5 Best Dog Hair Clippers for a Bichon Frise in 2024
Contents of Article
- What is the Best Dog Hair Clippers for a Bichon Frise?
- Different Types of Clippers for Bichon Frise
- Other Clipper Considerations
- Different Sizes of Blades for Bichon Frise
- Which Size Blade Should You Use on a Bichon Frise?
- Overall Best Clippers for Bichon Frise
- Best Pick for Matted Bichon Frise Hair
- 3 More Top Rated Bichon Frise Clippers
- 5 Tips on How to Groom a Bichon Frise with Clippers
- Conclusion
Are you in the market for some clippers for your Bichon Frise? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to cover the most important things to keep in mind while shopping for dog clippers, such as the different types available, what size blades to use, and the best clippers for Bichon Frise, as well as some tips for grooming your dog at home.
This merry and mischievous dog requires dedication from its owner to look its best, and nothing looks better than a well-groomed Bichon Frise!
Using clippers well-suited to this dog’s unique fur is an essential part of maintaining his fluffy white coat, so we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best dog hair clippers for Bichon Frise.
What is the Best Dog Hair Clippers for a Bichon Frise?
Different Types of Clippers for Bichon Frise
As you begin your search for the best clippers for your Bichon Frise, you’ll notice that there are many different types to choose from. To help focus your search, we’ve included some information about the main types of clippers on the market.
Corded vs. Cordless
Corded vs. cordless is a significant difference when it comes to clipper types, and some pet owners base their decision solely on this factor. While cordless clippers may seem like the obvious option, there are actually plenty of reasons to opt for a corded model instead.
Corded clippers are quite standard, and professional dog groomers use them because they are generally more powerful than cordless clippers. Since they don’t require batteries, you don’t have to worry about running out of power while grooming your dog, and they tend to last for years.
Cordless clippers are either battery powered or rechargeable, with some rechargeable models having power cords that you can plug in and use while charging the device.
Cordless clippers have a couple of main drawbacks. The first is the amount of time you can use them. Some can hold a charge for almost two hours, but battery charge varies depending on the model.
The second drawback is that cordless clippers often lack the power of the corded counterparts (though this isn’t always the case). If you plan to do lots of dog clipping, cordless clippers may not be the best option for you.
Rotary Speed
Rotary speed per minute describes how many times the blade rotates sixty seconds. The higher the number, the more powerful the unit.
Dog clippers fall into one of two categories based on their rotary speed per minute. Rotary speed is a vital classification to look at when buying dog clippers, as it will give you an indication of how powerful the clippers are and how you can use them.
Single-speed clippers, as their name implies, have just one speed. If you’re getting into the world of dog clipping, single-speed clippers are a great starting off point. They don’t tend to heat up as fast, making them suitable for beginners who often take longer when trimming.
Other Clipper Considerations
Besides the different types of dog clippers available, there are some other clipper characteristics that you should keep in mind as you decide on a model.
Heat – We touched on this briefly, but heat is another thing you’ll want to look out for when buying dog clippers. The high rotation of the blades causes some degree of heating in all models, but some become especially hot.
Hot blades can cause burns on your dog’s skin and are therefore dangerous, so it’s important to be aware of this factor as you trim your dog’s fur. If you notice your clippers have become hot while cutting, it’s time to take a break so as not to inflict unnecessary injuries on your dog. You can also swap the blade out if you have extras, or add clipper coolant.
Size & Weight – Size and weight are important considerations when buying dog clippers. You want to look for a model that you feel comfortable maneuvering, that feels good in your hand, and that won’t weigh you down too much.
For the Bichon Frise, a dog that has heavy grooming needs, a lightweight option may be best. For a one-off trimming, heavy dog clippers won’t slow you down too much, but you may run into wrist fatigue if you plan to do lots of trimming. This decision will ultimately come down to preference.
Quiet & Low Vibration – Clipper noise and vibration can negatively affect your dog during grooming (especially when the clippers are near their face), so if you know your dog has an issue with this, look for a quiet, low-vibration model.
A good indicator of how noisy dog clippers will be is their size: the smaller the clippers, the more intensely you and your dog will feel the vibration. Size isn’t a perfect guarantee for noise level, but it’s a good general rule of thumb.
Different Sizes of Blades for Bichon Frise
Most professional dog clippers come with detachable blades to allow for a variety of cutting needs. If you have blades that you want to put on your clippers from another brand, you can do so as well, as long as the clippers are similar.
When it comes to blades, the higher the blade number, the shorter it will cut your dog’s hair. You will notice that some blade numbers have an “F” in them, which are full-toothed blades that give your dog a more finished, smooth look.
Which Size Blade Should You Use on a Bichon Frise?
Different parts of the Bichon Frise body require different blades.
In general, the blade sizes you will use the most when clipping your dog are number 4, number 7, and number 10. Shorter number 10, which comes with most dog clippers, will be great for your Bichon Frise’s body, as well as number 7 if you don’t want such a short cut. You can use the longer blade for working on his face.
Overall Best Clippers for Bichon Frise
After carefully evaluating the top dog clippers, one clear winner emerged.
| Our 2024 Picks: Best Dog Hair Clippers for Bichon Frise: | |||
| Rank | Dog Hair Clippers | Price | Rating |
|
Overall Best |
 |
$$ |
A+
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#2 |
 |
$$ |
A
|
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#3 |
 |
$$ |
A
|
|
#4 |
 |
$$$ |
A
|
|
#5 |
 |
$$ |
A
|
Wahl Professional Animal ARCO Cordless Clipper Kit
Key Features:
- 5-in-1 blade system
- Lightweight design that allows for easy trimming
- Powerful rotary motor
- Includes an accessory kit to help you give your dog the best trim
The Wahl Professional Animal ARCO Cordless Clipper Kit tops our list for many reasons. For one, the Wahl brand has become incredibly popular in recent years, thanks no doubt to their high-quality professional products that have become ubiquitous in grooming parlors.
What is it that professionals like so much about this brand and this model especially? The Arco Cordless Clipper Kit boasts an incredibly high-speed motor, which, at 5500 strokes per minute, will get you through a clipping in no time flat. For a cordless clipper, this model packs a lot of punch.
Though the high-speed motor makes for fast grooming, the Arco also includes two rechargeable batteries so that, should you run out of battery power, it’s easy to replace the batteries and keep trimming. Plus, the 5-in-1 blade system allows you to regulate your dog’s cut efficiently.
The lightweight design means that your wrist won’t get tired after just a few minutes, and the kit comes with various accessories that cement its first-place finish–combs, oil, a cleaning brush, plus a user manual.
Pros:
- Cordless design offers flexibility when trimming
- It doesn’t overheat, making it safer for your dog
- The design is comfortable for a beginner to use
- High-speed motor
Cons:
- This clipper is only a single speed clipper
- The body is not so sturdy and could break if it fell on the floor
Best Pick for Matted Bichon Frise Hair
Bichon Frise hair, in general, can be thick and difficult to groom, but matted hair requires a tool that’s a cut above the rest. Here’s the clipper that can stand up to mats if your dog’s grooming situation gets a little out of control.
Oster Golden A-5 2-Speed Animal Grooming Clippers
Key Features:
- Cryogenic blade technology
- Multi-speed versatility
- Cuts thick hair easily
Oster is another brand that has risen in popularity, and the Golden A-5 is an excellent example of why pet owners and professionals choose this brand. Ideal for furry dogs, this model has a powerful motor that cuts through thick coats quickly and easily–great for dogs that want to have those mats removed already.
You can regulate it between two speed levels to get the desired look, and the Golden A-5 gets up to 4000 strokes per minute. What makes it especially fantastic for grooming Bichon Frises, dogs that are sensitive to loud vibrations, is that the motor is virtually noiseless. Your dog will be unbothered while you’re grooming him with this model, which includes a number ten blade.
Pros:
- Noiseless
- Two-speed capabilities
- Sharp blade cuts through mats easily
Cons:
- A bit heavy – making it difficult to maneuver as well as lighter models
3 More Top Rated Bichon Frise Clippers
Aside from the two clippers we’ve mentioned, you have various options when it comes to dog clippers. To help you compare the top-rated Bichon Frise clipper models, we’ve included three more picks.
Andis UltraEdge Super Speed
Key Features:
- Detachable blades allow for use on any dog breed
- Boasts high functionality and quality
- Motor speed reaches 4400 strokes per minute
This list wouldn’t be complete without the Andis UltraEdge Super Speed, a mainstay in the world of dog clippers. This professional tool is highly prevalent, with one of its key features being the detachable blades. Owners with more than one breed love that they can take care of their grooming needs with one tool, making it very versatile.
The two speed functions can cut well through thick hair, and the clippers come with a feature to prevent the device from accidentally shutting down–a major annoyance when you’re in the middle of a session. The long cord allows for easy grooming, especially of bigger dogs, the blades are easy to clean, and users are pleased with how long the UltraEdge lasts.
All its features make the UltraEdge a great choice for grooming your Bichon Frise.
Pros:
- Two-speed motor
- Shatterproof design
- Practically noiseless when in operation
- Doesn’t overheat
- Heavy duty 14-foot cord
Cons:
- One blade size
Wahl Motion Lithium Ion Clipper for Animals
Key Features:
- Includes five different sized blades
- Lithium-ion battery allows for up to 90 minutes of clipping
- Designed to be optimally comfortable in your hand
Wahl tops the list again with the Motion Lithium Ion Clipper. At 5500 strokes per minute, you can style your Bichon Frise however you want, and this clipper is excellent when it comes to navigating difficult areas such as the face, throat, nose, feet, and eyes.
While fantastic for the Bichon Frise, it also works for any number of animals, making it a highly versatile investment.
One of the best parts of this clipper is its long battery life. If you like to trim your dog outside, consider this model, which will give you up to 90 minutes of cord-free trimming. You can also use it while plugged in, meaning you won’t lose any time trimming even if you have to charge the device while doing so.
Pros:
- Batteries recharge quickly and last a long time
- Removable scissor-grip handle
- Doesn’t get too hot
- Can be used both corded and cordless
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Professional quality means higher cost
Oster Power Max 2-Speed Clipper
Key Features:
- Power rotary motor
- CryogenX blade
- Lightweight design for an easy to hold grip
The Oster Power Max comes with a powerful 2-speed motor that reaches up to 3700 strokes per minute. The blades are compatible with any Oster CryogenX blades, Oster’s high-tech blades, and this model is incredibly quiet when in operation.
The Power Max is designed to last for a long time without overheating (though there is some dissent about whether this is true), and many users report that they love the rubberized grip, which makes long clipping sessions comfortable.
This device also comes with various accessories, which include a blade guard and blade oil, grease, a cleaning brush, and an instruction manual.
Pros:
- Doesn’t overheat, can be used for extended sessions
- Quiet
- Easy to grip
Cons:
- Some users report that the blades become too hot to use
5 Tips on How to Groom a Bichon Frise with Clippers
As we mentioned before, the Bichon Frise is a breed that is high maintenance and requires a lot of grooming. Professional grooming is essential for this dog, but it’s critical to maintain your dog’s coat in between sessions.
While maintaining his good looks is undoubtedly a priority, regular upkeep will help prevent mats. Mats are typical in the Bichon Frise, which, in the best of scenarios, can lead to unsightly haircuts. In the worst of situations, mats can cause infections and skin conditions, not to mention long, more expensive sessions with the groomer.
To keep your dog in tip-top shape, here are five tips for grooming your Bichon Frise at home:
- Get the Right Tools – The right tools are fundamental when it comes to at-home care. Check with your groomer or breeder about what specific tools they recommend for your dog, but there are a few that we recommend starting with: pin brush, slicker brush, dog grooming scissors, dog shampoo and conditioner, and de-matting spray
- Brush & Bathe Regularly – This hypoallergenic dog sheds very little, and dead hair has a hard time leaving its thick double coat. It’s up to you to remove the dead hair with daily brushing to prevent tangling. Small knots form easily in their coats, which can lead to more significant problems.
Brush the hair on your dog’s back and sides toward the spine, while you should brush the hair on his head toward his nose. Take care to remove all the small knots.
You should also bathe your Bichon Frise once a month after his or her daily brushing. - Know When to Start Clipping Your Bichon Frise – Young Bichon Frise’s don’t develop their adult coats until they reach several months of age, and you can’t clip their baby coat in the same way as you would an adult coat. Though clipping will start later on, it’s important to brush them from an early age, so they get used to the grooming process.
- Learn Some Clipping Techniques – When trimming your dog’s head, keep in mind that the head is essential to the look of this breed. Look at pictures and research to make sure you understand what you’re striving for. The head should be round at the top and flat at the bottom, with the ears cut evenly with the bottom of the face to give it balance.
You can cut the hair between the paws and in the ears for health reasons, while the rest of the body should be clipped closely following the body’s line. The clip should always be an even medium-length, unless for health reasons the dog requires shaving. - Practice & Patience Are the Keys to Success – The last tip is not so much about technique as it is about having the proper mindset to groom your Bichon Frise. Patience is essential, as the Bichon’s thick coat requires time and dedication.
Practice is critical as well when it comes to clipping this beautiful yet difficult to get right dog. Don’t be discouraged if the first time your dog’s trim doesn’t come out quite the way you imagined. With a little bit of practice–YouTube tutorials are your best friend! –you’ll be on your way to making your Bichon Frise look great every time.
Conclusion
This breed’s thick coat dictates the need for a strict grooming regimen, including daily brushing. A professional will do most of the heavy lifting, but at-home care is essential to keeping your Bichon Frise looking his or her best. All it takes is the right equipment, some dedication, and a bit of trial and error to get it right.
The Wahl Arco Cordless Clipper Kit topped our list for many reasons. These clippers are lightweight, quiet, and won’t heat up too much while you’re grooming your dog. The sharp, durable blades cut at 5500 strokes per minute, and the five-in-one blade provides excellent versatility. All in all, the Wahl Arco Cordless is a great buy for your Bichon Frise.
