Top Factors in Choosing Ideal Dog Grooming Shears

Whether you're a professional dog groomer or just someone who wants to have the very best materials for your pup's grooming needs, the selection of the shears used for their grooming is one of the top factors you'll need to consider. There are a variety of dog shears out there on the market today, with several variables to think about when choosing between them. 

At Scissor Mall, we're proud to offer a wide range of dog grooming hair shears, from the Dirty Dog black thinners to swiveling, chunking and many other types of dog shears. What are the top variables you should be considering while choosing between our huge selection here? Let's go over a number of important factors.

Right-Handed or Left-Handed Dog Grooming Shears?

First and foremost, you'll want to determine whether you require right- or left-handed shears for dog grooming. While the answer here will usually be the same as your dominant hand for other daily activities, there are some cases where this is not the case.

In either situation, you have plenty of options. There are many grooming shears adapted for left-handers, featuring a longer arm designed to make the blades easier for lefties to reach. You'll also find that many of our shears are specifically adapted for right-handers, featuring shorter arms and more comfortable grips designed to fit a dominant hand better. If you're not sure which kind is best for you, or if you don't know your dominant hand, one of our product experts will be happy to assist you.

Scissor Lengths for Dog Grooming Shears

Next, it's important to think about the length of scissor that will best match your requirements as a professional dog groomer or pet owner. There are several options in this area as well. You'll want to think about blades with different widths, available in both 4" and 5" lengths. Dog hair shears of this length are generally of the best quality for advanced dog grooming, allowing you to cut through thicker coats more easily than shorter scissor sizes. They also provide added leverage, making it easier to cut through thick dog hair with these longer blades.

For a slightly more budget-friendly option, shorter shear lengths may also be an option. These typically include 2" and 3" options designed for basic tasks like nail trimming or bathing your pet. If you're only looking to use your dog grooming shears for less complex grooming tasks, a shorter blade may be the right choice.

Metal Quality for Dog Grooming Shears

Another vital factor to consider for any new pair of dog grooming shear is the material used during manufacturing. In general, metal types used for these shears include carbon stainless steel and high-carbon stainless steel.

High-carbon steel grooming shears tend to provide a stronger edge for long-lasting durability and easier cutting through thick dog hair. On the other hand, carbon stainless dog grooming shears are often better for cutting more delicate pet hair. Either way, it's essential that any pair you choose is made from high quality materials that will be durable and comfortable to use.

The Size of the Dog(s)

While there are several other important variables as well, don't forget to consider the size of the dog, or dogs, you'll be grooming regularly. If you're looking for a pair of shears to use on your German Shepherd or other large dog breed, you'll probably want to invest in grooming shear blades around 4" in length. For smaller dog breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians, however, shorter grooming shears may work better.

In either situation, it's important to consider how often you'll use the shears and their added weight when determining your ideal choice of length. It's also vital to know the areas of the dog you plan to groom; for instance, if the dog is question is large, but you only plan to groom areas like their hind legs, around their face or near their ears, you will usually do better with shorter blades even despite the larger size of the dog.

Dimensions of Your Hands and Fingers

Groomer comfort is vital in multiple ways within this field, from offering the dog the best grooming experience to keeping the groomer pain-free and avoiding overuse injuries. Those with long fingers, for instance, should generally choose a longer handle for their shears. The longer handle will provide more leverage, and the added reach will also make it easier to cut through thicker dog hair.

If you have shorter fingers, on the other hand, a slightly smaller shear with a shorter handle is probably your best option for comfort. This is because a handle that's too long will cause you to open your thumb far too wide while cutting, which will lead to discomfort, lower-quality grooming and even the risk of long-term injury.

Price as a Factor for Dog Grooming Shears

As with many dog grooming supplies, there are many different options in terms of price range for quality grooming shears. Professional groomers, naturally, will usually be perusing the upper range of shear options; those just looking to make the home grooming experience a bit more fun and comfortable might do just fine with lower-budget options.

For more on choosing the ideal dog grooming shears for any need you may have, or to learn about any of our hair shear products and services, speak to the staff at Scissor Mall today.