5 Best Heavy-Duty Clippers for Matted Dog Hair in 2024
Contents of Article
- What Causes a Dog’s Hair to Mat?
- What are the Best heavy duty dog clippers for matted hair?
- What to Look for in Clippers for Matted Dog Hair
- Overall Best Dog Hair Clippers for Matted Hair
- 4 More Top Rated Matted Dog Hair Clippers
- FAQ Regarding Matted Dog Hair:
- Our Matted Dog Hair Guide
- 5 Tips on Preventing Your Dog’s Hair from Matting
- In the End
Trips to the groomer are expensive, which is why investing in a good pair of heavy-duty dog clippers to use at home is a fantastic way to cut down on costs. Matted dog hair presents some unique challenges, so if your dog suffers from tangled hair, you need a clipper that can stand up to the job.
To help you compare the most popular models, we’ve put together a list of the top five best heavy-duty dog clippers for matted hair. But before we get into our review, let’s discuss some important considerations to keep in mind while shopping for dog clippers.
What Causes a Dog’s Hair to Mat?
Understanding what causes mats is key to not only dealing with them but also to prevent this extreme tangling in the future.
A lack of grooming is the number one cause of matted fur in dogs. We’ve all seen those extreme cases of owners neglecting their pets’ grooming, leading to severe matting that requires professional intervention. But beyond these serious cases, even the best-intentioned owners can let their home grooming routine lapse and find their dog has mats.
Grooming aside, all dogs can get mats, with some being more prone to this condition than others. Dogs with long coats, fine-coated fur, or those that are heavy shedders can suffer from mats. There are also certain dog breeds that suffer more than others. Some that come to mind are the Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel.
Your dog’s lifestyle can also play a role in whether or not he is susceptible to matting. Dogs that love the outdoors may pick up things like burrs and sticks that get stuck in their fur and cause mats. Water-loving dogs may also be prone to this problem.
What are the Best heavy duty dog clippers for matted hair?
What to Look for in Clippers for Matted Dog Hair
There are many things to look for when deciding what clippers to buy, especially when it comes to matted dog hair. You’ll want to carefully look at the following features in any clippers you consider purchasing.
- Corded vs. Cordless – Buying cordless clippers may seem like the obvious choice when choosing dog clippers, but most require batteries and generally have less power. Unless your dog’s coat is quite fine, cordless clippers may not be able to reach the required speed for a proper cut.
- Size and Weight – Size and weight is another important consideration when shopping for dog clippers. Since you will likely be spending good amounts of time grooming your dog, you’ll want to find something that is not too heavy or bulky so you can maneuver your dog’s coat properly.
Most clippers are designed with customer comfort in mind, but remember that smaller models may produce more vibration–vibration that both you and your dog will feel. - Motor Speed – Does your dog have a thick coat or long fur? If so, he’ll need clippers with high RPM, or rotations per minute. All clippers will include this information. The higher the number, the more powerful the clippers.
- Noise and Heat – The noise clippers make can be distressing to dogs, which is why it’s important to find a quiet model if you know that your dog doesn’t deal with loud clippers.
And another common problem in dog clippers is that they tend to overheat, so be sure to check reviews about this when shopping. Some degree of heating is to be expected, however.
Overall Best Dog Hair Clippers for Matted Hair
When researching the best dog hair clippers for matted hair, one clear winner emerged.
| Our 2024 Picks: Best Heavy Duty Clippers for Matted Dog Hair: | |||
| Rank | Dog Hair Clippers | Price | Rating |
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Overall Best |
 |
$$$ |
A+
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#2 |
 |
$$ |
A+
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#3 |
 |
$$ |
A
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#4 |
 |
$$$ |
A
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#5 |
 |
$ |
A-
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Andis ProClip UltraEdge
Key Features:
- Shatterproof casing
- Detachable blades for grooming versatility
- Five different blades to meet all grooming needs
Andis is a mainstay in the professional dog grooming world, and the superb quality of the ProClip UltraEdge put it at the top of our list. It’s an excellent choice for dogs requiring a lot of at-home grooming, and the two-speed motor gives you versatility when working with different breeds and fur types.
If your dog is nervous, the Andis is excellent because it doesn’t make a lot of noise, and it works through matted fur with ease. Its shatterproof casing means it won’t break, and the long cord allows for easy movement.
Pros:
- Two-speed motor
- Won’t overheat in a short period
- Quiet design
Cons:
- Corded
- Has only one blade
4 More Top Rated Matted Dog Hair Clippers
Oster A5 Turbo
Key Features:
- Fast and effective trimming of heavily matted hair
- Includes CryogenX blade, which is made to last
- Dual speed allows for a range of trimming needs
The list of the best dog clippers for Bichon Frise wouldn’t be complete without an Oster model, and this one is highly popular among professional dog clippers. The specially made CryogenX blade, one of its top selling points, makes cutting through tough fur a breeze.
The A5 Turbo is a relatively powerful clipper, reaching 4000 strokes per minute, while at the same time remaining quiet. One minor issue is that these clippers can get a little heavy, so if you plan to do lots of trimming, this may not be the set for you.
Pros:
- Two-speed motor
- Makes little noise
- Works well on matted or knotted fur
Cons:
- Corded
- Heavy body
Wahl Professional Animal Bravura
Key Features:
- Ergonomic design for a comfortable grip
- 10-foot long cord
- Quick charge feature
At an impressive 5500 strokes per minute, the Wahl Professional Animal Bravura is a sound cordless choice. Unlike many other cordless models, this one does not vibrate excessively, and the shatterproof casing means you’re covered in case you drop it.
The Animal Bravura comes with a charging stand base, and the lithium battery lasts up to 90 minutes. A dead battery charges to full capacity in an hour, and the 5-in-1 detachable blade gives you lots of grooming options. One complaint with this model is that the clippers sometimes do not fit into the charging stand properly, so be aware of this problem.
Pros:
- Cordless
- Doesn’t produce strong vibrations
- Light
Cons:
- Expensive
- The on-off button is in a place that you might accidentally press and turn off while grooming
Wahl KM10 2-Speed
Key Features:
- Maximum power to cut through thick coats and mats
- All over grooming capabilities
- Delivers dependability, balance, and control
Wahl hit the mark with the KM10 2-speed model, which users love for its power and ergonomics. The KM10 comes highly recommended by professionals and at-home users alike for its dependability and precision, as well as the way it automatically delivers more power when needed.
If you’re looking for something that can handle a tough coat and that will do the job quickly and efficiently, this model is a great choice.
Pros:
- Long 14-foot cord
- Can be used on other animals besides dogs
- Beautiful color
Cons:
- Cost may be high for such a simple kit
- Instructions provided aren’t complete enough
- Blades can get hot
Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Series
Key Features:
- Long battery life after a quick charge
- Self-sharpening precision blades
- Reaches 6000 strokes per minute
The Wahl Lithium Ion impresses for many reasons, one of which is its long battery life–up to two hours–after just a quick charging session. This cordless model is fantastic for bigger dogs or restless dogs who don’t enjoy grooming. It comes with accessories for use on a variety of coats.
While the power behind this model is no doubt impressive, it can be a bit noisy. Some users also report that the sharp blades can handle tough coats, but they do tend to slow down when working on these areas.
Pros:
- Cordless
- Quick charge feature
- More economic option
- Includes comb attachments
Cons:
- Not the quietest model
- Produces strong vibrations
- Can lag a bit on tough coats
FAQ Regarding Matted Dog Hair:
- What kind of brush or comb should I use for at-home grooming? – Different dog coats require different brushes. A slicker brush is a safe bet for most dog breeds, especially those with long coats. Bristle brushes are excellent for short coats, and pin brushes are good for long, curly coats.
If your dog is a mix, talk to your groomer for a brush recommendation. - How often should I have my dog groomed professionally? – The American Kennel Club recommends having your dog groomed about once a month, though this may vary depending on your dog’s breed, coat length, and type of coat.
- How long do dog clippers last? – As they can be a bit of an investment, it’s good to buy some that will last for a long time. Various factors contribute to the lifespan of your dog’s clippers, including how much you use them, how well you care for them, and how much you spent.
How much you spent will probably be the best indicator of how long your clippers will last. If you paid less than $50, don’t expect to get great use out of them for more than a few months. Higher end products, on the other hand, should last a few years. - Why do dog clippers get hot? – The clippers’ motors generate heat as they rotate thousands of times per minute to create enough torque to cut through thick coats. This high rotation, coupled with the fact that the blades touch each other as they rotate, causes heat buildup in most dog clippers.
It’s important to be aware of this as you are trimming your dog. To avoid burns from hot clippers, it’s a good idea to take periodic breaks when grooming your dog or use blade lubricant to cool them down. - Are dog clippers the same as human clippers? – Dog clippers are designed completely differently than human clippers, and there a couple of main differences between them. Dog clippers generally have more powerful motors to get through various types of dog coats. They are also made to be quieter than human clippers, so as not to upset the dog.
Aside from engineering differences, human clippers may heat up faster than dog clippers and could burn a dog’s sensitive skin. - Do I need to sharpen my dog clippers? – Yes. You’ll know it’s time for sharpening when you experience difficulty cutting your dog’s fur, or if the clippers pull on the fur. Sharpening extends the lifespan of your clippers, so it’s important to do this.
Since having your clipper sharpened requires a professional, it may be worth looking at your warranty to see whether sharpening is covered. - How should I maintain my clippers? – As we mentioned, sharpening is part of clipper maintenance, but aside from that, proper care goes a long way in maintaining your investment. You should rinse, dry, and oil your clippers after every use. Oiling is an especially essential part of your care routine, and you should make sure to do so often.
Our Matted Dog Hair Guide
Is Matted Dog Hair Painful?
Matted dog hair, aside from being unsightly in more severe cases, goes beyond being a simple cosmetic issue.
It can cause your dog discomfort, especially if the mats form in areas where they move a lot, such as behind the ears, in their armpits, under the collar, and where the dog’s legs rub together.
Aside from causing discomfort, mats pose a severe health risk to your dog if left untreated. They can cover up sores and injuries, making it harder for you to see an issue needing attention.
Mats also trap and hold moisture close to the dog’s skin, which can lead to bacterial infections and long-term damage to the skin. Having severe matting over the rectum is especially harmful, which traps feces and can cause life-threatening diseases.
The good news is that all of these scary conditions are easy to avoid with proper grooming.
How Do I Remove Matted Hair from My Dog?
The most important thing to remember when trying to remove matted hair is to remain calm. Don’t start to attack the mats aggressively or with no plan of action, as this may cause them to get worse.
The second most important thing is not to wet your dog. Water compacts mats and makes it harder to get them out.
What you do want to do is gather your tools (comb, detangler, dematting tool) and locate all the biggest mats. Pay attention to how close they are to the dog’s skin; if they are too close, they should be left to professionals to be shaved off. To properly treat a mat, you should have enough room to grab and pull the mat from the fur, not the dog’s skin.
Begin brushing your dog at the neck and the tail, and starting with the most significant tangles, work your way down, not up. That means taking the mat in your fingers and breaking it apart strand by strand. This process can be rather painstaking, so patience is essential here!
Once you can’t get any further with your fingers, use a fine-tooth metal comb. Pull it from the base all the way through to the tip using gentle motions.
Avoid using scissors if at all possible because they can puncture a dog’s skin. If you find that you need to cut out a mat, make sure to lift the dog’s fur with a comb and cut above the comb so that you don’t accidentally stick the dog’s skin.
Once you’ve finished, you can bathe your dog using special shampoos and anti-tangle treatments if you wish. Make sure to pat the dog dry and comb him once again.
Can You Untangle Matted Hair Quickly?
Being able to untangle matted hair quickly depends entirely on the severity of the mats. If your dog is prone to matting and has gone for quite a while with no grooming, it may be quite time-consuming to untangle his hair.
Getting your dog mat-free also depends on how accustomed they are to grooming. The more tolerant your dog is to being groomed, the faster the mats will come out. Since dogs that are used to grooming make the process much more enjoyable for everybody, it’s important to train your dog correctly. Treats and positive reinforcement are a great way to do this.
Remember, patience is the name of the game when it comes to dealing with mats. If a single mat is taking you longer than thirty minutes to untangle, or if your dog has mats close to the skin, it may be a better idea to take him to a professional groomer or veterinarian.
5 Tips on Preventing Your Dog’s Hair from Matting
While some matting is inevitable, especially if your dog’s fur is prone to it, knowing what steps to take to prevent mats is crucial to maintaining your dog’s health.
- Find out how often your particular breed needs grooming – Knowing your breed’s grooming requirements may be the most critical step in preventing mats. Make sure you understand their needs by checking with your vet or breeder. A good general guideline for at-home grooming frequency is once per week, but again, this will differ depending on the breed.
Most dogs do a certain level of self-grooming, but keep in mind that older dogs are known to do less, so they may need more attention. - Learn how to brush your dog – When brushing your dog, you want to check for problem areas. Once you’ve identified them, brush their coat, working in sections. Leave especially difficult areas to the end so as not to upset your dog and have to stop.
- Trim your dog’s hair – Keeping your dog’s hair at a reasonable length is another way to prevent mats. You can do this at home or have your groomer do it.
- Bathe your dog – Once every three months is the minimum, but you can bathe your dog more if you think necessary.
- Tackle tangling as soon as you notice it – Tackling tangles as they appear may seem obvious, but as soon as you see tangling, even if not during your normal home grooming session, attack the problem. Regular upkeep will prevent tangles from turning into mats.
In the End
Matted hair requires special treatment, which is why the Andis ProClip UltraEdge is our number one recommendation if your dog is prone to this condition. Professionally built with a quick motor, this made-to-last set of clippers will get the job done quickly.
Its versatility is what makes this model stand out. We love that you can use these clippers on a range of different fur types, and the fact that professionals regard them highly speaks volumes about the quality of this product.
