Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall: oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers
“oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers is a rechargeable quieter clipper kit that will not frighten your Shih Tzu. It also has an adjustable and removable blade that makes the clipper easy to clean.”
Best Grooming Kit: Pet Union Professional Dog Grooming Kit
“Pet Union Professional Dog Grooming Kit is the recommended kit if you want to groom your dog yourself. The kit comes with the necessary accessories to give your Shih Tzu quick and easy grooming.”
Best Corded Clipper: Hansprou High Power Plug-in Pet Trimmer
“Hansprou High Power Plug-in Pet Trimmer is a sturdy clipper with aluminum alloy outer shell. It has 9.8 feet power cord giving you enough freedom to move around especially if you have an energetic dog.
Shih Tzus are one of the dog breeds that the Chinese consider royalty, and their luxurious, flowing coats speak of stature and regality!
They can become quite expensive to maintain, but the good news is that you can groom them quite effectively on your own with just a bit of practice and the right tools.
Making sure you invest in the best dog clippers for Shih Tzu dogs will make your grooming experience far easier! We’ve reviewed ten pairs for you to choose from so you can get your pup the best product on the market.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- 10 Best Dog Clippers For Shih Tzu in 2022
- 1. oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers
- 2. Pet Union Professional Dog Grooming Kit
- 3. Hansprou High Power Plug-in Pet Trimmer
- 4. Hansprou High Power Dog Clipper
- 5. Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit
- 6. Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
- 7. oneisall Dog Clippers Professional Set
- 8. Andis Excel Pro-Animal 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
- 9. Wahl Professional Deluxe U-Clip Pet Clipper & Grooming Kit
- 10. Wahl Motion Pet Clipper
- 1. oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers
- Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
- Questions & Answers
10 Best Dog Clippers For Shih Tzu in 2022
1. oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers
Best Overall: Great Quality at an Affordable Price
PROS
- Sound of around 50dB
- Steel fixed blade, ceramic moving blade
- Removable blade for easy cleaning
- Rechargeable
CONS
- The body may not be as durable as some others
It can be tough to find great value for money when it comes to clippers. High-end clippers can go for $100+, but you can also find some for $20 – $30. The problem is that some of the cheaper ones won’t get through your dog’s hair.
We’ve chosen oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers as our best value for money option. It’s a nice little kit that’s rechargeable and noticeably quieter than many other more affordable models.
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Value for Money
When you purchase this clipper, you’ll get an array of accessories along with it, as with any kit. Choose from four colors, and you’ll get an adjustable blade, 6 guide combs, a pair of scissors, clipping comb, and charger.
It’s unusual to find such an affordable clipper with an adjustable blade, so it gets a thumbs-up there. A nice feature is that the blade, although adjustable, is also removable, which makes it very easy to clean.
Quiet Operation
A loud clipper can frighten anxious dogs, so when you find a quiet one, it’s a great idea to get it! This clipper comes in at around 50dB, which is decently quiet and should be perfectly adequate for most dogs.
2. Pet Union Professional Dog Grooming Kit
Best Grooming Kit
PROS
- Large range of accessories included
- Contoured guide combs
- Adjustable titanium blade
- Rechargeable
CONS
- Only one speed
If you want to groom your dog yourself, it’s a good idea to have all the necessary tools to make the experience easier and quicker. Pet Union Professional Dog Grooming Kit has everything you’ll need in order to give your dog a professional-looking cut.
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Accessory Range
As well as a durable titanium blade in a comfortable housing, you’ll also receive 4 guide combs, a pair of scissors, a thinning shear, a stainless steel comb, a nail file, a nail clipper, oil, and a cleaning brush.
3. Hansprou High Power Plug-in Pet Trimmer
Best Corded Clipper
PROS
- 5 blade levels
- 12V high-power motor
- 35-tooth blade
- Tough, aluminum alloy outer shell
CONS
- No accessories other than guards
If you would prefer one that you can plug into a wall socket, Hansprou High Power Plug-in Pet Trimmer would be a great option. It’s one of the most durable out there, with a tough aluminum alloy outer body. You’ll get a power cord that’s 9.8 feet long, allowing you plenty of freedom to move around.
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Great Features
Aside from the great range of motion, you’ll find 5 adjustable blade levels, a 35-tooth blade for more efficiency, and a ceramic non-moving blade for extra coolness while clipping. The blade is removable, to allow for easy cleaning.
The only downside is that there are no accessories with this clipper other than the 4 plastic guides. If you aren’t planning on doing anything fancy with your dog’s fur, this may not veen be a problem for you.
4. Hansprou High Power Dog Clipper
Best Battery
PROS
- Running time of up to 8 hours
- 5000 mAh Lithium Battery (4 x 1200mAh)
- 7000RPM motor
- 5-setting blade
CONS
- Only one speed
When using a cordless clipper, battery life is rather important. You don’t want your battery dying halfway through your pup’s cut!
Hansprou High Power Dog Clipper has an impressive battery life, running for up to 8 hours on a charge of 3 hours. Its tough battery is thanks to a 4-pack of 1200 mAh rechargeables, which should be included in the purchase.
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Impressive Motor
The battery life is all the more impressive when you consider that these clippers have a powerful motor that packs up to 7000 strokes per minute. You should be able to cut thick fur, remove knots or mats, and use it equally as effectively for large and small dogs (if you have another dog apart from your Shih Tzu!).
It is slightly surprising and unfortunate that the clipper only has one speed, though. But it scores points for its adjustable, 5-setting blade, which gives you all the cutting options you need when paired with the 4 guide combs.
5. Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit
Best Cordless Clipper
PROS
- Weighs just 7.0 ounces
- Comes with 2 rechargeable batteries
- 5-in-1 blades
- Up to 5500 strokes per minute
CONS
- It’s expensive in comparison to others
If you’d prefer a cordless clipper to one with a cable, Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit is the best you’ll find. Wahl is well renowned for being one of the biggest names in the industry, and this kit offers all you need to groom your fluffy dog perfectly – without the worry of tripping over a power cord.
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5-in-1 Blade Technology
One of the greatest features of these clippers is Wahl’s 5-in-1 blade technology. This piece of tech eliminates the need to switch blades out in order to get different cuts.
Their stainless steel blade can be adjusted to sizes 9, 10, 15, 30, and 40. This means you can trim your pup at exactly the right length you want every time, without ever having to take the blade off the clipper.
The Benefits of Cordless
This kit is a great investment if you specifically want a clipper without a cable. The pack comes with two rechargeable batteries and a charging stand. You can charge it fully in about 75 minutes, and you’ll get almost an hour and a half out of one charge.
A cordless clipper is safer than a cable one, with no risk of getting tangled. You’ll also have full range of motion and be able to walk around your dog completely to cut them from every angle.
6. Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
Best Semi-Professional Clipper
PROS
- Great color range
- Two-speed rotary motor
- Shatterproof outer housing
- 14-foot cord for ease of movement
CONS
- Pricey for no added accessories
- No blade adjustment feature
Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper is shatterproof, so they’re among the most durable you can find. They’re corded but feature an extra-long cable of 14 feet, meaning you can walk around as much as you want while clipping your pup.
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Features
A dual-speed motor with speeds of 3400 strokes per minute and 4400 strokes per minute make this a fairly powerful little tool.
The blade is non-adjustable, but it is removable so you can get rid of fur and dirt easily. We like the color variety – you can look stylish while grooming your pup!
7. oneisall Dog Clippers Professional Set
Most Quiet Clipper
PROS
- Slightly more than 50dB sound
- Handy battery indicator
- Adjustable, 5-setting blade
- 4 hour operating time on a charge
CONS
- If using the safety guard, they may be louder
Quieter is always better when it comes to grooming tools for your pet! Most dogs don’t particularly enjoy being groomed, and some may have bad associations if they’ve had negative experiences with groomers. When they hear that sound, they automatically begin to worry.
oneisall Dog Clippers Professional Set is our top choice for the most quiet clipper. It’s just over 50db, which is silent enough for your dog to be at ease.
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Good Features for the Price
Aside from being fairly silent, this clipper has some useful features. Arguably the best function is the easy-to-see battery life indicator, so you know exactly how much charge you have left. One charge (3 hours) should give you 4 hours of grooming time.
Charge it using the wall plug or the handy charging dock. With 2 speeds and 5 blade adjustments, these clippers should cover all your grooming needs and keep your dog safe while doing so.
8. Andis Excel Pro-Animal 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
Best Multiple Speed
PROS
- Anti-slip grip
- Ceramic edged blade
- Detachable blade
- Up to 4500 strokes per minute
CONS
- Quite pricey for just the clipper
Many of the clippers we’ve reviewed have a single speed setting only, with some of them having two. This clipper has 5 speed settings, which is significantly more than anything else we’ve found.
Andis Excel Pro-Animal 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper is great if you have multiple dogs, or if your Shih Tzu gets quite matted and you need to work on a variety of hair types.
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Clipper Features
You can get these clippers in 2-speed or single-speed options, but if you’re looking for variation, the 5-speed product is perfect.
The blade is detachable for easy cleaning, and is also ceramic-edged. This means it doesn’t get as hot as steel, which is safer and more comfortable for your dog.
9. Wahl Professional Deluxe U-Clip Pet Clipper & Grooming Kit
Best Warranty
PROS
- Up to 7200 strokes per minute
- 8-foot power cord
- Includes 7 color-coded guide combs
- Adjustable 3-setting blade
CONS
- Steel blade could get hot quickly
- Only one speed
Our best warranty product is Wahl Professional Deluxe U-Clip Pet Clipper & Grooming Kit, so it’s got the backing of an extremely reputable name in the industry. It’s a wide, comfortable one that feels good in the hand and is fairly light and easy to grip. The warranty is a 2-year limited warranty, and you also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Adjustable Blade
One of Wahl’s super features is that they offer adjustable blades. This one can be adjusted to three different settings: #10, 15, or 30. This eliminates the need to buy extra blades, and makes it easy to switch between sizes without having to physically remove blades from the clipper.
The blade is crafted from high-quality steel, which makes it incredibly durable. The downside is that it could become hot if you’ve been clipping your pup with it for an extended period of time, so you may need to invest in a cooling spray.
Powerful Motor
The speed on this little clipper is impressive, going up to 7200 strokes per minute. This is significantly higher than many others, making it great for thick, wiry, or curly fur and works on large or small dogs.
The kit is well-equipped, including a handy storage case, a styling apron, a styling comb, a stainless steel scissors, blade guard, 7 guide combs in various colors, and a useful instructional DVD.
10. Wahl Motion Pet Clipper
Easiest to Control Clipper
PROS
- Professional-grade
- Scissor grip included
- LED battery indicator
- Lightweight, 9.5 ounces
CONS
- Single speed only
- Expensive
Wahl Motion Pet Clipper is a professional-grade piece of equipment that will do the job properly. It only has a single speed, but the 5-in-1 adjustable blade, 6 attachment guide combs, cleaning brush, blade oil, and soft storage case make this a superb investment kit.
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Easy Control
This is the only clipper that comes with a scissor grip, which makes it easy for you to grip no matter which part of your pup you’re cutting at the time. This adds an extra element of stability and control to your grooming, reducing chances of accidental nicking or bumping.
Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Criteria #1: Materials
There are two aspects to consider here: the body of the clippers and the blades. The actual outer piece, which you will hold onto while you cut your dog’s hair, can be made out of anything from plastic to aluminum. We’ve considered the durability of the outer shell when rating these.
The more important of the two, though, is the material the blades are made of. The two most common are steel and ceramic, although other materials do show up sometimes. Steel gets hot quickly, while ceramic remains cool, although steel is a little more durable.
Both of them are high-quality and fairly durable. We’ve mentioned in each review what material the blade is made of, and why we’ve given it the rating we did.
Criteria #2: Accessories
Some of these will come as a fully kitted-out clipper set, complete with interchangeable blades, a pair of scissors, and a comb. Others come with just the clipper, and perhaps an extra blade.
We’ve specified which of these options come with what. Sometimes the clipper is all that’s necessary, but for someone who’s new to grooming their own dog, a kit is a great idea.
We have made every effort to be discerning when it comes to rating, as we’re aware that the lack of accessories doesn’t make the equipment worse quality!
Criteria #3: Powerful Motor
The more powerful the motor, the easier the blades will cut through fur without catching or pulling. The power of a motor is measured in strokes per minute.
If you keep on top of your Shih Tzu’s hair, you may not need a super powerful one. But if your pup has long, scruffy, matted, or thick fur, you would be better off going with something with a higher SPM.
We’ve spoken about each motor’s power and given it a rating accordingly.
Criteria #4: Speeds
Most clippers have two different speed options, one which will be more helpful with thick formatted fur, and one for easy sliding through thinner fur.
In some cases, you can find a clipper that has up to 5 speeds. We’ve made a note of how many speeds each of these has, and rated each product according to that.
Criteria #5: Affordability
Affordability is always a consideration for us here at Dog Embassy. We understand that not everybody can add a top-of-the-range clipper to their stash of dog-related stuff. Some of these things run into the hundreds of dollars!
If you can afford one of those, then we have an option for you on this list. But if not, we have plenty of more affordable choices, including our Best Value for Money product.
Questions & Answers
What should I look for when shopping for the best dog clippers for Shih Tzu dogs?
When looking for a set of clippers for Shih Tzus, there are a number of factors to consider to make sure you’re getting the right one for you.
Power
The more powerful the motor, the easier it will cut through thick or matted fur. If your Shih Tzu’s fur grows wild and free and mats easily, you’d be better off going for a more powerful motor. These are measured in strokes per minute, and the minimum you should be going for is 3000 or so.
Materials
You’d want to grab a pair of clippers that’s both safe and durable. The outer part will be in direct contact with your hand, and you don’t want it getting too hot or too heavy while you’re busy!
The second thing you should be considering is what material the blades are made of. Ceramic is a fantastic option as it stays cool and has no chance of burning your pup. It is more fragile, though, so you’d need to be extra careful with it.
Steel and titanium blades are also common, and are quite a bit more durable than ceramic. They do have the unfortunate tendency to get quite hot, though.
It’s up to you to decide which would work best for you and your dog. If you anticipate spending hours on your dog’s coat, it may be a better idea to go for ceramic. If you’re likely to only be doing quick, easy maintenance cuts, a steel blade would suffice.
Steel is the most common, though. Be aware that if you do decide to go with steel, you may need to stop halfway and let the blade cool down if your dog is a wild mop!
Interchangeable or Adjustable Blades
Detachable blades are helpful because you can change blade sizes. This is great for switching between larger, sweeping cuts and more fine detailed shaving. Another pro to detachable blades is that they cool down quicker when separated from the clippers.
Many new clippers come with a single blade that’s adjustable to various sizes. This is useful as you don’t have to remove and switch blades out, but you also wouldn’t be able to remove them to cool them down.
Some clippers have a single, non-adjustable blade that can’t be detached, but many come with interchangeables or adjustables. Again, it’s up to you to choose which would be best!
Corded or Cordless?
There’s nothing wrong with choosing a clipper that needs to be plugged into an outlet. These are usually more affordable, but cordless has its own advantages.
Corded clippers can be more difficult to maneuver around your pooch. If your Shih Tzu is amiable and you can move her around while you’re busy, it may be easier for you to keep the clipper in one place and move the dog.
If you’d prefer to stand your pooch in one place and move around him, then a cordless option may be best. It’s also slightly safer – no chance of tripping over cables! Most come with rechargeable batteries.
Speeds
Most clippers come with at least 2 speeds. Lower speeds will work well for gliding through thinner fur for more precise work. Faster speeds are great for cutting thicker, matted fur.
For most, two speed settings should suffice. If you’re interested in getting something that offers a bit more control, some clippers go up to 5 speed settings.
Noise
Some dogs get freaked out just hearing that clipper start up. If your dog is a tough, unfazed one, then you won’t need to worry about the noise your chosen clipper makes.
But if you have an anxious or skittish dog, you may want to look at a set of clippers that’s fairly quiet, in order to keep your pup’s anxiety to a minimum.
Can I use human hair clippers on my dog?
The short answer is no! While a human hair clipper would work on dogs with very thin coats, they would most certainly not work on fluffy dogs.
Dog clippers are created specifically for thicker, more matted fur. Human clippers usually have smaller motors, making them unsuitable for pups.
What are some safety tips for cutting my dog’s fur?
Here are some tips for giving your Shih Tzu a haircut as safely as possible:
Cut From Head to Toe
Cutting in the other direction can cause fur to snag as you’re cutting, causing a painful and uncomfortable experience for your dog. It’s also likely to be more difficult for you to cut effectively, as it will seem like the fur fights you every step of the way!
Don’t Pull!
If you’re new to cutting your pup’s fur yourself, it can be tempting to ull on the fur while you’re cutting. For some reason, this is a natural action! Clippers are designed to remove the fur without tugging at it, so there’s no need to pull.
It also causes pain and discomfort for your Shih Tzu, and creates bad associations when it comes to having their coat maintained. You really want this to be an easy and painless experience, so every time you need to cut them in the future, it’s not a fight and fear kind of situation.
Be Careful of Heat
When the motor runs at high speed for a while, it creates heat on the surface of the blade. This can be quite dangerous for your pup, and you may not even notice it if you aren’t keeping an eye out for it.
Not only can it cause them to panic, it can actually burn the skin and leave injuries. You should test the blade quite regularly on your own hand to make sure it isn’t too hot to be close to or up against your dog’s skin.
If it is very warm, the easiest way to deal with it is to change the blade and let the other one cool off. Cool the hot blade off by placing it on a cool sponge, or let it cool off naturally if you have some time.
You can also get cooling sprays, which will reduce the heat quickly. If you don’t have a cool blade or the spray isn’t working effectively, take regular breaks to let it cool off. Clean your dog’s ears, feed her a treat, or play for a few minutes while the blade cools down.
Remove Distractions
Of course, pay attention while you’re cutting. A simple distraction could result in your dog either ending up with a bald patch, or being injured by the blade.
Make sure you’re set up in a spot that’s relatively free from distractions. We definitely don’t advise trimming your pup’s fur in front of the TV!
Don’t Use The Same Blade Throughout (if possible)
If you have a clipper that has interchangeable blades, you may have noticed that there are differently sized and shaped blades. Some work best for large, sweeping cuts, while others are great for more detailed cutting work in tighter areas. Different sizes also work better for different hair lengths.
Maintain Your Clipper Properly
Make sure to look after your clippers and blades in between uses. Old, blunt, or rusted blades have more chance of causing injury as they don’t cut as effectively. Make sure there are no kinks in the cable if you have a corded clipper, and clean the clipper every time you give your pup a haircut. If fur gets stuck, it can compromise the clipper’s ability to do its job.
