The 8 Best Dog Clippers of 2022

Our favorite dog clippers is the Wahl Deluxe Pro Series Dog Clippers

If you love wiry or longer-haired dogs (like poodles or cavalier King Charles spaniels)

They probably require trimming every four to six weeks. Your checkbook might not mind the trip to the neighborhood groomer, even if the typical cost per grooming session ranges from $30 to $90, depending on the breed, kind, and length of your dog’s fur.

Because of this, some dog owners choose to groom their pets at home as a less expensive option. Additionally, it can be a great way to strengthen relationships and is a particularly good option for timid dogs. But in order to groom your pet at home, you’ll need a set of dog clippers that are dependable, simple to use, and equipped with everything you need to begin trimming your dog’s hair.

Claudine Sievert, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and doctor of veterinary medicine, advises starting with a bath before clipping your dog’s fur.

“To ensure that all the tangles are removed from your dog’s hair, first bathe him, then completely dry him off. Find a location where you can secure your pet so they can’t escape or jump down.”

The cordless, beginner-friendly Wahl Deluxe Pro Series dog clippers are our top pick overall. However, we also suggest a few other clippers that might be more effective for you and your dog.

The top dog clippers are listed below.

Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Series Cordless Animal Clippers

The Wahl Deluxe dog clippers offer a two-hour runtime and a rechargeable lithium ion battery, which should give beginners plenty of time to practice grooming dogs. If the batteries are low, you can also get an extra eight minutes of runtime with a 15-minute quick charge.

The Wahl clippers have a long-lasting battery and 6,000 strokes per minute (SPM) of power, which is sufficient to cut and clip dogs with fine to medium hair. While a plug-in model might be preferable, the Deluxe Pro Series Pet Clippers are sufficiently powerful for dogs with double coat hairs.

All the tools you’ll need to start grooming your dog, including a blade guard, charger, styling comb, cleaning brush, scissors, and blade oil, are included with the rechargeable Wahl pet clippers in a durable storage case. Additionally, it has four color-coded clipper combs that let you trim hair to lengths of 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inches.

Because the Illinois-based company has been producing top-notch grooming products for both people and animals for more than 100 years, Wahl has practically become a household name when it comes to hair clippers.

The last thing you want to do is spend hundreds of dollars on clippers if you’re new to dog grooming and unsure of how well home grooming will work for you and your pooch. However, purchasing the incorrect clippers can sometimes be harmful or worthless. What do you then? We advise purchasing these Highdas dog clippers. They are quite reasonably priced, yet they also function and do so safely.

Their titanium blades are adjustable, they feature a relatively quiet motor to keep your dog calm while you groom them, and they are comfortable to hold. Additionally, it comes in three vibrant colors and includes a selection of equipment you’ll need for grooming at home: silver, red, and gold.

Thanks to the sleek, contemporary appearance of these rose gold clippers, your dog will not only look perfect after its haircut but you will also look equally attractive while doing it. They include an all-metal barbell grip that is simple for you to grab and grasp, and the high-torque brushless motor allows you to trim more delicate regions with precision.

A charging stand, two comb attachments, a blade guard, lubricating oil, a cleaning brush, and a carrying case are included with these compact clippers.

Trimming your poodle’s coat will be simple thanks to a cool-running, single-speed sealed motor and a whisper-quiet sealed motor. Four blades, measuring 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inches each, are included and are ideal for trimming around your dog’s face and legs. The included hard plastic case can be used to store everything, allowing you to maintain organization while on the go.

Despite the step-by-step instructions that come with these clippers, we advise leaving more challenging cuts, such as the lion and Miami, to your groomer.

The best defense against matted fur is a solid attack, so it’s critical to set aside time for routine dog grooming. You’ll need a clipper with a strong motor if it’s too late and your long-haired or curly-haired pup has a mound of matted fur. These Aibors are up to the task with a 6500x per minute motor.

The included comb blades and oil help keep the clippers in top condition, and the adjustable blade cutter head makes sure you’ll always get the perfect length. Additionally, they have a three-hour charge-holding capacity, which is more than enough time to finish the task.

These grooming clippers are an excellent alternative for huge dogs or dogs with thick coats because they include a heavy-duty motor, which is what you need for a clipper for long-haired dogs. The motor has three speeds and operates at a stroke rate of 4000 per minute. Additionally, they are lightweight and strong enough for large grooming chores. Since they are corded, you won’t have to be concerned about the battery running out in the middle of grooming, but be aware that the cord occasionally makes it a little bit trickier to maneuver. They also come in a variety of vibrant, fun colors.

The last thing you need is the cord of your clippers getting in the way while you’re attempting to calm your dog down during a grooming session. The battery life of this cordless dog clipper is 150 minutes (and charges in the same amount of time). It has an LCD indicator light to show you exactly how much battery life is left, and it also functions with the supplied cord in case you need to use it right away rather than wait for it to charge. It works equally well on dogs with long hair and short hair thanks to its two different speeds.

While still powerful enough to more thoroughly groom smaller dogs, this battery-powered, palm-sized clipper is ideal for touch-ups in between trips to your regular groomer. Trim the hair near your pet’s face, ears, paws, and reproductive organs to prevent it from seeming overgrown.

Even the most frightened of puppies won’t be scared by the clipper’s small size and low volume. Its price is unbeatable, and it comes with two comb attachments, lubricating oil, and a cleaning brush.

How to Choose a Dog Clipper

There are a few things to think about when looking for a nice pair of dog clippers, including:

The best type of clipper ultimately depends on its intended use.

If your family has several dogs, you need a pair of clippers that can be used for various tasks. According to Kansas-based dog and cat veterinarian Claudine Sievert, “A5 clippers are what most professionals use, and if you’re going to be clipping a lot of different dogs, then this is the one you should buy.”

To trim delicate areas, such as those around the ears, paws, and faces, trimmers are best. She told The Spruce Pets that they also help dogs with weak hair. When used with guard combs, these clippers are quieter than others, making them suitable for pups and pets with thinner coats.

According to Sievert, “D-style clippers are a blend of A5 and trimmers.” “This is a new type that combines the flexibility of an A5-style clipper with the lightness and quietness of a trimmer.” For pet owners who don’t want to spend money on both clippers and trimmers, these can be good options.

Corded versus cordless
Both have benefits and drawbacks, so deciding between corded and cordless depends primarily on your personal preferences. With cordless clippers, you may walk around with your dog a little more freely without worrying that the cable will irritate it. Because you don’t need to be close to an outlet to trim your dog’s fur, they are also more portable for excursions. However, their batteries can sometimes run out in the middle of a grooming session.

Because of this, Texas-based veterinarian Sara Ochoa claims she favors corded clippers. Because battery-operated clippers do not last as long and I believe that clippers that are plugged into the wall last longer, I prefer to use clippers that are plugged in have a stronger motor for trimming your dog’s thick hair.”

Weight versus toughness

Since some clippers are lighter than others, you can handle and move them more easily, which is useful when dealing with delicate places. Lightweight can also mean flimsy, and you don’t want to spend money on a clipper that would break and shatter if dropped. Therefore, be sure to look for clippers that are both sturdy and well made, yet lightweight enough for you to hold comfortably without experiencing pain in your wrist.

Speed
Single-speed clippers typically only work effectively on smaller dogs with finer fur, so unless you’re buying for just one specific dog, you probably want clippers with numerous speeds. Instead, search for a motor with a range of speeds so you can trip both fine and coarse fur.

Even if you do come to the conclusion that you only want one speed, ensure sure the clippers are set at the appropriate speed for the fur on your dog. For larger dogs and those with thicker coats, Sievert notes, “you’ll need a greater speed to go through their hair.”

Sound
The level of squeamishness in your dog will determine how much noise they can handle. Nevertheless, quieter clippers might make the transition to at-home grooming simpler.

You’ll undoubtedly need a quiet pair if your dog becomes anxious and doesn’t enjoy loud noises, according to Sievert.

Type, Material, and Size of the Blade
Not every blade performs equally well on every kind of fur. For thorough shaves or double-layered coats, for instance, T-Blades work well. Skip-tooth blades work well for fine trimming.

Along with kind, you need also take note of their size because this will affect how long or short their fur will be after being trimmed with that blade.

Finally, choose a blade made of stainless steel or another sturdy metal to ensure a long lifespan.

How hot it becomes
Some dog clippers can heat up quite quickly, especially when they’re cheap. As you trim, you run the risk of accidently burning your dog’s skin. Do your homework to get one that doesn’t heat up too rapidly, and while you’re using it, keep an eye on how hot your clippers are getting.

FAQ

How do I use clippers to shave a dog?

To shave your dog as effectively and safely as possible, there is a general order to follow.

“To trim your pet’s sanitary area, start with a size ten blade. Make sure the blade is firmly against the body and don’t slant it, advises Sievert. “Once this area has been trimmed, you can trim your dog’s ears and eyes, which are other delicate locations. Holp the ear flat and begin at the center and proceed outwards when trimming your pet’s ears.

Decide how long you want their fur to be, select the right guide and blades, then start cutting their body when you are ready. If you have never trimmed your dog’s nails before,fur, you might want to start simple and keep their fur a little longer.

“It’s preferable to keep the blade parallel to your dog’s body when shaving him. Going in the same direction is something I also advise,” says Ochoa. Go head to head or tail to tail, then. This will maintain the uniformity of your dog’s coat.

Sievert advises “always clip with the pet’s hair grain and pay special attention to sensitive areas with extra folds such as the neck, behind the ears, the groin, and the legs” to prevent accidents.

You should give them another brush after you’ve finished clipping them to remove any remaining long hairs or uneven patches.

What grooming methods work the best?

It will be simpler to comb and cut your dog’s fur if you routinely brush their coat to prevent matting. While you are grooming them, examine their skin for sores, allergies, parasites, and other irritation-related symptoms.

Another crucial aspect of grooming is behavior. While using clippers or scissors, try to keep your dog as calm and at ease as you can. Calming treats may help some dogs maintain their calm. Additionally, with nervous dogs, quieter clippers may come in handy.

Last but not least, make sure your clippers aren’t getting too hot by checking them frequently. Make sure the clips don’t get too hot and use the best, most silent clippers possible.

Can you use human clippers to trim dog hair?

Although they can look similar, human and dog clippers are different, according to Sievert. Because there is a higher risk of hurting your dog, human clippers shouldn’t be used to groom your dog.

She continues, “The motor is not designed for prolonged use, and its noise and vibrations can frighten your pet.” Additionally, unlike clippers used for pet grooming, these ones aren’t made to cut thin or thick fur.

How are dog clippers sharpened?

The cheapest of all sharpening equipment, a flat stone, can be used to sharpen dog clippers, according to Sievert. All you have to do to utilize it is simply rub the blades back and forth against the flat stone.

The grinder wheel is an additional option. According to Sievert, “this method requires the use of a wet or dry solution in its ridges.” “You turn the wheel while putting the blade into it with the applied solution on the edge.

You can also purchase a lapping wheel made of cast iron with grooves all around its surface. Although it has a slower wheel rotation than a grinding wheel, the finish it produces is smoother.

But not everyone enjoys sharpening dog clippers, so it’s okay if you’re anxious or lack the necessary equipment.

Ochoa explains, “There are folks who can sharpen your dog clippers. “You can ask your neighborhood dog groomer who they recommend, or frequently I find it is just as simple to buy a new blade for your clippers,” she continued.

Reasons to Trust Us

Steven Rowe is an accomplished pet product writer who has adopted two dogs and grew up in California with a Collie. He met with three vets, read user reviews, conducted extensive research, and interviewed The Spruce Pets editors who had also conducted extensive study to determine the finest dog clippers. He sought out models with strong motors, sturdy metal blades, reasonable costs, and appropriate safety features as well as those that had practical extras.

Claudine Sievert, a Kansas-based doctor of veterinary medicine, provided us with advice for this post. She has treated hundreds of cats and dogs over her more than six years of specializing in pet care. Additionally, she is a board-certified nutritionist for animals.