Grooming Terriers: A Guide to blades and clipper sizes

Which blade for which dog? From giant Airedale to dainty teacup Yorkie, here are the blades you need for your terrier

If you’ve been searching terrier grooming forums and reviews for blade and equipment tips, there’s a good chance you’re even more confused than before you began.

Finding the right equipment to groom your terrier at home is not as clear-cut (pun intended) as it should be, but really, is that so surprising? You know your pooch is special, so why wouldn’t his coat be too?

This partly explains how come different groomers often suggest different blades for the same breed. Simply put, there is no perfect, one-size-fits-all solution, which is why the Scottie News has come to the rescue to put together the best possible guide for grooming your terrier. First off, a couple of tips:

Tip number one: Blade Size

The higher the blade number, the closer the cut.

Tip number two: Oster or Andis?

Truthfully, it’s six of one,half a dozen of the other. Some people choose Oster while others opt for Andis. To the knowledge of the Scottish Terrier and Dog News, no scientific poll has ever been conducted, but based on our readers stated preferences and all the other info out there, we’re calling it a 50/50 split, which is why we’re featuring both of the big two dog clipper brands.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s begin in alphabetical terrier order.

Airedale Terrier

Best clippers:

Oster 78005-140 Golden A5 2-Speed Clippers or Andis 22360 AGC Super 2-Speed Professional Animal Clipper with Locking Blade

Best blades:

For the body: #5, #7 or #7F (F is for fine)

For the stomach: #10

For the face, ears and neck: #7F , #9 or #10

For the tail: #4 or #5

For the pads: #15

Cairn Terrier

Best clippers:

Oster 78005-140 Golden A5 2-Speed Clippers or Andis 22360 AGC Super 2-Speed Professional Animal Clipper with Locking Blade

Best blades:

For the body: #4 or #3¾

For the stomach: #10

For the face: scissors are best

For the ears: #10 or #15

For the pads: #15

Jack Russell Terrier

Best clippers:

Oster 78005-010 Golden A5 Single-Speed Clippers or Andis 22215 2-Speed Detachable Plus Pet Clipper

Best blades:

For the body: #7F (F is for Fine)

For the face: #15

Scottish Terrier

Best clippers:

Andis 22340 AGC 2-Speed Detachable-Blade Small-Animal Clipper or Oster 78004-011 Powermax 2-Speed Clippers

Best blades:

For the body: #4 or #5

For the head, neck and ears: #10

For the tail: #3¾ or #3 ¾F (F is for Fine) or #4

For the pads: #15

West Highland Terrier

Best clippers:

Oster 78005-140 Golden A5 2-Speed Clippers or Andis 22360 AGC Super 2-Speed Professional Animal Clipper with Locking Blade

Best blades:

For the body: anywhere between #3 and #7 but the most used are #3¾, #4 and #5F (F is for fine)

For the head, stomach and tail: scissors or #7F

For the ears: #10 or #15

Yorkshire terrier

Best clippers:

Oster 78005-140 Golden A5 2-Speed Clippers or Andis 22360 AGC Super 2-Speed Professional Animal Clipper with Locking Blade

Best blades:

For a puppy cut, a longer style, which will leave about a half an inch of hair: #3¾ or #3 ¾F (F isfor Fine) or #4

For the body and stomach: #7 or #7F (F is for fine) or #10

For the face and ears: #10 or #15

For the pads: #15