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The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis
Some long-haired dog breeds need their hair trimmed every four to six weeks. But even if you would rather leave your dog's haircut to an expert groomer, having your own set of clippers can be useful for problem areas, like for cutting back the fur around your dog's butt where poop gets stuck, or trimming the paw pads where hair can interfere with their traction. Clippers are also a good option for skittish dogs.
We bought 18 of the most popular and bestselling dog hair clippers, then sent them out to human volunteers and their dogs for real-world testing.
After testing, our favorite is the Wahl Professional Animal ARCO Cordless Pet Clipper, which has a blade adjustable to five different lengths, an 80-minute runtime, and low-vibration operation.
Before trimming your dog with new clippers, we recommend all dog companions considering at-home trims take a class offered by a local groomer, and seek guidance specific to your dog's breed and age.
Best Overall
Wahl Professional Animal Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit
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Amazon
Easy to hold and maneuver with low vibration
Five in one blade adjustable to sizes #9, #10, #15, #30, and #40
Four plastic guide combs
Leaves fur even and smooth
Suitable for all breeds
One year warranty from Wahl
Not the quietest clippers we tested
The Wahl Professional Animal ARCO Cordless Pet Clippers are lightweight, easy to grip, and battery-powered. The clippers offer five lengths for trimming—#9, #10, #15, #30, and #40—along with four included comb guides. As with all clippers, the larger number will cut a shorter length. It allows for precision and careful grooming of ears, faces, and paws on dogs of all sizes.
The Arco is 6.75-inches long and easy to maneuver, allowing beginners to ease into the process of trimming their pet at home. The sharp blade provides an even and smooth cut through medium coats and did not heat up during our testing, as other clippers tend to do.
The device is cordless so you can trim your dog from the location of your choice. It's powered by a rechargeable battery which requires 75 minutes for a full charge and runs for 80 minutes. Two NiMH batteries are included along with a storage case, charger, cleaning brush, blade oil, and helpful instruction book. It is slightly more expensive than other clippers, but it's well made, easy to clean, and offers versatility that we feel justifies the price point.
Price at time of publish: $165
Blade Material: Carbon steel︱Battery Life: 80 minutes︱Accessories: Two NiMH rechargeable battery packs, storage case, charging stand, charger, four plastic guide combs, cleaning brush, blade oil, instruction book
Best Corded
Andis 22340 ProClip 2-Speed Clipper
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Amazon
No battery required
We found these clippers to be quieter than others we tested
Easily cuts through matted fur with two speed options
Compatible with a variety of blades
Does not include guide combs
You may need to purchase additional blades, but they are easy to swap
If you don't want to worry about battery life, the Andis 22340 ProClip 2-Speed Clipper is the top-performing cord-powered device that we tested. It offers two speeds, 2,700 or 3,400 strokes per minute, and the switch to change speeds is located slightly out of reach to minimize the chances of accidentally speeding up in the middle of a trim. The clippers come with a #10 blade which is typically sufficient for a dog's sanitary cut around their rear end or along their paw pads, so you may need to purchase additional blades depending on your grooming needs. These clippers are compatible with a variety of blades from Andis, including UltraEdge, CeramicEdge, and ShowEdge blades as well as Oster A-5 blades. As a reminder, the higher the number of a blade, the shorter the coat will be.
Price at time of publish: $155
Blade Material: Chrome︱Power Source: 14 foot power cord︱Accessories: Tube of blade oil, extra blade drive
Best for Long Hair
Aibors Dog Clippers
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Amazon
Comes with adjustable blade cutter head
Digital readout screen
Battery powered with three hours of run time
Comes with four guide combs
Motor is louder than other clippers we tested
The Airbors Dog Clippers have a powerful motor and sharp blades to tackle challenging locks including curly hair and matted fur. The adjustable blade cutter head allows you to select the preferred length, and the clippers include four guide combs which help to deliver consistent and reliable results in our testing. When fully charged, the clippers have a run time of three hours which we found to be sufficient for multiple grooming sessions.
This model is affordably priced, did not overheat during our testing, and comes with blade oil and a brush for care. The motor does make noise while in use which may scare some dogs at first, but we did not find it to be too disruptive to the overall grooming process.
Price at time of publish: $37
Blade Material: Carbon steel︱Battery Life: Three hours︱Accessories: Four guide combs, four blades, blade cover, charger, scissors, oil, blade brush
Best Budget
Wahl Lithium Ion Deluxe Pro Series Rechargeable Clipper
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Amazon
Easy to use for touch-ups in between professional grooming sessions
Suitable for medium to heavy coats and able to cut through thick curly hair
Four guide combs included
Rechargeable with two hours of run time
Blades are 1.5 inches wide so multiple passes may be required for larger dogs
Blade felt slightly warm after use
The Wahl Lithium Ion Deluxe Pro Series Rechargeable Pet Clipper Grooming Kit comes with everything you need to get started with at-home trims. Four guide combs, which are easy to snap on and off, will help you trim your dog to the desired length. The base is easy to hold, but we did find the on/off switch to be in the way of our grip which led to unplanned pauses in the middle of a trim. The blade also got a little warm but nothing extreme or dangerous.
The clippers have a two-hour runtime when fully charged, but also have a 10-minute quick charge setting for short trims. The blade can cut through thick curly hair, so this is a suitable option for poodles and poodle-mixes.
Price at time of publish: $55
Blade Material: Carbon steel ︱Battery Life: 120 minutes︱Accessories: Charger, storage case, blade cover, four guide combs, scissors, cleaning brush, blade oil
Best Upgrade
Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Clipper
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Amazon
Five in one blade adjustable to sizes #9, #10, #15, #30, and #40
Cord-powered or cordless with lithium-ion rechargeable battery providing 90 minutes of power
One year warranty from Wahl
Price varies depending on which color you select
Be ready to groom your dog when the mood strikes with the Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Clippers. With 60 minutes of charge time, these clippers will run for 90 minutes with an LCD screen counting down the remaining battery life. But it also comes with a power cord that doubles as a charger so you don't have to miss a beat.
The five-in-one blade offers lengths of #9, #10, #15, #30, and #40, and the higher the number, the shorter the coat will be. We found it very easy to use and our participating dog has a soft, smooth coat that's easier to maintain with regular at-home trims. A storage case, six guide combs, a cleaning brush, and blade oil to keep the blade functioning properly are also included in the package. Plus, Wahl, who has been manufacturing clippers for a century, offers a one-year warranty for this model.
Price at time of publish: $207
Blade Material: Carbon steel︱Battery Life: 90 minutes︱Accessories: Power cord/charger, storage case, six guide combs, charging stand, cleaning brush, blade oil
Best for Paws and Faces
Ruri's Cordless Low-Noise Electric Pet Trimmer
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Amazon
Two blades and one guide comb included
Slender head for precision around delicate areas
Very quiet and affordable
Battery not included, one AA required
For delicate areas, like around the eyes, ears, and nose, and the little tufts of fur between paw pads, Ruri's Cordless Low-Noise Electric Pet Trimmer is the top choice. The narrow head is designed for precision trimming so these are definitely best for someone looking to focus on smaller areas of their dog. We found them very comfortable to hold and the blade did not heat up with you. They are very quiet compared to other clippers but do vibrate lightly. The clippers require one AA battery that is not included.
Price at time of publish: $19
Blade Material: Stainless steel︱Battery Life: Varies, AA batteries required but not includd︱Accessories: Two blades, one guide comb, cleaning brush
Best Grooming Kit
Neabot P1 Pro Pet Grooming Kit & Vacuum
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Amazon
Combines the clipping action with a vacuum for less clean up
Trimmer offers four lengths
One year warranty from manufacturer
Can be used for regular brushing
Sound of vacuum may startle some dogs
The Neatbot P1 Pro Pet Grooming Kit & Vacuum collects excess fur and hair as you trim. This device combines the suction and hose of a canister vacuum with the ability to swap out attachments for dog grooming, so it might help you save time on post-grooming cleanup.
The trimmer attachment has four guide combs to help you achieve the desired length for your dog. We found it easy to use and relatively quiet, but the shape and sound of the vacuum may make your dog uneasy when it's first introduced. The kit also includes a brush and a de-shedding attachment to help keep your dog and your space clean. It's easy to swap between attachments and there are two more, a nozzle and a brush, to pick up any fur from the floor and upholstery.
Price at time of publish: $160
Blade Material: Not listed︱Power Source: Five-foot long powercord︱Accessories: Four guide combs, trimmer, brush, de-shed attachment, vacuum nozzle, vacuum brush
Our selection for best overall dog clippers is the Wahl Professional Animal ARCO Cordless Pet Clippers. The price point may seem high, but we feel the clippers are a practical choice for home trimmings due to their durability and approachable design. If you are looking for an affordable option that allows you to target small areas, Ruri's Cordless Low-Noise Electric Pet Trimmer is battery-powered, comes with a guide comb, and is on the quieter side of the grooming tools that made our list.
How We Tested
In total, we tested 18 different dog clippers with real dogs in real homes. We purchased each device and sent it to a volunteer's home, along with a written methodology that guided them from best practices for at-home grooming (e.g. start with brushing and bathing your dog) through long-term testing.
Testers first documented ease of setup and clarity of instructions. Testers then evaluated the quality for themselves, adding and detaching accessories such as guide combs, recording how easy it is to hold and maneuver, and answering a bevy of additional questions. They then clipped a small amount on the underbelly of their dog to determine the desired length and to observe how their dog reacts to the device. Finally, they assessed their overall experience with the dog clippers and if their desired results were easily achieved.
After providing detailed feedback and numerical scores across four different categories (Ease of Use, Performance, Durability, and Value) each dog clipper stayed in its new home for ongoing testing.
What to Look for in Dog Clippers
Type
Ultimately, the right type depends on what you’re using your clippers for.
If you’re a multiple-dog family, you want a pair of clippers that is versatile. “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 purchase,” Dr. Claudine Sievert, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and board-certified veterinary nutritionist, told The Spruce Pets.
However, “trimmers work well for trimming delicate areas like around the ears, paws, and faces. They also work for dogs with thin hair,” she said. "These clippers are quieter than others, so they could work well for puppies and thinner-coated pets when used with guard combs.”
Meanwhile, “D-style clippers are a combination of A5 and trimmers,” Sievert said. “This is a new type that blends the lightness and quiet of a trimmer with the flexibility of an A5-style clipper.” These can be good options for pet parents who don’t want to invest in both clippers and trimmers.
Corded vs. Cordless
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, which is why the choice of corded vs. cordless is mostly a matter of what you prefer to use. Cordless clippers allow you to move around your dog a little easier without having to worry about the cord bothering your dog. They’re also more portable for trips because you don’t have to be near an outlet in order to trim your dog’s fur—but their batteries also die—sometimes right in the middle of your grooming session.
That’s why, Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian in Texas, says she prefers corded clippers. “I like clippers that plug into the wall better than battery powered [because] battery powered clippers do not last as long and I think that clippers that are plugged in have a stronger motor for trimming your dog's thick hair."
Weight vs. Durability
Some clippers are lighter than others, which makes them more comfortable to hold and maneuver, especially when you’re working in sensitive areas. However, lightweight can also mean flimsy—and you don’t want to invest in a clipper that if dropped, would shatter and break. So make sure you’re looking for clippers that are lightweight enough for you to hold comfortably without your wrist starting to hurt, while also being durable and well made.
Speed
Unless you’re shopping for only one specific dog, chances are you’ll want clippers with multiple speeds because single-speed clippers generally only work well on smaller dogs with finer fur. Instead look for multiple motor speeds so you can trip thin and thicker, coarser fur.
Even if you do end up thinking you only need one speed, make sure the clippers get to the right speed for your dog’s fur. “For bigger dogs and ones with thick fur, you'll need a higher speed to get through their hair,” explains Sievert.
Blade Type, Material, and Size
Not all blades work equally as well on all types of fur. For example, T-Blades are good for giving dogs complete shaves or double-layered coats, while skip-tooth blades are best for precision trimming.
In addition to type, you’ll want to pay attention to their size because this will determine how short or long their fur will be once cut with that blade.
Finally, make sure you pick a blade from stainless steel or other durable metal so it lasts a long time.
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How do I shave a dog with clippers?
Before trimming your dog's fur with clippers, Dr. Sievert strongly recommends beginning with a bath. "Bathe your dog first, dry them thoroughly, and brush them to make sure all the tangles are out of their hair,” Sievert told The Spruce Pets. “Then find a place where you can secure your pet, so they can't jump down or run off."“Start with a size ten blade to trim your pet's sanitary area. Don't tilt the blade, and make sure it's firmly against the body,” Sievert said. “Once this area is cut, you can trim your dog's other sensitive areas like the ears and eyes. When clipping your pet's ears, hold the ear flat and work from the center toward the edges.”
Then, when you cut their body fur, decide how long you want their fur to be, use the appropriate guide and blades, and get started. If this is your first time trimming your dog’s fur, you might want to start simple and keep their fur a little longer.
“When you are shaving your dog it is best to keep the blade parallel with your dog's body. I also recommend going in the same direction,” Ochao told the Spruce Pets. “So either go head to tail or tail to head. This will help keep your dog's fur looking even.”
To avoid accidents, "you should always clip with the grain of the pet's hair and pay special attention to sensitive areas with extra folds such as the neck, behind the ears, the groin, and the legs," Sievert said.
Once they are fully clipped, you’ll want to brush them again to make sure there are no long hairs or uneven spots.
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What are the best grooming techniques?
Be sure to regularly brush your dog’s coat to avoid matting — this will make it easier to groom your dog and trim their fur. Check their skin while you groom too, looking for sores, allergies, parasites, and other signs of irritation.
Behavior during grooming is also important. Try to keep your pup as calm and relaxed as possible while you use clippers or scissors. Some pups might benefit from calming treats to keep them calm. This is also where quieter clippers might come in handy with nervous dogs.
Finally, check your clippers regularly to make sure they’re not getting too hot. Use the best quality clippers which make no noise and ensure the clips don’t get too hot.
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Can you cut dog hair with human clippers?
“While human and dog clippers may appear the same, they aren't,” Sievert said. “Human clippers should not be used for grooming your dog because there is an increased risk of injuring your pet.”
“The motor is not made for long uses, and its noise and vibrations can scare your pet,” she continues. “Plus, the clippers aren't designed to cut thin or thick fur like pet grooming ones are.”
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How do you sharpen dog clippers?
“You can sharpen dog clippers on a flat stone which is the most affordable of all sharpening tools,” Sievert told The Spruce Pets. “It's easy to use and convenient - all you have to rub the blades back and forth against the smooth stone.”
Another choice is the grinding wheel. “With this method, you have to use a wet or dry solution in its ridges,” Sievert explains. “You insert the blade into the wheel with the applied solution on edge and turn it,”
You can also get a lapping wheel, which contains cast iron, with its surface surrounded by grooves. Its wheel rotates slower than the grinding wheel but provides a smoother finish.
Sharpening dog clippers isn’t for everyone though — so if you’re nervous or don’t have the right tools, it’s okay.
“There are people who can sharpen your dog clippers,” Ochoa said. “You can ask your local dog groomer who they use [or] often I find it is just as easy to purchase a new blade for your clippers.”
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This roundup was updated by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a lovely pomeranian named Gidget. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Mejorada embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.
A previous version of this article was written by Steven Rowe, an experienced pet product writer who has rescued two dogs of his own. And the original version of this article was written by Anne Fritz, a product reviewer for The Spruce and The Spruce Pets. She was also the founding editor of Create For Me, a magazine for women in their 20s.
For this article, we consulted Claudine Sievert, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas. She has specialized in pet care for more than 6 years, treating hundreds of cats and dogs. She is also a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
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