Poodle being groomed with dog clippers

The Best Dog Clippers for Poodles (2024 Reviews)

Are you looking for the best dog clippers for poodles? If you want to keep your poodle’s coat in great condition, that means getting into a good grooming routine and trimming their fur when necessary. You want clippers that are safe, easy to use, and perfect for poodles.

Our vet advisor, Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, examined a wide range of different clippers before selecting her top 5 picks. Her top choice, the Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Series Clippers, won out for its value for the money and the great range of features it offers. It’s cordless and easy to clean but has the power to cut through heavy coats. Read how she chose the top 5.

Our Vet’s Top Pick

Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Series Clippers

These cordless clippers are comfortable to hold, easy to use, and come with a set of guide combs plus lots of useful accessories.

If you plan on handling all your poodle’s grooming needs yourself, you should also consider a great smelling dog shampoo for when your pup needs a bath.

Our Vet’s Top 5 Dog Clippers for Poodles

Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and features of different models.

Editor’s Picks Brand Rating Blade Run Time Guide combs included? Made in USA?
Best Overall Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Series Clippers 4.3 Self-sharpening high carbon Up to 2 hours
Best Budget Wahl Easy Pro Dog Grooming Kit 4.2 Self-sharpening precision blade Up to 60 minutes
Best Cordless HANSPROU Upgraded Dog Shaver 4.4 Titanium alloy, ceramic Up to 8 hours
Best Professional Andis UltraEdge Clipper 4.4 Detachable N/A – corded
Best for Poodle Feet oneisall 2 Speed Dog Clipper 4.6 Stainless steel fixed blade Up to 2 hours

*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers

Who Should Buy Dog Clippers for Poodles

  • Poodle owners who struggle to groom their pet – It can be difficult to groom long-haired poodles effectively, so you’ll find your task much easier if you groom regularly and keep their coat a little shorter.
  • Dog owners who already have clippers for other breeds – Poodles have different coats from other types of dogs,1 so you may need different clippers to do a good job of keeping their fur trimmed.
  • Owners who want to enter their poodle into shows – Show dogs need specific trims, set out by the Poodle Club of America, such as the Continental or English Saddle Trim. 2

Who Should Not Buy Dog Clippers for Poodles

  • Non-poodle owners – If you don’t own a poodle, then you may want to find a list of recommended clippers for your breed of dog! Don’t rely on these recommendations as they may not suit a different breed’s coat.
  • Pet owners who are worried about successfully clipping their poodle’s fur – If you want an elaborate style or you simply feel nervous about using clippers on your poodle, then go to a professional groomer instead.

Research Tips (From a Veterinarian)

As a veterinarian, I understand how keeping a poodle’s coat trimmed and in good condition helps maintain their health as well as their appearance. Here are some tips to keep in mind when researching different poodle clippers. As well as talking to friends and family to see what they recommend, you can consult your own veterinarian or dog groomer to ask for features to look out for.

  1. Choose sturdy, powerful clippers – Your clippers need to be able to handle poodle fur. Poodles don’t shed much hair3, and what hair they do shed tends to get trapped in their coat: this means it’s easy for their fur to become matted.
  2. Different guards or guide combs let you trim hair to different lengths – Many clippers come with guards (also called guide combs). You can also buy these separately, so don’t be put off if you find clippers you love but they don’t come with the guide combs you need.
  3. Clippers can get hot when in use – Opt for clippers that will remain cool and comfortable during use. You’ll also want to consider how noisy the clippers are: if they make a lot of noise, that could be off-putting to your poodle.
  4. Choose clippers that are easy to clean – Some clippers have detachable blades, for instance, which makes it easy to remove hair and keep them clean. Your clippers won’t operate effectively if they’re dirty or tangled with hair.

How Much Do They Cost?

$25 – $200

Poodle clippers can vary a lot in cost, coming in at anything between $25 and $200. At the low end of the range, you’re likely to find that cordless clippers won’t last very long before needing charging again. The higher end of the range gets you into the territory of professional grooming equipment, which could be a worthwhile investment if you’re entering your poodle into shows. Be wary of very cheap clippers, as they may not be strong and durable enough to handle poodles’ thick coats.

Our Methodology: Why Trust Pets Digest

As a veterinarian and pet parent, I’m well aware that not all dog clippers are the same. Poodles have dense, curly coats that can be hard to clip. Purchasing a high-quality dog clipper can help you keep your poodle looking their best between professional grooming sessions. If you’re ambitious, it lets you take complete charge of your dog’s grooming.

I chose these products based on my professional experience as a veterinarian combined with consideration of the clippers’ different features. I took into account value for the money, durability, safety, what was included, how easy to clean the clippers were, and whether the clippers would stay cool and quiet during use. – Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM

The Best Dog Clippers for Poodles: Full Reviews

Our Vet’s Top Pick

Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Series Clippers

These cordless clippers are comfortable to hold, easy to use, and come with a set of guide combs plus lots of useful accessories.

The Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Series Clippers aren’t the cheapest on the list, but they offer great value for money. This clippers set includes four color-coded guide combs, scissors, and more, as well as a handy carrying case. They’re cordless, making them easy to use, and the battery will last for up to 2 hours before needing to be recharged.

The blades are high-carbon, meaning they’ll stay sharp so that you can get a great quality cut every time. The clippers have a powerful, heavy-duty motor to cut through even thick coats.

Pros
  • Quick charge (15 minutes) option
  • Removable blades for easy cleaning
  • Comes with 4 guide combs and other accessories
  • Fairly quiet, compared with other clippers
  • Made in the USA (some domestic and some imported parts)
Cons
  • Not the cheapest option if you’re on a tight budget
  • A few reviewers said their clippers broke after a few uses
Best Budget Buy

Wahl Easy Pro Dog Grooming Kit

You can use these clippers with or without a cord, giving you the best of both worlds. The blades are easy to detach and clean.

If you’re looking for the best dog clippers on a budget, then the Wahl Easy Pro Dog Grooming Kit is a great choice for your poodle. These clippers come with a great range of accessories, including guide combs and scissors.

The blade can be removed for easy cleaning, and it’s self-sharpening, too. The clippers are easy to use, quieter than many others, and do a great job of getting through tough coats. It’s worth noting that they’ll only last for up to 60 minutes before needing a recharge.

Pros
  • Can be used in cordless mode or with cord attached
  • Quieter than many other clippers
  • Self-sharpening, detachable blades
  • Includes 4 guide combs
Cons
  • Needs charging after 60 minutes of use
  • Blades get hot quite quickly, so should be used with a guard
Best Cordless

HANSPROU Upgraded Dog Shaver

These clippers can last up to 8 hours before needing recharging. They’re also designed to be ultra-quiet, helping keep your pooch calm.

With its titanium alloy blade and ceramic moving blade, the HANSPROU Upgraded Dog Shaver does a fantastic job of cutting without overheating. You can easily detach the blades for cleaning, and the unique 35-tooth safe rounded design won’t harm your poodle’s skin.

These clippers are designed to be quiet, so they’re a good option for a nervous pooch. They come with a 2-year warranty, just in case you run into any quality issues.

Pros
  • Genuinely quiet clippers that won’t scare your poodle
  • Blades are detachable and stay cool during use
  • Comes with 4 guide combs
  • Has a run time of up to 8 hours after fully charging
Cons
  • A few reviewers had issues with the power button
  • Guide combs and blade are quite narrow
Best Professional

Andis UltraEdge Clipper

Looking for professional-quality clippers? These clippers have a super two-speed rotary motor for professional performance.

If you want professional quality from your poodle clippers, then the Andis UltraEdge Clipper is a great choice that won’t break the bank. With a detachable blade, powerful rotary motor, and the option of 3400 or 4400 strokes per minute, these clippers are a good choice if you want clippers that will work on all breeds, not just poodles.

They’re corded clippers, with a 14′ heavy-duty cord that should make them easy to use, eliminating the need to watch the charge on the battery.

Pros
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Detachable blades can be easily cleaned and replaced
  • Has 2 speed settings (3400 spm and 4400 spm)
  • Not as expensive as other professional options
Cons
  • No cordless option
  • Only includes #10 blade but you can buy others for different length cuts
Best for Poodle Feet

oneisall 2 Speed Dog Clippers with Double Blades

If you need to tidy up small areas, like your poodle’s feet, rear, or around their face, these clippers are perfect.

If you just want to trim some small areas, like your poodle’s feet or rear, then the oneisall 2 Speed Dog Clippers with Double Blades are a great pick. They’re easy to use, and the included compact head (0.35″) makes it easy to trim these areas.

The clipper set includes a cleaning brush, mini guide comb, and a bottle of oil for keeping your blades working well. The charging cord is a type-C USB, meaning you can likely also charge these clippers with your phone or tablet charging cord.

Pros
  • Includes a standard 1″ and 0.35″ wide blade
  • Runs for 2 hours on one charge
  • Blades are removable for easy cleaning
  • Great for trimming small, detailed areas
Cons
  • Not very powerful, so not suitable for all-round grooming tasks
  • Only includes one guide comb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dog clipper for a poodle?

Poodles have a single coat that grows continually, meaning they need frequent grooming. You’ll want to choose dog clippers that are easy and comfortable to use, are durable for use time after time, and do a great job of getting through your poodle’s curly fur. There are lots of suitable clippers on the market; try one of the models on our list, or ask around for poodle-owning family and friends’ recommendations.

Can you use human clippers on poodles?

No. You shouldn’t use your own hair clippers, or any hair clippers designed for humans, on a poodle. They won’t do a good job as they’re designed for human hair, not thick poodle fur. Plus, you could risk injuring your poodle by using unsuitable clippers. It’s always best to buy specialist dog clippers, making sure you pick clippers that are effective on poodles’ thick, curly coats.

Can I groom a poodle myself?

Yes, you can groom your poodle at home, by yourself. However, if you don’t feel confident grooming your poodle or if you want a professional-level cut, it’s definitely best to take your poodle to a groomer instead. Some poodle owners opt for a mix of both, grooming their own pet in between professional groomings.

What length should I cut my poodle?

There’s no one size fits all answer to how long your poodle’s coat should be. In general, remember that shorter fur is easier to keep clean and brushed. Size 15 or 30 blades are best for trimming the face, feet, and tail base. You can use a 4 to 7 blade to clip your Poodle’s body fur short.4 If you want to enter your poodle for competitions, you’ll need to cut your poodle’s fur according to specific style and length requirements.

Article Sources

Pets Digest uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. American Kennel Club. Poodle (standard). AKC.org. Accessed May 16, 2022.
  2. Mary Kearl. How to Groom a Standard Poodle. AKC.org. Published February 17, 2021. Accessed April 27, 2022.
  3. Melody Schamble. Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed. AKC.org. Published November 12, 2021. Accessed April 27, 2022.
  4. Mary Kearl. How to Groom a Standard Poodle. AKC.org. Published February 17, 2021. Accessed April 27, 2022.
Dr. Jennifer Coates
Dr. Jennifer Coates
Dr. Jennifer Coates was valedictorian of her graduating class at the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and has practiced in Virginia, Wyoming, and Colorado. She is also the author of numerous articles and books including the Dictionary of Veterinary Terms: Vet-Speak Deciphered for the Non-Veterinarian.