Dog Hair Cutting Tools

Dogs require haircuts much in the same way that people do. While extensive grooming or styling should be handled by a professional groomer, a quick trim at home can save dog owners time and money. Cutting a dog's hair should be done with care, which means using the proper tools.

  1. Combs and Brushes

    • Combs and brushes are used to neaten hair before a hair cut. Combing and brushing a dog can help calm it and can also reveal areas that need attention. Pin brushes, with metal pins secured to a rubber base, are good for detangling coats on dogs with curly or wavy hair. Slicker brushes, which have shorter metal pins fixed to solid bases, is ideal for dogs with medium to short coats. For dogs with very short coats, a rubber mitt with nubs on the palm can be used to smooth the coat.

    Scissors/Shears

    • Scissors or shears are used to trim hair around the face, ears, legs and feet, and they can also be used to remove mats and to touch up recent hair cuts. Scissors or shears intended for grooming should be between seven and 8.5 inches long. Round-nosed scissors can help prevent accidental injuries, particularly if you have never cut a dog's hair before. Scissors or shears made from stainless steel or with titanium-coated blades will retain their sharpness for a long time.

    Clippers

    • Clippers, which may also be called shavers, have motorized blades that are meant to remove hair that's close to the skin. They allow you to cut your dog's fur closely, evenly and swiftly, and they are typically used on the dog's neck, chest and back. Clippers often come with interchangeable blades, which will allow you to cut your dog's fur to varying lengths. This can make it easier to get a short cut in summer and a longer cut in winter.

    Strippers

    • Strippers are tools that snag loose, dead hair and pull it out. They can be used in preparation for clipping a dog's fur, but regular grooming tools for show dogs. Removing the dead hair before the haircut begins is a good way to get a neater, more precise haircut for your dog. This is especially common for wire-coated breeds.