Grooming is an important and necessary part of sharing your life with a dog. Regular grooming not only cuts down on unwanted shed hair, it is also required to prevent those nasty mats and snarls that can be painful and actually damage your pup’s skin. Grooming your dog will give them a soft, shiny, healthy haircoat by dispersing those natural skin oils. The best part about grooming your dog is it doesn’t have to be done by a professional!
Many dog parents choose to groom their dog at home because it’s a great bonding experience between you and your pooch. It gives you a sense of connection and companionship like no other. Let’s face it, do-it-yourself grooming is also less expensive and you can skip the hassle of finding, booking and getting your dog to and from a trustworthy groomer.
Now for dogs that have very specific needs or if you’re a complete novice, you should only groom under the advice of a professional to get you started. But once you learn the ropes, you’ll find that it’s most likely easy and fun, barely a chore at all. That being said, you are going to need some special tools. Different brushes and combs, depending on your dog’s haircoat, and possibly even clippers. If your dog requires an occasional or regular trim, dog hair clippers are the way to go. They are much safer than scissors or shears and produce a more even cut, but there’s so many to choose from. How can you possibly narrow it down? We’re here to help!
How to Choose the Best Dog Hair Clippers
If you want your dog to have that just groomed look without the hassle of going to the groomer, it may be time to look into getting a set of your own dog hair clippers. There’s more to choosing a set than you would think and it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation. Let’s break down the different aspects of dog hair clippers to help you find the perfect cut.
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This means corded or cordless hair clippers. There are pros and cons to each type, so choosing what’s right for you will depend on your situation. Corded hair clippers have the benefit of being able to clip multiple dogs without needing to recharge in between. They have a variety of features and come in a wide range of prices. Corded clippers can be a bit of a hinderance in that you have to be somewhere near a plug in and sometimes the cord can actually get in your or your dog’s way.
Cordless dog hair clippers can go with you anywhere. They don’t need a direct power source so they’re great to use outside or on the road. However, they will have to be recharged periodically, so if you have a time consuming cut or multiple dogs to clip, you’ll have to plan accordingly for time to recharge the battery or spend extra money to have multiple batteries.
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Dog hair clippers come in single-speed or multiple-speed types. This refers to the speed that the motor moves the blades. Single-speed hair clippers are best for your budget as well as for dogs that just need a quick clip for summer or to remove mats here and there. This type of clipper doesn’t heat up as quickly and is usually lighter weight than their multiple-speed counterparts.
Multiple-speed hair clippers can feature anywhere from two to five speeds. These different settings allow for a more detailed trim. A slower speed is best for hard areas like the feet and face and faster speeds can be used for the back, sides and belly. Multiple-speed clippers are typically heavier and heat up more than single-speeds due to the presence of the extra motors. They also tend to be more expensive, but a worthy investment if you have a dog with a tough to trim haircoat.
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These qualities really do matter when you’re deciding which dog hair clipper to purchase. Noise and vibrations can be especially important if your dog isn’t particularly jazzed about getting their hair clipped. The noisier and more uncomfortable the clippers are, the less likely your pup is to want to stick around. You also want to look for clippers that won’t heat up as quickly if you’re new to the clipping game or have a dog that needs a little coaxing as grooming sessions are bound to take longer and you don’t want to risk burning your best friend.
On the flip side, dog hair clippers that are low vibration, noise, and heat also tend to be pricey and low powered. If you have a pup with thick, long hair, you’re going to want some extra power to break through the tangles and snarls, even if it means a little extra noise and vibration.
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The size and weight of the ideal dog hair clipper will vary from person to person and dog to dog. You’ll want to choose clippers that you can use comfortably for 30-60 minutes, depending on how long it will take to clip your dog’s hair. Generally speaking, lighter weight clippers tend to be less powerful, but that isn’t always the case. So be sure to test some out before deciding how much weight you feel you can lug around your dog.
The size of the clipper will vary as well. You’ll want to choose one that fits comfortably into your hand, not one that requires the use of both. Not only is this awkward and hard to maneuver, it also won’t leave one hand free to comfort your pup or to comb or smooth the hair as you go.
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Along with size and weight goes the grip of a dog hair clipper. As newer models come out, it’s becoming apparent that manufacturers are taking the ergonomics of the clipper into mind as well. No longer do you have to settle for a cylindrical shaft that can be slippery or uncomfortable to hold onto. Instead, you can find a set of dog hair clippers that is more molded for a natural grip no matter what size of hand you have. Not only does this more customized grip make it easier to hold onto, it also helps ensures that you are properly gripping the clipper to reduce fatigue.
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If you thought the variety of dog hair clippers was mind blowing, wait until you delve into the world of blade types. Clipper blades are so varied to ensure that you find exactly what you and your dog’s hair needs. First off is the material that a blade is constructed from. There are two main categories: ceramic and stainless steel. Ceramic blades tend to stay cooler, so if you have a large dog or many dogs to do, ceramic may serve you better. However, ceramic blades will also break if dropped, so butterfingers beware. Stainless steel blades will stay sharper longer, are more durable, but can heat up quickly.
Next look at the number on the blade. Smaller numbers mean longer hair left and vice versa. For a reference, a number 40 blade is what’s considered a surgical cut and a #3 will leave about ½” of hair. You also have the option of a fine tooth blade or a skip tooth. Fine tooth blades leave a smoother finish, so they’re best for fine, short hair. Skip tooth blades will leave a layered or feathered finish, so they work best for curly, thick coats, or those that are dirty and matted.
The size of the blade may be up to you as well, depending on which clippers you choose. Some dog hair clippers will allow for wider or narrower blades, while others will only take blades of a single width. Wider blades work better when you have large areas to trim, such as the back, sides and belly of your dog, and narrower blades will help you get those hard-to-reach places like between the toes.
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You may be tempted to purchase the most high end set of dog hair clippers that you can think of in order to make the grooming process a little easier on you and your pup. That’s okay, but take cost into consideration when you’re deciding how often your dog will be groomed. If you’re only looking at a once a year summer cut, the most expensive clippers may not be necessary, whereas if you’re grooming once a month, they might be well worth the investment.
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The 10 Best Dog Hair Clippers on the Market 2020
There are plenty of dog hair clippers out there to choose from, almost too many. How do you possibly weed through all of those brands and features to find the best clippers for you? To help, here’s a list of the 10 best dog hair clippers and blades on the market in 2020.
1. Andis Ceramic Edge Carbon-Infused Steel Detachable Pet Clipper Blade
- Best for: close clipping of the face, feet, tail, and ears
- Accessories: can be used with several brands of detachable type clippers
- General description: This ceramic edge blade from Andis can be used with most detachable blade type clippers. It features durable ceramic teeth that are designed to stay cooler longer and stay sharp to stand up to even professional use. This blade will leave your dog’s hair 0.5mm long, so it’s best for close-up clips of the face, feet and tail.
- Warranty: one-year warranty against defective material or workmanship
- Pros and cons: The Andis Ceramic Edge Carbon-Infused Steel Detachable Pet Clipper Blade works well for all hair types, from poodles to huskies. They seem to stay sharp and trim the hair with a smooth finish. It is sharp and gentle enough to cut through small mats and snarls without pulling the hair and causing discomfort.
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Some dog parents had trouble with this blade rusting. Since it is a steel blade with ceramic edges, it would be more durable but still rustable. Storing it oiled and dry is a must. It also has trouble cutting through larger, thicker mats which is no surprise as it’s going to be hard to find anything that will get through those full-body type tangles.
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2. IWEEL 2-Speed Professional Rechargeable Cordless, Low Noise and Waterproof Electric Dog Trimmer Grooming Kit
- Best for: trimming and full body clipping
- Accessories: 6 combs for different hair lengths, scissors, hair comb, cleaning brush
- General description: The Iweel offers a two-speed motor for a fine-tuned trim or a quick full body cut. The detachable blades ensure that you can always have a sharp blade and the six different attachable combs will give you the right hair length no matter what look you’re going for. The Iweel clipper motor is waterproof, so it’s easily cleaned and gives you a detailed percentage of battery life remaining so you can recharge at more opportune times. These clippers are ergonomically designed to be comfortable no matter how many dogs or hard to reach areas you are trimming. They are also low vibration and low noise.
- Warranty: 30 day money back guarantee, 2 year limited warranty
- Pros and Cons: It’s nice that this grooming kit from Iweel comes with most everything you’ll need to get your pup looking good. The six different combs offer variety while ensuring that you’ll have an even trim. The two speed design also makes it easy to clip all areas safely. With the body of the clippers being water resistant, you can ensure that your clippers are easily cleaned and easy to maintain.
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These clippers may be quiet and low vibration, but they were still too much for some of the more skittish critters. Low vibration and noise also means they’re less powerful and so weren’t able to get through some of the bigger mats or snarls.
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3. Highdas Dog Grooming Kit Clippers, Low Noise, Electric, Rechargeable, Cordless
- Best for: quiet clippers for more skittish pups
- Accessories: 4 guard combs, scissors, hair comb, cleaning brush
- General description: The Highdas Dog Grooming Kit features highly adjustable clippers that are low noise and rechargeable. They are lightweight, high speed and comfortable to use. The ceramic blade stays cooler and sharper longer. These dog hair clippers are easily maneuverable to work over faces, feet, and ears but big enough to do full body trims as well.
- Warranty: 30 day money back guarantee
- Pros and cons: These dog hair clippers are very lightweight and quiet, making them ideal for dogs that aren’t excited about having their hair clipped. The cordless feature also makes them easy to use as you don’t have to worry about getting you or your dog tangled in the cord, however they can be used with the cord while charging to save you time.
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These clippers don’t have an easily removable blade so sharpening can be a bit of a pain. If you’re doing multiple animals, especially with different hair types, you may want to look for something with a more detachable or interchangeable blade. Consumers also had trouble with nicking their dogs with this blade. It must be very sharp which is good when it comes to cutting through mats, but be care around tight areas.
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4. Ceenwes Heavy Duty, Low Noise, Rechargeable Cordless Pet Clippers
- Best for: complete grooming kit for all haircoat types
- Accessories: 4 comb attachments, scissors, teeth scissors, nail clipper, nail file, hair comb, cleaning brush, oil
- General description: The Ceenwes Heavy Duty Rechargeable Pet Clippers is a complete grooming kit to trim all hair types and even toenails. These clippers feature a ceramic moveable blade positioned on top of a stainless steel stationary blade to give you a cooler yet sharper cut. The clippers are low noise and low vibration to cater to nervous pets and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to four hours so you won’t have to recharge mid-trim. The four attachable combs make it easy to get any hair length you want, plus the blade can be adjusted to create even more hair lengths.
- Warranty: 30 day money back guarantee
- Pros and cons: These clippers do seem to work well with most hair types. The battery lasts long enough to finish the job and the ceramic blades stay cool. The whole grooming kit is an added bonus so that you can easily do toenails and maintain your clippers without purchasing extra equipment.
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Some dog parents experienced the on/off button breaking so that the clippers won’t turn off once they were turned on. Fortunately, there is a 30 day return window if this happens to you. Others had trouble with the battery fully charging. Just make sure to use it within the 30 day window in case you get one of these faulty products. Since these clippers are heavy duty to be more durable, they are also a bit heavier than other models.
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5. Oneisall Low Noise Rechargeable Cordless Hair Clippers Set for Dogs
- Best for: timid dogs that don’t like being trimmed
- Accessories: 4 attachable combs, hair comb, cleaning brush, scissors
- General description: This single speed cordless hair clippers from Oneisall are ultra low noise and low vibration to help keep dogs calm and collected while grooming. They also feature a ceramic moveable blade on top of a stainless steel stationary blade to prevent overheating and maintain sharpness cut after cut. This blade is also easily detachable so that you can change sizes quickly or for sharpening purposes.
- Warranty: 30 day money back guarantee
- Pros and cons: The Oneisall hair clippers for dogs work well on most mats and are quiet enough to keep any dog calm. They work on all sizes of dogs, from Yorkies to Labradors. The blade stays sharp for multiple trimmings and is easily removed to speed the sharpening process.
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The battery runtime on these clippers is only about an hour and a half, so if you’re new to the grooming game or have multiple dogs, the battery might not last long enough. However, you can use these clippers while they are charging, you just need to be close to an outlet. It is also recommended that you trim long hair first with scissors to make it easier for the clippers. This is not only an extra, time consuming step, but could also be a safety issue. So, if you have a long-haired dog, you might want to look into more powerful clippers.
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6. Wahl Pet-Pro Dog Grooming Kit – Quiet Heavy-Duty Electric Dog Clipper for Dogs & Cats with Thick & Heavy Coats
- Best for: thick or heavy haircoats
- Accessories: 4 color coded attachable combs, scissors, hair comb, oil, cleaning brush
- General description: The Wahl Pet-Pro is a high powered, single speed dog hair clipper meant to demolish thick or heavy haircoats. This corded clipper is powerful enough to bust through tough snarls and thick hair, all while being quiet, gentle on your dog, and easy to work with. The four color coded attachable guard combs will help you determine the right length for your dog’s hair with even more variably by adjusting the blade. The blades are stainless steel with the perfect geometry to properly feed the hair. They are also self-sharpening, so they should never dull or snag.
- Warranty: limited 5 year warranty
- Pros and cons: This clipper is powerful and a useful product for thick, even double coated dog breeds. The corded feature means you’ll never have to worry about charging before you get started and the color coded comb guards make it extremely easy to get just the cut your dog is looking for.
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Self-sharpening blades seem too good to be true and it seems that they in fact are. Some consumers even noted that the blades arrived dull, even used. So, beware of where you purchase. Remember that Wahl has a 5 year limited warranty, replacement should be easy. Also, powerful and heavy duty equals heavier to hold on to. This means that is you have smaller hands or a large dog, it could become quite a workout to use these clippers from Wahl.
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7. Wahl Professional Animal Deluxe U-Clip Grooming Kit
- Best for: medium to fine hair
- Accessories: scissors, 7 attachable combs, finishing comb, instructional DVD, apron, blade guard, cleaning brush, oil
- General description: The Wahl Deluxe U-Clip Grooming kit is a great dog hair clipper for finishing touches or touch-ups between grooming. It can also be used for light whole body trimming, but probably isn’t a great choice for large dogs or thicker coated breeds. This grooming kit contains everything you’ll need to make your dog look neat and trim and even keep hair off of you. The instructional video is an added bonus to help first timers or give even seasoned, at-home groomers a helpful tip. This corded, single speed clipper is lightweight, low heat and low noise. The blade is adjustable, as well as providing you with seven guard combs to get that perfect hair length, and blades are easily interchangeable should you need something different.
- Warranty: 5 year limited warranty
- Pros and cons: The Wahl Deluxe U-Clip clippers are very easy to use and the low noise and heat makes them ideal for pups that aren’t fans of trimming tools. They work very well to do touch ups around the face, feet, and ears and to remove mats or even light body clipping. The instructional video definitely helps some dog parents get more comfortable with grooming their dogs at home.
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Even with proper maintenance, oiling, and cleaning, these blades don’t stay sharp for longer than a couple of trims. Fortunately, the blades come off easily so they can be sharpened or replaced. Others had trouble with the motor overheating in their hand. The blades seemed okay, so they didn’t burn the dog, but it was almost too warm to hold onto.
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8. Oneisall 2-Speed Quiet Rechargeable Cordless Pet Grooming Hair Clippers Set
- Best for: dogs that are more skittish around noise and vibration
- Accessories: 6 guard combs, cleaning brush, scissors, hair comb
- General description: These Oneisall clippers are cordless, quiet, and multiple speed. They have low vibration and low heat, making them perfect for your less compliant pups. The battery is quickly rechargeable and has a long running life of up to five hours with an easy to read LCD display to show you exactly how much battery is remaining, drastically reducing those middle-of-the-trim battery breaks. It has a ceramic moveable blade on top of a stationary stainless steel blade to ensure low heat and proper sharpness. Plus, the blade is easily removed for cleaning and sharpening.
- Warranty: 30 day money back guarantee
- Pros and cons: The quietness and low vibrations of these Oneisall dog hair clippers really do make them a great choice for dogs that have a little anxiety when it comes to grooming. Couple that with low heat and long battery life and you’re free to take your time when trimming your dog so that both of you are comfortable with the cut.
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This product comes with six guard combs to help guide you to an even cut of your desired length. However, some of the guards will rattle loose, make noise, and even fall off when you’re using them. This can not only scare your pup, but also make an uneven cut. Always be sure to properly secure the guard combs on and check them throughout the grooming session.
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9. Bousnic 2-Speed Cordless Pet Hair Grooming Clippers Kit
- Best for: sensitive skin
- Accessories: 4 guard combs, cleaning brush, scissors, hair comb, oil
- General description: The Bousnic Cordless clippers are multiple speed to whip through any type of haircoat, yet quiet and gentle enough for the most skittish pups. It also won’t pull the hair or irritate the skin like other clippers can. The rechargeable battery is long lasting with a built-in indicator so you’ll always know how much life is left. The ergonomically shaped clippers will be comfortable and easy to use not matter how many dogs or how much hair you have to trim.
- Warranty: lifetime limited warranty
- Pros and cons: These dog hair clippers from Bousnic work well on all types of haircoats, from curly to fine. They are easy and comfortable to use with very little noise or vibration.
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These clippers may work well on many types of haircoats, but they have trouble with thick mats and snarls. They just don’t have the power to work through those types of issues. The sharpness also didn’t last as long as dog parents had hoped.
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10. Sminiker Professional Rechargeable Cordless Grooming Clippers
- Best for: all hair types
- Accessories: cleaning brush, 4 guard combs, scissors, nail clippers, nail file
- General description: The Sminiker is a heavy duty, powerful cordless clipper designed for all hair types. It is also low noise and low vibration so your pup won’t mind it. The rechargeable battery has a fairly short running life with an indicator light to let you know when the charge is about up. The blade features an upper ceramic with a lower stainless steel for less heat and a sharper cut.
- Warranty: 30 day money back guarantee
- Pros and cons: These clippers from Sminiker are lightweight and extremely quiet with little or no vibration so they’re a great choice for skittish pups. They are also very adjustable ensuring that you’ll get just the right cut.
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The battery is very short lived and won’t last through a long grooming session. They also aren’t powerful enough to cut through thick or matted hair and the sharpness of the blade doesn’t last longer than a few full cuts.
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Canine Hair Cutting Tips Using Dog Clippers
Grooming your dog with hair clippers may not come naturally to you, or to your dog. To make the experience a little more pleasant, do a little background work to reduce the time spend with the hair clippers. Wash and brush your dog first to remove excess dirt, debris and hair. Brush or comb out as many of the tangles and snarls as possible to reduce the amount of pulling the clippers do to the hair. You need to make sure the hair is dry before you start to clip as wet hair can quickly dull and rust your clipper blades.
Reduce anxiety in nervous dogs by choosing a quiet and low vibration set of hair clippers. Take frequent breaks if your pup needs them in order to give treats and praise on a job well done. Go slowly to avoid nicking the skin or pulling the hair as this will only make your pup more anxious. If your dog is especially nervous, you may run the clippers, blades off, over your dog first to get them used to the noise and feel of them without the risk of nicking their skin.
Gather all necessary items, such as clippers, brush, comb, and coolant, and keep them within easy reach to avoid leaving your dog alone in the grooming area while you go to retrieve something. Hold your dog or gently tie them to prevent sudden movements that could injure or scare them. Take your time and clip in the direction of the hair. Going against the grain can lead to a trim that’s too short or choppy and uneven. Make sure you’re comfortable with what you’re doing and always talk to a professional first if you have any questions or concerns about grooming your dog with hair clippers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just to cover all of the dog hair clipper bases, here are some answers to frequently asked questions of dog parents just like you.
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A: Since you’ll want to trim with the direction of the hair, holding the clippers upside down in your hand works best. This means the blades will be towards your elbow. You’ll hold the clippers at the angle of the blade. This angle will depend on the blade that you’re using. Look at the profile of the blade when attached to the clippers and you will be able to visualize this angle. With the clippers at the proper angle, gently place the clippers on the hair without applying any downward pressure. Too much pressure will create an uneven cut and may cause nicks to the skin. You may have to use your other hand to pull the skin taut in front of the clippers to ensure a smooth and safe clip. Frequently check the temperature of the blade when the clippers are turned off to prevent burns.
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A: Properly maintaining your dog hair clippers will help prevent pulling of your dog’s hair and overheating of the clipper motor. After use, unplug and then clean loose hair from all vents, nooks, and crannies. Use a soft brush to remove hair from the blade. Inspect the blade for missing or dull teeth and tighten any screws that may have become loose.
Submerge the teeth in a bowl of clipper cleaning solution and run for five to 10 seconds. Allow to dry and then place a few drops of oil on the blades while they are running. Oil the motor in any areas designated by the manufacturer. Store clippers only when completely clean and dry. Sharpen blades as needed to prevent pulling of the hair and replace blades that have missing or mangled teeth.
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A: The frequency of grooming is going to depend mostly on the breed of dog you have and their type of hair coat. It’s also going to depend on the amount of grooming that you do in between trimmings. If your dog has curly hair that tends to mat and snarl, more frequent groomings will be necessary, especially if you’re unable to brush them in between. Most long-haired or curly haired breeds will need groomed every 4-8 weeks. Shorter haired breeds may only need trimmed once a year or if they become matted. Remember that it’s always best to trim your dog before their hair gets matted and tangled to make it a more pleasant experience for the both of you. If you have questions about how often your dog should be trimmed, consult a professional.
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Conclusion
Trimming your dog at home is a great way to save money as well as spend quality time with them. It can also cut down on the hassle of finding and going to a quality groomer. However, with the wrong tools, trimming your dog at home can be a nightmare. Choosing the right dog hair clippers is a must if you choose to take on your dog’s hair needs yourself. The right set of clippers should be comfortable and easy to use for you and your dog. They should also allow you to easily create a haircut that not only keeps your dog healthy but looks and feels great.
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