Do I Need a Hair Clipper for My Cocker?

Cocker Spaniels have on the head short and fine coat, on the body – medium length, with enough undercoating to give protection. The ears, chest, abdomen and legs are well feathered, but not so excessively as to hide the Cocker Spaniel’s true lines and movement or affect his appearance and function as a moderately coated sporting dog. The texture is most important. The coat is silky, flat or slightly wavy and of a texture which permits easy care.

It’s best to bring your pup to a professional groomer. However, in some instances that we need to save money and time, it will be great to learn how to trim your dog at home. Investing in professional grooming tools like a clipper is a great way to make regular grooming a special bonding between you and your Cocker Spaniel. And now, we welcome you to our best hair clippers for Cocker Spaniel review where we tried different items and selected 3 best ones for this breed.

Best Hair Clippers for Cocker Spaniel – Overview and Rating

Author’s Choice

Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Clipper is the best dog clippers for Cocker Spaniel, as well as for other Spaniels with the same coat type. It works at 2 speeds: normal for most cutting needs and high: 25% faster for heavy coats. Super 2-Speed is 40% faster. This is a magnificent maintenance free device. It does not require any oiling or greasing of internal parts. Blade oil is included into the kit.

Some customers chose between UltraEdge and ProClip series – Andis AGC 2 speed clipper. In fact they are very similar, with the same functions and options, but the last one has less powerfull speed modes. Our tests proved better speed for UltraEdge, making it our choice for the Spaniel hair.

Features:

• Type: Pet grooming clipper
• Direct Purpose: For grooming dogs and cats
• Motor type: Rotary
• Number of speeds: 2
• Number of cuts per minute: 3400 / 4400
• Type of blade unit: Andis Ceramic Edge size 10, standard A5
• Cutting height: Size 10
• Material of the fixed part of the blade: Carbon steel
• Material of the active part of the blade: Ceramic
• Power supply: Corded only
• Body material: Polymer
• Motor type – Brushless
• High frequency of cutting
• Reduced vibration
• Very light weight
• Country of production: USA

Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Clipper Unboxing

What is in the Box

Lets first look at what’s written on the box. The box shows the clipper itself, it says it’s super powerful and suitable for all types of coats. On the back we see it comes with the clipper, adapters for worldwide outlets, the blade that comes with it and the oil. And now let’s have look inside.

The clipper comes in two versions: 2-speed and Super 2-speed, which differs in RPM.
Ours is Super 2-speed with higher rotational potential.

Design Key Features

At first glance, the clipper looks reliable and quite handy. There is a button to switch between the speeds. In the middle there is a small red button. This is the fuse. Therefore the button is under your hand, but nevertheless it does not move spontaneously thanks to the fuse. Pressing it with the finger is quite easy: it moves to one or the other position.

The Blade & Overheating Problem

The clipper comes with standard 1,5 mm, size 10 blade Andis UltraEdge Detachable Clipper Blade. It is detachable, so it is easy to change one blade for another, or for the identical one while working. If it gets hot, you don’t not wait for it to cool down, but remove the hot one and put exactly the same cold one. And we go on with the clipping. This is very convenient for groomers who have a lot of work. And for those whose dog has a dense coat, like Spaniels do. And working with them takes quite a lot of time.

If you replace Andis UltraEdge Detachable Clipper Blade with a ceramic one Andis CeramicEdge Carbon-Infused or similar, it slides better and therefore there is less friction. As a result – less overheating. It’s more durable and long lasting. Working at lower speed also reduces heating.

The blade is easy to remove for cleaning.

Clipper Body

The polymer body is shockproof, it’s not slippery, and it has a slightly textured surface, plus notches, pretty good in the hand.

The heavy-duty cord is 14″ long, with the adapter at the end. The adapter is not inside the clipper to firstly reduce the size of the body, secondly to reduce the weight of the clipper, and thirdly to reduce the heat.

For those who prefer cordless clippers to be more flexible, and can afford it, Andis has released Andis Pulse ZR II Cordless Clipper in Blue, or Andis Pulse ZR II in black and Andis Pulse ZR II Limited Edition Flora is coming soon. All clipper of Pulse ZR II series have 5 speeds in comparison to UltraEdge.

• Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Dog Clipper Review
• Andis Cordless Clippers for Dogs

People’s Choice

The Oster A5 Turbo Pet Clipper is powerful and fast. It is ideal for anybody who does a lot of clipping, or clipping of dense coats, which take more time than usual, like Spaniels. This clipper is used by many professional dog groomers and veterinarians. It has two speeds, turbo-charged, and you can pick how much intensity you need. You can choose among other Oster blades, or select from other top brands, compatible with the clipper.

You can buy a golden Oster A5 Turbo with a promo price.

For those who are ready to pay a little more for the upgrades, Oster presented its new Oster A6 Clipper (purple). It is also available in totally black, or black with blue stripe.

• Oster Turbo A5 Pet Clipper: Corded vs Cordless

Premium Choice

Wahl Professional Animal KM5 2-Speed Pet Clipper is perfect for grooming learners. The KM5’s two speed options permit to clip with a selected tempo while Wahl’s exclusive Constant Speed Control works quickly on tangles, mats and dense hair by automatically kicking in the necessary torque. Ergonomically designed fits comfortably in your hand. Low vibration and balance prevent wrist fatigue even for longer operation.

• Wahl Arco Dog Clipper
• DogCare Short & Sweet DLX – the 2022 First Smart Pet Clipper

Best Hair Clippers for Cocker Spaniel – Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to household use, quality, and price of clippers, there’s a big difference. Often pet grooming beginners look for reviews to help themselves in choosing the best option and that’s why a comparison review of dog clippers is created.

You should always be alert of some common problems about clippers: 

• There are fledgling models that have loud performance and it’s not suitable for dogs. 
• Clipping a dog’s hair takes time and some clippers overheat fast and you should take also take note of that when choosing a clipper. 
• You should carefully check the performance and cutting pressure because a weak execution greatly affects the results and will have huge consequences — in this case, the clipper will wrench more than cut and in some instances, clipping your dog will never be quick again.
• Another thing, choosing the low-quality clipper will put your dog in danger such as small injuries and the formation of inflamed skin. 

It’s better to learn all these things before choosing a clipper for your dog to save you and your dog from the hassle and risk.

Different Types of Electric Hair Clippers

• Corded Clippers
• Cordless Clippers
• Pet Trimmers

Professional dog clippers are divided into different models which are often used by professional dog groomers, vets, and pet parents who prefer clipping their dogs by themselves at home. A corded dog clipper is recommended for home use because clippers that are under 20-watts have a low performance to finish a thick Spaniel coat and it’s not enjoyable for you and your pet. 

Criteria of Choice of Best Electric Hair Clipper

• Power and cutting performance
• Loudness
• Ease of Use
• Sharpness of Clipper blades

Power and Cutting Force

Some clippers often fail to deliver the best performance, i.e, they have less cutting power. There are instances when the tool will pull the hair more than clipping and it makes the grooming session longer. That may result in the uneasy and anxious behavior of dogs when clipping. Cordless clippers should have a power of at least 20 watts to suffice the performance of clipping the thick coat of Cocker Spaniels. 

Loudness

The loudness of a clipper plays an important part when choosing the best clipper. The noise makes dogs uneasy especially when it’s their first time on the trimming table and they’re not aware of the grooming process. You must learn that once a dog is afraid of the noise, it will be harder for you to groom your dog. Modified noise-proof clippers with powerful performance will make your life easier during the grooming session. 

Ease of Use

Of course, it’s also important to buy a clipper that perfectly fits your hand. Fewer functions can also help you decide what clipper will suit you, especially if you’re just starting to learn pet grooming. 

Sharpness of Clipper Blades

It’s important to explore your dog’s coat thoroughly. How thick and long is your Cocker’s coat? Does it need regular clipping or partial trimming only? Choosing different blades depends on how you examine the coat. The blades should be sharp to clip fur neatly and if you’re a beginner, we recommend using a rounded blade to prevent sudden injuries.

There are shaving blades specially designated for different coat types and body areas. So, clippers with detachable blades are more preferred to make it easier when choosing suitable blades. Also, blade lengths make different patterns on the coat, long blades are good for matted hair. 

Cocker Spaniel Coat Texture

Cocker Spaniels shed on their own and grooming helps to make way for the new coat to grow. Daily grooming is necessary to prevent mats and tangled. Profound grooming, which includes hand-stripping and clipping, should be done every three months to stay for a Cocker Spaniel neat and well-groomed. 

Cocker Spaniel Grooming 

Read more in Сocker Spaniel Grooming Guide for Beginners.

Which Size Blade to Use on a Cocker Spaniel? 

Referring to the guide above, Cocker Spaniels are clipped using blades #10, #7F,#4F, or a combination of those blades. 

How To Use a Clipper

• Choose a peaceful place in your home. Finding a quiet place will be easier for you to groom your pet because of fewer distractions. Remember to prepare all the tools that you need in advance to groom your dog quickly. Choose a non-slip surface as much as possible and we recommend bringing another person to help you calm the dog with treats or rewards. 
• Do NOT forcibly hold your pet. This would definitely cause anxiousness and it will be difficult for you to groom him again.
• First and foremost, brushing and combing the coat is the first step. It will be easier to untangle hairs and first hairs naturally come off.
• Clipping through the coat is easier but in case, there are heavy mats, cutting it with scissors is much better. 
• Start shaving the neck down the torso carefully since these areas are easier to cut than others. Continue over the rest especially the chest and legs. 
• Make sure to cut on the direction of the coat
• Make sure to “shave through without slopes” to make it all even
• Be mindful of sensitive areas such as ears, head, paws, muzzle, and tail.
• After clipping, comb the coat again to remove loose hair, you might also notice by then that your pet is slowly relaxing while you comb the coat. 

How Do I Treat Cocker Spaniel’s Matted Hair?

It’s important to give to Cockers regular care (daily and every 3 months) to avoid matting. Otherwise it will cause terrible pain and discomfort. This may lead to inflammation. A proper and healthy diet also plays a big role on your dog’s coat. Giving him a quality pet food and a happy environment can prevent matting. However, if the matting is already there, you can just use a detangling spray and carefully comb and brush the coat daily until it loosens the tangles. 

Cocker’s Itching Skin after Clipping and Hand Stripping

Cocker’s sensitive skin may sometimes suffer from skin irritation after clipping and hand-stripping. If this happened, you can use medicated shampoos and sprays to moisturize the skin and prevent bacterial growth or inflammation. 

FAQ about Best Hair Clippers for Cocker Spaniel

Summary

There’s always a risk for the coat of your dog to become matted. To prevent pain while clipping, you need a sturdy pet clipper. Always check for the features such as battery life, ease of use, clipper blades, performance, and loudness. Short battery life causes a delay in the clipping process and it will make your dog uneasy in the long run or worse, several tweaks might cause injuries. Choosing the right clipper for your dog will not only benefit your pet, but also yourself. Plus, it will also serve as a special bonding between you and your dog. Pets are more comfortable with their owners rather than stranger groomers.