if, impossible, to overheat or burn your animal. If the clipper gets too hot, fans and vents will remove the clogged hair.

The detachable blades are the most important aspect here. Detachable blades should be a priority in most blades, especially if you’re a professional groomer. Not only does it make the clipper easier to clean (and soak), but you can use different blade styles. This Andis clipper supports UltraEdge, ShowEdge, and CeramicEdge blades.

Although this model is considered heavy when compared to other razors, it packs quite a punch. The 14 feet heavy-duty cord lets you move around easily while grooming your pet. Andis Ultra Edge has break-resistant housing. Andis Ultra Edge is truly a cut above the rest! Other professional models don’t compare with the versatility, power, and safety of this clipper.


WAHL Professional Animal Deluxe U-Clip

WAHL Professional Animal Deluxe U-Clip
  • Powerful speeds up to 7, 200 strokes per minute.
  • Provides substantial power and speed without producing additional heat or noise.
  • This 16-piece kit offers all the tools needed to clip, trim, and groom your pet.
  • The Clipper and blade are made in the USA of domestic and imported parts.

When you’re looking for an all-in-one package, you want to hit a few criteria. Great clippers are a must, as a comb, a few guide combs, some oil, and scissors. This kit went above and beyond expectations and added more than it had any right to for the price.

The Wahl’s Deluxe kit includes 7 attachment color-coded guide combs, a storage case, stainless steel scissors, a styling apron, a comb, a red clipper guard, and a bonus DVD.  The Deluxe U-Clip pet clipper included with the kit is perfect for fine to medium-length hair. It will even work on cats!

This clipper is powerful, too, and gets up to 7,200 strokes per minute, so clipping is fast and easy. Lots of power, without a whole lot of noise. The Deluxe U-Clip is perfect for Golden Retrievers, Cavaliers, Yorkies, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, and Maltese.

Let’s talk blades. The Deluxe U-Clip comes with Wahl’s Standard Adjustable 10-15-30 blades and can easily be adjusted between the three. Their included blades are made of high-grade steel and are durable and long-lasting. This clipper set is great for people on a budget and won’t break the bank.


Enjoy Pet

Enjoy Pet Dog Clippers Cat Shaver, Professional Hair Grooming Clippers
  • Battery lasts up to 4 hours of working on full charge.
  • Powerful Motor with non-clogging technology.
  • Up to 9,000 revolutions per minute.
  • Sharp blade.
  • Ultra-quiet noise absorption and silencer technology.
  • Comb is included with every purchase.

Do you hear that? I don’t, and neither will your pup! This was voted as the quietest clipper around, and we’re sure that using this one your dog will make them feel more comfortable around the clipper.

The Oneisall has a safe and sharp blade made of stainless steel. A ceramic moving blade cuts through most hair, but find another shaver for double coats. This clipper promises long-lasting durability and performance.

If you need to go wireless, no problem! The Low Noise can be unplugged from the wall socket and recharged so you can trim your pup cordless. The detachable blade makes it easy to clean and change for ultimate versatility.

Currently, this sheer can only be found in a set. You’ll get 4 guards, a comb, an oil bottle, and stainless steel scissors. The Oneisall Low Noise bundle has a lot of a low price.  There are a lot of clippers that sport how low volume they are, but even the more profiled brands like Andis and Wahl are still too loud for dogs with sensitive ears.


oneisall Dog Shaver

oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers Low Noise Rechargeable Cordless Electric Quiet Hair Clippers
  • Rechargeable dog trimmer with built-in battery.
  • Stainless steel fixed blade and ceramic moving blade.
  • Detachable blades, easy to change and clean
  • Low vibration and ultra quiet design.
  • Adjustable clipping comb.

A great cordless clipper will have a long battery life and lots of power. Often, you’ll find a long battery life, but the power is lacking. Or the reverse is true. The Enjoy Pet Clipper has both and a few extra features to go along with it.

This baby packs a high-capacity battery that has a built-in 2000mAh Li-battery which lasts for 7 hours on a full charge. 7 hours is incredible, especially if you’re a professional groomer. Their Amazon page boasts a 5x longer battery life than its competitors.

The Enjoy Pet Professional has a powerful motor with non-clogging technology. The 3.7V, 15W motor works hard to make sure your clipper does 9,000 revolutions in a minute. 33 sharp blades will cut through fur without hurting your pup’s skin, and the blades are perfect to use on any fur that’s thick, hairy, or soft.

These clippers are pretty quiet too. At 50-60 db it’ll be great for noise-sensitive pets. With noise absorption and a silencer equipped to reduce the friction in the blades, both you and your pet will have a stress and noise-free experience. Although the Enjoy Pet Clipper can be plugged in, it blows most cordless clippers out of the water. Even ones are specifically made to be wireless.


Ceenwes with Storage Case

Ceenwes Dog Clippers with Storage Case Low Noise Pet Clippers
  • Come swith 11 tools.
  • Precision motor, low vibration and ultra quiet design.
  • Light weight and cordless.
  • Titanium acute-angle blade combining with the ceramic movable blade.
  • 4 attachment guide combs.

We love our kits! Ceenwes is a lesser-known brand for dog clippers, but they deserve to be noticed. For lower than $30 you’ll get this all-in-one kit that combs with a pet brush, which is a surprisingly unique edition as far as kits are concerned. Normally, kits will come with a comb instead.

The pet grooming kit comes with 13 tools: pet clipper with included battery, AC power adapter, Slicker brush, cleaning brush, 4 comb attachments (3-6-9-12mm), stainless steel scissors, nail clipper kit, comb, and nail file. You’ll also get a manual that will teach you how to groom all hair types.

These clippers are also considered very quiet. Although it doesn’t crack the 40 db (which we recommend for pups scared of loud noises), it’s still quiet enough to keep your dog at ease. Now, your pet won’t be afraid of grooming, and with the constant routine, they may actually like it.

Sharp and adjustable blades made of titanium cut your dog’s hair at an acute angle. The ceramic moving blades are smooth and are especially efficient for cutting. The fine-tuning nobbs at the sids adjust the length of the blade from 0,8 to 2mm for precise cutting. Ceenwes can be detached, so you can go cordless. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and can hold a charge of up to 3-4 hours.


Oster A5

Oster A5 Hair Clippers for Dog
  • Deliver more strokes per minute and a wider blade sweep for faster clipping.
  • Powerful, heavy-duty universal motor delivers 2 speeds.
  • Compatible with  other Oster blades.
  • Detachable A5 blade.

The Oster Turbo A5 professional animal clipper is an efficient, fast and easy way to groom pets. It offers high-quality performance featuring a heavy-duty universal motor. It’s has two speed settings and goes up to 4,000 strokes per minute. The motor is quiet, providing a more pleasant grooming experience.

We love these pet clippers glide through thick, coarse hair easily-including heavily matted hair. A trusted brand by the grooming industry for years, Oster blades are machined and cryogenically treated in the USA to enhance the hardening process for extended durability and long-lasting performance. Oster prides themselves on making grooming easier, more efficient and hassle-free.


Lilly Brush

lilly brush mini in black
  • Effective, portable hair and lint remover
  • Comes with sleek carrying cover to prevent mess
  • Conveniently store in purse, suitcase, briefcase, glove box
  • Affordable price point
  • 100% reusable – requires no refills and lasts for years

After all that grooming, you and your house might be covered in hair. That’s where a pet hair removal tool comes in handy to have ready to go. The Lilly Brush is a pet hair removal tool designed to efficiently and effectively remove pet hair from various surfaces, including clothing, upholstery, and car seats. It’s a handheld device that relies on specially designed bristles to lift and capture pet hair, lint, and other debris.

We love that Lilly Brush is a reusable, and eco-friendly solution for pet hair and lint removal. It provides an earth-conscious alternative to disposable lint rollers and has garnered positive reviews for its performance and durability.

Our Personal Experience With Lilly Brush

“After giving our dog a bath and brushing him, his long, white coat is stuck to clothing and furniture. We use Lilly Brush to remove excess hair with ease. It’s gentile on all fabric types and soft to the touch. A vacuum is handy for getting hair off the floor and rugs, but this tool works for hard to reach areas on fabric like sofa or pants. It’s washable and stays clean with a removable cap.”

Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent

Frequently Asked Questions

Here at Love Your Dog, we field pretty consistent grooming questions from our readers.  Especially about finding clippers for breeds that are difficult to groom or about how to groom an anxious pup.  We’ve compiled a list of common questions we receive below.

How Long Do Dog Clippers Last?

Your clipper’s lifespan depends on how well you take care of them. The entire mechanism could last for a year or more, but some of the parts need to be replaced. First and foremost, always keep your blade clean and oiled, and regularly check the cords, blade drive, and latches.

Do You Groom a Matted Dog?

Depending on how badly matted they are, you can groom a matted dog. Use a dematting comb or rake to work the knots out slowly. Don’t pull or yank the knots, or you might hurt your dog. Once you have cleared out all the knots, you may notice some redness around the area. This could be from the pulling when you were grooming or from the skin not being able to breathe.

Should You Groom Dogs Wet or Dry?

Veterinarians recommend not combing or grooming a dog’s hair when it’s wet. Water can make the knots you’re trying to brush out even tighter, which will cause unnecessary distress to your dog. This is especially true for long-haired breeds and ones with double coats. If your dog is short-haired, you can use a rubber brush to remove dead hair and prevent excess shedding.

Should You Bathe A Dog Before Grooming?

You may bathe your dog before grooming, but wait until their hair is dry before you take the clippers to their fur. Do not try to brush them while they’re being bathed either unless their short-haired dogs like a Chihuahua. If you really have to brush your dog’s hair while you wash them, like in the case of dirt being within a mat, use a brush with wide, rounded bristles or a comb.

How Do I Stop My Dog Biting While Grooming?

Correcting behavioral problems is a long process, and depending on where your dog’s behavioral problems stem from these steps may not work. If your dog is very aggressive while grooming, it may be better to take them to a veterinarian to get a comfortable muzzle.

Should I Cut/Shave Matted Fur?

If your dog has matted fur, it’s better to try and brush it out first. If it’s so matted that brushing becomes painful, or you can’t brush through it at all, then shave or cut the mats. There is a method to shaving off mats properly.

How Often Should I Groom My Dog?

How often you groom your dog depends on the breed and the coat length and type. Longer-haired dogs should be brushed every day, while short hair dogs may only need them once per month. Bathing is also determined on hair and how dirty that hair gets. Young puppies and dogs that haven’t been groomed before should be groomed at home first before making an appointment with a professional.

How Can I Groom My Dog Quickly?

There isn’t exactly a “how-to” on being fast in grooming. The only people who are truly fast are professional dog groomers. If you want to be quicker, it’ll take practice. Cooperation from your furry friend will help as well. The faster you get, the more well-behaved your pet will be as well.

When All Else Fails, How Much Do Groomers Cost?

Just like a human salon, it’s difficult to give a price estimate without seeing your dog or your dog’s hair. Bigger dogs will cost more. Smaller dogs will cost less. On average, you could pay anywhere from $25 to $90 for standard grooming, and that usually covers nail trimming and ear cleaning.

How Do I Keep My Dog Still While Grooming?

Getting your dog familiar with grooming will help them sit still in the long term. It will be uncomfortable for your dog to be brushed at first, but eventually, with a few tricks, they’ll grow to love being pampered. Try these tips:

  • Line Brushing: Mostly used for breeds with long coats. This technique uses a soft bristle brush to comb the coat in the direction the hair grows. Don’t go too close to the skin, or your dog will be spooked.
  • Treats: Give your dog a small treat after you’ve cleaned their ears. They’ll keep coming back for more. As you continue to groom your pet, keep giving them treats for staying still. Only give them a treat when they’ve successfully performed a task.
  • Music: Animals love music just as much as we do. Classical music has been proven to calm and decrease stress in dogs. So put on a symphony for your pup and let them relax a bit before approaching with the shears again.
  • Tonics: Using a natural tonic on a dog to calm them down is fine, as long as you know it’s safe and approved by your vet. Never feed your dog anything random, or you could hurt them.
  • Put Them On A Non-Slippery Surface: Putting them in the sink may not be the best idea. They’ll be able to slip and slide all over the place. This will make it easier for them to duck and cover when they see the clippers. Put them on a rug, bath mat, or towel instead.

Final Thoughts

By now, you’re probably confident in your knowledge of clippers. Any of the clippers we’ve talked about here should suit your needs, and depending on your budget, any one of them should ensure a great experience when grooming your pup.

So just, which model are the best dog grooming clippers?

Combining all of these features together, we’ve determined that the Andis Ultra Edge is the best of the best. This is a professional clipper, though, so if you’re looking for a more affordable option or for the Wahl’s Deluxe. You get a lot of bang for your buck there. You’ve got all you need to get started. Happy grooming!

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