Best Dog Clippers for Matted Hair in 2024 | Review of the Top 5 Products

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While many prefer the convenience of professional grooming, it doesn't always come cheap. This is especially true if you have a dog with thick or matted fur. However, even with home grooming, it is essential to realize that not just any pet clipper will give the thorough trim or shave needed. You want a clipper that does not only an excellent job but also one that will not cause irritation or even an infection on your dog's skin.

Heavy-duty top-quality clippers to the rescue! These clippers effortlessly take on thick or matted hair without getting stuck or causing problems to your dog. However, they also do not come cheap, long-term; however, they are more than worth the investment.  

In this article, we will review our top five dog clippers for matted hair. We will also look at some of the factors to consider when getting dog clippers for matted hair and share a few canine shaving tips. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Clipper for Matted Dogs

Listed and discussed below are factors to consider when picking the right clipper for a dog with matted hair.

Motor Speed

A clipper with a high-speed motor can make a world of difference when shaving a dog with matted hair. For one, clippers with a high motor speed will clip matted fur more efficiently and faster than low-speed clippers. Also, coarse and heavily matted hairs need the pressure only a high-speed motor can provide. The motor speed will also determine how convenient and comfortable the experience will be for you and your canine.

We must mention here that high-speed motor clippers are not recommended for the beginner canine groomer. It can be dangerous to the animal and the user.

Noise Level

This is a factor many pet owners fail to put into consideration. When getting a dog clipper, the clipper noise is just as important as any other detail. Very loud clipper noises will not help your dog look forward to shaving in any way. It can even scare and irritate some, causing zero or poor cooperation during the process. And you don't want to shave an uncooperative animal when clipping; not an experience to look forward to.

Heat

You don't want a clipper that overheats. Thankfully, most good-quality clippers are designed with adequate insulation and a cooling system. Look out for and purchase those. An overheating clipper can be dangerous, painful, and even cause burns to your pet. These clippers are also more likely to break down or malfunction midway. Opt for a quality clipper with decent insulation and cooling, even if it costs a little higher than most.

Weight

Clipper weight is another essential factor to consider when choosing a clipper for matted hair. Heavy-weighted clippers are usually better suited for matted hair as they are built to withstand pressure. These also tend to have longer battery life and are sometimes sturdier. Opt for them if you can handle one; if you can't, there are average/lightweight clippers that work just fine.

Is It Corded or Cordless/Rechargeable?

While a cordless clipper will do just fine on dogs with a few matted areas or thin-medium coats, tough matted furs can sometimes require a set of corded clippers. These types of clippers provide the steady and adequate power supply needed to work through the thick matted hair.

However, with corded clippers, you may be limited to the range of motion allowed by the cord during grooming. So weigh your options; a steady and adequate power supply or the unlimited motion allowed by the cordless clipper?

Run Time

If you opt for a cordless clipper, you want to ensure that it is one with a long-lasting battery life. Some of the best options, in this case, are lithium-ion batteries. They are longer-lasting and usually stay on the entire duration it takes to shave the tough, matted hair.

Cost

Usually, you get what you pay for with accessories (as with almost everything else). A clipper for thick and matted hair that is expected to last a lot more than a couple of uses even with several falls will not sell for cheap or a few dollars. A long-lasting, shatter-proof, high-quality clipper will sell for a higher price. If you plan to groom your dog yourself regularly, you want to opt for these types of clippers.

Best Dog Clippers for Matted Hair

Please continue reading for more in-depth reviews

Andis AGC2 2-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper

Overview

Andis is a known hair clipper maker, and their clippers line for pets is just as popular. The Andis AGC2 2-speed detachable Blade Pet Clipper runs on 120 volts. The low-noise level of the clipper is one of the best-praised features.  Thanks to its low vibration levels, it is not noisy like many other clippers. The clipper also comes with a 2-speed motor, making it suitable for use on every breed or coat.

The clipper comes with a detachable cap and blade. The casing is sturdy and shatter-proof, well-built, and comfortable to hold. The clipper is designed to avoid overheating and be suitable for new groomers thanks to its adjustable motor speed. The detachable blade and cap make it even easier to clean, and the 14 feet heavy-duty cord allows for ease of movement around the animal.

Pros

• Low vibration/silent operation
• Detachable blade and easy to clean
• 2-speed feature for use for all fur types
• Long cord for ease of movement

Cons

• Blades may not be sturdy enough for heavily matted fur

Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Cordless Dog & Cat Clipper Kit

Overview

A highly-reviewed clipper from Wahl, this professional cordless pet clipper boasts a sturdy built and is lithium-ion battery-powered. The clipper comes with a 5 in 1 blade, so professional groomers and pet owners will have the efficiency and hassle-free experience groomers need for a thorough job.

On a full charge (charges in 60 minutes), this cordless pet clipper lasts up to 90 minutes, and that is usually more than enough time to shave the average canine.

The clipper is designed to fit comfortably in hands for ease of use and to prevent fatigue and frequent slips.

Pros

• Lightweight for extended use without causing fatigue
• Fitted with a heavy-duty lithium-ion battery
• Low-vibration/low noise level
• Long-lasting battery for a complete shave

Cons

• It may not be suitable for use with electric outlets outside the US

Andis Excel 5-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper

Overview

Another detachable blade pet clipper from Andis, Andis Excel 5-speed clipper, is designed with a rotary motor clipper and is suitable for all types of fur. The multiple speeds provide you with the opportunity to clip various kinds of coats and areas.

The lower speeds are excellent for beginner use and on sensitive areas, while the high speeds may be used easily on tough or matted fur. The clipper blade is detachable for easy cleaning, cooling, and changing.

Pros

• Great design with an anti-slip casing that fits perfectly on your hands
• Lightweight to offer more ease of use and control
• It comes in varieties of colors
• 5-speed motor to provide users with more control and use options on different fur and breed types
• Made with CeramicEdge blade for less heat and more durability
• Detachable for easy cleaning

Cons

• None

Wahl KM10 Brushless 2-Speed Professional Dog & Cat Clipper

Overview

This 2-speed clipper model from Wahl is a favorite among professional pet groomers and pet owners. It is preferred by its many users for its high power, design, precision, and dependability.

Thanks to the advanced design, no power adjustments are required as the clipper automatically delivers more power when needed. The clipper is fitted with a 14 feet long cord and is perfect for clipping matted, tough fur, and works quickly to save time.

Pros

• Long cord to allow for easy movement
• Suitable for use on every fur type
• Quality blade for increased precision

Cons

• Blades may get hotter than the pet can handle

Oster A6 Slim 3-speed Pet Clipper

Overview

The Oster A6 Slim Dog Clipper is designed for easy use by both professional groomers and pet owners. It is lightweight, easy to use, and efficient in performance.

The 3-speed clipper is made with zinc alloy and comes with a heavy-duty motor. Thanks to the built and speed options, all kinds of coats can easily be shaved or trimmed without fear of cutting your pet or clogging the blades.

Also, thanks to the patent-pending vibration isolators, the clipper is low-vibrational; minimal noise, and so far, the reviews on it indicate that many dogs have been able to handle it with no problem at all.

Pros

• Easy to use; even for the beginner
• Low to zero noise level due to the vibration isolators
• Lightweight, sleek design and coating
• Made with sturdy and high-quality materials

Cons

• May heat up too quickly and burn the dog
• It may not be suitable for frequent use on heavily-matted dogs

Dog Grooming FAQ

What is the best dog clipper for matted hair? 

An excellent clipper for matted hair is one that can handle tough tasks like giving a good shave to a matted dog without overheating/burning the dog. It is also one with a quality battery life or supplied with steady and adequate power, among other features. Hence, the Andis AGC2 2-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper is the top pick. It checks most of the requirements and is one I highly recommend.

Can I use regular clippers for my dog?

Yes, you can. But only if you are looking to do some basic trimming on unmatted hair. However, on thick, matted fur, an average pair of clippers will not only do a poor job but may also cause irritation and injury to your dog. Even though most good quality dog clippers for matted hair don't come cheap, they last longer, and the result is always far more superior.

Can I cut excessively matted dog hair with clippers?

Sure, you can! But only with a good quality clipper. However, you can try to prevent matted hair by regularly grooming your dog and trimming its fur more than often.

Will matted hair hurt my dog when I trim?

It shouldn't when done right with a good quality clipper and some level of clipper-handling skills.  

How to Avoid Pain When Clipping a Dog With Matted Hair/How to Avoid Matted Hair

Here, I'll share some ways you can avoid hurting your dog when clipping its hair and also ways to prevent stubborn hair matting.

Regularly groom the pet. Not only is regular grooming hygienic and better for everyone involved, but it will also help prevent or reduce the likelihood of mats forming.

Invest in a good-quality clipper. Good quality clippers play a key role in the whole clipping experience. If your canine has a painful experience from being clipped with bad quality equipment, it may cause it to fear clippers for a long time, thus making clipping a hassle for you.

Wash matted hair before shaving. Matted fur can be tasking to cut, but it is even more so when it is unkempt and messy. A nice wash will loosen the hair, relax your canine and help the clipper work through it quickly.

Avoid high-speed clippers. If you are still learning, you want to avoid using a high-speed and sharp-bladed clipper the first time you clip. You can hurt your dog and even yourself with it. Instead, use a medium-speed/medium sharpness and increase as you perfect your dog hair clipping skills.

Avoid clipping an angry animal. Do not clip your dog when it is upset or angry. You want it to be as cooperative as possible, and you can only get this in a relaxed and comfortable state. Remember, you will be working on a living, breathing animal and should therefore consider its mood at the time.

Best Dog Clippers for Matted Hair: Final Words

While every dog owner would agree that owning a dog isn't cheap, taking it to the groomer every time isn't helping you save money, especially if you have the time to spare for the grooming.

Investing in good quality, high-powered, and sturdy clipper is one way you can cut costs and give your dog the trim with the level of care only you may be able to provide during the session.

So, take some time to learn, especially if you own a dog with long, fine fur. These furs are more likely to get tangled and be uncomfortable for the animal. Finally, even with the best types of clippers, the importance of regular grooming for dogs cannot be overemphasized. Take care of your dog's hygiene by regularly grooming and clipping it when needed.