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If you have a dog with seriously thick or matted fur, you won’t be able to use just any pair of clippers for grooming. Using cheap or weak clippers on a thick coat is a great way to pull your dog’s hair and guarantee they’ll never let you cut their hair again.
Instead, you’ll need heavy-duty dog clippers for matted or thick coats. In this review, we’ll highlight the specs and functions to look for and provide you a few options to get you on your way.
In this review:
- Our top picks at a glance
- Best dog clippers for matted hair (reviews)
- What to look for when buying dog clippers for thick hair
- FAQs about heavy-duty dog clippers and matted hair
- How to remove matted hair with dog clippers
Best dog clippers for matted hair: At a glance
Best dog clippers for thick or matted hair
Let’s face it, professional grooming can be expensive. Investing in your own set of dog clippers is a smart way to keep money in the bank. But if your dog has thick or matted fur, not just any pet clippers will do.
You’ll need a quality pair of heavy-duty clippers that can take on thick hair without getting stuck. These are the best clippers for matted dogs.
Best heavy duty dog clippers
- The rotary motor is engineered to operate at two powerful speeds: 3,000 and 3,500 strokes per minute; the Constant Speed Control feature automatically delivers more power and torque in difficult areas
- Includes a detachable #10 Ultimate Competition Series high-grade steel blade for faster, smoother clipping
- Long 14-foot cord provides plenty of room to work around your dog
What we like
With a long-lasting rotary motor, these clippers may be the only set you’ll ever need to purchase. Unlike some clippers that are made for occasional home grooming, the KM5 is a professional tool and made for regular use. Yet, it still runs quietly.
The professional Ultimate Competition Series #10 steel blade is made for body clipping and trimming of all coat types, including dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Two powerful speeds and constant speed control help these clippers glide through tough spots while still weighing a lightweight 12.9 ounces.
The KM5 is designed with a rounded front housing to prevent hair clogging and is backed by a 2-year limited warranty. The clipper is made in Hungary, and the blade is made in the USA. It comes with a 14-foot cord for plenty of room to work around your pet and other equipment.
What we’d change
- These clippers come with a higher price tag, but if they last years and prevent expensive trips to the groomer, it might be a great investment.
- Any comb attachments will need to be purchased separately.
- To deliver controlled power, these clippers are corded, which limits where you can groom your dog.
Best cordless clippers for thick coats
- Lithium-ion battery runs for 2 hours without needing to be recharged.
- Perfect for cutting mats out of hard-to-reach spots without annoying cords getting in the way.
- Brushless motor provides enough torque to power through thick coats.
What we like
The Wahl KM comes equipped with a lithium-ion battery that runs for two hours, so you can groom multiple dogs on a single charge. The brushless motor offers plenty of power to work through thick, matted, or coarse coats that some cheaper cordless clippers couldn’t handle. And you can choose between two powerful speeds, 3,000 and 3,700 strokes per minute, so you control how fast you’ll work through the tough spots.
This set’s brushless motor is designed to run quietly for noise-sensitive animals, and that doesn’t just include dogs. These clippers can also trim cats, horses, and livestock.
Although these hair clippers have a cordless design, they can also operate while corded to give you more clipping time. And the quick charge feature will provide 15 minutes of run time for every 10 minutes it charges.
These clippers are backed by a 5-year hassle-free warranty, and they’re made in the U.S.A. The clippers come with a #10 Ultimate Competition Series blade, a 10-foot durable cord, a cleaning brush, blade oil, and the instructional book. The set weighs 13.6 ounces and measures 7.5 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Want to see more options? We compiled a guide to the best cordless dog clippers, so you can have the convenience of a wireless set without sacrificing power.
What we’d change
To put it simply, these clippers aren’t cheap. But the convenience they bring by running corded or cordless, all while packing a long-lasting, brushless motor, means these make for a pretty solid investment.
Best professional dog clippers for thick hair
- Created to glide through all coats: short and long double coats, wiry, curly, and drop coats
- Wide blade for more fur clipped in one pass
- Powerful, heavy-duty universal motor delivers 2 speeds: 3,000 SPM and 4,000 SPM.
What we like
Specifically made for large breeds, the Oster A5 Turbo has a wider blade (2.8 in.) than most professional clippers reducing the amount of clipping time. Since I am not used to grooming large dogs, I was pleasantly surprised that my clipping time was also reduced on our newest temporary dog, a labradoodle, thanks to the heavy-duty universal motor that glides right through a thick double coat. I used the higher speed (4,000 spm) to easily trim the main body and the slower speed (3,000 spm) to have more control on the more difficult, precision trimming areas.
This model doesn’t have an ergonomic design, but I didn’t use it long enough for it to bother my hand. It’s made of carbon, so it’s lightweight (11.2 oz.) and shatterproof (and chew-proof) unlike cheaper plastic clippers. The clipper comes with a #10 CryogenX detachable blade (which means it is made for extended durability) and is compatible with all Oster A5 detachable blades.
What we’d change
- Professional clippers don’t usually come with guide combs, so you’ll have to buy compatible guide combs, or various length blades to achieve the length variation you prefer.
- This clipper is not as quiet as some of the other models, so it might not work well with a skittish dog.
- While not cheap, these clippers are on the less expensive end of the professional clipper spectrum, while still delivering power and speed.
Best budget option
- 12V powerful motor with a low vibration and ultra-quiet 50db design
- Includes 4 Guard Combs: 3mm, 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm and adjustable blade so you have everything in one package
- More affordable than some heavier-duty options
What we like
Hansprou’s pet clippers come with a detachable, fine-tooth, titanium-alloy blade and a ceramic moving blade for excellent cutting performance and temperature control. The blade teeth are rounded on the sides to provide an extra measure of safety.
With a twist of the adjusting ring on the clipper, you can change the cut length from .8mm to 2mm without the use of combs. For longer cuts, four attachment combs are included.
The powerful, yet quiet 12V motor provides strong, stable power to be able to handle all coat types, including thick hair. The clippers are encased in aluminum alloy, keeping it light in your hand. At less than half the cost of some clippers, and combined with a two year warranty, Hansprou dog clippers may be a great, budget-friendly option for the occasional groomer.
What we’d change
- Hansprou Clippers are manufactured in China. They have only one speed and the number of strokes per minute is unclear. While this product is most likely not intended for regular professional use, it may be great for the home groomer who only trims a few times a year.
- This clipper set comes with a 9.5ft cord, which some pet owners may find inconvenient.
- You’ll need to purchase blade oil and a cleaning brush separately.
Best clipper combs for long-haired dogs
- Designed to fit standard A5 detachable blades and is compatible with most Oster ,Wahl and Andis detachable-style clippers.
- Eight color-coded guide combs, ranging from a 1/8-inch to 1-inch cut length, effortlessly glide through small, medium, and large-sized dogs coats
- Features snap-on stainless steel attachments
If your dog’s coat is as long as it is thick, you’ll want a quality set of attachment combs to use with a solid set of clippers. These will help when trimming areas like the face, legs, belly, and rear end.
What we like
These are quality stainless steel combs that will likely last a long time, not plastic ones that can easily break or be chewed. Just make sure the combs fit the clipper blade you use.
What we’d change
- Combs help you achieve a desired length, but they can be very difficult to use on thick or matted fur. In these cases, you may need to use the exposed blade.
Best heavy-duty dog shears
- High-quality Japanese stainless steel tempered with precise blades
- Hand-sharpened blades cut easily without pulling or catching hair between blades.
- Adjustment screw allows for easy change of tension
What we like
If you’re looking for scissor-style shears to manually remove matting in a sensitive area, Equinox’s professional shears are your best bet.
These precision shears are solid and sharp—hair won’t get pulled or get stuck between the blades. The adjustment screw allows you to change the tension to your level of comfort. The blades are pre-oiled, comfortable to hold, measure 6.5 inches in length, and weigh 4.3 oz.
Finally, Equinox offers a lifetime warranty on the set.
What we’d change
- These are manufactured in China. We like to opt for U.S.-manufactured products to ensure quality, but these shears are a worthy exception.
>> Read more: Best Andis Dog Clippers
What to look for when buying dog clippers for thick coats
Clippers come with a wide variety of functions and features, and not all are right for your pup. Consider your pet’s needs and the following features when searching for the best dog clippers.
Blade speed
It’s important to have a high blade speed when grooming a dog with thick or matted fur. If the speed isn’t fast enough, the clipper could get caught in the middle of a mat and end up pulling your dog’s hair. Look for a clipper with at least 3,000 SPM (strokes per minute).
Heat
High-speed blades tend to heat up, at least a little bit. Lower-speed clippers may not get as hot, but you won’t get the cutting power needed to glide through thick coats. Look for clippers that specifically mention having some type of cooling technology and be sure to check the reviews.
If you need high-powered clippers but they tend to overheat, try taking breaks every so often, buy an extra blade for changeouts, or use a cooling spray that some brands sell.
Most professional clippers come with stainless or carbon steel blades that are intended to be durable. Switching to a ceramic blade will keep the blades cooler longer, but will most likely dull faster.
Noise level
Dog’s have sensitive ears. Loud clippers can easily spook an already nervous dog. Look for a noise level of around 60 decibels or less. Also, a pair of clippers with low vibrations will be much more comfortable to use for prolonged periods of time.
Rechargeable battery vs. power cord
For tough, lengthy jobs like matted or thick fur (or trimming multiple dogs in one sitting), your best bet is most likely going to be a set of powerful corded clippers. Corded dog clippers will be able to provide a constant, steady power supply to work through thick fur or matting.
If your pup has a few matted spots, but an overall thin-to-medium coat, it may be just fine using the cordless variety. There are some quality cordless options on the market.
If you choose a corded option, you’ll have to contend with the cord during grooming. You may not have the same range of motion as you would if the clippers were cordless. So, you’ll need to consider what’s most important for your grooming—a steady stream of power or the freedom of cordless.
We think getting a pair of heavy-duty clippers with a long, 14-foot cord is a good compromise.
Run time
If you choose cordless-style clippers, you’ll need to ensure it has a long-lasting battery pack, like a lithium-ion battery. Working through tough, matted hair can take a while and you don’t want your battery dying in the middle of the process.
You’ll also want to see if the charge time is reasonable if you plan to have multiple sessions in a day.
Another option would be to look for a cordless clipper that can also operate while it is plugged into the charging cord.
Casing material
Your clippers’ casing material may not seem like an important factor…until your dog knocks them off the table and the casing shatters. (He definitely did it on purpose.) Most inexpensive options are plastic, while many professional lines are made out of shatterproof materials.
Cost
There are clippers for thick and matted hair at every price point. Some are made to last for thousands of hours of run time, while others are made for occasional use.
Generally speaking, you get what you pay for; so, a quality set of clippers with a higher price tag will probably last a lot longer than a cheaper set. Evaluate how often you’ll need to use them, how long you want them to last, and how powerful you need them to be.
The good news is that when you take the cost of a trip to the pet salon into consideration, even premium clippers will pay for themselves after just a few haircuts.
FAQs about heavy-duty dog clippers for matted hair
Can I use regular clippers to remove matted hair?
It’s best to always use dog clippers designed for thick coats to avoid snagging fur and hurting your pet. It will be the easiest and most successful method.
If your dog does not have thick fur, you could possibly use regular human clippers to get under the mats, rather than through them. However, we would be hesitant to recommend them. Read our precautions about using human clippers on dogs for further information.
Do I need heavy-duty dog clippers if my dog has long hair?
No, not necessarily, unless they also have a thick undercoat or matted fur. For example, breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier have longer hair, but don’t have any undercoat, so they do fine with lighter clippers.
However, breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog or Old English Sheepdog, which have long, thick fur would require heavy-duty clippers.
Do I need to sharpen my dog clippers?
All sharp blades will eventually dull, even if they are labeled as self-sharpening. It’s time to sharpen the blades when cutting through the coat becomes difficult or the blades begin to pull hair. Steel blades will stay sharp longer, while ceramic blades are known for staying cooler longer. You’ll need to opt for clippers with detachable blades if you’d like to have the option to sharpen them.
There are few things you can do to keep the blades sharp longer. First, clean all hair from the blade after each use. Follow up with blade oil to keep them lubricated for the next grooming session. Finally, wash and brush your pet before using the clippers. Dirt, debris, and dander from the coat will quickly deteriorate the blade edge. This additional friction will also cause excess wear and tear on the electrical components.
How long do dog clippers last?
How long dog clippers last will depend on their quality, how often they are used, and the care given to them. Lower-quality sets may only make it through a year or two of haircuts (although this is still cheaper than the groomer). Heavy-duty clippers can last for many years if they are well-maintained.
Why do dog clippers get hot?
Clippers become hot from the intense friction happening between the two blades. Higher-quality professional clippers will cut hair faster, but also tend to heat up faster due to their high speed and use of long-lasting steel blades. Opting for a ceramic running blade, using a blade cooling spray, or having a spare blade will keep the blades cooler for longer.
In addition to the blades, the electric motor is also generating heat as it rotates thousands of times per minute to create enough power to cut through thick coats. Take breaks throughout the grooming process to allow for both the motor and the blades to cool.
Is removing matted hair painful?
Brushing or using clippers through mats can be quite uncomfortable for your pet, especially if your pet is severely matted, or if you don’t have the proper tools to remove the matted hair quickly and easily. Moving forward, you should try to prevent matted hair by regularly brushing your dog.
How to remove matted hair with dog clippers
For severe matting or matting close to the skin, it is safest to take your dog to a professional groomer who is experienced with the issue.
If you think you can brush out the mats, work from the outside of the mat inward toward the skin with a steel comb and a slicker brush. Comb out only a little section of hair at a time. Begin with the easy mats, leaving the difficult ones last to avoid upsetting your dog.
If you can’t brush them out, use the clippers and look for a spot in between mats that allows you to fit the clipper blades under the matting. You want to clip under the mats, not through them. Pull the skin taut as you let the clippers do the work. Never push the clippers or you risk injuring your pet.
Check the temperature of the blades often and take breaks if needed.
If the clippers aren’t successful and the mats are not close to the skin, you can use a comb and shears or safety shears to carefully remove the matting. Using the comb, lift the fur away from the skin. Then, cut above the comb to avoid cutting too close to the skin.
Follow with a thorough washing, drying, and brushing.
My dog is scared. How do I prepare them for removing mats?
Removing mats requires time and patience on both your and your dog’s part. Your dog will be sitting for a while, so, before you begin, give them some exercise to tire them out. A treat and a quiet room won’t hurt to bring out the good vibes.
Begin when your dog is calm. Be gentle and take your time. Praise your dog for remaining calm, and take breaks as needed.
Finally, you should do your best to avoid mats altogether by becoming familiar with your breed’s grooming needs. Brush your pet often and work on tangles as soon as you notice them. Lastly, consider keeping your dog’s hair short to help reduce hair tangles.
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