Grooming a dog doesn’t follow the same process every time because there are many factors to account for when a grooming session starts. The bigger factors are size and breed, but you can also get into hair types and the dog’s personal preferences. Finding the best dog grooming shears is not an easy task, but we’re here to help!
Value Section
Be wary of any deal on shears that seems too good to be true. While professionals may spend $100 or less on clippers, shears are a different story. Shears are multifunctional, offer increased mobility and if they’re of cheaper quality will need regular replacing. Consider these factors before making your purchase!
Shears V. Scissors and What’s the Difference?
Many people say scissors and mean shears, or will say shears and mean scissors. There are a few reasons behind the confusion between which word to use, but we promise, there isn’t a difference. Scissors typically have straight edges and come to a sharp tip. Many professionals will stay away from using scissors with dogs because it can quickly become dangerous for both the person and the pup.
Typically, scissors are only used in show settings were the dogs have become very comfortable and relaxed around their groomers. In every home, or even grooming salon setting people to use shears. Shears have a few variations and a few downfalls when compared with scissors.
First, the most common shear looks just like scissors, has a straight edge, but a rounded tip. The rounded tip is a great safety feature, but it affects how the haircuts. Another variation of shears are thinning shears which will have one straight-edge, and the other edge will have teeth like a comb. Thinning shears will not cut a straight edge, that is not their function.
Round-Edged Shears or Thinning Shears?
Although it will eventually come down to stylistic preference, you will need both and the best value will be in purchasing a set. Thinning shears are great for creating more subtle transitions around your dog’s face and are necessary for creating that standard teddy bear frame.
But, round-edged or round-tipped shears offer more safety and straighter lines when cleaning up around the eye and nose area. If you hear that a person “clipped” they are referring to the use of shears while “trimming” refers to the use of clippers which can be very confusing for most people. Both round-edged shears and thinning shears are vital in removing the dead ends from a dog’s coat.
Are Shears Right for Your Breed?
Some breeds will simply never need an actual cut on their coat. Breeds such as boxers, dachshunds, and Bulldogs have a smooth coat that will naturally remain short, and it should naturally lay down neatly. For breeds with smooth short hair, regular brushing will do, and it’s best to avoid using shears.
Dogs with curly coats such as poodles or even Labradors will need brushing, trimming and occasional clipping. The downside of using clippers with dogs that have really curly hair is that you could leave a very blunt end across different layers of coat producing not only a bad look but also a great environment for the hair to mat and tangle.
Finally, we hit the breeds that really do benefit from the use of shears, and these breeds range from dogs that naturally have long coats and wire-haired breeds. Wirehaired breeds do better with shears because the groomer can give a more detailed, and uneven pattern to the cut versus using clippers. While breeds that traditionally have long hairstyles benefit from the use of shears for the same reason. Allowing the groomer to give more attention to detail and an uneven or at least not straight cut can let the hair lay more naturally.
Top 5 Dog Grooming Shears
1. iSeaFly dog Grooming Kit with 5 Grooming Shears
- Set of 4 shears with guiding comb
- Right-handed
iSeaFly has put together a complete grooming kit that will help any pet parent of a wired hair or long hair breed get the hang of grooming. The four different shears allow you to work with three different lengths and has a set of thinning shears for transitioning as well.
We love that this complete kit offers a wide range of lengths to work with. Many people who are new to grooming may try to use the same shears for all variety of regions during grooming, typically because they don’t want to purchase multiple shears. That’s not the case here!
The downside is that the quality of the blade is lacking. These are great shears to learn with as they are rounded tipped and there are two “straight” options as well as a curved set and a thinning set.
The best thing about this set is that it is a set, there’s two straight-ish shears, a rounded set of shears, and thinning shears. The comb is also great for detangling and working your way through mats or wire hair.
The set here, however, won’t last you for more than a year tops, and the blades aren’t great for sharpening either. Ideally, you’ll use this shear set if your dog is skittish or doesn’t deal well with the sound of clippers. But, you can also use these as primary tools to shaping and styling your pet.
2. Pet Magasin Grooming Shear Kit
- $Stainless steel
- Two sizes
Marketed as scissors, it says it right there on the packaging, but grooming shears (which it also says on the packaging) this set is great for when you know exactly what you need. The two sizes here are six inches and six and a half inches in length.
The sizes ranging from six to six and a half inches in length are great for the traditional styles of poodles, Yorkies, and many terrier breeds. If you’re looking to break into sculpting and shaping the style of your pet’s hair this is the standard size to work with.
The downside here is that there’s not a lot of room for learning of different sizes. If you are only grooming one dog, then this is a great value, but if you’re working on more than one pup, you’ll find that there’s not much versatility.
Although Pet Magasin has gotten lost in the jargon or word choice issue in the grooming industry, these shears are an excellent choice if you know what style you’re going for. The rounded tip is perfect for ensuring that you and your pet are safe during the grooming process.
If you’re new to the grooming practice and haven’t used these sized before, this size is excellent for shaping near the face, ears, and paws. While you can “eye” each cut, it is always better to work with a fine tooth comb.
3. Scaredy Cut Tiny Trim by Small Pet Grooming
- Round-tipped
- Safe trimming
- Ambidextrous
Aptly named, these tiny scissors do the trick for cleaning up around small areas of skittish dogs such as their paws, muzzle, and ears. There’s some debate when it comes to handling grooming with skittish dogs, but for some breeds, they need the grooming whether they like it or not.
The size here is perfect, and the round tip is a great confidence booster for at-home groomers. If you know that your pet doesn’t like grooming and want to take care of it yourself, you will benefit from these short and narrow scissors.
The downside is that if you need any other size, you’ll have to buy it individually. When we mentioned the value of shears, in the beginning, we identified that a kit would be best for anyone just starting.
Scaredy Cut Tiny Trim scissors are a great addition to any groomers collection of shears. They are pet-friendly and using them is effortless. Additionally, they make a great addition to any left-handed person’s shear set. The rounded tips are a great safety feature.
4. AEXYA Premium Lady Dog Grooming Scissor Kit
- Two shears
- One pair of scissors
AEXYA shears are a great starting point for any new groomer, but you’ll benefit from these because of the thinning shears. The stainless steel will keep its edge for a long time which is amazing considering the price!
Overall this kit is a great value. We have decent blades, with some variety. The kit is a great starting place for anyone new to using shears during them at-home grooming, but not of professional quality.
There’s nothing to dislike about this set, you’re getting a great value for this price, and there’s not much more you could ask for. The scissors aren’t great for beginners and are best avoided.
If you know what you’re doing, this set is great. There’s a lot of value in this shear set for someone who knows their way around scissors and dogs. But, if you aren’t sure or comfortable with handling non-rounded tip scissors around your pup, it’s best to avoid the scissors.
You’re getting two shears and a pair of scissors for $21. So, you’re getting more than what you’re paying for, but if you lack anything from this set, it’s that it’s not meant for beginners.
5. Rubold Professional Dog Grooming Shears with Stainless Steel Rounded Tip Kit
- Three shears
- Detangling Comb
Rubold is a well-known name and produces high-quality blades. Although this is a smaller set than others listed here, these blades will outlast much of the competition! The grip is comfortable, and the rounded tip allows you to more safely navigate around delicate areas such as your little one’s paws and face.
We love the durability of these blades. Because shears are usually used on thick or wiry hair, it’s common for blades to dull quickly. Not only will these blades hold their edge for longer, but they will also be easier to sharpen.
There’s nothing to dislike here. The overall kit is a great value. You’re getting three shears for about $30 which is pretty consistent among the better brands.
Rubold offers an option for beginners and professionals with these rounded tip shear kit. The kit includes straight shears of varying lengths and a set of thinning shears to help taper, edge, and blend your cuts for an overall style that suits your dog and their breed.
The non-slip finger cushions sit easily in the grip holes and allow for extra support, so you’re not straining your hand to keep a grip on the shears. The long life of the blade and the various lengths make this purchase a great value!
The Clear Winner…
The Rubold Professional Grooming Shears Set with Stainless Steel Rounded Tip Shears is the best dog grooming shears available. These shears are regularly used throughout grooming salons and will hold up through years of use on even thick or wiry haired dogs.
If you’re trying to style a curly, thick or wiry-haired dog at home, you should seriously consider this kit as a good starting point. The blades are professional quality, while the price is reasonable! The thinning shears are without a doubt the best value in the kit. The thinning shears taper off for easy blending, while the curved shears are great for framing a teddy bear or puppy cut face.
The shorter shears are best for spot-trimming, touching up a style or removing mats. The comb is useful for detangling and combing out the hair prior to brushing. Depending on the breed of your fur baby you may need to fully comb out their coat and undercoat before using any shears. Otherwise, you’ll find that the two coats are uneven and will mat consistently. This set is a great way to combat the common mishaps of grooming at home!
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