At-home grooming can save you a ton of money, but when you have a dog with incredibly thick hair or lots of mats, you may find it’s more challenging to accomplish the job at home. Some clippers just refuse to cut your pet’s coat when it’s thick or tangled! So, how can you find a great pair of dog clippers that will cut through anything you need it to?
Reading product reviews is another fabulous way to find out what you need to know about a clipper. But there are tons of clippers out there, and you don’t have time to read reviews of them all. That’s why we’re getting you started with reviews of the 10 best dog clippers for thick and matted hair.
Hopefully, you’ll find just what you need on the list!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2023 Update)
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Product
Details
Best Overall
Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit
Worked well on dogs with thick hair, such as poodles
The Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper is the best overall clipper for thick and matted hair. The clipper is exceptionally lightweight and cordless, making it a breeze to handle, while the 5-in-1 blade offers a variety of cut lengths. You can use it to clip the face and feet of all breed sizes. Though the company’s recommended size for full-body clips is small and medium breeds, plenty of pet owners used these for full clips on large breeds with little to no problems. This clipper proved immensely popular amongst poodle owners who had difficulty finding a clipper that worked on their dogs’ thick hair. This kit includes a storage case, charger and charging stand, cordless clipper, adjustable blade, rechargeable battery packs, combs, oil for the blade, a brush for cleaning, and instructions.
People who have used this clipper noted that it goes through batteries quite quickly, though.
Pros
Worked well on dogs with thick hair, such as poodles
5-in-1 blade
Cordless & lightweight
Cons
Many pet owners had to turn to YouTube to learn how to use clipper
Some complained of batteries not being long-lasting
2. Wahl Pro Ion Lithium Cordless Pet Clipper – Best Value
If you’re looking for a smart-looking cut but don’t want to pay a huge amount of money for a clipper, our pick for the best value clipper is Wahl Pro Ion Lithium Cordless Pet Clipper. With an adjustable 3-in-1 blade and lithium-ion batteries, this clipper offers up to 6,000 SPM (strokes per minute). Because this clipper is cordless, it’s easier to wrangle your pup during grooming than it would be with a corded clipper. A full charge on this product will give you up to two hours of use; a quick charge option will give up to eight minutes of use.
This clipper comes with a 3-in-1 blade, stainless steel scissors, storage case, pet comb, seven attachment combs, blade guard, blade oil, brush for cleaning, instructions, and a DVD on styling and grooming. Some people have noted that this clipper’s vibrations are quite strong, meaning a nervous dog might not like having this clipper used on its fur.
Pros
Quiet
Pet owners said clipper works well on thick hair and mats
Comes with DVD on grooming
Cons
Complaints of strong clipper vibrations
Rare criticism of clipper not working well on fine hair
When it’s a premium choice you’ve been searching for, our recommendation is the Oster A5 Golden Pet Clipper. Coming in single or two speed, this clipper is heavy-duty and promises to be virtually unbreakable! You can use the Oster A5 on pretty much any type of dog coat out there for anything from touch-ups to full-body clips. This professional-level clipper runs quietly with little to no vibration and isn’t prone to overheating. The Oster A5 comes with a #10 Cryogen-X blade, guard, and oil for the blade, grease, carbon brush, spring assemblies, cleaning brush, and care manuals. There have been a few complaints about the product overheating, though. You also need buy some additional combs for the grooming process.
Pros
Heavy duty
Promises to be nearly unbreakable
Two speeds
Cons
Some complaints that product did overheat
Does not come with combs
4. Andis AGC2 2-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper
The Andis AGC2 clipper is super duty and designed to work on all fur types. The rotary motor ensures the clipper won’t overheat, while the two speeds and multiple length options (via the removable blade) provide for a variety of haircuts. The Andis AGC2 comes with a #10 UltraEdge blade but will also work with CeramicEdge, ShowEdge, and Oster A5 blades. Plus, the removable blade makes clean-up more manageable than ever!
This clipper comes with a 14-foot power cord for easy movement while grooming, a single blade, blade oil, and a blade drive. People who have dogs with fine fur reported that this clipper was not as effective for their dog’s fur.
Pros
Works with several blades
14-foot cord for easier movement during grooming
Heavy duty
Cons
Only comes with a single blade
May work less well on fine hair
Rare complaints of product pulling hair
5. Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Cordless Dog & Cat Clipper Kit
Are you looking for professional results without the cost? Then it’s the Wahl Bravura clipper you’ll want! With a combination of a 5-in-1 blade and a lithium battery, this cordless clipper is strong, durable, and less noisy than other brands. It charges fully in just under an hour for a run time of an hour and a half – that means you can fully groom your pup in one sitting (unless they’re a super large breed!). And, if the battery does run out in the middle of a grooming session, you can simply use the clipper with a cord to continue with the job.
This clipper kit comes with a 5-in-1 blade set, blade oil, attachment guide combs, brush for cleaning, charger and stand, instructions, and storage case. It also comes in five fun colors!
Pros
Can use as cordless or corded
Quick charging
5-in-1 blade
Cons
Some complaints of battery not holding charge
Rare complaints of faulty blade received
Fine hairs may clog up attachments
6. Wahl KM10 Brushless 2-Speed Professional Dog & Cat Clipper
This brushless, two-speed clipper claims to have a motor life that lasts for approximately 10,000 hours! Due to the continual speed control, along with the max power and torque, the Wahl KM10 provides an extra boost when it comes to cutting through any thick coats or mats you may come up against. Plus, you won’t have to deal with hand and wrist fatigue after using it for longer periods with its ergonomic design.
This clipper comes with a #10 Ultimate Competition Series blade that detaches. There have been a few complaints that this clipper overheats quickly.
Pros
Claims an incredibly long motor life
Pet owners said it cut through mats easily
Ergonomic design
Cons
May overheat quickly
Rare complaints of cord shorting out
7. Wahl KM5 Rotary 2-Speed Professional Dog & Cat Clipper Kit
Also by Wahl, this clipper promises salon-quality performance and precision at an at-home cost. With a rotary motor featuring two speeds, plus amazing power, durability, and torque, the KM5 is made for any coat type your pet may have. The consistent speed control means that clipping power is constant, making it easier to get through mats and thick hair. Plus, this clipper is quiet and has low vibration, which along with the ergonomic design, means it’s simpler to handle and won’t tire out your wrist and hand. This clipper comes with a 14-foot cord for ease of movement, #10 blade, oil, and brush. However, this product only comes with a single blade and no combs.
Pros
Consistent speed control to get through mats and thick hair
Low vibration
Comes with a 14-foot cord
Cons
Some had trouble removing blade
Does not come with combs
Only comes with a single blade
8. Sminiker Professional Rechargeable Grooming clipper
The Sminiker Professional clipper is heavy-duty with steady control for a product that cuts through any kind of coat. With both a ceramic and titanium blade, this clipper is smooth and precise as it works. It’s also super quiet and low vibration, so you won’t have to worry about it scaring your dog. Even if it’s your first time grooming at home, you shouldn’t have any issues with the Sminiker as it comes with four limiting combs so you can cut your pet’s hair without being concerned you’ll cut them. This clipper comes with scissors, a cleaning brush, a nail clipper, a nail file, an adaptor, a rechargeable battery, four limiting combs, and instructions on how to use it. Some people have noted that the blades get dull quickly.
Pros
Comes with not just clipper extras but nails as well
Safe for first-time at-home groomers to use
Heavy duty
Cons
Some complaints of clipper not working after having been used 3-4 times
This clipper by Pet Union contains Precision-cut titanium blades that promise not to pull your pet’s hair, along with a precision motor that is super quiet and low on vibrations, so your pet won’t panic at the idea of a haircut. Several pet owners commented on how well this clipper worked for their dogs who had crazy mats or just super thick hair – it really seems to get the job done! You don’t just get the clipper with this product; you also get thinning shears, stainless steel scissors, stainless steel comb, attachment combs, nail file, nail clipper, blade oil, cleaning brush, and power adaptor. It’s a full-service kit! One con to this clipper kit is that the motor is not as strong as other brands.
Pros
Full-service grooming
Several pet owners commented on how well this worked on thick or matted hair
Won’t pull at pet’s hair
Cons
Complaints of scissors being dull
Occasional complaint of clipper blade being dull right out of box
Motor isn’t as strong as other brands
10. HANSPROU Dog Shaver clipper High Power Dog Clipper
Made with aluminum alloy, this clipper is designed to be more durable and last longer than others. The 12-volt motor offers a high-speed clip, while the titanium and ceramic blades are sharp without pulling on your dog’s hair. The HANSPROU clipper is designed with quietness and low vibration in mind so that it won’t frighten your pet (or tire out your hand). And, as it’s a plug-in, there’s no need to sit around waiting on a charge!
This clipper comes with four limit combs, cleaning brush, and a two-year warranty. There have been a few reports from buyers about the overall quality of the product, as the power button broke and the combs fell off.
Pros
Durable
Sharp blades that don’t pull on hair
Cons
Some complaints of on/off button breaking
Rare complaint of combs falling off
Hair may get caught in guard
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Clippers for Thick & Matted Hair
At-home grooming is a wonderful way to save some money, plus it can also be beneficial if your dog is skittish of professional groomers as your dog will have more trust in you.
How to Groom Thick or Matted Hair
Before you attempt grooming your dog with thick or matted hair at home, you need to know how best to go about the procedure. You’ll be able to find plenty of videos online that can walk you through step-by-step (and give you ideas for haircut styles), but the basic process is laid out below.
Prepare your tools. Set out all tools you’ll be using so you have everything at hand. These tools will include a clipper, scissors, brush, detangler, dog shampoo, and towels. You may also want to have a hairdryer if that’s something your pet is okay sitting for and treats to help them stay motivated to be still throughout the grooming process.
Make your pup comfortable. Place your pup in the area you’ll be doing the grooming and help them relax.
Try to detangle mats. While it’s fine to use a clipper on mats and tangles, it’s always helpful to try to detangle them at least partially before you do so. Simply apply a detangling solution or work some cornstarch into the mats, then try to brush them out gently.
Next, it’s time to use the clipper. A #10 blade should work well on any mats you weren’t able to detangle, but you’ll probably need to look online to see what other blades would work well on your doggo’s coat. Start at the neck, then work your way slowly back towards the tail. Don’t go too quickly, or you could pull your pet’s hair! As you work, occasionally check the blade of the clipper to be sure they aren’t overheating. If you come across any knots or areas the clipper can’t handle (or can’t reach), you can try scissors to cut and trim.
Brush your dog out. Brush your dog out before giving them a bath to eliminate any loose hairs.
Bath time! Finally, it’s time to give your pup a bath. Use a soothing shampoo and check their skin during bathing for any cuts or sores. Once they’re clean, dry them off with towels or a hairdryer, and they’re good to go!
And a few random tips to help when you’re dealing with mats.
Mats start near the skin, so even if you don’t see tangles on the surface of your dog’s coat, dig in to make sure they are mat-free.
If mats are super thick and attached to the skin, you won’t want to try clipping them as you risk cutting your pet’s skin.
It’s okay if you run across mats you can’t handle on your own! Just take your dog to a professional so they can safely remove the tangles.
How to Care for Clippers
It’s inevitable that, over time, the blades on your dog clipper will start to dull. You can do a few things to slow down that process, though.
Clean After Each Use
Cleaning out the fur from around your clipper’s blades after each use is vital. Most clippers will come with a cleaning brush of some kind that you can use. After the hair is removed, you can return the blade to the clipper then submerge the blade (just the blade!) in a blade wash solution. Run the blade for a handful of seconds, then take the blade off the clipper again and lay aside to dry.
Oil the Blades
Most clippers will also come with blade oil. Oiling your blades after each use will help them to keep running smoothly and efficiently. Simply put a couple of drops in between the clipper’s blades while the clipper is turned on, then watch the excess oil drip off. Once there’s no more excess oil, you can turn the clipper off and gently pat the blade with a dry cloth.
What to Look for in Dog Clippers for Thick or Matted Hair
There are many things to look for when you’re trying to find the perfect clipper for your dog, including what kind of blades a clipper has and the speed at which it operates.
Blades
When it comes to the blades of a clipper, there are a few things to consider. The first is whether the clipper you’re contemplating has the blades you’ll need for your dog’s fur. The second is whether the product comes with extra blades; the more blades available, the more options there are for your pet’s haircut. The third is the material of the blade; most blades are either steel, titanium, or ceramic (though some clippers come with both titanium and ceramic blades). Ceramic and titanium blades run less risk of overheating and burning your pup. Titanium blades will also stay sharper longer. Finally, look at the speed at which the blade operates. The higher the speed (SPM or strokes per minute), the less chance the clipper will get caught on your pet’s fur.
Weight
Heavy-duty clippers are great as they work well on thick fur, but they will weigh more. If you think your hand or wrist will get tired quickly, you may want to go with a less heavy-duty clipper that won’t weigh as much. Remember, you could be holding these clippers for an hour or more at a time, depending on the size of your dog.
Noise Level
Clippers can be scary for our pups, and that’s no surprise, considering how loud and buzzy some of them are! To make the grooming process a bit less anxiety-inducing, look for clippers that run quieter. It’ll be well worth it when you don’t have to wrangle an unhappy dog into place constantly.
Heat
Clippers will likely overheat at some point, no matter what type you get, but you can lessen the number of times they overheat and how much they overheat. High-speed blades provide more clipping power but are more prone to getting hot. Lower speeds will heat up less but also offer less power. Likewise, ceramic blades will stay cool for longer periods of time, but they’re more at risk of dulling quicker.
Good quality and professional quality clippers should contain insulation and cooling systems to help prevent overheating and accidental burns.
Image Credit: David Herraez Calzada,Shutterstock
Corded vs Cordless
Whether you want clippers that come with a cord or a cordless one with a rechargeable battery will probably come down to personal preference, but there are pros and cons to each.
Clippers that come with a cord enable you to do full-body grooming without running the risk of the battery dying, and you have to take a break. This is ideal when you’re dealing with thick or matted fur. The downside is a cord can sometimes inhibit movement, and you might trip over it at some point. If you go the corded route, your best bet is likely to get a clipper with a long cord.
Cordless clippers offer a larger range of motion and are usually easier for beginners to handle. But with these, you might run out of battery charge halfway through, which means stopping your grooming and waiting for it to recharge. That also means getting your dog to come back for a further round of clipping which can be a hassle.
Usage Time
This applies to cordless clippers instead of corded. When looking at a clipper with no cord, you’ll want to see how long a full charge should last and aim for one that has a higher usage time, so you don’t have the clipper die in the middle of use.
Casing Material
Most clippers you come across will have a casing made of plastic. Plastic should mostly be fine, but if you or your pet knock the clippers off a table or counter, they could crack. Professional clippers will be made of materials resistant to cracking and shattering.
Extras
A good clipper should come with extras such as attachment combs, scissors, extra blades, blade oil, and a cleaning brush. Sometimes you’ll also find that clippers come with other grooming tools such as nail files or nail clips as well.
Cost
Clippers can get kind of pricey, so it’s essential to figure out what your budget is and plan accordingly. Make sure clippers are of good quality, especially if they have a high cost.
Reviews
An excellent way to figure out whether you’ll be getting your money’s worth is by reading product reviews from other dog owners. Reviews will give you better insight into whether a clipper will work on your pet’s hair (and often will include photos of pets who have been groomed with them so you can see just how well they worked). Just be wary of reviews that have been exchanged for payment.
Conclusion
Our choice for the best overall dog clipper for thick or matted hair is the Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper for its lightweight and great reviews of how well it worked on thick fur. For the best value for the money, we like the Wahl Pro Ion Lithium Cordless Pet Clipper because of its great price and high SPM. Finally, our pick for a premium clipper is the Oster A5 due to its heavy-duty quality. Either choice will help you get your dog mat-free!
Misty Layne lives out in the woods in small-town Alabama with her two Siamese—Serafina and Jasper. She also has an array of stray cats, raccoons, and possums who like to call her front porch home. When she’s not writing about animals, you’ll find her writing poetry, stories, and film reviews (the animals are, by far, her favorite writing topic, though!). In her free time, Misty enjoys chilling with her cats, playing piano, watching indie and foreign films, photographing abandoned places, and catching up on her never-ending TBR list. ...Read more
