Dog grooming clippers will eliminate the need for weekly or monthly trips to the groomer while simultaneously keeping nervous pets calm, thanks to low-noise, low-vibration, low-heat, and other nerve-soothing technologies. You can find grooming clippers that get the job done without the bells and whistles, as well as clippers with all the features professional groomers want, depending on your needs and skill level.
Our vet advisor, Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM, aimed to find the best grooming products to keep your furry friend’s coat trim and healthy, and she chose Wahl Pro Series Cordless Animal Clippers as her top pick. Quiet and rechargeable, these dog grooming clippers can be used for dogs of any size and for dogs with thick and heavy coats. Read how she chose the top 5.
Some grooming clippers will work best with wet or dry hair, so make note of any special instructions before your purchase. You may need to dry your dog thoroughly before using clippers.
Our Vet’s Top 5 Dog Grooming Clippers
Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Vet’s Picks | Model | Rating | Running Speeds | Battery Life | Adjustable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Wahl Pro Series Cordless Animal Clippers | 1 | 2 hours | 5 lengths | |
| Best Budget Buy | HOLDOG Professional Heavy Duty Dog Grooming Clipper | 3 | 3-4 hours | 5 lengths | |
| Best Professional | Andis Excel Pro-Animal 5-Speed Clipper | 5 | Corded | 1 length | |
| Best Cordless | Babyliss Pro Metal Pet Trimmer | 1 | 3 hours | 3 lengths | |
| Best Quiet | oneisall Low Noise Dog Clippers | 1 | 80 minutes | 7 lengths |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy Dog Grooming Clippers
- The DIY pet parent – Rather than taking your dog to the groomer, a quality set of groomers could very well save you time and money.
- Groomers – Obviously, if your career involves grooming dogs, you’ll need to make sure you have a set of quality professional clippers – possibly more than one to make sure you have the appropriate equipment for each breed.
- Owners of a high-maintenance breed – If your dog needs frequent and thorough grooming, you can probably at least minimize the trips to the groomer by getting your own set of clippers to keep your pup comfortable.
Who Should Not Buy Dog Grooming Clippers
- Anyone with a skittish dog – For the dog who’s particularly prone to anxiety during grooming, it may be best to leave grooming up to the pros. If you don’t have the proper equipment, you’ll be more likely to accidentally knick your pup. If the anxiety of a groomer’s facility is too much for your pup to handle, a traveling groomer may be your best bet.
- Low-maintenance breed owners – If you have a dog that doesn’t require a lot of grooming, or any cutting, then you won’t get much use out of your own clippers.
Research Tips (From a Veterinarian)
As with most pet products, there are many different grooming clippers to choose from, and finding the best clippers for your dog’s needs can seem overwhelming. Here are some things to consider when evaluating and comparing dog grooming clippers.
- Consider your dog’s breed – Of course, the grooming clippers that you choose should have a lot to do with your dog – specifically, if they have a long, thick hair coat, a curly coat, or a fine, feathery hair coat – and how detailed you want to get with grooming. Choose clippers that are designed for your dog’s coat type for the best results.1
- Choose single or variable speed – Dog grooming clippers come in two forms: variable speed and single-speed. Variable speed clippers are best if there’s going to be a lot of variation in what you’re clipping. For example, a whole-body clip that also includes detailing around the face and feet requires multiple speeds, and single-speed clippers work best if you’re just looking to do one thing.
- Some clippers are ultra-quiet for sensitive dogs – Some grooming clippers can be so quiet that you have to double-check that they’re on, while others can be heard three doors down in a noisy neighborhood. The decibels that work best for you will depend on what you and your dog can tolerate.2
- Clippers can overheat when used for a long duration – All dog grooming clippers produce heat when they’re running – it’s a matter of friction. The amount of heat that they produce can vary based on the speed, type of blade, and your dog’s haircoat. Of course, the chance for overheating increases the longer they run.
- Consider corded vs cordless – Corded clippers have the advantage over cordless in run time. They don’t have a battery to run out, so you can clip for as long as you and your dog are willing. However, that cord will also limit where you do your grooming, as you will need to be close to an outlet.
- Maintenance and care – You aren’t going to find clippers that are completely maintenance-free, but something to think about is that all grooming clippers will need to be cleaned and oiled regularly.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $30 and $150
Depending on your grooming needs, you may be able to get away with the less expensive and less-robust version of dog grooming clippers. However, you may find yourself on the opposite end of that spectrum and need professional quality clippers for your dog grooming business with multiple pups to groom each day. In either case, you can plan to probably spend somewhere within the range of $30 to $150 for your clippers.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet Life Today
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or this is your first time grooming your pup, a good set of clippers is an absolute necessity. But where do you even start your search? As a veterinarian, I have spoken with many pet owners, groomers, and other veterinarians about the best clippers on the market. Whether your pet loves to be groomed or is fearful of noisy clippers, I’m sure you’ll find the right clippers for your needs among the options below. – Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM
The Best Dog Grooming Clippers: Full Reviews
The Wahl Pro Series Cordless Animal Clippers come with everything you need to give your dog a full salon treatment. They come with four attachments so that you can adjust the length of the cut five different ways (you can always cut to the skin with no guard, for pre-surgery areas). The set also comes with a cleaning brush and oil so you can easily maintain the clippers, extending their life.
For the in-between grooming times, you’ll also get a pair of grooming scissors and a storage case so that you can always keep both the clippers and your pup’s coat in excellent shape.
- Complete grooming kit
- Heavy-duty; cuts thick coats
- Full charge will last up to 2 hours
- May overheat with extended use
- 15 min charge for just 8 mins of use
HOLDOG Professional Heavy Duty Dog Grooming Clippers is another full grooming set that features a variety of guards and accessories to make clipping your dog easy as pie. You’ll also get a quality pair of scissors and a styling comb to ensure your cut is as high quality as your skill level allows.
The battery charges fully in just three hours and will last for up to three to four hours in use. You’ll even enjoy a display screen that reports the battery life so you won’t be caught off guard when it dies and your pup is only half groomed.
- Low noise level: only 50 db
- 5-speed motor for versatility
- Titanium and ceramic blades
- Not for “heavy-duty” fur cuts
- Some customers report charging problems
The Andis Excel Pro-Animal 5-Speed Clipper operates with an extra-large 14-foot power cord so, even though you are tied to an electrical outlet, at least you have a long tether. Of course, that cord also means you won’t have to worry about the clipper dying on you mid-groom, and the power you get will be consistent.
The trimmer itself is ergonomically designed with a soft grip and anti-slip housing that’s particularly lightweight for your comfort. It’s also great for multi-pet households, as you can use it to trim cats and horses too.
- Powerful, consistent motor
- Ceramic blade for less overheating
- 5 speeds for grooming versatility
- Heavy cord
- No guards included
If you want the freedom of a cordless grooming clipper, then you won’t want to miss Babyliss Pro Metal Pet Trimmer.
The Babyliss Pro Metal Pet Trimmer is a completely cordless set of clippers that has a charging base in which you’ll simply store it when it’s not in use. That means you won’t have to worry about any cords tangling you up while you work. It includes two comb attachments, a cleaning brush, lubrication oil, and a carrying case for easy storage.
The durable handle is made with an all-metal housing and a knurled barbell grip. You’ll be able to use these one-speed clippers on your dog or any other of your fur babies, too.
- 2 color options
- 3-hour runtime
- Quiet operation
- Cannot use while charging
- Blade not detachable for cleaning
The oneisall Low Noise Dog Clippers have a built-in lithium battery that will allow you to use it even while you charge it. It will take approximately the same time to charge to full as it does to run out of that battery’s power: 80 minutes. This one-speed motor offers low vibration and low sound so your more skittish dog is less likely to panic during grooming.
You’ll get full grooming set with this purchase. That means you won’t need to scramble for an appropriate set of scissors to cut out a surprise burr found during your grooming session with a full set of tools at your fingertips.
- Quiet: 50 db
- Detachable blades
- 6 guard lengths
- 1-speed motor
- May need to cut long hair before clipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between dog clippers and human clippers?
If you have a quality set of either then yes, there are quite a few differences between human and dog clippers. The biggest difference between dog clippers and human clippers is that dog clippers are typically made of more robust materials. The blades on human clippers are set closer together, as humans have thinner hair. If you use human clippers on a dog, there’s a high likelihood of jamming them.
How often should dog grooming clippers be cleaned?
Each clipper set will come with specific instructions, but as a general rule, you should brush your clippers off after every use, ridding them of all hair and debris. How often you should wash the blades depends on how often you use them, but you should do it frequently to maintain your blades. Clean or vacuum the air vents once a week, and grease and oil the clipper blades every 2 months.
How do you hold dog grooming clippers?
There is no right or wrong way to hold clippers as long as they’re comfortable in your hand. For some people, it’s more comfortable to hold them underhanded, and others prefer to hold them overhanded. As long as you’re holding the blade parallel to your dog’s skin, the way you hold the clippers doesn’t matter. The angle is the key; they should be flat against the skin or at the desired length but always parallel to the surface to prevent nicking your pup’s skin.
Can you shave a matted dog or a wet dog?
While brushing mats out of your dog’s fur should always be the preference, it may not always be possible. If that’s the case, then your best bet is probably to shave him. But shaving through matted hair can be incredibly hard on your clippers. If you wet your dog down before shaving, it’s called wet shaving and it may save your blades and be more gentle on your dog’s skin. In some cases, the hair can be left longer if you use this process rather than dry shaving because clean and wet skin and fur allow the clippers to go through the coat more smoothly.3
- Cadieu E, Neff MW, Quignon P, et al. Coat variation in the domestic dog is governed by variants in three genes. Science. 2009;326(5949):150-153. doi:10.1126/science.1177808
- Lopes Fagundes AL, Hewison L, McPeake KJ, Zulch H, Mills DS. Noise Sensitivities in Dogs: An Exploration of Signs in Dogs with and without Musculoskeletal Pain Using Qualitative Content Analysis. Front Vet Sci. 2018;5:17. Published 2018 Feb 13. doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00017
- BBird’s GroomBlog. Wet Clipping – Two Studies. Groomblog.blogspot.com. Published March 13, 2005. Accessed March 18, 2021.
