The Best Dog Grooming Clippers
Everyone likes the feeling of looking in the mirror after a good haircut. While our hair is more decorative than functional, the manes of our furry canine friends serves a more utilitarian purpose. The glorious fur that covers Buster's body helps regulate temperature and mitigate the potentially harsh UV rays of the sun. The thing is, your pooch isn't very good with his hands, so once that fur starts to droop over his eyes or onto the floor, it's a good idea for you to to trim it. Disheveled hair is not only unsightly, but potentially harmful, as it can restrict your dog's movement. Here, we've ranked the best dog grooming clippers on the market today. We've judged by them the quality of their blades, their operating speed, heat dissipation, and their cost value.
Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed
A Favorite Among Many
Ask anyone in the know, and you’ll hear them mention the Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed. Why? Well, mostly, because it’s versatile enough to handle the needs of nearly any breed, and what’s more, it’s a real pleasure to use. Its rotary motor operates at either 3,400 or 4,400 strokes per minute, depending on which you select. You also have the option to detach the blade and change it for any of Andis’ 20+ interchangeable blade sizes, all of which are made in the USA. Replacing them is easy, too, as it requires no tools — you just pop out the old one and snap in the new one.
What’s especially clever about this one is that it can switch between corded or cordless configurations by simply removing the wire from its input port. Sometimes getting your dog to comply with a haircut can be a daunting task. Having a dangling wire getting in the way doesn’t help the matter. So, the option’s there if you do decide to go cordless. With that said, even the least clumsy amongst us may accidentally drop the clipper when little Noodle attempts to squirm and wriggle out of this much-needed trim. If the clipper happens to fall to the ground, you can rest assured that it’ll be okay, because this one boasts a shatter-proof housing.
Pros:
- Lightweight and ergonomic
- Available in five different colors
- Quiet operation
- Work well for dogs of all sizes
Cons:
- Gets quite hot with prolonged use
- Not exactly cheap
Wahl Deluxe U-Clip
Everything You Need, Without the Price Tag
The Wahl Deluxe U-Clip is a medium-duty clipper that’s offered here as a 16-piece set. Aside from the clipper, the kit includes a standard blade that can be adjusted to #30, #15, and #10; 7 attachable guide combs; a pair of stainless steel scissors; a plastic comb, and a few accessories, like blade oil and a cleaning brush. All of this costs a fraction of what premium models cost, so as far as cost value goes, you’re sitting pretty.
But, of course, we have to examine the unit’s actual efficacy. Does it do a good job? Yes, actually. For most breeds, it cuts quite well. It does have a tougher time with thick, curly coats, which are notoriously stubborn. Aside from that though, it’s fairly reliable. Next question: is it easy to use? Mostly. Though the cord does get in the way sometimes, the unit itself dissipates heat pretty well. It is a bit heavy, so depending on your strength level, you may need to take a quick break to rest your arm — especially if you’re trimming multiple dogs. With that said, it’s on the louder side, so if your pup is skittish, it may freak him or her out and make the process more difficult than it needs to be.
Pros:
- Includes a limited warranty
- Made in USA
- Storage case is included
Cons:
- Cord could be a bit longer
Wahl Bravura Cordless
All The Power, Without the Cord
The Wahl Bravura utilizes cutting-edge rechargeable battery innovation in the form of a lithium-ion battery. This offers an increase in power, torque, and the total number of charge cycles compared to traditional nickel-metal hydride batteries. Why does this matter? Well, while cordless clippers like the Wahl Bravura are more convenient than corded ones, their convenience comes at the cost of decreased power. With this one, though, that’s not the case. This one is capable of running for 90 minutes straight, and it has a max speed of 6,000 strokes per minute. It’s capable of recharging in 60 minutes or less, too. And to add to that, there is an optional cord that you can use if the battery dies. Finally, an odd but potentially useful selling point is that it also works really well on other animals, including cats, horses, pigs, and cattle. So if you’re living in a multi-species home, the Bravura is a convenient, versatile option that may be just right for your needs.
Pros:
- Weighs only 8.8 ounces
- Stays cool with extended use
- Has a battery level indicator
Cons:
- On the loud side
- Not great for poodle breeds
Andis ProClip 2-Speed AGC2
Gets the Job Done, Always
If you are looking for a device that will always get the job done and one that you can depend on in the long run, the ProClip may be a great pick for you. It has a detachable-blade configuration, two-speed rotary motor, shatter-proof housing, and a sleek, comfortable design. It does lack the power that the UltraEdge has, though, so if your dog’s coat is densely matted or especially curly, this may not be your clipper. Still, for most folks, it offers a perfect compromise between affordability and quality, and it is one of the most durable models out there.
Pros:
- Light in the hand
- Quite quiet
- Easy to clean
- Great price for the quality
Cons:
- Blades do get hot with extended use
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a pair of my own hair-cutting clippers on my dog?
No, you shouldn’t. Human clippers are designed differently than those made for pets. Why? Well, first of all, dogs have much more hair than us. This means that the actual trimming process takes a lot longer. As the device’s motor runs, it generates heat, and depending on the unit’s ability to dissipate heat, it can become hot to the touch after an extended time. Pet clippers are designed to dissipate this heat much more quickly than human clippers. If you use your own clippers on your dog, they’ll likely overheat much quicker, and because canine skin is quite sensitive, this can irritate or even burn them. Also, dog clippers are designed to be quieter. After all, the hair-trimming process isn’t exactly voluntary, so you want to minimize the potential stress involved in the ordeal by using a quiet clipper. Human clippers are not as quiet, so the distress they can cause a pooch to feel is obvious.
Which features ensure a smooth, even haircut for my pooch?
The most important components of the clippers you buy will be the sharpness of the blades, the power of the motor, and the current capacity of the battery. Just like electric razors meant for human use, dog clippers slow down substantially when the battery is getting low. This causes the machine to operate much more inefficiently, and combined with dull blades and an already weak motor, you can’t expect a high-quality haircut. Stay on top of your blades’ sharpness, buy a high-powered unit, and always charge the battery or use a corded model.
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