12 Best Dog Clippers for Shih Tzu [Fun & Easy Grooming]

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Clipper Name	Check Price on Amazon	Our Rating	Weight (oz)	Noisy?	Gets Hot?	Performance (SPM)	Blades	Accessories
Andis UltraEdge Super 2 - Editor's Top Choice for the Best buy & Our current Top favourite Clipper	Check Price on Amazon	(4.9 / 5)	17.5	No	*No	3400,4400	One blade only! which is #10	Yes
Wahl Motion Lithium Ion Clippers -Editor's TOP Choice for Professional Groomers	Check Price on Amazon	(4.9 / 5)	9.4	NO	NO	5500 strokes per minute	‘5 in 1’ Pro Blade with 5 adjustable sizes 9, 10, 15, 30 and 40	No
Oster A5 Turbo 2-Speed - Editor's Top Choice for Best Budget option	Check Price on Amazon	(4.8 / 5)	32	Yes	Yes	3,100/4,000 heavy-duty rotary	A5 #10 detachable	No
Andis ProClip Excel 5-Speed - Editor's Top Choice for Shih Tzu with Matted or Thick hair	Check Price on Amazon	(4.8 / 5)	12.8	No	Yes	3,100/4,000 heavy-duty rotary	A5 #10 detachable	Yes

*During our extensive testing we found out that this would get rather hot under certain conditions, especially blunt clipper blades! Solution is to always use Andis professionals to sharpen clipper blades. They are significantly cheaper in the long run.

A few crucial tips and tricks that have helped us find the Best clippers for Shih Tzu, and other small or medium breeds of dogs like the loveable Maltese.

I think you’ll probably agree with me when I say:
It’s REALLY confusing to know, what to look for when buying dog clippers. Or is it?
Well, as it turns out, there are ONLY 3 Very SIMPLE things to keep an eye on before you buy! And in today’s post, I’m going to show you what those 3 things are…and exactly how you too can easily select dog clippers by using those.

Ready? Let’s go.

11 Best dog clippers for Shih Tzu

1. Wahl Motion Lithium

Best option for grooming a Shih Tzu at home (or even if you are a pro groomer).The Wahl Motion Lithium Ion Clipper saved me so much time and money!

My runt of a pup’s mats didn’t stand a chance with these clippers. The Five in One Blade on this Wahl Lithium Ion Clipper will make it simple for you to change the length of your dog’s coat without changing blades constantly.

As long as you clean and oil it regularly. With 5500 strokes per minute from it, you won’t have any issues trimming your dog’s fur.

Wahl Motion Lithium Clipper – Performance Analysis
No matter how many times I would brush Pickles he would get these incredulous mats of fur around his hind legs and belly.

When doing research on how to best control mats I found an article that said mats can be fairly
painful for animals the tighter they get and shaving them off is the best option.

Going to the groomers every three months was beginning to take its toll on my bank account, stressed out my pup, and forced me to look elsewhere.

I was really nervous to clip my dog for first time so I made sure to do a lot of research before picking out the Wahl.

It was important the clippers were quiet and efficient as Pickles is a rescue and is extremely skittish. The Wahl was just that – quiet, yet did the job.

I loved the adjustable blade sizes. There are five adjustable sizes – 9, 10, 15, 30, and 40 – with each size available for the preferred area to shave, whether that is the face, ears, feet,stomach, or entire coat.

I wanted the option of just shaving his mats if I didn’t need to shave him entirely and I do with the Wahl.

Pickles tends to get this clumps of hair around his face so the clippers excelled at clipping those right off! The clippers were also easy to handle with a nice grip and were just heavy duty enough to slice through each mat with no tangles while also not hurting my wrist. The grips helped glide the blades through Pickles fur with great ease.
Maneuverability – 10 out of 10.

The best part was the cordless feature! It made it easier to handle a frightened dog without also having to worry about a tangled cord. The only downside to this product was that it seemed to get hot quickly.

Within 5 minutes the body had become warm to the touch. By 15 minutes, I was worried the clippers were going to overheat so I turned it off.

It never overheated and was never too hot to handle but the frequent breaks helped Pickles relax and allowed time for the machine to cool a bit.

Wahl Motion Lithium Clippers -Can you really Rely on them? The Conclusion…

2. Andis UltraEdge Super 2

Best option for grooming a Shih Tzu (or any other Small, Medium or even large breed) on your own or even if you are a professional groomer. Cuts through mats and tangles easily. Keep the blades sharpened or buy several spare blades to make it easier if you groom several dogs.

 

Lucy is my loving, cuddly, joyful Shih Tzu. She gets so excited whenever I come home, she does all of her tricks well, and she is the sweetest dog you could ever find. She is also the hairiest, fluffiest animal I have ever owned. The groomers were charging me $50 each month, and they were getting to be too expensive. But her wavy fleece coat grows faster than you would believe. Once her coat gets too long, it drags along the ground and gets dirt and mud caked on her belly and feet. So she has to be groomed on a regular basis.

So I found a solution that would work for me. I groom her myself instead of paying someone else to do it for me I did a lot of studying to learn the best way to groom Lucy, but I was overwhelmed by the number of possible clippers available. After getting some recommendations, I chose the Andis UltraEdge Super Clipper.

The Andis UltraEdge Super Clipper is great for dog owners because it is able to easily cut through all types of dog fur, including hair or fur, wavy or curly. If you have multiple dogs, you will be able to use one product for all of them. The long cord makes it easy for you to maneuver around your dog to get the best angle for the cut. It is faster and stronger than other brands, so it is able to cut through even the thickest dog fur.

Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clippers -The MUST Know, True Facts
It is important to use the correct blade size for the area of your dog’s body that you are grooming. If you want long hair, you need to use a blade with a smaller blade number. It is also a good idea to get some grooming scissors to have on hand.

Crucial Tips

1. You should always move from head to toe when using electric clippers. Moving in the other direction can cause the clippers to get snagged in the hair.
2. Most grooming clippers do get hot eventually because of the build-up of friction as they run. However, these clippers do not get hot as often as some others. If you are having issues with it heating up, simply take breaks to do other grooming tasks like cleaning your dog’s ears. You can also switch out the blades when it gets hot. Because you are using the different blades for different areas on your dog, it will give each blade a chance to cool down while you work on a different spot. There are also cooling sprays available that help to cool your dog down and make sure that they do not suffer from any minor burns.

Conclusion – Are Andis UltraEdge Super 2 clippers a good investment?

3. Oster A5 Turbo

These dog clippers are the 3rd Best and the Most budget friendly option for grooming a Shih Tzu

 

Performance
This Oster Turbo A5 two-speed professional clipper is an excellent choice. Oster is a well-known appliance brand with a reputation for quality in its motorized products, and this is no exception.

Sharp and powerful this is a heavy-duty product with some serious speed. The motor blows cheaper models out of the water. Two speed settings allow for versatility to switch from everyday grooming to tackling heavy matting with the flick of a switch. It is nice and wide, so it will quickly and easily groom your pet.

A detachable-blade system allows you to trade out blades (only one is included, but it is compatible with many others) to leave longer fur on the body or for dogs with long, curly, or matted fur. The one included is the preferred blade for face, ears, stomach, feet, and tail. A one-year warranty guarantees that these will work for you from the start. Also included are oil, clipper grease, a cleaning brush, and replacement carbon brushes.

Conclusion – Cheap but is it worth buying?

4. Andis ProClip Excel 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper

Best Clippers for At-home Use that can easily compete with an Oster A5!

Roxie is a 2-year-old Shih Tzu. She is friendly, well-trained, and a wonderful companion. She is the best pet you could ask for. The only downside to having Roxie is having to take her to the groomers every month.

At $50 for each session, her haircuts were beginning to cost more than her food, treats, and toys combined! But skipping a grooming session was not an option.

Shih Tzus have hair instead of fur, so they can easily get matted tangles throughout their coat. These mats are just as painful for dogs as tangled hair is for humans. The mats get more complicated and more painful the longer that you wait to groom them.

So in order to save the money I was spending on the groomers each month, I decided to learn how to groom Roxie myself. After doing a lot of research, I felt confident that I could safely groom Roxie and get rid of all of those tangled mats without hurting her.

But now I had to figure out which product I should use. After more research and talking to some friends who also do their own grooming, I decided to try the Andis ProClip Excel Clipper.

The MUST Know, True Facts about Andis ProClip Excel 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
The Andis ProClip Excel Clipper is easy to use and easy to maintain. The lightweight handle makes it easier for people who are grooming dogs all day long. The case is detachable in the back so it is easy to replace the blade drive if necessary. The longer cord also makes it easier to work with. It is fast and powerful, but as long as you are using it correctly it will not knick your dog’s skin.

Crucial Tips

1. She tends to get a little nervous, so she seems to appreciate these small breaks. But if you are looking to use these clippers in a grooming business where you will need to use them constantly, it would be better to invest in some clippers that don’t heat up as quickly as these ones.

Conclusion – Is Andis ProClip Excel 5-Speed A good buy?

5. Wahl ARCO SE

Best Performance on a Budget, No Heating Up and No Noise!

Wahl Arco SE – Performance
The Wahl Arco SE professional clipper is a great, lightweight cordless product. Wahl is an established brand in both human and animal clippers that you can trust.

Light, cordless, and powerful, this is a really convenient clipper. Whether you need to catch a few stray hairs before a show or simply want to do a full groom without needing to wrestle with a cord, this device will work really well.

This is a small, quiet trimmer, and it has two rechargeable batteries, so that you can use it continuously by simply switching them out. The included blade is best for face, feet, and finishing work.

You’ll want to look carefully at which trimmer you’ve selected. There are several with different features at different prices. This particular one, the teal option, only comes with one very short non-adjustable blade, but others in the same range come with the adjustable 5-in-1 blade. The blades are changeable, however, and four plastic guide combs can be used to achieve different lengths.

Also included are a carrying case, cleaning brush, oil, and instructions.

Conclusion Wahl ARCO SE

6. Wahl Pro-Series

Best Clipper on an ultra low Budget! Cool and Quite, lots of Blades

Wahl Pro-Series – Performance
The Wahl Pro-Series rechargeable corded or cordless clipper and kit allows for versatility in your grooming.

This rechargeable clipper has a convenient option for use with or without a cord, though it maintains power better with the cord.

The self-sharpening, high-carbon steel blade (not interchangeable) is said to stay sharp longer than comparably priced blades. At this price and with the cordless feature, this is a great clipper.

With a full case full of accessories, including four color-coded combs and a step-by-step instructional DVD, this grooming kit will show you how to get the optimum groom for your pet using various lengths. It also has a comfort grip and its operation is both cool and quiet.

Conclusion – Wahl Pro-Series

7. Oster Pro 3000i Cordless Clipper

The BEST Professional Dog Clipper 2021 – Pricey but Worth it!

 

Performance of Oster Pro 3000i
This is the crème of the crop. It is expensive, but for a good reason. With Oster you get the quality promised by their reputation.

Best suited for a professional groomer or handler, this heavy-duty cordless trimmer can groom multiple dogs on a single charge without the hassle of dragging a cord around. The rotary motor delivers a smooth cutting experience for even tough coats, and the lithium ion battery won’t lose power for up to two hours.

The included blade is recommended for overall use, but it is interchangeable with any A5 blade for more length options. The CryogenX treated steel is strong and will remain sharp while resisting rust.

This is sold with one battery, charging stand, and power adapter. The stand is a real space-saver, also functioning as a docking station.

Conclusion – Is Oster Pro 3000i Recommended?

8. Andis ProClip AGC2

Best Advanced & Budget Friendly Dog Clippers (Under $200)

 

Performance of Andis ProClip AGC2
The Andis ProClip Super 2-speed clipper is great. Andis is a manufacturer of high-quality hair products for both animals and humans.

This isn’t just heavy-duty, it’s super-duty. The motor has two speeds for easy everyday grooming and for cutting through mats. And the special design runs without using vents or fans, which can get clogged with hair. It’s also a fairly quiet model.

With a shatter-proof housing and long, thick cord, this is a durable clipper that will last a really long time. A one-year warranty is included.

The detachable blade (only one is included, but it is compatible with many others) allows for varied coat lengths. The included blade is for common use, and it is specially treated steel that prevents rust and corrosion.

Conclusion – Should you buy Andis ProClip AGC2?

9. Wahl Pro-Series Lithium Ion Rechargeable

Cheap, But Only 1 blade, not interchangeable

Performance of Wahl Pro-Series Lithium Ion dog clippers
The Wahl Pro-Series lithium ion rechargeable home grooming kit lets you groom your pet without being tethered to a cord for up to two full hours. Wahl is a trusted manufacturer of trimmers for both humans and animals.

This rechargeable clipper will work for two hours on a 60-minute charge. But it will also work (for up to 8 minutes) on a 15-minute quick charge, so this is perfect for touch-ups. This is the easiest cordless trimmer to use at this price.

The self-sharpening blades are tough, high-carbon steel. The grooming kit includes color-coded combs and an instructional DVD, to show you how to achieve the look you want on your animal using various lengths.

Conclusion – Is Wahl Pro-Series Lithium Ion a good option?

10. Wahl Professional Animal Deluxe U-Clip

Best Budget Clipper (Under $50)

Performance of Wahl Professional Animal Deluxe U-Clip
The Wahl Deluxe U-Clip is a great medium-duty model.

This is an inexpensive device that is intended for home use. The motor is fast, running at 7,200 strokes per minute, which means it can cut through lots of fur at once. It will work great on small or medium animals with medium-length fur.

The adjustable steel blades (not interchangeable) and included plastic guides offer a variety of options for length. The grooming kit has eight guides, a comb, grooming scissors, blade oil, a cleaning brush, an instructional DVD, and a grooming apron, all in a handy carrying case.

Conclusion – Would you recommend buying Wahl Professional Animal Deluxe U-Clip?

11. Oster A6 Cool Comfort

The Most Comfortable Clippers!

Oster A6 Performance
The A6 Cool Comfort is a heavy-duty clipper built for your comfort. Oster is a well-known manufacturer of home appliances and grooming products.

Powerful but lightweight, the Oster A6 uses Zin alloy technology to ensure a smooth, efficient cut in a durable product. Three speeds allow you to switch from everyday grooming to cutting though matting with a single switch. Although it may not cut through thick and matted fur quite as well as the A5, it will get the job done with more user comfort.

This model has special vibration absorbers and a lighter weight to allow you to groom longer without your hands going numb. And the cool blade will keep your animal comfortable, too.

The included CryogenX blade is made of high-quality carbon steel that is treated for extra hardness. It can be switched out and is compatible with all Oster A5 blades.

Conclusion for Oster A6

12. Wahl Professional Animal Bravura Cordless Lithium Pet Clipper

Best Sensitive Option

Heat and noise: This clipper is very quiet and does not create a lot of vibration, helping to keep it cool in your hand and make it comfortable to use. It does not heat up very quickly.

Weight and Ergonomics: This clipper is 7 inches long and weighs 8.8 ounces. It is designed to fit comfortably into your hand.

Motor: Rotary, one speed. 240 Volts and 60 Hz.

Blades: Comes with a 5-in-1 Blade that adjusts between size #9, 10, 15, 30 and 40 that allows you to get a variety of lengths on your animal’s fur. It also comes with six different guide combs – size #1,2, 3, 4, 6, and 8. It is one speed of 5,500 strokes per minute.

Cord/cordless charge: Corded or cordless. Operates for 90 minutes without charge. Recharges in 60 minutes or can charge while in use and corded. Lithium (Li) batteries (No memory effect + long idle life) relatively high operational cycles. It comes with a charging stand and charging cord.

Maintenance: Easy
Check Carefully Because:
This comes with a 5-in-1 fine blade. Make sure that this blade is appropriate for your dog. You might also want to buy a second blade to help the blade stay cool if you have more than one dog.
The MUST KNOW, True Facts About Wahl Professional Animal Bravura Cordless Lithium Pet Clipper:
This clipper can run both corded and cordless, making it simple to use and easy to recharge.
What to Watch Out For:
This comes with the blade for fine hair, so if you have a dog with coarser hair like a poodle or an undercoat, you will need to buy a different blade.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure that you clean the blade regularly. Because it is adjustable, there are more pieces that can be damaged easily if you do not take good care of it. Clean and oil the hinges with every use and your blade will work the next time you need it to.

PROS:
– Light & Ergonomic
This clipper is designed to fit well in your hand and be easy to use
– Quiet
– Versatile
Because this can run corded or cordless, you can use it any way you need to, even on the underside of your dog.
– Color options
If you like your clippers to be pretty colors, this clipper comes in five different colors.
– Comes with plastic guards
You don’t have to buy comb guides to help you get different cuts, because it comes with six different ones.

CONS:
– A little expensive
The slipper is a professional clipper, so it can be a little more expensive than some of the others.
– Clips break easily
The plastic clips that help adjust the blade on the clipper tend to break fairly easily, making it more difficult to use.
– Fine blade struggles with coarse hair
You may need to buy a different blade if your dog has coarse hair or an undercoat. The fine blade that comes with this clipper struggles with those kinds of fur.
– Blade dulls quickly
– Comes with plastic guards
If your dog has a lot of hair or you groom more than one dog, you’ll have better luck with the stainless steel comb guides for long term usage.

Conclusion : Is Wahl Professional Animal Bravura a good buy?

The Bravura clippers are perfect if you have a sensitive dog who hates having their fur trimmed, or if you just like to make your life easy when you groom your dog. It’s quiet, easy to use and versatile enough to do any cut you need to do on your dog.

Do I need to use a grooming table?

Best dog clippers for Shih Tzu -How to find them? What to Look for When Buying?

You might not know what to look for when you’re shopping for pet trimmers. Basically, there are six aspects to look at closely. I’ve summarized them here as a quick overview before listing the qualities of each product below.

What do you need to look for?

Looking at these key areas will point you toward the best shears. We’ve also listed these 6 things to look out for, for each clipper we reviewed so that you can easily and directly compare products. If you take just these into account before shopping for best dog clippers for Shih Tzu, you’ll have a much easier time picking out the product that is right for you.

Best clippers for Shih Tzu – Buyer’s Guide to Dog Clippers

The type of device you need depends on how you will be using it. If you’re just nipping off some stray hairs or neatening up one small area, you’ll likely find that an inexpensive set with a less powerful motor works just fine. If you’re trying to maintain the coat of a show dog between professional groomings, maybe a medium-level will work best. You may also want more accessories, which not all models come with. However, if you’ve got a dog with a heavy coat that can become problematic, or if you’re grooming professionally, you’ll absolutely want to invest in a high-end set and buy some add-ons.

So let’s take a look at all the elements of electric clippers that would qualify them as the top dog trimmers.

Dog clipper Buyer’s Guide

Can you cut dog hair with human Clippers?

No, they won’t work very well, and they’ll likely overheat. Dogs have far more and far thicker hair than humans, and the clippers are made with this in mind. Products for dogs have stronger motors and more teeth on the blade to work through their coats.

Should you shave a Shih Tzu?

Only in exceptional circumstances like when the hair is matted, unmanageable and the skin underneath is about to get infected (Pro Tip: If your Shih Tzu is scratching a lot then this is a clear indication!)

Best Dog Clippers for Matted Hair [Pet Safe]

What Clippers do professional dog groomers use?

They tend to prefer brands like Andis, Wahl or Oster. But the clippers are at the steeper end of the price range. A good list can be found at

7 Best Dog Clippers for Professional use 2021 [Ultimate Guide]

So, Now you know the basics and can make an educated choice as well as keep your clippers in top working condition.

Dog Clipper Basics and Safety Tips

How to groom a shih tzu with clippers -Like a Pro

Look:
Now that you read and bought the best dog clippers for Shih Tzu, you can get on with grooming right? NO! not just yet..Edward Scissorhands!…

In addition to choosing the proper pair of clippers, you also need to know how to use the clippers to make your dog look its best.

In addition to choosing the proper pair of clippers, you also need to know how to use the clippers to make your dog look its best.

Some preparation is key before you even start your grooming session.

Long Before You Start grooming

Start young.

For the very best experience, start grooming your dog from the time it is a puppy. This will help reduce anxiety over the years as you and your animal develop a routine to quickly and easily finish grooming time and time again.

Do some research. Look at specific information about your dog’s breed. How do professionals prefer to make that breed look? Decide if you would like to emulate that look, or if you would like to change certain aspects of it. Also consider whether the breed is cut in a particular way for looks or to help the dog with performance or health.

Watch some videos.

There are millions available online. Some might give you step-by-step instructions as they demonstrate the proper way to clip an animal exactly like yours. Others have excellent tips for all breeds.

Ask and observe professionals. Take your dog to a trusted groomer before you try it at home. Most pros will be happy to explain the process and show you how to get it right. They may even share some tricks on how to keep your pet calm and achieve the best results. A professional groomer will also help your pet get used to the process while you have a professional around to help calm and restrain your pet before you try doing it on your own.

When You’re about to Start

Read the instructions. Make sure you know how to properly operate and maintain your clippers. Figure out how to turn the device off and on, how to change blades, how to oil it, and how to get optimum performance.

Get your dog used to the sound. For best results, start grooming your dog as a puppy. But any dog can get used to the sound and look of clippers. While unplugged, show the device to your dog and let it sniff and inspect it. Run the clippers in a different room for a while, then move them into the same room, and gradually move them closer to your dog. If you have a particularly loud clipper or a particularly skittish dog, it might take several sessions before you can successfully approach your dog with the clippers. Don’t fret; just keep trying.

Exercise your dog.

Get out any extra energy. This will help keep your dog calm. So will chew toys and treats.

Bathe, comb, and dry your dog. Get any knots or matting out, and comb out any loose fur. This will make your clippers work more efficiently, keep the blades from heating up as quickly, and help you cut through the fur more easily. Make sure the fur is completely dry before clipping.

Have all of the equipment within reach.

You don’t want to have to stop and run into the other room when you’ve gotten your dog calm and used to the process, so have everything you might need close at hand. You’ll need the clippers, any extra blades (different sizes or just extras to switch out when cooling others down), cooling spray, a damp (not wet) cloth, a place to cool the device or extra blades (a metal cooking sheet or ice packs work well), a comb, scissors, and possibly various snap-on guides, nail clippers, or other grooming items.

Clean and oil the device.

Grooming Your Pet

Start small. Begin by working on an easy and inconspicuous location to test your skill and your dog’s tolerance.

If you’re not sure about your skill with the device, start by neatening up a spot that is just a bit untidy rather than needing a full cut, for instance around the paws, in order to get a feel for the clipper in your hand.

If you’re not sure about the length of the cut, consider using snap-on guides before investing in blades of various lengths. Start with longer cuts at first, and maybe try a shorter one the next time you groom.

Begin with the top of the neck.

Hold the clippers level. The blade should sit flat against the dog’s skin. And if you have a breed with loose skin, make sure to hold the skin taut while running the clippers across it to keep from nicking the skin.

Also, remember that you should run the clippers in the direction that the fur grows, that is, from neck to tail. If you do the opposite, the fur will be cut much shorter than you might expect and your dog might not be happy with the feeling.

Check the blade temperature.

As you use the clippers, the blades are likely to heat up at least a bit. Periodically turn off the clipper and touch the blade to your skin to make sure it isn’t too hot for your dog’s skin.

Cool the blades. Use a lubricating cooling spray whenever the blade seems too warm. Turn off the device and wipe away excess fur, then turn it back on, hold the clippers upside down and spray the blade, letting any excess lubricant drip off. If the blades really heat up, trade out blades.

If you don’t have removable blades, set the device aside to cool off. Wipe the blade down with a damp (not wet) towel, remove excess fur, and set it on a metal surface (like a cooking tray) or ice pack. Clip the dog’s nails, clean the ears, or use scissors on another portion for a few minutes, then resume clipping.

Establish a pattern.

Each area might require a different length, but with practice, you’ll be able to quickly and easily change out blades and guides to use on different parts of the body.

With these tips as well as specific instructions for your breed, you’ll be able to establish a grooming routine so that both you and your dog are comfortable.

Good pet clippers and/or Grooming practices…

Your are a dog’s best friend! Hope your quest for finding the best dog clippers for Shih Tzu was fun and successful.

If you have questions or tips about clippers / trimmers or grooming your Shih Tzu, that you would like to share then please leave a comment below.