The Best Dog Grooming Clippers in 2022

And there you go - some of the best pet grooming clippers that we were able to find on the market. Still not sure which model is right for your furry companion's coat? No worries because in this buying guide we cover everything you need to know about dog grooming clippers, including how to pick the best model for your needs and budget.

Now that we have covered some of the top products currently available, it is time to talk more about the individual features that make great dog grooming clippers. Here are some to consider before making a purchase:

• Corded or Battery Operated

The main distinction between dog clippers is that they are either corded or battery-operated. Of course, both varieties have pros and cons, which we will discuss in a little more detail later in the blog post to help you make your mind up, but the main distinction is that the cordless models come with batteries so they need to be recharged every now and again (an hour to several hours), while corded models can be used indefinitely as long as they're plugged into an electrical power point.

• Charge and Running Time

Obviously, this only applies if you are using battery-operated clippers, but the length of the charge and running time may both have an impact on your decision. While some models need to be charged for hours, others will run after just a few minutes. As for the running time, this is also worth checking as shaggy-haired dogs can take a long time to properly trim and you don’t want to risk the clippers dying midway through grooming!

• Type of Coat

While some clippers are only suitable for short or medium-haired dogs, others promise to work on even the hairiest of pooches. And while some are best for simple trims and touch-ups between the visits to the groomer, others can be used on the entire coat. So, before purchase, you should consider what type of dog breed you own and what their individual grooming needs are. Check the product description for the number of strokes per minute: the higher the figure, the quicker the blades of the clippers move across each other.

• Working Noise

The problem with some dog clippers is that they are simply too loud and can end up startling your pooch. If you are concerned about this being a problem, you should select a set which doesn’t give out too much noise. Thankfully, many of the products we have selected above fit within the "quiet" category. There may even be a figure in decibels which tells you exactly how loud they are. If you have a particularly nervous or anxious dog, it is especially important that you choose clippers that are not going to frighten them.

• Other Accessories

Quite a few of the products above are grooming sets or kits which also include other grooming accessories as well. For example, there may be some color-coded guide combs that can be used to cut your dog’s coat to different lengths. Other potential inclusions are scissors, combs, and clipper oil. While these accessories may not be the main reason why you buy the product, they could convince you to choose one set over another. However, you should always bear in mind that the clippers are the main item that you are buying, and the others are just optional extras.

You may also like our guides on Dog Thinning Shears, Dog Shedding Brush, Dematting Tools for Dogs and Dog Grooming Gloves.

• Ease of Use

Since you are the one using the dog clippers, it makes sense that they are comfortable and easy to operate. So, look at whether the clippers are thin and lightweight or thick and durable. Which would be easier for you to use? Of course, the corded or cordless factor is also likely to play a role in your decision-making. The cordless models are generally easier to wield, but they may not be suitable for dogs with particularly long and shaggy coats. If you need a heavy-duty model, check whether it features an ergonomic handle that is easy to hold.

• Safety Features

If you don’t have a great deal of experience in grooming your dog, it is especially important that the clippers are safe and easy to operate. Guide combs are always a useful safety feature as they act as a barrier between your dog’s skin and the blades. You also don’t want to risk snagging or catching your dog’s fur. You could also look at the clippers that run at variable speeds. With these models, it's much easier to clip the sensitive areas of your dog’s coat such as around their eyes and ears.

• Changeable Blades and Variable Running Speeds

The final points to consider are the customizable features of the grooming clippers. For example, if you can change the blades, this means that it is easier to cut your dog’s coat to a variety of lengths, and you can also switch them if they become old and dull. Another major customizable feature is if you can switch the running speed based on the length of your dog’s coat and whether you are cutting it entirely or simply giving them a touch-up.

While clipping your dog’s coat may seem like a slightly intimidating activity at first, it is one that has a host of benefits if you do it yourself. Still not convinced? Here are just a few of the major advantages.

• Saves You Money

The first and most obvious reason why you would want to invest in dog clippers is that they are economical. Essentially, you can treat them as an investment. If you have ever taken your dog to a professional groomer before, you will already be aware that this can be a costly session. Of course, it may take a bit of practice before you can do the job well, but this still may be a skill that is worth learning for yourself, especially if you have a long-haired dog. Even if you do decide that you want to keep taking your pup to the professionals, owning a set of clippers allows you to give them a quick trim as and when you like, which cuts down on the number of grooming sessions you need to book.

• Bond with Your Dog

You may never have thought of dog grooming as a bonding experience, but, in actuality, it provides a great occasion for you to build up your furry friend’s trust. It may take a while before they are fully comfortable with the experience, but over time, it can end up contributing toward an enhanced owner-pet relationship. And what dog owner wouldn’t want a closer bond with their furry friend?

• Better for Anxious Dogs

Some dogs suffer from anxiety and don’t like being handled by a strange person in an unfamiliar place. This is likely to make going to a professional dog groomer a distressful experience, but if you cut your dog’s coat yourself, this will help to stop them from feeling so nervous. However, it still may take some time before they are entirely comfortable with the experience of having their coat clipped. So, you should have plenty of treats to offer them, and you should also be ready to give them a lot of love and praise. You need to have the patience to get them used to proper grooming, but it is a worthwhile task in the long-run.

• Chance for a Health Check-Up

Many health issues are directly related to your dog’s skin and coat, so if you groom them yourself, this provides the ideal opportunity to check up on things. You should check for any fleas or other parasites that are trying to make their home on your dog, and you can also inspect for any strange of unfamiliar skin abnormalities that need to be reported to your vet. Regular trimming also helps to remove any dirt or waste which has got matted up in your dog’s fur. At the same time, trimming your dog’s fur on a regular basis also reduces the chance that people who come into contact with them are going to suffer from an allergic reaction – a relief for allergy sufferers who come to visit your home!

Take a look at our guide on Dog Flea Combs.

• Get Your Dog Looking Their Best

A properly groomed dog looks so much better and healthier than one who is matted and shaggy. Even if you only use the clippers from time to time, this allows you to do the basic tidying up of your dog’s coat which leaves it looking at its best. Owning a good-looking pooch is not only in your own interests; it will also help them to feel at their best and most confident!

Read here our review of Dog Grooming Tables.

When you buy a product like dog clippers, you want to make sure that they stand the test of time and work effectively for as long as possible. While choosing a high-quality set is one way of ensuring this, you should also make sure that you carry out regular maintenance. So, here are a few pieces of advice to help you out with this latter point.

• Examine and Replace the Blade If Required

Push the blade latch release and remove the blade so you can examine it for signs of wear, as well as checking if the cutter and comb are correctly aligned. You should also check the lever/blade drive. When it looks like it is worn, it is time to replace it. If you have noticed that your clippers are running slower than normal, you should look closer at the brushes. When they have worn down to half their original length, it's time to replace them. And if the clipper blades appear loose or release halfway through cutting, you may need to replace the latch. If you want to look into sharpening the blades instead, you could check the manufacturer for more information and/or take them into a professional service center.

• Unplug and Clean

Before you undertake any maintenance work on your clippers, your first course of action should be to unplug them. Once you have done this, you should then start with the simple task of taking out all the hair from vents and other places where it has become trapped. If you have a bristle brush, this makes the task just a little bit more straightforward. Do this after every time you use them, and this will keep them neat and tidy. When you want to give the clippers are deep clean, you can wash the clipper blade in a blade wash solution, running it for a few seconds. Next, take the blade off the clippers and put it on a towel to dry.

• Oil and Disinfect

After washing and drying the blades, hold them side down and spray them with a disinfecting spray. A few drops of between the lower and upper blades while the motor is running will keep them operating smoothly. The excess oil and hair should drop off as it is running, so don't worry about using the "proper" amount of spray. Finish by turning off the clipper and gently drying it with a cloth or paper towel.

As we mentioned earlier, the decision about whether you would like to use corded or cordless clippers is an important one. Because both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, let’s look at them in more detail to help you make your mind up.

• Cordless Dog Clippers

Obviously, the major plus point is here that you don’t have to find a power point to use them! Also, they are lightweight and easy to maneuver, so you can easily get into those more challenging areas. On the downside, you have a limited amount of battery life. Running cordless clippers through thick hair typically consumes a lot of power. So, always check the twin factors of the charge and running times to ensure that you get a brand that you are satisfied with.

• Corded Dog Clippers

Your other main option is to buy corded dog clippers. With this type, you usually have more freedom to switch the blades for different coat lengths and cuts. And of course, once you have plugged them in, there is no problem with battery life and no worries about running out of power halfway through a grooming session. You have the obvious downside of needing to plug them in, and the cord can also make them trickier to maneuver around. If you do choose a corded model, check the length as those with a longer cord tend to be easier to use.

Suitable for small and large dogs alike, the Wahl clippers top our list of the best dog grooming clippers. The precision blades are self-sharpening so they're guaranteed to stay sharp for a very long time, and the power drive cutting system cuts through even the thickest of hair. 

Although made of quality materials right here in the USA, the clippers are quite budget-friendly, which is always something we appreciate. Aside from clippers, you also get a whole host of other grooming equipment in this set, including the color guide combs, scissors, a brush, mirror, oil, and more.