Introduction
Dog grooming is an important part of keeping dogs looking and feeling their best. An essential part of the grooming process is what tools professional groomers use to trim, cut, and style a dog’s coat. The two main cutting implements used are scissors and clippers. Each has advantages and disadvantages depending on the breed of dog, type of coat, and areas being groomed. Proper use of these tools is key for a safe and effective grooming session. This article will explore the differences between using scissors versus clippers for dog grooming and provide recommendations for when to use each.
Scissors
Using scissors for dog grooming has a variety of pros and cons that groomers should consider:
Some pros of using scissors include:
- Scissors allow for more precision and control when trimming a dog’s coat. This makes it easier to achieve an exact look or style (source).
- Scissors don’t get as hot as clippers, making them more comfortable for the dog (source).
- High-quality scissors usually provide a smoother, cleaner cut than clippers.
Some cons of using scissors include:
- Grooming with scissors is slower and more labor-intensive than using clippers.
- It can be easy to nick or cut the dog’s skin if not careful.
- Scissors usually require more frequent sharpening and maintenance than clippers.
- Scissors are not as efficient at removing large amounts of thick or matted hair.
The choice between scissors vs clippers depends on the dog’s coat type, hair condition, and the desired cut. For precision trimming and styling, scissors are often the better option. But for removing bulk hair quickly, clippers have some advantages.
Clippers
Clippers are a popular tool used by professional dog groomers and for at-home grooming. There are several pros and cons to consider when using clippers for dog grooming:
Pros:
- Clippers allow for a faster, more efficient grooming process compared to scissors (SuperPages). This makes them ideal for grooming dogs with thick, long coats.
- Clippers can provide a smooth, even cut when used properly. The motorized blade allows for a closer shave than scissors in most cases (CanineJournal).
- Quality clippers are durable and can last for years with proper maintenance (SuperPages). This makes them a cost-effective investment for frequent grooming.
- There are clippers designed for all coat types and breeds. Heavy-duty models can trim even the thickest hair (CanineJournal).
Cons:
- Lower quality clippers may overheat or fail to provide an effective cut, requiring frequent replacement (TopDogTips).
- Clippers can pull or catch on hair if used carelessly, causing discomfort or injury.
- Frequent clipping too close can irritate some dogs’ sensitive skin (SuperPages).
- Improperly oiled or maintained clippers may result in a rough, uneven cut (CanineJournal).
Coat Types
A dog’s coat type significantly impacts the grooming tools that should be used. There are four main coat types: smooth coats, double coats, wire coats, and long coats. Each requires specific brushes, combs, clippers, and scissors for proper grooming and maintenance (Source).
Smooth coated breeds like Labradors, Boxers, and Great Danes have short, dense fur. Pin brushes and rubber grooming gloves work best for smooth coats by removing loose hair and distributing natural oils. Longer coated breeds such as Collies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds have a thick double layer of fur that requires bristle brushes and undercoat rakes. Wire coated dogs like Schnauzers and Irish Terriers need slicker brushes and steel combs to prevent matting and remove dead hair (Source). Understanding coat types allows groomers to properly detangle, de-shed, and maintain a dog’s coat.
Hygiene
When it comes to hygiene, there are some key differences between using clippers and scissors for dog grooming. Clippers can provide a more hygienic cut as the vibrating blades help shake loose hair, dander and dirt from the dog’s coat as you clip. The motorized cutting action of clippers also means less pulling and tugging on the hair which can spread dirt and bacteria (Heidi, 2019). However, clipper blades do need to be frequently cleaned and sanitized to prevent spreading germs between dogs. With scissors, there is more direct contact between the blades and skin which can increase bacteria transmission if proper sanitation procedures are not followed. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of scissors between dogs is essential. Using a concentrated disinfectant spray or wipe is recommended by groomers after each dog when using either tool (Mulholland, 2022). Ultimately, with proper sanitation practices, both clippers and scissors can be used hygienically for dog grooming.
Cost
The costs of quality grooming scissors versus clippers can vary significantly. High-end professional grooming shears like those from industry leaders Chris Christensen and Geib range from $150-$500 per pair of scissors. Top clippers from Andis and Wahl often cost $100-$300 for the clipper itself.
So while quality scissors have a higher upfront cost, a good pair of shears can last for many years if properly maintained. Clippers may need replaced more frequently as the motor wears out over time with heavy use. Clipper blades also require regular sharpening or replacement as they dull, adding to long-term costs.
For occasional home grooming, quality clippers are likely the more economical choice. But professional groomers or those grooming many dogs may find the investment in quality scissors pays off in the long run. Proper technique and care is required to maximize longevity of either tool.
According to one industry source, a groomer’s annual budget for equipment maintenance and replacement should be around 10% of gross revenue for a salon business. So the cost considerations also depend on the volume and frequency of grooming jobs.
Safety
Both scissors and clippers come with safety considerations when grooming dogs. Scissors often come with round tips to help prevent accidental poking or scratches. Products like the SCEDREAM Dog Grooming Scissors have a “round blade tip design provides safety protection to keep your pet safe from scratches or stab wounds from sharp blades” (Source). Clippers have guards to help prevent cutting the skin when shaving close. Clipper blades can also heat up during extended use, so it’s important to monitor skin contact and possible irritation. Clipper nail guards are available to help avoid cutting the quick of the nail. Ultimately, safety comes down to control, focus and care when handling grooming tools around pets.
Professional Preferences
When it comes to choosing between clippers and scissors, professional dog groomers tend to have varying preferences based on the breeds they work with, the types of cuts and styles required, and personal choice.
Many professionals say that using both clippers and scissors is ideal for achieving the best results (Source). Clippers allow groomers to quickly get through the thicker undercoat and remove bulk, while scissors enable more precision and control for styling and finishing.
For breeds with continuously growing coats like poodles, most groomers rely heavily on clippers for efficiency and smooth results. Scissors come into play for detail work like rounding off top knots and tail pom-poms (Source).
With dogs that require hand-stripped coats like terriers, scissors are used more often to thin out and shape the fur. Many groomers say clipper work should be minimal on wire-haired breeds (Source).
In the end, professional dog groomers tend to rely on a combination of quality clippers and scissors based on each dog’s coat and the style being achieved.
Conclusion
In summary, the most important factors in choosing dog grooming tools are determining the coat type, considering hygiene and safety, evaluating cost-effectiveness for professional use, and aligning with stylistic preferences. Thick coats often require clippers for efficient grooming, while scissors allow greater precision on sensitive areas. Proper sanitation of reusable tools prevents spreading skin infections between dogs. Quality clippers with safety guards reduce risk of nicks and cuts. While clippers often represent a larger upfront investment, they enable professional groomers to work more quickly and boost business revenue. Ultimately, integrating both clippers and scissors into one’s grooming toolkit enables adaptability for handling diverse coat types and owner requests. When thoughtfully selected, the right tools empower groomers to provide an excellent customer experience.
For more information, see the following sources:
[1] https://groomersgoods.com/blogs/groomers-goods-blog/professional-dog-grooming-tools-understanding-costs-and-benefits
[2] https://web1.eng.famu.fsu.edu/me/senior_design//2016/team17/reports/doggroomingtoolneedsassessment09252015.pdf
Recommendation
The decision between using clippers or scissors for dog grooming depends on several factors, including coat type, desired cut, cost, and safety. Based on the research, here are some recommendations:
For dogs with long or fluffy coats like Yorkshire Terriers or Poodles, scissors tend to provide more precision and control for styling. Thick double-coated breeds like Huskies also benefit from some scissoring to blend layers. Scissors allow greater versatility in styling and thinning out coats.Source
For short-haired dogs like Labradors or Beagles, clippers tend to work better for maintaining a uniform length. Clippers can shave coats down closer than scissors in most cases. They work well for sanitary trims and tidying feet and faces.Source
For pet owners doing DIY grooming at home, high-quality scissors designed for dog grooming are recommended over cheap alternatives which can irritate skin. Investing in good tools saves time and frustration.Source
Ultimately, both scissors and clippers have their place in dog grooming. For best results, professional groomers recommend having quality options of both on hand. Scissors allow for detail work, blending, and styling, while clippers quickly trim coats to an even length.