The Shih Tzu is one of the cutest dogs out there simply because of their fur or coat, which can be styled in many ways more than one. However, keeping their hair in the right place is a job for quality grooming tools. This is when best dog clippers for Shih Tzu can come in handy.
Keeping the coat of a Shih Tzu dog healthy and strong relies on strong clippers that can be effective against matting and long coats.
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Best Shih Tzu Dog Clippers Reviews
Here are our picks for the best dog clippers for Shih Tzu:
1. Oster Golden A5 Two-Speed Animal Grooming Clippers
With a 2-speed motor, you can fine-tune what kind of clipping you want to do you for your dog. This means that you can trim your Shih Tzu’s face with a lower speed and work with a higher speed for the rest of the body that doesn’t belong to the sensitive area category. You can switch from 2,100 SPM to 2,700 SPM with this grooming clipper.
In addition to that, to give you thorough durability for the product, it has chew-proof housing so its inner parts won’t be easily exposed to dirt and breakage. Also, we found out that it can fit all Oster A5 detachable blades due to its detachable style of loading blades.
Also, we saw that it already has the #10 CryogenX blade included. Since it has an easy switch, beginners and seasoned users can find it a breeze to turn the unit on and off to adjust to the grooming position of their dog.
With the cryogenically-treated blades, your Shih Tzu’s coat will be easy to trim and clip off without the blades easily going dull over time. And since it is a corded unit, you get a 12-foot cord which can be easy to go around with for your dog. Unlimited power has many benefits, especially for long-coated dogs like the Shih Tzu.
Not only that, but the unit can also fit the Take-Down-Quick wide blade series, which can make it more versatile. Being made in the USA, this unit is backed by a 1-year warranty.
ADVANTAGES
- Interchangeable blade system
- #10 CryogenX blade included
- 2 speeds are available
- Easy switch
- 1-year warranty
SHORTCOMINGS
- Doesn’t include guide combs
For those who want grooming clippers that have a 2-speed motor, we’d like to suggest the Oster Golden A5 Grooming Clippers.
2. Wahl Professional Animal Deluxe U-Clip Clipper
For those who want to groom their pet Shih Tzu with guide combs, this could be helpful so that you wouldn’t mess up on the precise length of your dog’s coat. Also, since it is corded, you can have unlimited power with it using the 8-foot cord, which can be ideal for both home use and salon use. You can use it for finishing touches due to the power as well as the maneuverability.
Because it has up to 7,200 strokes per minute, you can use it as a workhorse for your dog salon or your DIY home grooming. What’s more, since it has a 16-piece kit, it can be a beginner-friendly option for those who haven’t tried clipping their dog’s coat yet. We found that it can even work for sensitive areas such as the paws, face, ears of your Shih Tzu.
At only 16 ounces, it is not too heavy to carry around when you want to trim or clip your Shih Tzu for a long period. We also found that it comes with its own #30-15-10 standard adjustable blade included in the set. This can be helpful in case you want touch-ups on the face, ears, and paws. The blade can be adjusted as you wish so you can get a custom look for your dog.
With its durable storage case, you can travel with it as well and it can protect all of the components included. It is also packed with various extras such as stainless steel scissors for extra styles and removing mats, a styling apron to help keep your clothes protected, and a pet styling comb for grooming. It also comes with a red clipper blade guard.
Likewise, it is compatible with the #30-40 and #8-9 blades. For quality, the clipper and blade are both made in the USA.
ADVANTAGES
- Has up to 7,200 strokes per minute
- A beginner-friendly option
- Can work for sensitive areas of your Shih Tzu
- Includes the #30-15-10 standard adjustable blade
- Made in the USA
SHORTCOMINGS
- Single-speed only
If you want a clipper that has guide combs included, you can count on the Wahl Professional Animal Deluxe U-Clip Clipper for that.
3. Wahl Professional Animal Bravura Pet Clipper
We chose this one specifically because you can switch between corded and cordless options – great for those who are balancing between going on a holiday trip with their Shih Tzu or grooming at home (or even starting your grooming salon for pets).
Since it has a soft storage case, you don’t have to worry about losing all of its parts and accessories. The #9, 10, 15, 30, and 40 blades are the sizes that you can choose from its 5-in-1 blade, which was made with high-grade steel to make it last longer than most clipper blades. In addition to that, it comes with its charge stand and charger to make it look aesthetic and to also easily access it on the go.
While testing, it has about a 90-minute cordless run time, which can be enough for clipping your dog with is a powerful rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has no memory effect. Without this effect, your battery can last longer than most NiMH batteries. Also, you can work on feet, face, and sensitive areas due to its low vibration and adjustable blade type.
Other than that, it also runs cool, unlike those brands that overheat quickly. To help you keep an even trim or clip for your Shih Tzu, it comes with 6 handy plastic attachment guide combs. The unit easily charges within 60 minutes and it is also lightweight to carry as it only weighs 8.8 ounces. To maintain the blades, you can use the included cleaning brush and blade oil.
Also, this clipper runs quietly and can work well with matted coats, since it has up to 5,500 SPM of speed. You can also just read the instruction book if you’re new to using it. Moreover, it has constant speed control for ease of operation. As for durability, the clipper is made in Hungary while the blades are made in Germany. It is backed by a one-year limited professional warranty.
ADVANTAGES
- 90-minute cordless run time
- 5-in-1 blade
- Up to 5,500 SPM of speed
- 6 attachment guide combs
- Only weighs 8.8 ounces
SHORTCOMINGS
- Single-speed only
For those who want to cut their Shih Tzu’s hair with cordless clippers, you can try the Wahl Professional Animal Bravura Pet Clipper.
4. Andis 22340 ProClip 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
We think that the Andis 22340 ProClip Clipper is quite a heavy-duty clipper since it is a corded one that has a lot of power. Thanks to its detachable blade design, you can load up any kind of blade that you want for the occasion, whether it is a surgical blade or any other one from most dog clippers. What’s more, we liked that it has a two-speed rotary motor that can help level up your grooming power for your Shih Tzu.
Since it is made with ceramic blades, it doesn’t get hot too easily. And what’s more, the corrosion-free quality comes from the chrome finish that’s coated on its Ultra Edge clipper blade. In addition to that, it was even made under a special hardening process to make it last longer.
As a corded clipper, this one comes with a 14′ heavy-duty cord so you get more mobility while you are clipping your Shih Tzu. And that’s not all – cleaning becomes a breeze due to the removable drive cap. With its shatter-proof housing, it can be durable. We also like that it fits any detachable Oster A5 type, Andis, Wahl generic blade and that it is made in the USA.
ADVANTAGES
- Includes a 14′ heavy-duty cord
- Fits most Oster A5 type, Andis, Wahl generic blades
- Made in the USA
- Has ceramic blades
- Has a detachable blade design
SHORTCOMINGS
- For 120V systems only
- Doesn’t come with guard combs
If you want a heavy-duty dog clipper for your Shih Tzu, we’d like to suggest to you the Andis 22340 ProClip Clipper.
5. Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed AGC2 Clipper
Clipping your dog’s coat with a rotary motor clipper like this one can help them to calm down since it doesn’t make as much noise as magnetic motors. You can use the two speeds of 3400 and 4400 SPM to trim your dog’s face and ears without making a fuss to your Shih Tzu. In addition to that, there are 5 unit colors to choose from – all of which are vibrant-looking.
With its shatter-proof housing, you can expect it to last for a long time. What’s more, it has a chrome finish and has cool-running ceramic blades. Like most of our picks, it comes with a #10 blade which can be useful for clipping your dog’s ears and face without the likelihood of injury.
Last, but not the least, since it has a detachable blade design, this would be helpful whether you are a salon owner or whether you just want a quick way of grooming your dog.
ADVANTAGES
- Detachable blade system
- 2 speeds
- Comes with a #10 blade
- Low noise
- The ceramic blades run cool
SHORTCOMINGS
- For 120V systems only
For those who want a low noise clipper for dogs with anxiety, you can try the Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed AGC2 Clipper.
Now that we discussed our dog clipper suggestions, it’s time to look into tips and tricks for grooming and how to choose the best clipper out there:
Tips for grooming your Shih Tzu
If you are new to grooming a Shih Tzu, here are a couple of tips that might help you out:
Make sure they are regularly brushed. Regular brushing helps with keeping your Shih Tzu away from mats and tangles due to the nature of their long hair.
Keep them calm and pampered before grooming. Most Shih Tzu dogs panic at the sight and sound of grooming tools so you should prepare them beforehand.
Don’t forget to clean their eyes to avoid hair discoloration. They tend to have mucus around their eyes so cleaning them frequently avoids the mucus from getting into the coat around them.
When trimming around the face, use scissors that have a rounded end. This can mean a safer way of grooming your Shih Tzu’s face.
To avoid your dog running away, try using a leash during grooming. Shih Tzu dogs tend to be anxious with grooming so to avoid the running away scenario, you can tie them up (but not too tight that it hurts).
It’s best to use a #10 blade for Shih Tzu clipping. This is because the #10 blade is generally at the right length so as not to cause accidents to your dog’s face and ears. You can also use an adjustable blade that has a #10 on it.
Factors to Look For in Shih Tzu clippers
There can be many clippers out there but there are certain ones that are more ideal for your Shih Tzu thanks to their features. If you want to look for the best Shih Tzu clippers, here are some key factors:
- Low noise – having a low noise clipper can help Shih Tzu dogs with grooming anxiety.
- Includes a #10 blade – this would be the best blade to use for a Shih Tzu’s coat.
- Durable – to make the clipper last long, it should come with durable housing.
- Power – a higher SPM could be useful so that you can quickly get the job done.
- Ergonomic – holding a clipper for a long time can be stressful sometimes.
- Lightweight – to allow you to focus more on clipping rather than shaky hands.
- Good warranty policy – to allow you to exchange the unit back in case of defects.
Q&A
So how exactly do you groom a Shih Tzu properly? Here are some common questions:
Question: How old should my Shih Tzu be before grooming?
Answer: Shih Tzu dogs should be around 10 to 16 weeks old or about 2 to 3 ½ months old to be groomed or clipped. This is the time when they start to grow hair faster.
Question: What grooming kit for Shih Tzu dogs?
Answer: A grooming kit for Shih Tzu dogs may consist of clippers, as well as slicker brushes to help you get rid of any kind of mats or tangles from their coat, which is most likely due to their fur.
Question: What kind of grooming does a Shih Tzu need?
Answer: Most pet salon owners will suggest the puppy cut, which is best for the summer and is about 1-2 inches in length. If you want extra fluff then try the teddy cut, which is usually 2 to 2.5 inches in length. The face is usually trimmed to 4 inches to show off their hair.
Question: When should Shih Tzu get their first grooming?
Answer: Generally, the best time for a Shih Tzu to get their first grooming would be 10 to 16 weeks old or about 2 to 3 ½ months old. Consequently, this is also the time when you can bathe them safely.
Question: How to keep Shih Tzu calm during grooming?
Answer: Proper training before the actual grooming can help keep your dog calm and collected during grooming. Having treats around is a plus, as well as keeping them in a calm location. Try touching his ears and paws so they can get used to it.
Question: What size blade for hair grooming for Shih Tzu?
Answer: For the face and other sensitive areas, you can use the #10 blade. On the other hand, for the paws, you can use the #30. For the rest of the body, #7 or #5 blades can prove to be useful.
Question: How to cut a Shih Tzu hair with clippers?
Answer: Follow these steps
- Start by bathing them and then drying with a towel.
- Brush them thoroughly before grooming.
- Prepare your clipper and start with the sensitive areas.
- Then, work with the rest of the body but follow the hair growth.
- Reward your dog with treats!
Conclusion
In the long run, you can get your Shih Tzu the cut they want, whether at home or a salon, with the right equipment. If a dog clipper is strong enough for your dog, it can withstand many mats and tangles on its way.
Just make sure that you use your clipper according to instructions to avoid ruining its warranty and causing injury to both you and your pet. We hope you liked our top picks!
