Choosing Ideal Dog Grooming Shear Type

For those who regularly groom dogs, whether in a professional format or just for their own pets, the proper grooming shears are very important for this process. They allow for the precise kinds of grooming you're looking for, for one, but also ensure comfort and proper wrist and arm health for groomers. 

At Scissor Mall, we're proud to offer a huge variety of dog grooming shears, from straight options like the Dirty Dog 4.5" Straight variety to several other types. What are these different types of dog grooming shears that are typically available on the market today, and which will be best for your needs? Here's a primer.

Straight Dog Grooming Shears

The most commonly-used type of shears for grooming dogs, as the name suggests, these are straight and feature a simple blade design. They're ideal for precise work and can be used for everything from trimming around the dog's face to more detailed work on the coat itself.

These shears can range from 4" options all the way up to 10" and even 12" options, giving you a lot of different choices in terms of blade size. If you're unsure of what size to choose, it's often best to err on the side of larger blades; you can always go back and trim more with smaller scissors if necessary, but you can't make large blades smaller!

Within longer straight shears, you'll typically see two varieties: Standard narrow shears and wider options. Standard narrow shears are best for detailed work and close trimming, while the wider blades can be better for larger dogs or those with thicker coats.

Curved Dog Grooming Shears

These shears have a curved blade design, which makes them ideal for around the face and ears of a dog. The curve allows you to easily reach these more delicate areas and gives you a bit more control than you'd have with a straight blade.

These shears typically range from 3" to 10", and they're often used to make certain cut types far easier. For example, the much-loved "poodle cut" on toy and miniature poodles uses a lot of curved shears to achieve its trademark look.

When considering curved shears, you'll also find two different varieties: Standard and offset. Standard curved shears have the blade and handle at the same level, while offset options have the blade slightly higher than the handle. This can be helpful for those with wrist issues or those who want more control over their cuts.

Thinning Dog Grooming Shears

For those who regularly groom dogs with thick coats, thinning shears are a must-have. They help to remove excess hair and make the coat more manageable, and they can be used on all types of dog breeds.

Thinning shears come in both straight and curved varieties, and they typically come with two separate blades that are both serrated, similar to a comb setup. This allows you to easily thin the coat without making any large cuts or taking off too much hair at once. These shears are also perfect for thinning coats out at the root, as they help to remove any excess bulkiness. You'll find both standard and offset thinning options to choose from when you're making your selection.

When considering thinning shears, it's important to find a pair that feels comfortable in your hand. You'll be using them for a long time, so you don't want them to cause any discomfort or fatigue during use.

Texturizing Dog Grooming Shears

Often similar to thinning shears, texturizing shears are designed to help remove excess hair but don't go as far as actually thinning the coat. This makes them perfect for removing dead hair and giving the dog a more polished look overall.

Texturizing shears come in both straight and curved varieties, and they typically have a single blade that's serrated. This allows you to easily remove hair without making any large cuts. As with all other types of shears, you'll find both standard and offset texturizing options to choose from.

When researching texturizing shears, consider the size of the blade. You'll want something that's not too small or too large, as this can make it difficult to do your job properly.

Blending Dog Grooming Shears

Another common need among dog groomers is blending shears. These shears are designed to help you seamlessly blend one cut into another, creating a more polished and professional look overall.

Blending shears come in both straight and curved varieties, and they typically have two blades that are both serrated. This allows you to easily blend one cut into another without making any large cuts or taking off too much hair at once. As with all other types of shears, you'll find both standard and offset blending options to choose from.

Chunker Dog Grooming Shears

Mainly used for dogs with heavy curls thick coats, chunker shears are designed to make large cuts quickly and easily. They're not as precise as other types of shears, but they're perfect for taking off a lot of hair at once.

Chunker shears typically have one blade that's serrated, and they come in both straight and curved varieties. There are both standard and offset chunker options to choose from, so be sure to choose the one that feels most comfortable in your hand.

Choosing More Than One

For many who groom dogs regularly, especially professionals in this industry, it's important to have more than one type of shear on hand. This allows you to easily switch between different styles and types of cuts as needed.

If you're new to dog grooming, it's a good idea to start with one type of shear and then slowly add to your collection as you become more comfortable with the process. You'll likely find that you have a preference for one type of shear over another, so it's important to experiment with different styles before making your final decision.

For more on how to choose between various dog grooming shear types, or to learn about any of our hair shears or grooming shears, contact the pros at Scissor Mall today.