Which clipper best suits the needs of me and my dog?
Which clipper for which breed?
Our selected machines are all professional and semi-professional clippers. All machines are suitable for all breeds and coat types. It mainly depends on how short you want the coat. The more difficult (dense undercoat, matted) a coat is, the better you can shear with a short shearing head.
For breeds with demanding coats, such as Lagotto, Cockapoo, Bernese Mountain Dog, Tibetan Terrier, Bobtail etc. we recommend the clippers from Aesculap and Heiniger.
For breeds with a medium and easy coats, such as Poodle, Labradoodle, Yorkie, Schnauzer, etc. we recommend clippers from Aesculap, Heiniger, ANDIS, WAHL.
The large selection of clippers does not make it easy to find the right clipper for your individual needs. That's why I'll give you a short overview of the different clippers.
Battery or cable machine?
Advantages of battery machines:
- flexible, can be used anywhere
- no cable gets in the way, the dogs can't “play” with the cable
- can be used all day with two batteries, one battery is usually enough for one dog (1 – 2 hours runtime)
Disadvantages of battery machines:
- usually a little heavier
- usually somewhat louder
- more expensive
- need to be charged before use (not a problem for a salon, for a dog owner maybe?)
Advantages of cable machines:
- always ready for use
- usually a little lighter than battery machines
- cheaper
Disadvantages of cable machines:
- an electrical outlet must be within reach
- cable can be in the way or the dog "plays" with it
- possibly with carbon brush drive, carbon can wear out and must be replaced after a few years
The different brands
Aesculap:
- the Mercedes of professional clippers
- strong, robust, reliable, runs clean and round
- all machines are repairable, spare parts always available
- with a service every two years, the machine runs reliably for decades
- unbeatable shearing heads, especially the original Favorita II
ANDIS:
- great price / performance ratio
- suitable for professional and hobby groomers
- innovative developments
- maintenance-free machines, repairable
- strong and smooth
- very good selection of high-quality shaving heads, ceramic shaving heads available
Heiniger:
- the professional clippers with Swiss quality
- robust and strong
- repairable, spare parts available
- lies well in the hand
- runs reliably
WAHL:
- good price / performance ratio
- semi professional machines, also designed for home use
- good and reliable
- large selection of clipper heads
Also take a look at our clipper comparison: .pdf
Clipper blades
Most clippers with replaceable blades are used with so-called SnapOn blades. This refers to the system by which the blade is attached to the machine. It has a small flap on which you push the blade and then push it to the machine.
The SnapOn system allows you to use SnapOn blades of all brands for all brands of machines. So, a Heiniger machine will run with blades from ANDIS, WAHL, Aesculap, etc.
Steel blades are generally resharpenable, except for the very small paw machines with plastic parts. Usually, the clipper heads can be resharpened 5 – 7 times or more.
Difference between "normal" and FC:
Normal blades are marked with a number, for example with #4 (9.5 mm), they are wide toothed and can be used for all coats and cuts.
FC blades are marked with a number followed by "FC", e.g. #4FC (9.5 mm), they are very narrow toothed and perfect for a nice finish. They only work with well brushed out skins or after the first cut with a normal shear head.
Attachable combs, push-on combs:
Machines without replaceable blades usually use plastic slip-on combs, but they never grip as well as replaceable blades made from steel. They grip poorly or not at all (depending on length) with very dense or matted fur. But even steel attachment or push-on combs never grip as well as replaceable blades. Attachment or push-on combs only work with well brushed coats, or those with not too dense hair or only with little undercoat.
We are always happy to help!
If you are not sure which machine to use for your dog, we are happy to help you. Call us (079 587 52 98) or write us an email.
In our showroom (Maur, Zurich) we will be happy to show you our different machines (free of charge and without obligation). Please schedule an appointment, so we have time for you. Of course, you are also welcome to bring your four-legged friend!