6 Best Dog Clippers for Labradoodles: Our Doodle Grooming Guide
Contents of Article
- What are the Best Dog Hair Clippers for Labradoodles?
- Different Types of Grooming Clippers for Labradoodles
- Different Sizes of Blades for Labradoodle Clippers
- Labradoodle Clipper maintenance
- Which Size Blade should you use on a Labradoodle
- Overall Best Clippers for Labradoodles
- Best Pick for Matted Labradoodle Hair
- 4 more Top Rated Labradoodle Clippers
- Tips on How to Groom a Labradoodle with Clippers
- Conclusion
Trying to choose clippers for grooming your Labradoodle? We can help. We can tell you which clippers to buy along with which clipper blades work best for different coat types. In this article we’ll discuss:
- The different types of dog clippers and blades.
- Which blade you should use on your Labradoodle.
- The best clippers for Labradoodles.
- The best blade for a matted Labradoodle.
- And, tips on how to use clippers on your Labradoodle.
Since Labradoodles are a crossbreed or designer dog (a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever), they can have a range of coat types: curly, straight, wavy, and even some woolly coats. Some dogs will even have more than one kind of coat with patches of different hair on the body. You can take your dog to a professional groomer to sort it out every few weeks, which can be expensive; but the good news is that it’s easy to learn to groom your dog at home. All you need is a good set of clippers to manage your dog’s glorious locks of hair. We can help you choose the best clippers for Labradoodles in 2024.
What are the Best Dog Hair Clippers for Labradoodles?
Different Types of Grooming Clippers for Labradoodles
One nice thing about clippers for dogs is that it doesn’t matter how big or small your dog is. Labradoodles can come in a range of sizes but a good set of clippers will work on most dogs. Here’s a look at the different types of clippers you could consider for your Labradoodle.
- Corded dog clippers – Corded clippers are the most traditional kind of clippers for Labradoodles. They are often used by professional groomers and people who groom dogs as a hobby, such as dog show people. Corded dog clippers have an electric cord that plugs into any standard outlet. They don’t use batteries so you don’t have to worry about a battery running low. Most corded clippers are powerful and last a long time. They typically have a hard outer shell and they are hard to break. They can come anywhere from 1-speed models up to 5-speeds, depending on how much grooming you do or how powerful you need your clippers to be. Even with heavy use, most of these clippers will last for years. Some corded clippers offer more deluxe features such as being low-vibrating or extremely quiet but the basic corded clipper is a very good choice for a Labradoodle of any coat type.
- Cordless dog clippers – As an alternative to corded dog clippers, some people like to use cordless dog clippers. Cordless clippers can run on batteries or be rechargeable. Cordless clippers operate much like corded clippers plus you can use them anywhere. The drawback is that you are limited by how long the battery or charge lasts. Some of them will run for up to two hours before they have to be recharged but most of them operate for shorter times. Some of the cordless clippers are not quite as powerful as the corded clippers but they can do most grooming jobs. Cordless clippers usually need to be replaced after a couple of years because they will no longer hold a charge.
- There are some clippers that can be used corded or cordless. You can use them with a cord while they are recharging; then use them cordless when they are recharged.
- If you like a cordless clipper you can sometimes buy an extra battery pack so you can switch it out while the other battery pack is charging. Check with the manufacturer or retailer.
- Pet trimmers – Pet trimmers can be useful for touch ups, trimming around paws, ears, and the face. For Labradoodles, a pet trimmer usually won’t be powerful enough to handle your dog’s entire coat but that will depend on how much of the coat you want to trim. Trimmers are often sold as part of kits that contain combs that fit over blades to let you adjust the cut. Many of them run on batteries. Many of them are extra quiet so they are helpful for dogs that get nervous with large clippers, especially around their face and paws.
Do you know the 9 Best Foods to Feed an Adult and Puppy Labradoodle?
Different Sizes of Blades for Labradoodle Clippers
Many Labradoodle owners complain because professional dog groomers tend to make their dogs look like Poodles. If you groom and clip your dog yourself, you can learn to avoid this hairstyle. Or, you can give your dog a Poodle cut. It’s up to you.
If you purchase nice professional clippers, corded or cordless, they are likely to have a detachable blade. This allows you to easily remove the blade for cleaning or to have it sharpened by a professional (sharpening only costs a few dollars). You can also use different blades on the clipper, made by different manufacturers, as long as they are designed for similar clippers. All of the big companies that make dog clippers – Andis, Oster, and Wahl, for example – have clippers with detachable heads. This means that you can use an Andis blade on your Oster clipper, and so on.
Most professional clippers are sold with a #10 blade since this is a standard blade used for grooming many different kinds of dogs. Most blades, sold individually, cost about $25-30 so this is a nice blade to include with your clipper.
When purchasing blades, the lower the number, the longer it will leave your dog’s coat. A #10 blade will leave your dog’s coat 1/16th of an inch from his body. A #5 blade will leave the coat ¼ of an inch from the body. A professional groomer often uses several different blades when grooming a dog so the coat may be longer on the body and shorter around the face and paws. Skiptooth blades like the #7 and the #5 (which also come in full tooth versions) are also used on some breeds to give a more casual or tousled appearance. These blades look like they are missing teeth, hence the name. A #7 full tooth blade leaves 1/8 of an inch of hair on the body. Blades that have very high numbers such as #30 or #40 are usually used by veterinarians to shave dogs for surgery. You don’t need a blade like this to groom your Labradoodle.
Most people use full tooth blades (which may have an “F” after the number) to give a finished look to their dog. Blades #3F, #4F, and #7F are available in this form. These blades will make your dog’s coat look smoother. If your Labradoodle has a finer, softer coat without a heavy undercoat, these blades would be a good choice.
If your Labradoodle has a denser coat, you could use a #3 blade to start. If you would like your dog’s coat to look smoother, you can go back over it with a finer blade a second time. Or, you could start with a skiptooth blade and then use a finer blade to finish. It depends on how you would like your dog to look. You might be happy with the results of using a skiptooth blade on your dog’s coat and having your dog look trimmed but not smooth. Labradoodles have such a variety of coats that you might need to play around with a couple of different blades and their results to see what you like with your dog’s appearance.
Clipper blades are usually made of stainless steel or ceramic material. They can include carbon, chrome, silver, or titanium, depending on the company making them. Each element has its advantages. Steel that has been carbon-infused has a harder cutting surface and holds an edge longer. Blades with a chrome finish can be more rust-resistant. Oster’s Cryogen blades contain silver which has antimicrobial properties to control the growth of bacteria. This is something that professional groomers really like since they groom so many dogs. Some blades are ice-tempered steel which prevents rusting. This is also supposed to help the blades stay cool longer when they are running.
You can read all kinds of claims when you are choosing a blade. All of the blades made by the major companies are very good and they can do the job you need for your Labradoodle. There may be fine differences between some of the blades but only a professional groomer or show dog groomer would probably know the difference between the blades when it comes to the surface of the blade or what it’s made of. If you’re buying your first set of clippers, it usually makes sense to buy a couple of blades made by the same company that makes your clippers. You can try other blades made by other companies later.
Also Read: Visiting a Pet Expo with Your Dog
Labradoodle Clipper maintenance
We do recommend that you buy a cooling clipper spray when you purchase your clippers and blades. Most clippers are powerful and when you use them for some length of time, the blade can start to get warm. The cooling spray can cool the blade off. (You and your dog can also take a short break to let the clippers and blade cool off.)
We also like to have a clipper blade cleaner and lubricant even though some clippers say they don’t have require them. If you use a lubricant, make sure you remove it completely or it can clog your clippers and blade. Only use a drop or two occasionally when you use the lubricant.
You can use a small brush to remove hair that accumulates in the blade and inside the clipper head.
One of the great things about clippers is that if anything ever goes amiss and you have a broken part, it’s usually very easy to contact the company and get a replacement part so the clippers can be repaired. In some cases you can simply send the clippers to the company and they will repair them for you for a very small charge.
When your blade starts to get dull you can have it sharpened by a professional that sharpens blades. Local people that sharpen scissors and knives can do this work. You can also find professionals at dog shows. If you have Ceramic blades, they cannot be sharpened.
Which Size Blade should you use on a Labradoodle
The size blade you use on your Labradoodle will depend on his coat type. However, we can suggest that many Labradoodles can be groomed with a #3F, #5F, #7F, and #10 blade. These recommendations come from Labradoodle breeders.
As far as which blades are best, both Andis and Oster blades are excellent.
Overall Best Clippers for Labradoodles
| Our 2024 Picks: Best Dog Hair Clippers for a Labradoodle | |||
| Rank | Clippers | Price | Rating |
|
Overall Best |
 Andis ProClip AGC2 2-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper, Black |
$$$ |
A+
|
|
#2 |
 |
$$$ |
A+
|
|
#3 |
 |
$$ |
A
|
|
#4 |
 |
$$$ |
A
|
|
#5 |
 |
$$$ |
A
|
|
#6 |
 |
$$$ |
A
|
Andis ProClip AGC2 2-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper, Black
Andis ProClip AGC2 2-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper is a great choice for Labradoodles. It has two speeds so you can use it at a regular speed or pick up the pace. It runs cool but lets you get through thick coat. And it has a heavy-duty cord that let’s you move around easily. Durable and maintenance-free. Comes with clipper, #10 UltraEdge blade, and clipper oil.
- Has two speeds
- Durable
- Maintenance-free
- Andis makes a more powerful clipper in a similar style
- Some people like cordless clippers better
Best Pick for Matted Labradoodle Hair
Oster A5 Turbo 2-speed Pet Clipper, Dark Blue
The Oster A5 Turbo 2-speed Pet Clipper is fast and powerful. It’s a workhorse clipper. This is the clipper that you probably see at your veterinarian’s office and you might see professional dog groomers using it. It’s heavy duty and has two speeds. It’s also compatible with all of Oster’s detachable blades (as well as other detachable blades). Comes with a #10 Cryogen X detachable blade.
- Faster and more powerful than similar Oster clippers
- Has two speeds
- Quiet and reliable
- Great for heavy duty clipping, including cutting mats
- This is a powerful clipper and it could be more than some owners need
- Some people might prefer a cordless clipper – but it’s hard to find cordless clippers that can do a good job with mats.
4 more Top Rated Labradoodle Clippers
Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit
Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit is a super clipper for trimming your Labradoodle’s paws and face. You can also do finishing work over his body after you have removed thicker coat. This is a bestselling cordless clipper so you can groom your dog anywhere. It’s quiet and lightweight. Runs for up to 80 minutes before you need to recharge. Comes with two NiMH battery packs, the clippers, a storage case, a charging base with an indicator light, four snap-on attachment guide combs, a cleaning brush, and blade oil.
- Cordless, lightweight, quiet
- Comes with two rechargeable battery packs
- Includes four snap-on attachment guide combs
- Good for trimming around your dog’s face, paws, and for doing finishing work
- Not a good choice for dogs with heavier coats unless the heavy coat has been trimmed first
- Only runs for 80 minutes before it has to be recharged
Oster A5 Golden Pet Clipper
If you’re looking for great clippers that can do it all for a very reasonable price, we can recommend the Oster A5 Golden Pet Clipper. This clipper comes in a one-speed or two-speed version and both models are good – and very affordable. This Oster clipper has been around for many years and it’s still top quality. It’s used by groomer, vets, and people who show dogs. They are heavy duty so you can groom multiple dogs easily. And they can handle a Labradoodle’s coat! They are quiet, reliable, and built to last. This is a corded clipper. The kit comes with a #10 Cryogen-X blade, blade guard, blade oil, grease, cleaning brush, carbon brush and spring assembles, and operating and blade care manuals.
- Durable, heavy duty clippers
- Quiet and reliable
- Available in one or two-speeds
- Not the fastest or most powerful clippers made today
- There are newer clipper models that could make these clippers seem old-fashioned
Oster A6 Slim 3-speed Pet Clipper, Purple
The Oster A6 Slim 3-speed Pet Clipper is one of the lightest, most comfortable clippers to use that you can find today. It has an ergonomic design, along with being lightweight, so it reduces hand fatigue when you’re spending a couple of hours working on your Labradoodle’s coat. It has less vibration and noise than most clippers, too. Many people report that this clipper stays very cool. With three speeds, you can control how much power to use. Comes with a #10 CryogenX Blade. This is a corded clipper.
- Very lightweight
- Ergonomically designed and comfortable to use
- Lower vibration and noise
- This is not a cordless clipper
- There are clippers that weigh less
Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Cordless Dog & Cat Clipper Kit
This Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Cordless Clipper can help you achieve professional results at home. With a lithium ion battery, it will run for 90 minutes before it needs to be recharged. It recharges quickly in just 60 minutes and you can use the clipper with its cord while it’s recharging. Durable, quiet, and lightweight.
- Cordless, runs for 90 minutes and recharges in 60 minutes
- Durable, lightweight, quiet
- Low vibration and no maintenance
- Comes with a 5-in-1 adjustable blade for this clipper and clipper attachments so you can’t use other blades with it
Tips on How to Groom a Labradoodle with Clippers
There are really no secrets to using clippers on your Labradoodle and getting good results but you do need to follow some basics.
- It’s easier to clipper a dog with a clean coat so we suggest that your dog have a bath 24-48 hours before you use clippers on him. Make sure he is completely dry.
- Brush your dog before using the clippers. You can use a good slicker brush. If he has any mats, try to work them loose, if possible, or work them away from the skin. This will allow you to get the clippers under them.
- Your dog does need to be still when you are using the clippers so you won’t accidentally cut him. It helps if you have a grooming table or something that you can use in place of one. If you don’t have a grooming table you can use the top of a kennel crate or a table top. If your dog won’t stand still, see if you can have a friend help hold him.
- If your dog isn’t used to clippers or he’s afraid of them, try to get him used to them. Show them to your dog when you’re doing something else like watch television. Give him some treats while the clippers are turned off. Let him get used to the clippers being turned on and not coming near him. When you do start to touch him with the clippers, be sure to have lots of treats with you so you can praise and reward him for letting you use them. Most dogs get used to them eventually but you have to make sure you don’t knick him with them.
- The first time you groom your dog with clippers, we suggest that you make it a short session. Do something easy, end it on a positive note, and give your dog lots of praise and rewards. Help your dog have a good time when you use the clippers.
- Don’t worry if your first attempts to use the clippers don’t turn out well. That happens to everyone. Practice makes perfect. If your dog looks ragged or has some holes in his coat, that’s okay. His hair will grow back and he doesn’t care. Your clipping skills will improve.
- If you feel yourself getting frustrated when you’re grooming, take a break. Let your dog take a break. You can go back to grooming later. Your relationship with your dog is much more important than his haircut.
- Take good care of your clippers. They are an investment – and good ones are not cheap. If you take care of them they can last for many years.
For grooming your Labradoodle, we suggest the following:
Depending on how thick or curly your Labradoodle’s coat is, you can start off with a #3F blade over the body. This blade will remove a lot of wild and crazy coat without getting the coat too short.
You can clip your dog’s stomach area with the #7F blade which will make this hair shorter and keep your dog tidy. Be careful not to clip anywhere you can’t see so you don’t accidentally hurt your dog.
You can use a size #5F to clip under your dog’s tail and around his rectum to keep this area clean. Use this blade to clip between your dog’s back legs. Try to blend the hair in with the longer hair you have clipped over the body.
With the #10 blade you can clip under your dog’s ears to allow more air flow. This is a good way to help prevent ear infections. Many dogs need a little time to get used to having clippers around their head, ears, and face so go slowly. Or, you may want to use a pet trimmer to trim around your Labradoodle’s ears.
You can trim the top of your Labradoodle’s head with the #7F blade or with scissors. Many people trim the top of the head with scissors and then use the clippers to trim the bridge between the eyes for a tidier look.
If your Labradoodle has a beard, you can trim it with scissors.
You can use your clippers with a #10 blade to trim your Labradoodle’s paws and between his toes. You can also use scissors to trim this area. Use scissors to blend your dog’s legs from paws up to his body.
Conclusion
We hope this information about clippers and blades will help you with your Labradoodle. No matter what coat type your dog has, you can learn to groom your Labradoodle at home. Have fun with your dog. Give him lots of treats while you’re using the clippers, and he should be gorgeous!
