5 Best Dog Clippers for Schnauzers in 2024
Contents of Article
- What are the Best Dog Hair Clippers for a Schnauzer?
- Different Types of Clippers for Schnauzers
- Different Sizes of Blades for Schnauzer Clippers
- Which Size Blade Should You Use on a Schnauzer?
- Overall Best Clippers for Schnauzers
- 3 More Top Rated Schnauzer Clippers
- 7 Tips on How to Groom a Schnauzer with Clippers
- Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to find the right clippers for your Schnauzer, we can help you find some great options. In this article, we’ll discuss:
- The different types of clippers for Schnauzers
- The different sizes of blades for Schnauzer clippers
- The best size of blade to use on your Schnauzer
- The overall best clippers for Schnauzers
- The best blade to use on matted Schnauzer hair
- A few helpful tips on grooming your Schnauzer with clippers
Schnauzers have a double coat, which means that the outer coat is wiry and hard while the undercoat is soft. While a double coat keeps the Schnauzer cool in the summer and warm in the winter, sticking to a grooming schedule of every four to six weeks helps maintain a healthy coat and avoid double coat issues such as matting or excessive shedding.
Schnauzers don’t shed as much as other breeds with double coats, but you should still try to maintain a regular grooming schedule. While four to six weeks is the preference of most Schnauzer owners to help keep their pet’s coat looking “fresh,” you may be able to extend the schedule by a few more weeks.
Making an appointment with a groomer every four weeks or so can be expensive, and if your dog doesn’t feel comfortable being groomed by a stranger, it can also be a stressful experience.
Grooming your Schnauzer takes a little practice and patience, but as long as you have the right grooming clippers, you can stick to your Schnauzer’s grooming schedule.
Check out the best clippers for Schnauzers that are available on the market right now.
What are the Best Dog Hair Clippers for a Schnauzer?
Different Types of Clippers for Schnauzers
Electric dog clippers are an essential tool for grooming your Schnauzer. The type of clipper that you decide to purchase will greatly depend on your personal preference and comfort, but here are the different types of clippers to consider when grooming your Schnauzer.
Corded Clippers
Corded dog clippers are a popular choice because most are designed to switch out blade lengths. Having the option to change out blades is particularly important in different breeds of dogs (we’ll discuss this in greater detail later).
It’s rare that you would (or should) use one blade length on your Schnauzer, not only for aesthetics but also due to its double coat.
With corded clippers, you never have to worry about batteries dying in the middle of your grooming session. Other benefits of high-quality corded dog clipper are that they typically last longer than other clippers are durable and more powerful.
If your Schnauzer is sensitive to vibration or noise, you may want to find a corded clipper with adjustable power settings and one with low-vibration and noise. While corded clippers are a “must” for most dog groomers, the cord can be one of the downsides as it can get in the way. Corded clippers can also be a little more awkward to maneuver as you get used to using one.
Cordless Clippers
Many groomers like to have a cordless dog clipper on hand because the absence of a cord can make all the difference when working in a small space, with an uncooperative dog, or if there is no outlet nearby. Cordless dog clippers can offer more freedom and may be easier to maneuver.
Some cordless dog clippers come with a 5 in 1 blade, which means that your ability to customize the blade length is limited. Depending on your blade length needs, this may or may not affect you.
Another downside of a cordless clipper is the potential of the batteries dying while you’re in the middle of grooming your Schnauzer. Even with spare batteries on hand, swapping out batteries can be inconvenient.
Cordless dog clippers are available as rechargeable or battery-powered. Depending on your preferences and price range, you may benefit from one type over the other, but to get the most out of cordless dog clippers, make sure that you always have spare batteries or battery pack fully charged.
Most high-quality cordless dog clippers will not last as long as corded clippers, so depending on how frequently you will use your clippers, one type may be a better option over the other.
Pet Trimmers
Pet trimmers are designed for touch up work or if you need to use clippers by the face and paws. If you find a dog clipper that comes with all the blade lengths you need for grooming your Schnauzer, you may not need or benefit from a pet trimmer.
Most pet trimmers are battery-powered and are easy to use. Since pet trimmers are frequently used around the face, ears, and paws (which are all places that could make your dog nervous), it’s best to look for a trimmer that’s quiet.
Some people prefer using grooming scissors over a pet trimmer. As with all other dog clippers your decision to buy pet trimmers comes down personal preference and your grooming needs. Many people have one dog clipper and find that it’s all they need to properly and comfortably groom their Schnauzers.
Different Sizes of Blades for Schnauzer Clippers
Even though most Schnauzers, both mini and standard, have a distinguishable cut of a short coat, fluffed and trimmed legs, and a long “beard,” it is possible to cut your Schnauzer’s coat too short.
It’s important to remember that Schnauzers have a double coat, and while their double coats are different from that of other breeds with double coats, their skin is likely to be sensitive. Keeping your Schnauzer’s coat short is not only part of the Schnauzer’s iconic “look,” but it’s easier to maintain.
Grooming a Schnauzer coat too short can make the dog more susceptible to sunburn, insect bites, and irritation because their skin is typically more sensitive. Their unique double coat not only acts as a temperature regulator but also as a skin protectant.
While most well-trained professional groomers are mindful not to cut a Schnauzer’s coat too short, you have more control when grooming your dog on your own.
Many high-quality dog clippers, such as Oster or Andis, have detachable blades which means that not only can you switch the blades out for a customizable cut, but they are also easier to clean and sharpen (which extend the life of your clippers).
A #10 blade is a standard size blade, which is suitable for grooming most breeds of dogs including Schnauzers. A #10 blade leaves one-sixteenth of an inch of fur on your Schnauzer’s body. When shopping around for other blades, particularly if purchasing separately, it’s important to keep in mind that the lower the number on the blade, the longer the fur.
#5 and #7 blades are also popular grooming blades as they leave more fur on the dog’s coat. Keeping in mind the rule of the blade size and hair length, #30 and #40 blades cut extremely short and close to the skin (and are often used in veterinary settings), so it’s never advisable to groom your dog’s body with these blade sizes.
Most dog clipper blades come in full tooth (which is indicated by “F”), and some come as a skip tooth. Much as the name suggests, skip tooth blades look like they are missing a blade but have short and long teeth that alternate. A skip tooth blade leaves hair the same length of hair as a full tooth (of the same blade size) but results in a textured finish.
If your experience with grooming your Schnauzer is limited, or if it’s your first time, you may feel more comfortable starting with a #3 or #5 blade. While it will result in longer fur, it may be more comfortable to start long and then keep cutting shorter.
While skip tooth blades often cut through coarse hair easier, you may like the results of a full tooth blade. The blade size and type you use is dependent on the finished look you want.
As you shop around for dog clipper blades, you may notice that they are either made of stainless steel or ceramic. Both of these types of blades may also incorporate titanium, silver, carbon or chrome into the mix or on the finish. Adding materials like carbon and silver, help protect blades, extend the life of them, and help prevent rust and bacteria.
Which Size Blade Should You Use on a Schnauzer?
Since the majority of Schnauzers have the same type of coats, especially if they are a pure breed, the recommended blade sizes are #10, #7, #5, and #4. For the hair on around the pads, beard, and eyebrows you may consider using a pet trimmer, but most professionals strongly recommend using grooming scissors.
On the body, sides, and back of your Schnauzer we suggest a # 7, #4, or #5 full tooth blade. For your Schnauzer’s head, ears, throat, and cheeks we recommend starting with a #10 full tooth blade.
You may decide to try out different blade sizes, but it’s important to remember not to cut the hair too short and be extra careful around the ears, face, and paws.
Overall Best Clippers for Schnauzers
While all of the dog clippers in our article are great options for grooming, we start by reviewing our top choice for the overall best clippers for Schnauzers.
| Our 2024 Picks: Best Dog Hair Clippers for Schnauzers: | |||
| Rank | Dog Hair Clippers | Price | Rating |
|
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
|
Andis ProClip Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
The Andis ProClip Speed Detachable Blade Clipper is a professional grade dog clipper and is our best overall choice for Schnauzers. The clippers have two speeds and the higher speed, which is 25 percent faster, is ideal for your Schnauzer’s coarse top coat.
The Andis has a detachable blade for easier cleaning and swapping out other blade sizes. The clippers have a cool-running “smart” design to prevent overheating. These corded clippers has shatterproof housing and runs quietly. A #10 blade is included, but the Andis ProClip is compatible with a variety of blades including the Oster A-5 blades.
Pros:
- Professional grade durability and design
- Two speeds and quiet operation
- Easy to clean and maintenance
Cons:
- Not cordless
- Needs to be oiled before and after every use
- May run hot when grooming your Schnauzer
Matted hair can be painful for your Schnauzer and difficult to fix without the right dog clippers. Most cordless clippers lack the power and speed needed to get rid of matted hair. Check out our top choice for the best dog clippers for matted Schnauzer hair.
Oster A5 Turbo 2-Speed Professional Animal Clipper
Best Pick for Matted Schnauzer Hair – The Oster A5 clippers have some similar features to the Andis ProClip, but this two-speed clipper has a little more power, which makes it our top choice for matted Schnauzer hair. The Oster A5 is a professional grade clipper, has two speeds, and has a durable and easy-to-maintain design.
The corded clipper may have more power than you might prefer, but if your Schnauzer gets matted hair regularly, it’s a great clipper. The A5 is compatible with other detachable blades by Oster and is compatible with other top brands like Andis. The Oster A5 comes with a #10 Cryogen X blade.
Pros:
- Faster and powerful for cutting matted hair
- Quiet operation
- Heavy-duty and professional design
- Easy to clean and change blades
Cons:
- Not cordless
- Needs to be checked frequently to make sure it’s not too hot
- May be more power than you prefer or feel comfortable using
3 More Top Rated Schnauzer Clippers
Understanding that your grooming needs may be different than other Schnauzer owners, we believe that it’s always beneficial to have options. Here are three more of our top-rated picks.
Oster Golden A5 Single Speed Animal Clipper
The Oster Golden A5 Single speed clipper has many of the same high-quality features and design as the dual speed Oster A5. The clipper, which operates over 2,100 strokes per minute (SPM), is powerful enough to various lengths of hair as well as any matted hair that your Schnauzer may have.
The corded clippers have a detachable blade and are interchangeable with other high-quality blades on the market.
Pros:
- Durable and professional grade
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Quiet operation
- Suitable for Schnauzer matted hair
Cons:
- Not cordless
- May not be powerful enough
- Only one speed setting
- Need to check frequently for overheating
Andis AGC 1-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
If you like the option of a single speed clipper but don’t think that the Oster A5 single speed is powerful enough, the Andis single speed is a great option for grooming your Schnauzer. This corded clipper operates 2,700 SPM, has a locking switch to prevent accidental shut-off during operation, and other of the same features as other Andi models.
The single speed Andis clipper is durable, professional grade, and a great option for novice groomers. The clipper comes with a #10 blade and is compatible with other detachable blades.
Pros:
- More powerful than other single speed clippers
- Quiet operation
- Powerful enough for matted hair
- Easy to clean and switch out blades
- A long cord for easier movement
Cons:
- Not cordless
- Only one speed setting
- Runs cooler, but still needs frequent checking for overheating
Oster Golden A5 2-Speed Animal Clipper
If you like the Oster Golden A5 Single Speed but wish it offered a little more power (or just want the option of a power boost), the two speed Golden A5 is a great choice to consider. This Oster clipper has nearly all the same features of the single speed clipper with the advantage of an additional setting of 2,700 SPM.
The corded clippers have a detachable and easy to clean blade and is compatible with other Oster blades, as well as other brands like Andis.
- Durable and professional grade
- Easy to clean and change out blades
- Quiet operation
- Suitable for double-coats and mats
Cons:
- Not cordless
- May not use the second setting or may not provide enough power
- Need to check frequently for overheating
7 Tips on How to Groom a Schnauzer with Clippers
Depending on how much experience you have grooming your Schnauzer and how comfortable your dog feels with grooming, your grooming sessions may vary in levels of ease. Here are a few tips to remember when grooming your Schnauzer.
- Never attempt to groom your Schnauzer when you’re rushed for time, feeling stressed, or impatient. The way you act or feel will set the tone and can affect how your dog acts during a grooming session.
- Brush or comb your Schnauzer before you bath or use clippers. Brushing upward (or against the natural lay of the hair) can help loosen knots, get rid of any shedding hair, and loosen up dander. Weekly brushing will help keep matted air to a minimum.
- If your Schnauzer doesn’t mind being bathed, you can probably bath your dog more frequently without too much of a power struggle. If you don’t bathe your dog often, be sure to do so before you use clippers. Towel dry and then blow dry with a medium heat setting.
- Keep in mind that your first few grooming sessions may not have perfect results. It’s more important to take your time and focus on keeping your dog happy and safe than trying to perfect the Schnauzer cut right away.
- As you take your time grooming your Schnauzer, take little breaks if you need to and offer praise to your dog. If you feel too stressed, stop and wait until another time.
- Introduce your dog to grooming tools at an early age and always before you start a grooming session. Even if your clipper is designed to have a quiet operation, let your dog investigate it before you attempt to cut hair.
- Watching grooming tutorials online can give you helpful pointers and make you feel more confident about grooming. If you don’t feel comfortable grooming on your own, ask for someone to give you a hand.
Final Thoughts
Grooming your Schnauzer on your own may seem a little daunting, but if you have the right clippers, you can confidently and comfortably give your Schnauzer a professional looking cut.
