What Type of Clipper Blades Do You Use for Soft Dog Hair?

Different dog clippers are designed to clip different types of dog coats. The blade choice is secondary to choosing the right model clipper. The type of blade used is dependent on the length you want the coat after trimming, not the density or texture of the fur. Heavy-coated dogs or those with long, soft coats that become easily matted and tangled require higher-quality clippers with stronger motors to cut through the hair easier and faster without pulling. Other considerations when clipping dogs are blade choice for the type of trim you are trying to accomplish, friction and heat control and proper grooming prior to clipping.

  1. Clipper Choices

    • When choosing a clipper, consider the size of your dog and the length and type of coat. If the dog is large, has a thick or double coat or long, soft hair that is easily tangled, choose a premium clipper model with a strong motor. The better the clipper, the easier the job will be. If you need to shave closer around the eyes and ears, you will need to purchase a trimmer for that job. Another consideration when choosing a clipper is whether to invest in a cordless model. Cordless clippers eliminate the cord getting in your way as you maneuver around the dog and provide flexibility in where you groom the dog.

    Blade Selection

    • Clipper blades are gauged to the final length of the cut. The higher the blade number, the shorter the hair will be after trimming. For example, a No. 5 blade will leave 1/4 inch of fur, while a No. 30 blade will leave 1/100 inch. A No. 10 blade works well for trimming the body of most breeds. Other blades that are typically used on most breeds of dogs are the Nos. 15, 5 and 7, depending on the length of trim desired. Other blade choices include skip tooth blades that can be used for cutting through dense, matted hair and finishing blades used to blend areas of longer and shorter hair together. Wider T blades can be used to reduce the trimming time necessary for large, hard-to-groom dogs. Check with breed standards for different trims to determine the blade length to use for a particular trim.

    Heat, Friction and Sharpness

    • Clipping a dog creates friction, which will make the blade heat up. Care needs to be taken that blades don't get too hot while trimming and burn the dog's skin. Lubricant needs to be used to keep blades cool. Special blades can be purchased with ceramic or other heat-resistant edges that help control heat and reduce the amount of lubricant needed to complete the trim. Trimming large dogs with long or heavy fur can quickly dull trimming blades. Stay-sharp blades are available that offer longer-lasting performance.

    Grooming Prior to Trimming

    • A dog's coat needs to be clean and free of heavy matting or tangles before trimming. Brush the dog thoroughly and comb through and remove tangles and matted fur. Bathe the dog only when it is mat- and tangle-free. Wetting a dog without first brushing it can cause even more matting. Use shampoo made specifically for dogs. If the dog's coat is too heavily tangled or matted for hand grooming, take it to a professional dog groomer to get its coat in shape before attempting home trimming.