What are the Best Dog Clippers

This article is written by Pet Circle's qualified veterinarian, Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)

Every owner knows that regular dog grooming is a crucial aspect of pet ownership, for several reasons such as preventing matting and tangling, removing dirt from the coat, promoting skin health and reduce shedding around the home. Clipping may be a part of your dog grooming toolbox. Regular whole body clips, or touch ups around the face and paws are warranted in some dogs, to assist with temperature regulation, promoting skin health, improving aesthetics and assisting with mobility (e.g. clipping the hair between the paw pads to allow greater traction on slippery surfaces).

Embarking on the journey of clipping your canine companion at home requires the right tools, and selecting the best dog grooming clippers is paramount for a successful grooming experience. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of dog grooming clippers, exploring the features, functionality, and performance of top-rated clippers available in the market. Join us as we uncover the essential elements to consider in selecting the perfect grooming clippers for your furry friend.

Why is choosing the right set of dog clippers important?

Choosing the appropriate set of dog clippers tailored to your dog's breed, coat type, and your grooming needs is essential. Investing in high-quality clippers that prioritise safety, comfort, efficiency, and durability ensures a more enjoyable and effective grooming experience for both you and your dog.

Results:

1. Best Overall Clipper: Andis Dog Clipper AGCB 2 Speed Black
2. Best Cordless Clipper: Wahl Pet Clipper Lithium
3. Best Premium Clippers: Wahl Pet Clipper KM2 Two Speed and Andis Dog Clipper Pro Animal EBC Single Speed
4. Best Budget: Kazoo Dog Groomer R-3600
5. Best for Face and Paws: Petkit 2 in 1 Pet Trimmer

How We Review Our Products

Our Pet Circle Vet Squad comprises 30 vets with over 120 years of collective, independent veterinary expertise. Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.

Top Clippers for dogs in Australia

Best Premium Clippers: Andis Dog Clipper AGCB 2 Speed Black

Have you got a dog with tough, coarse or double coat? If so, these are the clippers for you! Featuring a brushless rotary motor which gives more power and torque, and known as the 'Workhorse' in the Andis range, these clippers will clip through the toughest of coats.

Featuring 2 speeds - the slower speed for normal clipping and the faster speed for tougher, thicker sections, these clippers allow you to adjust based on dog coat and area of the body. The ceramic on steel blade keeps the blades up to 75% cooler than steel on steel blades, allowing you to clip for longer.

These are expensive clippers, however, the brushless rotary motor will last longer than 10-12 times longer than standard rotary motors, saving you money in the long run.

What our customers say: "Three clippers, and none of them managed to get through Max's hair-fur. Thick and a bit course, we had to have him professionally clipped. But the K9Salon kept upping their price and when Mia, Max's sister came back injured, we had to find a way to do it ourselves. It goes through his rough, coarse fur like the proverbial hot knife through butter! Absobloodylutly brilliant! "

What our vets say: "The Andis 2 speed dog clippers are ideal for home grooming sessions and avoiding the cost of a professional groomer. These are superb clippers that will glide through any coat type with ease, and will give you many years of trusted use." - Dr. Susie

Shop Andis Dog Clipper AGCB 2 Speed Black

Best Cordless Clipper: Wahl Pet Clipper Lithium Ion

Wahl's cordless Lithium-Ion home clippers are ideal for quick touch ups, or full body shaves, with up to 4 hours run time off a full charge. They comes with an adjustable blade, as well as 4 attachment combs, and Wahl's unrivalled reputation as the pet grooming professionals.

The product pack includes a storage pouch, comb and professional stainless steel scissors. Backed by a 2 year warranty, you can rest easy knowing you've purchased a quality product.

What our customers say: "I bought this clipper for my Cavoodle to keep tidy between grooming visits and it worked perfectly. The adjustable blade allowed me to comfortably clip and trim between face, paws and body. Very happy customer."

Shop Wahl Pet Clipper Lithium

Wahl Pet Clipper KM2 Two Speed

Loved by vets and professional groomers world-wide, the Wahl Pet Clipper KM2 Two Speed clippers are reliable, powerful clippers suitable for extended grooming sessions. They are designed with rounded front housing to allow better hair flow capabilities than standard clippers, and come with a 3m cord for flexibility and ease of movement.

Compatible with the entire range of Wahl blades, these clippers can be used for both full body shaves, layered finishes, show quality cuts, as well as very fine touch ups, and surgical skin preparation by vets.

What our vets say: "Keeping your dog's coat groomed is an important part of maintaining their hygiene and health. The Wahl Pet Clipper KM2 is perfect for full clipping at home or just those little hygiene touch-ups between clips. These professional clippers not only make clipping easy they also have fan cooling. I love the handy cleaning brush and oil that comes with them making it so easy to keep them in great condition!" - Dr Jenny

Shop Wahl Pet Clipper KM2 Two Speed

Andis Dog Clipper Pro Animal EBC Single Speed

Known as the 'All-Rounder' in the Andis range, the Andis Dog Clipper Pro Animal EBC Single Speed Clipper is a durable, heavy duty clipper that remains quiet and cool during operation. It comprises one single blade and 4 attachment combs to suit the desired finished coat length.

It is suited to medium-coated, double-coated, wire-hair, curly and long hair breeds, and comes with a 1 year warranty.

What our customers say: "I did some research on what clipper to buy for my golden retriever. I saw Andis was recommended a few times for tougher coats so that's what i got and it has been doing the job well."

Shop Andis Dog Clipper Pro Animal EBC Single Speed

Best Budget: Kazoo Dog Groomer R-3600

Ideal for owners who regularly clip and trim their dog's coat, the Kazoo R-3600 is a quiet, rechargeable cordless clipper that comes with 4 attachment combs.

Whilst not as powerful as the professional clippers, the Kazoo clipper is easy to use and lightweight, with a charging time of 2-3 hours, making it perfect for domestic use.

What our customers say: "Awesome clipper, cuts our pup's thick woolly coat with ease and comes with all the bits and pieces you need. Two batteries is a bonus. Totally eliminates the need to visit a groomer!"

Shop Kazoo Dog Groomer R-3600

Best for Face and Paws: Petkit 2 in 1 Pet Trimmer

Ideal for quick touch ups and removing mats, the PetKit 2 in 1 trimmer is also ultra quiet, so it's perfect for dogs nervous when it comes to hair clipping time.

Being a trimmer rather than clipper, the motor is not as powerful, so will not be suited to full body clips, or those with coarse hair coats.

What our vets say: "I love recommending the PetKit 2 in 1 trimmer, especially for small dogs and quick touch ups as it is very quiet, making it great for dogs who are more reactive to grooming in general." - Dr. Michelle

Shop Petkit 2 in 1 Pet Trimmer

There are several things to look for when it comes to choosing the best clippers for your dog.

Speed

Higher-speed clippers generally have more cutting power, allowing them to smoothly glide through various hair types, including thick or coarse hair, without pulling or snagging. This increased cutting power contributes to more efficient and faster grooming sessions. However, lower speeds are ideal for delicate or detailed work, such as trimming around sensitive areas, achieving precise lines or smooth fades. So, clippers with adjustable speeds offer more options and precision.

It's important to be aware that higher-speed clippers may generate more heat due to the increased friction caused by faster blade movements. This can potentially cause discomfort or irritation for your dog or lead to overheating of the clipper itself. Higher-speed clippers may also produce more noise and vibration compared to lower-speed settings. This can impact the comfort level of the person using the clippers and your dog.

Wattage/torque

Higher wattage typically indicates a more powerful motor in the clippers. This increased power allows the blades to move faster and with more force/torque, making it easier to cut through thicker or coarser hair without snagging or pulling.

Blade type

Stainless steel blades are durable and offer a smooth cutting experience suitable for most hair types. Ceramic blades, known for their sharpness and heat resistance, are excellent for smoother and cooler cutting, reducing the risk of irritation. Ceramic blades are also more durable and resistant to corrosion. Plastic on steel blades may be less durable in the long run.

Further Reading

How to Groom a Dog

Which Dog Brush Do You Need?

How to Stop a Dog Shedding

How to Cut Your Dog's Nails

Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy.