9 Best Labrador Retriever Dog Hair Clippers + Our Grooming Tips and Tricks

Labrador Retrievers are a beloved and widely popular breed in the US, ranking 3rd on the American Kennel Club’s list. They are known for their affectionate nature, strong physique, and intelligence, as well as their attractive coats. Due to their high shedding, it is advisable for owners to use hair clippers to help with grooming. Regular brushing can also minimize shedding, but clippers can make the task easier for at-home grooming.

In this article, we will discuss the following in detail:

• Types of clippers and blades to use on your Labrador Retriever’s fur
• Our picks for the seven best hair clippers for Labradors in 2024
• Tips for grooming your Labrador
• Frequently asked questions about the process

When you finish reading, we’re sure you’ll have the best sense of which clippers to choose for your Labrador Retriever and how to get started grooming your Lab without professional help.

Different Types of Clippers and Blades

Clippers

There are lots of different types of clippers on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Some things that make clippers better than others are as follows:

• Blade quality
• Precision
• Speed
• Heat prevention
• Longevity

Pet Trimmers for Labrador Retrievers

Pet trimmers and pet clippers are not the same, despite the common use of both terms in the industry. Trimmers are smaller and better suited for precise cuts, such as tidying up stray hairs or grooming paws, while clippers are more suitable for overall grooming.

It is not recommended to use human hair clippers or trimmers on dogs as the density and growth patterns of dog hair differ from human hair, and human hair products are not designed to handle this difference. For this reason, it is best to use specifically designed dog grooming tools.

Corded Clippers for Labrador Retrievers

For breeds with thicker hair like the Labrador Retriever, corded clippers are more effective than cordless ones. Cordless clippers may need to be charged during grooming, which can be inconvenient. Corded clippers provide a more consistent and powerful performance.

Cordless Clippers for Labrador Retrievers

Cordless clippers can be a good choice for outdoor grooming or touch-ups, as they are typically less powerful than corded clippers. However, precision and quality of cordless clippers can vary, so it’s important to consider the size and blade quality before making a decision. Cordless clippers may not be as powerful as corded ones, but they can offer more flexibility and convenience for certain grooming tasks.

Blades

The choice of blade can greatly impact the success of grooming, particularly if the blade is too short or too long for your Labrador’s fur. For a Labrador Retriever, a size 5F and 7F blade is recommended to maintain the breed standard of the dog’s hair.

It’s important to note that blades from popular brands like Oster, Wahl, and Andis are interchangeable, but it is advisable to check with other brands or those that cater to larger animals like horses. The commonly used blade size is #10, but other sizes are also readily available.

It’s important to choose a blade that suits the task you need to perform on your Labrador. For example, edging blades are suitable for precision cuts such as where the ears meet the head or where the rear legs meet the body, but not for the belly or back. Labrador owners can benefit from using these blades.

Blades can become hot during use, so it’s recommended to use a blade guard, especially if you are not a professional groomer. To determine if a blade is too hot for your Lab, touch the blade to the inside of your forearm, which is more temperature sensitive and similar to a dog’s skin. Keep blade coolant on hand to prevent the blade from getting too hot.

Tips for Determining the Best Possible Clipper and Blade for Labrador Retrievers

Labradors, like all dogs, have a distinctive appearance and a key aspect of that look is their luxurious, thick fur. Their fur can be either wavy or straight, but all Labradors have a waterproof outer coat and a dense undercoat, making home grooming challenging.

To handle the thick fur, it is important to have clippers that can handle the density and are capable of adjusting speeds. For areas like the neck and chest, it’s best to use a faster speed, while for paws and faces, a slower and more controlled speed may be needed.

When it comes to grooming your Labrador Retriever, it’s important to choose the right blade length to achieve their signature thick and smooth coat. A blade that is too short, such as a #15 or #30, won’t be suitable for their long fur. A standard #10 blade is a decent option, but it’s recommended to go with a longer blade, such as a #7, for the best results.

It’s crucial to focus on trimming the hair on your Lab’s feet and removing any stray hairs. Going beyond that could affect their breed standard appearance. To get a natural look with ease, opt for a clipper set that has precision capabilities. This way, you can achieve the best results while maintaining your Labrador’s distinctive look.

Our 2024 Picks: Best Hair Clippers for Labrador Retrievers

Overall Best Dog Clippers – Oster A5 Two-Speed Animal Grooming Clippers

The Oster A5 Two-Speed Animal Grooming Clippers are a great choice for grooming Labrador Retrievers due to their strength and quiet operation. They are designed to be tough and durable with a detachable blade system that offers versatility and a high number of strokes per minute.

Additionally, the Oster A5 comes in a range of stylish designs to make grooming your Labrador more enjoyable. The clippers come with a standard #10 CryogenX blade, but you have the option to purchase other blades that will work better for your Lab’s coat.

Pros:

• Dual speed technology
• Takes on dense hair well
• Detachable blade system
• Fun colors and designs available

Cons:

• Blade gets hot quickly because of high speeds
• Some customers find Oster blades to be less reliable than other brands

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Andis Excel Five-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper

The Andis Excel Five-Speed Detachable Pet Clipper is a versatile option for grooming your Labrador Retriever. It features adjustable speed options, allowing you to switch between slow and fast speeds depending on the task at hand. This makes it suitable for precise cuts around sensitive areas or a smooth coat finish.

The clipper features a detachable blade system, so you can switch blades to suit your needs. The CeramicEdge blade is a plus, as it stays cool longer than steel blades, but it’s still important to regularly check the temperature against your skin. The anti-slip grip ensures safe and comfortable grooming for do-it-yourselfers. Additionally, these clippers come in two fun colors to add a touch of personality to your grooming session.

Pros:

• Five speeds for precision cuts up to seamless coats
• CeramicEdge blade for cooler blade temperatures
• Detachable blade system
• Quieter than other Andis models

Cons:

• Pricey
• The ceramic blade can have a tough time on super thick spots

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Wahl Professional Animal Bravura Lithium Clipper

The Wahl Professional Animal Bravura Lithium Clipper is a top-notch choice for trimming your Labrador Retriever. Its cordless design allows for maximum maneuverability and its 90-minute battery life ensures that you won’t have to stop mid-grooming. These clippers come in a variety of colors to match your style and are equipped with 5-in-1 blade technology, providing you with versatility without the need to manually change blades.

Wahl is a renowned brand in the grooming world and provides everything you need with this clipper package, including guide combs, brushes, and a convenient carrying case. The clippers run quietly, so your Lab remains calm, and are designed for low maintenance and long-lasting performance.

Pros:

• Lots of inclusions like storage case, charge and stand station, blade oil, and more
• Loads of color options
• 5-in-1 blade technology
• 90 minutes of run time

Cons:

• Blades can pop off mid-use
• Guards are brutal to remove

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Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit

The Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit is a great choice for trimming specific areas of a Labrador Retriever, but not for trimming their entire coat. Although the kit features 5-in-1 blade technology for versatility in cutting different lengths and thicknesses, the battery power and charging time may not be strong enough to handle a full trim on a large breed like a Labrador. It is still a great option for touch-ups and trimming stray hairs.

Pros:

• 5-in-1 blade technology
• Ideal for precision cuts and edging
• Includes rechargeable battery packs, guide combs, a blade cleaner, and more

Cons:

• Not super powerful
• Doesn’t typically hold a charge for a full hour or more as claimed

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Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed

The Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper is designed for a quiet, smooth cut for your Labrador Retriever. It operates at low noise levels, making it suitable even for the most sensitive animals. With speeds of 3400 or 4400 strokes per minute, this clipper can handle tough fur while maintaining a cool temperature.

It also features detachable blades, allowing you to switch to a different size depending on your dog’s needs. The #10 blade that comes with the clipper can easily be replaced with alternative options. Moreover, this machine requires low maintenance, saving you time and effort compared to other professional clipper models.

Pros:

• Low maintenance
• High speeds for a smooth finish
• Detachable blades for versatility

Cons:

• Blade guards don’t guarantee the cut length they advertise
• Might not be powerful enough for the thickest parts of your Lab’s coat

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Oster Power Max 2-Speed Pet Clipper

The Oster Power Max 2-Speed Pet Clipper is a versatile and reliable option for grooming your Labrador Retriever. With two speeds, it can handle both precise trimming and smoothing with ease. The clipper’s lightweight and ergonomic design makes grooming your Lab comfortable, and its detachable blade system allows you to use blades from other brands such as Wahl and Andis. Additionally, the included #10 blades are coated with an antibacterial material, ensuring that it won’t cause any skin issues for your pet.

Pros:

• Detachable blade system
• Antibacterial-coated blade included
• Two speeds
• Works on all types of fur

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with guards
• Can be a bit noisy for some more squeamish pets

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Oster Pro Trimmer with Tug-Free T-Blade Pet Clipper

The Oster Pro Trimmer is a cost-effective choice for trimming smaller areas on your Labrador, such as the paws and face. Its Tug-Free T-Blade design helps prevent pulling of your pet’s hair during grooming, while its quiet motor adds to a stress-free experience. However, it may not be suitable for a full-body trim due to its limited power.

Pros:

• Compact and portable
• Inexpensive
• Ring-finger loop for added control

Cons:

• Not ideal for thick fur
• Too small and fragile for anything but precision trims

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Wahl Pocket Pro Cordless Dog & Cat Trimmer

The Wahl Pocket Pro Cordless Trimmer is a great choice if you are looking for a compact and convenient solution for precision trimming on your Labrador Retriever. It’s not suitable for full-body trimming, but it’s ideal for touch-ups on areas like paws, faces, and tails.

Pros:

• Small and easy to take along
• Comes with blade guards
• Ergonomic design

Cons:

• Less than powerful
• Motor can burn out on larger scale projects

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Andis Versa Pet Clipper Kit

Despite being primarily designed for smaller to medium breeds, this kit is suitable for precision cuts on a Labrador Retriever too. The kit includes everything you need to start grooming, such as a DVD with detailed grooming instructions, scissors, and blade guards.

Pros:

• Full system including how-to DVD
• Safeguard combs
• Comfortable design

Cons:

• Loud compared to other machines
• Gets hot very quickly

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 Related: Best Muzzle for Labrador Retriever

7 Tips to Using Clippers on a Labrador Retriever

There is no magic formula we can give you to get the perfect cut on your Lab every time, but we do have some tips to help make the process a little easier on everyone involved.

1. Familiarize yourself with the clippers you’re using – read the instructions and test them on yourself before using on your Labrador Retriever.
2. Make sure the blade is sharp and oiled before starting the grooming process.
3. Start with the right guard size and gradually work your way to smaller sizes, if needed.
4. Take your time and work in small sections to avoid missing any spots.
5. If your Labrador Retriever is nervous, give them a treat and praise them between each clip to help calm them.
6. Keep the clippers moving in the direction of hair growth to avoid any discomfort or skin irritation.
7. After you’re finished clipping, brush your Labrador Retriever thoroughly to remove any loose hair and check for any missed spots that may need trimming.

FAQs

Can I use human beauty products on my Labrador Retriever?

No, it is not recommended to use human beauty products on your Labrador Retriever. These products are formulated for human skin and hair and may contain ingredients that are toxic or harmful to dogs. It’s best to use pet-specific grooming products that are safe and appropriate for dogs. If you’re unsure about a product, consult with a veterinarian before using it on your dog.

If hair or other foreign objects end up in my Lab’s eyes while I groom, how do I remove them safely?

1. Gently hold the dog still and calm them down.
2. Wet a soft cloth with warm water.
3. Use the damp cloth to gently wipe away the hair or foreign object from around the eye.
4. If the hair or foreign object is not easily removed, take the dog to a veterinarian for proper removal and to check for any eye damage.

It is important to never use sharp objects or your fingers to remove anything from a dog’s eye, as this can cause further injury.

Can I use regular home-use scissors to cut my Lab’s hair, or do I need to pay for expensive grooming scissors?

You can use regular home-use scissors to cut your Lab’s hair, but it’s important to choose a pair of scissors that are sharp and in good condition. Dull scissors can pull and damage your dog’s fur, and also make grooming take longer. Investing in a pair of good quality pet grooming scissors can make grooming your Lab easier, more precise and less damaging to their fur.

Conclusion

Choosing the best hair clippers for your Labrador Retriever may seem like a daunting task, but with proper research and expert advice, you’ll be able to find the right one for you. Labrador Retrievers don’t require much clipping, just some paw trimming and stray hair removal.

Among the best hair clippers for Labrador Retrievers is the Oster A5 Two-Speed Animal Grooming Clippers. However, any of the options listed in this article should work well, so choose one that fits your budget and capabilities. With any of the options mentioned, you’re sure to have a successful at-home grooming experience.