Things You'll Need
- Animal clipper
- Animal clipper blades
Instructions
Look at your blade and identify the number listed. The number is typically located on the bottom of the blade. This number is the size of the blade.
Know that the higher the number or size, the shorter it cuts the hair. Use a number or size 15 blade to cut areas in which the hair should be completely removed, such as in between the pads. Some breed-specific haircuts require the size on other parts of the dog's body, such as the English cocker spaniel, whose standard haircut involves the use of a 15-blade on its head, neck, ears and face.
Use a size 10 blade for your dog̵7;s stomach and groin area. This size blade will virtually remove all of the hair and should be used carefully. Some breed-standard haircuts use this size blade on the neck and ears, such as the Lakeland terrier. This size is also used to shave hair that is very matted.
Shave your dog̵7;s hair with a size 7 blade for a close cut. This size blade leaves the hair about an eighth-of-an-inch long and is perfect for the body, back and sides of a schnauzer. In addition, size 7 blades are also used on hair that is a bit matted.
Use a lower size to leave hair a bit longer. Size 4 blades are typically used for puppy cuts and leave the hair about a half-an-inch long. This blade should only be used on hair that is mat and knot free. Size 4 blades are also used on the cheeks and throat as part of the Bouvier des Flandres standard haircut.