How do I choose the best dog clippers?
When deciding on a pair of clippers to use on your dog, be mindful that it’s performance and not looks that count. There are several factors and features to bear in mind:
Cordless vs mains-powered: Cordless models undoubtedly make the task at hand easier due to freedom of movement and are ideal for quicker clips, but they’ll lose their power after a while. Not so with corded clippers, which tend to be more powerful and mean you can cut for extended periods – yet these have the disadvantages of an irksome cord and restrictions in terms of plug socket proximity and cable length. Look for a long cord if you opt for the latter, or consider buying a device that can be used both corded and cordlessly.
Battery life: If you choose a pair of cordless clippers, take note of their battery life, which can range from mere minutes to several hours.
Blades and attachments: Some clippers come with multiple blades and attachments, while others come with none at all. If you plan to switch between cutting lengths, plumping for a model with several combs or blades is preferable, otherwise check that you can buy them separately. Those models that include interchangeable blades or take universal clipper blades are a wise choice.
Noise: Many dogs dislike being groomed at the best of times and a noisy pair of clippers will only make matters worse. Whether or not your canine companion becomes distressed at loud sounds, they’re likely to feel more comfortable with a quieter pair with low vibration.
Speeds: It’s advisable to check whether your chosen clippers have single or variable speed settings, so that you can use the one relevant to coat thickness.
Weight: The lighter the clippers, the less arm ache you’re likely to have after prolonged grooming. The devices vary a great deal in weight, so check this before buying.
Price: Ranging in price from under £20 to £300 or more, choose a pair of dog clippers to suit your budget. And it’s worth remembering that pricier pairs can often be sold secondhand once you’ve finished with them.
What are the best dog clippers?
The best dog clippers come as part of Wahl’s Performer Rechargeable Pet Clipper Kit. Easy to use and with clear instructions provided, this set includes everything you need to smarten up your pup.
Sitting at the more affordable end of the market, these clippers cut cordlessly until they lose power, at which point they can simply be used while plugged in.
We love that their noise and vibration is minimal – pleasing any skittish or wary dogs – and that they’re easily controlled thanks to an integrated thumb grip. Being able to remove the blade for washing is a welcome bonus, as is the one-year guarantee.
What clippers do vets and professional groomers use?
While Oster, Wahl and Heiniger have an enviable reputation in professional circles, Andis is the brand that crops up time and time again. Its tools are reliable, durable and capable of achieving salon-worthy results. But this comes at a price - quite literally. Andis dog clippers prove themselves cost-effective over time and multiple canine cuts later, however.
How we chose our recommendations
We first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which dog clippers discerning Mumsnetters recommended and had bought themselves, noting their feedback about these brands. We then drew up a shortlist of those that were repeatedly mentioned.
From there, we did some research across the wider web, consulting independent review sites and taking into account what customer reviews said about the products featured. Having collated all that information, we picked the dog clippers we thought were worthy of taking the titles in an array of interest categories.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.
Main image credit: Andis