How to Choose the Best Dog Clipper For Doodles
With years of experience as a dedicated goldendoodle owner and professional pet groomer, I can say that not all dog clippers are suitable for this breed. Doodles have thick, dense coats that often require frequent trimming and styling at home. Finding the right clipper is essential if you want your pooch to look his or her best.
This guide will cover everything you need to know when selecting the best dog clipper for doodles. I’ll start by discussing why grooming a doodle’s coat can be tricky; then I’ll list important features and specifications to consider in a good-quality clipper for such dogs.
Afterward, there will be my recommendations on the best dog clippers specifically designed for use on these breeds — from heavy-duty corded models to lightweight cordless options. Finally, some tips from me about how to properly use your new device while keeping up with maintenance between groomings will follow suit.
You need an appropriate trimmer if keeping your furry friend well-groomed is part of what makes life worth living at home together! So read through this detailed article to know exactly which one will work best when it comes time to tackle grooming tasks more easily than ever before – let’s get started now!
Understanding the Doodle Coat
Before we dive into clipper features, it’s important to understand why doodle coats can be so difficult to groom. Here’s an overview of the unique traits that make these dogs a challenge to clip:
Thick and Dense Undercoat
- Doodles have a thick double coat with a dense, wooly undercoat.
- All that hair is difficult for weaker clippers to cut through.
- Lower quality clippers will snag and pull on the coat.
Tight Curly Coat Texture
- The curls and waves of a doodle’s coat easily tangle and mat.
- Clippers need to slice smoothly through the coat without catching.
- Dull blades will yank out the coat rather than cut it.
Continuous Hair Growth
- Doodle hair grows fast and needs regular trims every 4-8 weeks.
- Their coats are high maintenance compared to many breeds.
- Clippers must withstand frequent, heavy use.
Sensitive Skin
- Doodles tend to have sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation.
- Clipper blades that get too hot can cause discomfort.
- The clipper noise/vibration also stresses some doodles.
Combination of Soft and Coarse Hair
- Doodles have a mix of fine, soft hair and coarser wiry hair.
- Their coat requires very sharp blades that won’t tug on either hair type.
As you can see, clipping a doodle takes professional-grade equipment. Consumer clippers made for light use just won’t cut it (pun intended)! Investing in a heavy duty clipper suited for doodle coats will make grooming safe, easy and pleasant for both you and your pup.
Key Features to Look for in a Doodle Clipper
Now that you understand the unique challenges of the best dog clipper for doodles, let’s go over the must-have features you should look for in a clipper:
Powerful High Speed Motor
- A motor with at least 2 speed settings is ideal, but 3+ speeds is best.
- Look for a motor that is 2200+ RPM (rotations per minute) for fast cutting.
- Rotary motors tend to deliver more constant clipping power.
High Quality Blades
- Ceramic edge blades stay cool during extended grooming.
- Opt for carbon steel blades over stainless for sharpness.
- Blades that self-sharpen while in use are very convenient.
Low Noise/Vibration
- Noise dampening housing reduces annoying vibration.
- Brushless motors run quieter and smoother than ones with brushes.
- Look for decibel levels around 50dB or less.
Cordless or Corded
- Cordless is convenient but batteries must be charged.
- Corded has unlimited runtime but the cord can tangle.
- Lithium ion batteries hold 2+ hrs of charge.
Adjustable Blade Heights
- Adjustable blades let you customize the exact hair length.
- Multiple guide combs increase length options.
- Important for blending and tapering the coat.
Durable Construction
- Metal housing and guides comb attachments are more durable.
- Ensure the clipper is made to withstand constant heavy usage.
- Cheaper plastic models break easily.
Now that you know what features to look for, let’s get into my top doodle clipper recommendations in both corded and cordless categories.
Top Professional Clippers Recommended for Doodles
Corded Clippers for Doodles
Andis Excel 5-Speed Clipper
My number one pick is the Andis Excel 5-Speed due to its adjustable ceramic blade and extremely powerful rotary motor. With 5 speed settings, it cuts through anything easily. The adjustable blade makes tapering and blending a breeze. It’s worth the price for the exceptional performance.
Oster Turbo A5 Heavy Duty Clipper
The Oster Turbo A5 is a workhorse that’s powered by a 2-speed rotary motor with plenty of strength for dense coats. It stays cool while running thanks to the vented detachable blade. The affordability makes this a top choice for groomers and owners on a budget.
Wahl KM10 2-Speed Clipper
The Wahl KM10 has plenty of pro features like a 2-speed rotary motor, steel blades and quiet operation. The adjustable taper lever makes it simple to fine tune the cut length. It also comes with attachments like guide combs, making it very versatile.
Cordless Clippers for Doodles
Wahl Bravura Lithium Clipper
For cordless convenience, the Wahl Bravura is hands-down my top recommendation. It has a quiet yet powerful rotary motor and adjustable blade lengths. The runtime exceeds 90 minutes per charge. It’s lightweight, quiet and won’t stress your doodle!
Andis ProClip Pulse Lithium Ion Clipper
The Andis Pulse Lithium Ion clipper is a cordless option with impressive power similar to many corded models. The ceramic edge blade stays cool and the adjustable settings allow for custom cut lengths. At 2 hours of runtime, it keeps going.
Oster Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Clipper
Another excellent cordless choice is the Oster Volt Lithium Ion clipper, which runs for 2+ hours on a single charge. The smooth single speed rotary motor has constant power for clipping thick coats. It’s a bit heavier than other cordless models but packs more punch.
Pro Tips for Clipping Your Doodle at Home
Using your new clipper might take some practice at first. Here are my pro tips for safely and effectively clipping your doodle at home:
- Bathe and thoroughly brush your doodle’s coat before clipping to remove tangles and mats.
- Use clipper spray coolant during longer grooming sessions to keep blades from heating up.
- Take breaks every 45 minutes to allow the clipper motor to cool off and rest.
- Be slow and careful when clipping sensitive areas like the face, ears, tail and paws.
- Invest in quality carbon steel blades and replace them every 6-9 months. Disinfect blades after each use.
- Keep styptic powder or cornstarch on hand to stop bleeding in case of nicks or cuts.
- Set up in a quiet room and use lots of positive reinforcement and treats to keep your doodle calm.
- Schedule regular professional grooming appointments every 6-8 weeks in addition to home grooming.
Choosing the right clipper is the first step, but learning proper clipping techniques will keep your doodle looking stylish between professional groomings. It takes patience and practice, but you’ll get the hang of it! Let me know if you have any other doodle grooming questions.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has helped you understand what to look for when choosing a clipper for your beloved doodle. There are many factors to consider, but focus on finding a powerful clipper with quality blades, adjustable settings, and low vibration. My top picks are the Andis Excel, Wahl Bravura, Oster Turbo A5, and Andis Pulse.
Investing in the right tools will make home grooming safe and pleasant for both you and your doodle. With regular trims using your new clipper, your pup will look shaggy chic all year long!