Size Chart for Dog Clippers and Protective Combs [2022] (2023)

This is my detailed and updated 2022 guide to the different sizes of dog clipper guard comb blades and accessories.

If you choose to have your puppy groomed, you have obviously encountered the problem of choosing the right size dog clipper blade.

Most professional hair clippers usually come with a single blade, which in my experience falls far short of adequate.

What you should pay attention to when choosing the right size, I will explain in my article. You will also find several dog clipper blade size charts where I list blade size recommendations for different breeds.

You can also read more about guide comb accessories at the end of this article.

Let's start!

Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog Clipper

A correctly selected trimmer usually comes with a good quality blade. But you will probably need more than one blade. Several aspects must be taken into consideration when making the selection. These are the following:

Your dog's body parts

You need different size blades for your dog's body, face, ears, paws, belly, etc. Grooming styles can vary from breed to breed. You will need a different blade and clipper for a Shih-Tzu, but a Cocker Spaniel will also need a different clipper.

It is also possible that you want your dog to have the same coat length all over its body, but the foil on the pack is not correct.

blades in a pack

In my experience, most quality dog ​​clipping kits come with a single size 10 blade. If you really want to do professional clipping, consider purchasing additional blades.

Your dog's coat type

There are different coat types for dogs, and each requires different care. Keeping this in mind would help as you will need to purchase different grooming tools and blades for straight, curly or fine hair. Groomers need to buy oneHeavy-duty clipper for thick-coated dogs.

fixing combs

The fixing combs have the function of, on the one hand, avoiding injuries and, on the other hand, avoiding cuts that are too short. These combs can be made of plastic or steel. By definition, steel versions are much more durable than plastic ones.

Universal or non-universal blades

The most common and popular hair clippers are in most cases compatible with most brands of universal blades. If the blade packaging shows that there are few models, you are not dealing with a universal product.

What are the different types of blades?

It is not easy to list the different variations of a point of view. So, I've grouped the types of dog clipper blades by teeth, material, and edges.

Ignore tooth blades, fine tooth blades and others

The difference between a press tooth and a fine tooth is the space between the blade teeth.

• Skip-Tooth-Klingen: In this version, the teeth are much rarer. This type is considered the default option for most dog clippers and works great for dogs with long hair and very thick, matted coats. Most groomers start the whole process with a blade like this to give dogs with thick coats a general first cut.
  
• fine tooth blades: On knives with sprung teeth (also called finishing/full-cutting knives), the spaces between the teeth are tiny. That's why this version is ideal for thin, soft-coated dogs. The result is a finer, softer and smoother appearance. Fine tooth blades are usually marked with an F (e.g. 4F, 5F, 7F)
  
• Long Blades/T: these blades are much wider than those listed above. This allows them to trim larger dogs, but they may not fit in your trimmer.

Steel versus ceramic blades

Most blades are made from one of the two materials mentioned above. These materials have different benefits, and before you decide, you need to consider your dog's breed, cutting style, length of grooming process, and frequency.

• steel blades: dog clipper blades are usually made of stainless steel with titanium, carbon or silver reinforcements. They also tend to be given a chrome finish, making this version even more rust resistant. Titanium and carbon steel blades are strong and durable. Manufacturers often use silver material due to its antimicrobial properties. Steel versions are not only efficient, but also economical and lightweight.
  
• ceramic blades: Ceramic blades have two main advantages over steel blades. For one thing, they stay sharp longer and therefore need to be replaced much less often. On the other hand, due to the unique material, friction does not cause excessive heating. This will prevent a hot blade from developing.burn clippersto your dog. Of course, the perks come at a price. Ceramic cutters usually cost more.

Clipper blade edges

In some cases, manufacturers add so-called edges to the blades to make them stand out in different situations. Below you can see the different types of edges:

• The UltraEdge Blade: These blades are from Andis. So who hasAndi's dog clipperworth considering. UltraEdge blades are carbon-reinforced on the cutting edges. In addition, they are also subjected to a so-called hardening process, which makes them more powerful and resistant. For the most demanding grooming tasks (where your dog has an impenetrable thickness andmatted skin), you might want to get blades like this one.
  
• CeramicEdge-Klingen: We have already talked about the favorable properties of ceramics. These blades are harder to heat and wear out more slowly.
  
• ShowEdge-Klingen: these blades ensure the most precise cut possible. So it's no coincidence that they like to be used in dog shows and other competitions. These carbon blades have been chrome-plated, allowing you to trim your dog's fur to perfection.
  

edge processing

It is also important to write about the different processes, as some brands use different edge cutting methods.

• EGT e EGT+: This acronym stands for the electrogliding technology used by Andis. This technology results in solid and durable blades. The "+" version results in different teeth, giving the user a much smoother cut and longer product life.
  
• CryogenX: Oster developed this ingenious process. During manufacture, the blades are heated to a temperature that allows the carbon to be evenly distributed. It is then frozen to keep the carbon in place. Oster Elite products use a high carbon content of even better quality, resulting in even stronger, sharper and more durable blades.

Numbers of blades and cutting lengths of dog clippers

When purchasing a scissor blade, you can choose from several sizes. These sizes are marked with numbers from 3 to 50. The higher the number, the shorter the cut length.

Size 9 or larger blades are only available in the Skip Tooth design. Blades under 9 sizes can also be supplied with fine teeth.

Use the table below to determine which cut lengths result from different blade sizes.

Overall recommended leaf counts for summer: #7 for the body and #10 for the anal area and hind legs.

Overall recommended leaf counts for winter: #4 or #5 for the body and #10 for the anal area and hind legs.

Choice of blade sizes for the dog clipper

Wahl is one of the most popular brands when it comes tocordless pet clippers🇧🇷 But this brand also makes great corded versions. Its blades are of very high quality and are available in various sizes.

In addition to standard sizes, the company offers an adjustable 5-in-1 blade. This allows you to solve the entire care process with a single product.

The 5-in-1 blade option allows you to replace 9, 10, 15, 30 and 40 blades.

Andis dog clipper blade sizes

My other favorite brand is Andis, which also has pristine blades. The company selection is extensive. You can see the sizes in the company's product lines below.

• UltraEdge-Linie: 40, 30, 15, 10, 9, 8 ½, 7, 7F, 6F, 5, 5F, 4 ½ F, 4, 4F, 3 ¾, 3 ¾F, 5/8, 5/8 Wide, 3/4, T-10
  
• CeramicEdge-Linie: 40, 30, 15, 10, 9, 8 ½, 7, 7F, 5, 5F, 4, 4F, 3 ¾F, 5/8, ¾
  
• Lines EGT/EGT+: 40, 30, 15, 10, 7F, 5F

dog clipper blade size chart

The table below contains recommendations for the most common dog breeds. Based on this, you can easily select different numbered blades for each part of your pup's body. As you will see, 2 to 4 blades are usually needed.

Of course, you'll also find a more detailed list of races later on, in case this table isn't enough for you.

Detailed dog clipper recommendations by breed

If you didn't find your dog in the table above, the list below can help you.

afghan hound

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Saddle Only - #7F

Airedale Terrier

• Body and Tail - #7F, #5F, #4F, #3F
  
• Head and Neck - #7F
  
• Legs, Chest, Beard and Eyebrows - #30 with ¾ inch or 1 inch comb
  
• Ears, Cheeks and Neck - #7F or #10

cocker spaniel americano

• Body, sides and back only - #7F, #5F, #4F
  
• Neck Sides – #7F
  
• Face, Ears and Throat - #10

bearded collie

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Dog trimmed to 2″ – #30 with 1¼″ comb

Bedlington Terrier

• Body - #4 or #3
  
• Head, Ears and Tail - No. 10 or No. 15

Bichon Frize

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Show Bei Trim 1″ – #30 & 1″ Comb
  
• Pet Trim – No. 4 oder No. 3
• Head – #30 with ¾”, 1″ or 1¼” comb

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border collie

• Body - #7F
  
• For more length - #4 or #3
  
• Shortcut - #3, #3F, #4, #4F
  
• Puppy Trim – #30 w/ 1″ comb
  
• Natural fur - scissors

Bouvier des Flandres

• Body – #3, #30 with ¾ inch or 1 inch comb
  
• Legs - Scissors, #30 with 1″ or 1¼″ comb
  
• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Head - #4F
  
• Face - Scissors
  
• Ears – #10 or #15

briard terrier

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• 2″ Comb Trimmed Dog – #30 and 1¼″
  
• Shortcut - #4F
  
• Face, legs and undercarriage - scissors

Cairn Terrier

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Natural Look 2″ – #30 & ¾” Kamm
  
• Shorter finish on the back - #4
  
• Head, Face, Legs and Lower Body - Scissors
  
• Ears - # 10

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Chow-Chow

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Natural coat - scissors
  
• Body - #7
  
• Puppy Trim – #30 w/ 1″ comb
  
• Shortcut - #3, #3F, #4, #4F

Cocker spaniel

• Body, sides and back - #4F, #5F, #7F
  
• In the year - # 9
  
• Face, ears and neck - No. 10, No. 15

Dandie-Dinmont-Terrier

• Body, sides and back only - #5 or #4
  
• Head, tail, legs and belly - scissors
  
• Legs and landing gear - scissors
  
• Ears – #10 or #15

english cocker spaniel

• Body, sides and back only - #7F, #5F, #4F
  
• Front of forearms - #7F
  
• Head, neck and ears - No. 15

english setter

• Body, sides and back only - #7F, #5F, #4F
  
• Head, neck and ears - #10
  
• Tail, Legs, Lower Body - Scissors

english springer spaniel

• Body, sides and back only - #7F, #5F, #4F
  
• Head, neck and ears - #10

Golden Retriever

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Body - #7F or #5F
  
• Legs, tail and lower body - scissors

Gordon Setter

• Body, sides and back only - #7F, #5F, #4F
  
• Head, neck and ears - #10
  
• Tail, Legs and Lower Body - Scissors

(Video) DOG GROOMING CLIPPER BLADES and COMB ATTACHMENTS-What is the difference

Great Pyrenees

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Puppy Trim – #30 w/ 1″ comb
  
• Long Body Cut - #4 or #3

irish composer

• Body, sides and back - #7F, #5F, #4F
  
• Head, neck and ears - No. 7 or No. 10
  
• Tail, Legs and Lower Body - Scissors

irish terrier

• Body, sides and back - #7F, #5F, #5
  
• Head, neck and ears - #10
  
• Tail, Legs and Lower Body - Scissors

Keeshond

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Natural coat - scissors
  
• Short cut, back and sides - #4
  
• Head, neck and ears - No. 10 or No. 9
  
• Body, sides and tail – #30 with 1″ comb

Kerry-Blue-Terrier

• Body and Tail - #4F or #3F
  
• Cara - #10
  
• Ears, Cheeks and Throat - #10
  
• Legs – #30 with ¾” or 1″ comb

Lakeland Terrier

• Body and Tail - #7F, #5F, #4F, #3F
  
• Head, neck and ears - #10
  
• Legs, Chest, Beard and Eyebrows - #30 with ¾ inch or 1 inch comb

Lhasa Apso

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Puppy Trim – #30 w/ 1″ comb
  
• Shortcut - #3F or #4F
  
• Head, Face, Tail and Lower Body - Scissors

Maltese

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Puppy Trim – #30 w/ 1″ comb
  
• Shortcut – #4
  
• Head - #4F, #3F, #30 with ¾" or 1" comb
  
• Face and Tail - Scissors

New land

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Natural coat - scissors
  
• Short coat – #4 or #3

(Video) how to properly use a dog clipper to give your dog a haircut

Old English Sheepdog

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Kurzmantel – No. 3, no. 3F, no. 4, No. 4F
  
• Puppy Trim - #30 with 1¼" comb
  
• Head and face - scissors

Pekingese

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Short coat - #4 or #4F

A bottle

kennel equipment:

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Face, feet and base of tail - #10 or #15
  
• Body and Legs - #5, #4, #3
  
• Tuft and Tailpiece - Scissors

Lamb Garnish:

• Face, feet and base of tail - #10 or #15
  
• Body - #5, #4, #3
  
• Legs – #30 with ¾” or 1″ comb
  
• Tuft and Tailpiece - Scissors

Summer trim or bikini trim:

• Face, feet and base of tail - #10, #15
  
• Body and Legs - #7F, #5F
  
• Pom-Poms, Top Knot e Tail Pom – Schere
  
• Magen – #10

You can also read my in-depth guide on thebest poodle dog clipper.

puppy water portuguese

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Kurzmantel – No. 3, no. 3F, no. 4, No. 4F
  
• Body & Legs – #30 with 1″ comb
  
• Head and Tail - Scissors

Samoyed

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Tail - Scissors

schnauzer

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Throat, Ears and Cheeks - #10
  
• Body and Tail - #7, #5, #4F
  
• Legs - #3 with ¾ inch comb

scottish terrier

• Body, back and sides - #5 or #4
  
• Head, Neck, Cheeks, Throat and Ears - #10
  
• Cauda—#4F

Sealyham

• Body, back and sides only - #5 or #4
  
• Head, neck and ears - #10
  
• Cauda - #5, #4

Shetland Sheepdog

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Long Cut - #4 or #3
  
• Natural coat and tail - scissors

Shih Tzu

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Puppy Trim – #30 w/ 1″ comb
  
• Shortcut - #4F or #3F
  
• Head, tail and ears - scissors

(Video) Dog Grooming Clipper Blades-Everything You Need to Know

Silky Terrier

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Puppy Trim - #30 with ¾ inch comb
  
• Shortcut - #4F
  
• Head, lower body and tail - scissors
  
• Ears - # 10

Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

• Body and tail - #3, #30 with ¾-inch or 1-inch comb
  
• Head and ears - scissors
  
• Shorter finish - #4F
  
• Legs – #30 with 1″ comb

Welsh Terrier

• Body and Tail - #7F or #5F
  
• Head, Cheeks, Throat and Ears - #10
  
• Legs, Chest, Beard and Eyebrows - #30 with ¾ inch or 1 inch comb

west highland white terrier

• Body, back and sides - #5F, #4F, #3F
  
• Rear and underbody - scissor
  
• Head & Legs – #30 with 1″ or 1¼″ comb
  
• Earplugs - #10 or #15

Yorkshire Terrier

• Matted Coating - #7F
  
• Puppy Trim – #30 w/ 1″ comb
  
• Shortcut - #4F or #3F
  
• Face - Scissors
  
• Earplugs - #10

The above data applies to Andis, Oster and Wahl clippers.

How to care for dog clipper blades?

When buying agood clipperWith the right blades, you've already done a lot to make your cleaning sessions a success. However, if you do not take the necessarywatch your blades, they can degrade over time.

Maintenance of clipper blades consists of three main steps. These are cleaning, oiling and sharpening.

• cleaning: The first step in cleaning is to remove dirt, hair, and other debris from the blade. You can use a blade cleaning brush or an air freshener. The goal is to make sure you are removing hair from the inside. In the second stage, a so-called blade wash is used. Wahl, Oster and Andi offer all Blade Wash products. Simply pour the cleaning liquid into a small bowl and dip the blade while the motor is running. Be careful when doing this, as the handle (and therefore the motor) must not be exposed to moisture. The entire second step process should only take 10-20 seconds. Then turn off the trimmer and dry the blade.
  
• Dying: Oiling the blades is similar to the second cleaning step. Place a drop on each side and on the back (rail). Then turn on the scissors to allow the oil to “lubricate” the blade and spread out evenly.
  
• edging: If you want to be absolutely sure, you can send the blade to the manufacturer to be sharpened. But you can choose the DIY method; however, it can be tricky. For ceramic blades, you need a matching diamond whetstone. Unscrew the dog clipper blade and run it along the stone a few times. Then repeat the same step with the other side. Clean off metal shavings and screw the blades back on. The frequency of sharpening depends on the level of use. A professional trimmer may need up to 3-4 sharpenings per year. If you use ahome dog clipper, that number is about 1-2.

What about dog clipper guide comb attachments?

The clipper's guide combs are tools that make it easier to achieve the desired coat length. They are usually purchased by dog ​​owners who say that each blade cuts their dogs hair too short.

It's extremely simple; Simply select the correct comb size and place it on the standard size blade (most common supported sizes are 10, 15, 30, 40).

You need to know that while these combs will help keep your dog's coat smooth and an even length, you cannot use them on untreated, unkempt hair.

In this section, I will focus mainly on Andis dog combs, as these products have a wide range; They are of good quality and easy to use.

Andis dog comb accessory sizes

Andis comb attachments are made of high quality polymer plastic with metal clip and hook parts.

I especially like these guide combs because they are compatible with all the major brands: Andis, Oster, Wahl, Conair and Master Grooming Tools.

Below is a list of sizes offered by the manufacturer and available hem lengths.

(As with blades, the numbers provided by the manufacturer are correct when cutting against the grain. Cutting with the grain results in slightly longer hairs.)

small sizes

big sizes

How to use dog clipper guide combs?

1. attach: You can easily attach the comb to the blade with the two metal hooks at the bottom. Place these hooks at the base of the blade and snap into place with a loose bend.
   
2. Prepare your dog's coat: Guide combs can easily get caught in tangles, tangles and stubborn undercoats. Therefore, it is worth removing them.
   
3. Choosing the right size: It takes time to learn the right technique and choose the right size. I suggest you buy several sizes (or a complete kit) and see which works best for you.

More tips on how to use these hair cutting combs

• It is important to groom your dog's coat. Tangled hair can even cause your thighs to fall off the machine, which can ruin your entire grooming session and damage the products you've purchased.
  
• Never use these combs on wet fur. This can cause too much hair to get under the comb, resulting in an uneven cut.
  
• If you are cutting dry hair, you should also check the attachment combs during the session for built-up hair.
  

last words

I have written extensively about the different sizes of dog clipper blades in my article. Choosing the right blade is important because different coat lengths must be targeted for each breed.

I hope the tables I have provided have been very helpful. And remember, you should also study the size chart for dog clipper blades and guide comb sizes.