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The Ultimate Schnauzer Clippers & Grooming Guide

Of the many breeds we get asked for advice about, the Schnauzer and Schnauzer crosses are one of the most frequent. If your dog has a Schnauzer type coat, this guide is for you. It covers clippers, blades, coat type, coat lengths, coat prep, trimmers vs clippers, brushes, shampoo, video tutorials & more.

Glossary:

What type of coat do Schnauzers have?

Schnauzers may not get their adult coat till around 10 months old or later. It may not look it, but the Schnauzer coat is actually a thick, mixed texture, double coat. If you won’t be hand stripping (most pet Schnauzers are not hand stripped), then a deshedding tool is ideal for the Schnauzer coat. It thins out that soft, dense undercoat and reaches through the top coat, great for relief from the heat summer, for pulling out stuck undercoat, to use before you clip so your blades don’t ‘chew’ the coat, and to thin out areas prone to knots. It won't replace hand-stripping, but will help maintain a more correct Schnauzer coat texture. A deshedder does not cut or shorten the top coat, so you still need to clip if you want the coat short.

The longer hair on a Schnauzers legs can be particularly prone to matting. This area as well as longer hair on the tummy and the beard, should all be brushed with a slicker brush anywhere from daily (if knot prone), to twice weekly for normal maintenance and to prevent knots (if you like to keep those areas long).

How do you know if clippers are rated for the Schnauzer coat?

Clippers roughly come in 4 levels: light use, medium duty, heavy duty and super duty. The Schnauzer coat ideally needs super duty level, but if budget doesn't allow for that level, and you keep the coat knot-free and regularly use a deshedder, then a heavy duty clipper will cope fine also.

Multi-speed clippers are ideal, either a standard 2 speed or one of the newer 5 speed models. That gives you a lower speed for general clipping, and a high speed in reserve for thicker, more difficult or matted areas (use clippers on the lowest speed possible as this will keep your blade cooler for longer).

If a clipper doesn't specifically mention being 'super duty' then it might say something like 'for full body clipping' for 'thick, difficult or matted coats' which is what you want. It may also make specific mention of 'wire, mixed texture or double coats'. What you don't want though is a 'light use' or 'medium duty' rated clipper, or one that says it's for 'touch ups only' or for 'trimming only' as that tells you it's not rated for full body clipping for a Schnauzer's mixed texture, double-coat.

There are a lot of clipper models to choose from that are rated for the Schnauzer coat, so don't leave clippers out just because they are not listed below. Here's a starter list below of our best sellers that are rated for the Schnauzer coat. There are more though, so you can use this guide to compare any clippers.

Best clipper models for Schnauzers

Before you buy: Know what A5 means! If the clipper description says it's an A5 model (or A5 style or A5 type), that tells you the clipper is compatible with the most blades and accessories possible, and that you can mix and match different brands. For example, you could use a Wahl universal comb attachment, on a Heiniger blade, on your Andis clippers! The clippers below are ALL current best sellers, ALL rated for the Schnauzer coat, and ALL universal A5 models.

Corded clippers

[product=andis-agc-brushless-super-2-speed-cobalt]
Introducing the Andis UltraEdge AGC Brushless in the Super 2 Speed model, in a stunning cobalt blue design. This upgraded rotary-motor clipper is lighter, quieter, and more powerful thanks to its new-tech brushless motor. Perfect for full-body clipping for all dog coat types and horses, it's super duty-rated. Included is the Andis CeramicEdge #10 blade, valued at over $60. Compatible with all brands of universal comb attachments and standard A5 blades, this universal A5 model clipper ensures versatility for various coat lengths, from under 3mm to over 3cm.
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[product=wahl-km10-2-speed-brushless-clipper]
Meet Wahl's KM10, the top-rated corded model in the Wahl KM series, featuring a cutting-edge brushless motor for enhanced performance on tough coats. Lighter, quieter, and more powerful, it's a favorite among professionals seeking durable tools. Engineered for super duty full-body clipping across all coat types, including heavily matted ones, for dogs, cats, and horses. With Constant Speed Control ensuring consistent torque, it effortlessly tackles thick coats and felted knots. Featuring two speeds and weighing just 350gms, it comes complete with a 10 blade, brush, oil, hard carry case, and four stainless steel comb attachments.
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[product=andis-excel-5-speed-clipper-gloss-black]
Introducing the Andis Excel 5-Speed clipper: lighter, quieter, and more powerful at just 362 grams. Its robust rotary motor ensures durability. With five adjustable speeds and minimal heat, it's perfect for all grooming tasks, even for larger dogs and thick coats. The soft-grip, anti-slip housing enhances comfort, while its quiet operation makes it ideal for anxious pets. From gentle grooming to tough mats, it offers versatility with adjustable speeds from 2,000 to 3,800 SPM. Complete with a size #10 Andis UltraEdge detachable blade, it fits all A5 blades.
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5 speed or 2 speed? Most clippers are 2 speeds, however some newer models are now available in 5 speeds. 5 speed clippers have the same top 2 speeds as a standard clippers, but provide 3 lower speeds. Lower speeds are used to reduce speed, heat and noise, for delicate areas, very noise-sensitive or touch-sensitive dogs, and to help blades run cooler for longer. You still have the same top speeds in reserve for very thick or difficult areas.

For more help comparing corded models, you can also read our Corded Clipper Comparison Guide here.

Cordless clippers

[product=andis-pulse-zr-ii-cordless-galaxy-edition]
Introducing the Andis Pulse ZR II cordless clipper in the Galaxy edition, a top seller. Featuring Lithium-ion removable batteries for continuous grooming, it offers 5 speeds from 1,800 to 3,800 SPM, catering to all coat types including matted and thick coats. With a 2-hour charge time per battery and a 3-hour runtime, it ensures uninterrupted use. Ideal for cats, dogs, horses, and livestock, it operates quietly on lower speeds and comes with a #10 blade, compatible with all standard A5 blades.
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[product=heiniger-saphir-cordless-1-battery-purple]
The Heiniger Saphir is a lightweight, cordless single-speed clipper designed for comfort and efficiency. With 120 minutes of runtime from just a 60-minute quick charge, it's equipped with the latest Lithium Ion battery technology, ensuring a longer battery life without memory retention issues. It weighs 440 grams, and provides powerful clipping experience despite having only one speed. Included in the package is a #10 Heiniger detachable blade, one battery pack, charger, 12-month NZ warranty, full-size Heiniger Oil, and a cleaning brush.
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[product=heiniger-opal-cordless-2-speed-with-1-battery]
Introducing the Heiniger Opal, the latest addition to the Heiniger range. This newer-tech clipper features 2 speeds, a brushless motor for enhanced performance, and is both lighter and quieter, ensuring a comfortable grooming experience. With a longer runtime of up to 4 hours on low speed and 3 hours on high speed, powered by the included battery, groomers can rely on uninterrupted operation. Additional Heiniger Opal Batteries are available separately for extended runtime. Weighing just 415 grams and emitting only 59dB of noise, it offers exceptional versatility and ease of use.
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For help comparing cordless models: Check the features to help you compare, such as whether they have removable / replaceable batteries for charging / replacing, or whether you need to plug in the clipper itself when it runs out of charge (if it's the type without removable / replaceable batteries). Compare run-time and charge time. Whether they come with 1 or 2 batteries. The cost of buying extra batteries later. Whether they come with a case or not. Whether the battery / clipper has a charge indicator or not. It's not a 'right or wrong' for each of these considerations, as it depends on personal preference and intended use. For more information, you can also read our Cordless Clipper Comparison Guide here.

What else do I need to buy when getting clippers?

All clippers listed above come with a blade included free. You'll normally get given a standard size 10 blade with your clippers. However they do not come with shorter or longer blades, or comb attachments, so you order those separately to match the length/s you want the coat to be. With most clippers you'll also need oil and coolant. You'll also typically want at least one comb attachment or one longer blade. See more below about blades, comb attachments and coat lengths to help you decide.

[product=andis-clipper-blade-oil-118ml]
Grooming essential for all clipper and trimmer blades. For use on all brands of blades, and grooming scissors. Always oil before you clip, after applying coolant, and after cleaning. Only store an oiled blade. Lubricates, reduces blade and clipper wear and tear, protects from rust.
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[product=andis-cool-care-plus-spray-439g]
The Andis Cool Care Plus blade spray is a 5 in 1 formula that serves as a lubricant, disinfectant, coolant, cleaner and rust preventive with a country-fresh scent. Designed to enhance clipping action, reduce friction and help to preserve your blades. Special SureGrip™ sculpted can is easy to hold and the high pressure nozzle sprays hair out of blade teeth with ease.
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How long will a blade stay sharp?

There are so many factors that there isn't an easy answer to that question. However you can get standard steel blades sharpened when they become dull or blunt, rather than having to buy new blades every time. Ceramic blades stay sharper up to 5 times longer than full steel blades, but when ceramic blades eventually become dull or blunt, you can't get that blade type sharpened. You can get both ceramic or steel blades for all the A5 model clippers listed above. Do take care with your coat prep though, as poor prep will dull a blade very fast (sometimes within minutes instead of weeks or months). Read more about coat prep below to avoid causing your blade to become blunt earlier than it should.

For more information on correct coat preparation, check out our guide: 4 Steps to Successful Grooming

Trimmers for Schnauzers

Many Schnauzer owners also get themselves a trimmer to use on the feet, between paw pads, around the face, inside the ears, in between the eyes, around the rectum and genitals (called a ‘sanitary trim’ or 'sanitary prep'). Trimmers don't replace clippers - they are not rated for full body clipping - and trimmers are never A5 models as they have a smaller blade width than clippers, so each trimmer has it's own blades made for that model.

Full-size clippers can also be used for these smaller, more sensitive areas if you prefer, however factors to consider include: how noise, vibration and touch sensitive the dog is, whether you want to go cordless for tricky areas or if you want a smaller blade to get to difficult areas more easily with the lowest risk of injury. Trimmers are especially handy for Miniature Schnauzers with everything being that much smaller!

If your dog is anxious about being groomed or touched in certain places, a trimmer is ideal for anywhere sensitive as trimmers are much lighter, smaller and quieter than clippers. A trimmer's much narrower blade width makes access to tricky or delicate areas a lot easier, also reducing the risk of injury, ideal if you're a beginner.

MINI Trimmers

Mini's have around a 3cm blade width. Ideal for all size Schnauzers, but especially for Miniature Schnauzers.

Higher quality models:

[product=heiniger-style-trimmer-mini]
Introducing the Heiniger Saphir Style MINI Trimmer, a compact yet powerful tool designed for professionals. With a narrow 30mm blade and adjustable comb attachment, it's perfect for intricate trimming on all breeds, particularly toy and small breeds. Its unique head angles ensure precise cutting, while its lightweight design and low vibration make it ideal for noise-sensitive or anxious pets. Cordless with up to 120 minutes of continuous clipping and a quick 60-minute recharge time, it's a versatile choice for creative styling.
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[product=wahl-bravmini-trimmer-sapphire]
Introducing the Wahl Brav Mini+ Trimmer, a cordless grooming tool in a stylish sapphire blue design. Offering up to 100 minutes of runtime from a 120-minute recharge, it's quiet, lightweight, and cool-running. Perfect for delicate trimming on all breeds and coats, including ears, eyes, paws, and sanitary areas, it's ideal for anxious or noise-sensitive pets. Providing cordless convenience for precise grooming in tricky spots, it's a must-have complement to your full-size clippers.
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Budget-Friendly Option:

[product=shernbao-waterproof-mini-trimmer]
The Shernbao Waterproof Mini Trimmer is perfect for precision trims in small areas like paw pads, face, eyes, and ears. With an ergonomic design and built-in LED light, it ensures accuracy. Completely waterproof for easy cleaning and wet trimming. Powered by a Lithium Battery with a quick 1.5-hour charge time and 2.5-hour running time,
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MIDI Trimmers

MIDI Trimmers have a medium width blade, around 4cm. This size is popular as a first clipper for all-over use for a Schnauzer puppy before they get their adult coat (while their coat is still thin and easy to clip) and can then be used as a trimmer on the adult coat.

High Quality Models:

[product=andis-vida-cordless-5-in-1-trimmer-clipper-raspberry]
The Andis Vida Cordless 5 in 1 Trimmer and Clipper in vibrant Raspberry red is designed for comfort with a slim, lightweight build and ribbed housing for a secure grip. It's the perfect mid-size tool between a mini trimmer and full-size clipper. Featuring an easily adjustable 5 in 1 blade with five coat lengths from 0.25mm to 2mm and a custom corrosion-resistant gold coating, it ensures precise grooming. With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery offering 90 minutes of cordless runtime from a 60-minute charge, it provides flexibility for corded or cordless use. Complete with 6 plastic comb attachments, USB-C charging adapter cord, weighted charging stand, cleaning brush, and starter oil, it's a versatile grooming solution.
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[product=wahl-bravura-sapphire]
The Wahl Bravura Lithium Cordless 5 in 1 Clipper and Trimmer in Sapphire is a lightweight and versatile grooming tool. Sitting between a mini trimmer and full-size clipper, it's known as a midi. Featuring the unique Wahl 5 in 1 adjustable blade, it eliminates the need for multiple blades, offering convenient length adjustments on-the-go. Weighing just 300 grams, it's smaller, lighter, and quieter than traditional clippers, making it perfect for anxious pets. With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery providing 90 minutes of cordless runtime from a 60-minute charge, it offers flexibility for corded or cordless use. Complete with 6 comb attachments, charger, cord, brush, and oil
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[product=wahl-harmony-5-in-1-cordless-clipper-and-trimmer-with-starter-kit]
The Wahl Harmony 5 in 1 Cordless trimmer, with a stunning gold sheen, is a versatile grooming tool. Weighing 275 grams, it's perfect for anxious pets and offers a 2.5-hour runtime. Its 5-in-1 blade eliminates the need for separate blades, and it includes a starter kit for 9 coat lengths. The Smart Monitoring LCD display tracks runtime and maintenance needs. Plus, it comes with a zippered carry case and Wahl blade oil.
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Budget-Friendly Options:

[product=codos-trimmer-cp9200]
Introducing the upgraded Codos Trimmer, model CP-9200, now equipped with a Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. Compared to the previous Codos 6800 model, it has double the battery lifetime, a shorter 1.5-hour charge time (down from 3 hours), and a longer 2-hour runtime (increased from 50 minutes). This affordable, mid-size, cordless trimmer is suitable for all coat types.
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[product=shernbao-smart-midi-trimmer-pgc-560]
The Shernbao Cordless Smart Midi Trimmer is a versatile grooming tool that bridges the gap between mini trimmers and full-size clippers. With a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery providing a 3-hour runtime from a 2-hour recharge, it's suitable for all coat types and breeds. Included in the starter kit are an adjustable blade for coat lengths from 1mm to 12mm, 4 comb attachments, and starter-size oil.
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Blade guide for the Schnauzer coat

Check your clipper model first. If you have an A5 model clipper of any brand, then every blade in the sizes below will fit your clippers, and you can mix and match brands. With A5 models, an Andis blade can go on a Wahl clipper, a Geib blade on an Andis clipper, a Wahl comb attachment on an Andis blade, and so on.

Popular Schnauzer blade lengths

Shorter coat lengths (up to 1cm)

10 blade The ‘standard blade’. Comes free with most clippers. Leaves the coat just under 2mm when used by itself, longer depending on the direction you clip the coat. Also fits all universal comb attachments for coat lengths from under 3mm to over 3cm.

Body, face, tail feet: A 10 is typically used by itself for the Schnauzer body, face, tail and feet. As the Schnauzer coat uses a 10 blade more than other breeds tend to, you may want to get a back-up 10 blade now or later, for use when your main blade is away being sharpened, or to swap between blades when they get too hot. If you rely on one blade only, keep in mind it will become dull or blunt sooner, so will need sharpening or replacing more often, plus it would be handy to have coolant on hand, as you wouldn't be able to swap for a cool blade mid-clip if needed. There are longer body length blade options also, coming up below.

[product=andis-ultraedge-size-10-blade-1-5mm]
The Andis UltraEdge Size 10 blade leaves the coat 1.5 mm. This A5 blade fits all brands of A5 model clippers. Made of high-quality stainless steel, it can be re-sharpened over and over.
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Legs: You'd normally scissor Schnauzer legs and keep them long, but you can use a comb attachment for the legs if preferred, or keep them short using a blade instead.

IMPORTANT before you buy any longer blade > Unless you are experienced or trained using them, only get the finish cut version in any blade longer than a 10. Longer blades - such as sizes 3, 4, 5 and 7 - come in two versions, skip tooth (ST) where every other tooth is shorter, or finish cut (called F or FC depending on the brand, but they mean the same thing). All blades 10 or shorter - that includes sizes 10, 15, 30, 40 and 50 - are always finish cut (all the teeth are the same length), so they don't usually say F or FC in the blade description.

[product=geib-buttercut-size-9-blade-2mm]
A little longer than a 10. Leaves the coat around 2mm, which is 0.5mm longer than most #10 blades. The Geib Buttercut blade is an A5 blade made from high quality stainless steel.
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[product=andis-ultraedge-size-7-fc-blade-3-2mm]
Slightly longer again for the body if you feel the 9 or 10 are too short. Leaves the coat around 3mm. Get the FC version unless experienced.
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[product=wahl-competition-series-size-5-fc-blade-6mm]
A longer body length. Leaves the coat around 6mm. Not as common for the Schnauzer to be clipped this long for the body, but an option if you want it longer than normal, more for pet clips. Get the FC version unless experienced.
[/product]

[product=andis-ultraedge-size-4-fc-blade-9-5mm]
Size 4 blades, while not typical for Schnauzers, provide a longer body coat length, usually around 9 or 9.5mm, just under 1cm. Good when more body cover is wanted, or for a fluffier, teddy bear trim. Get the FC version unless experienced.
[/product]

[product=geib-buttercut-size-3-fc-blade-13mm]
Size 3 blades, less common for Schnauzers, create a longer body coat, typically over 1cm (about 13mm). They're great for achieving a teddy bear style trim and can also be used on the legs for short, fluffy results. Get the FC version unless experienced.
[/product]

TIP: If a wide-toothed grooming comb cannot get through the coat, a blade with a comb attachment on will not get through either! If the coat is knotted or matted, and you can't remove them before you clip, you may have to use a shorter blade to get under the knots, like a size 10 blade.

Longer coat lengths (over 1cm)

Comb attachments offer a range of coat lengths from under 3mm to over 3cm so you can choose the length you'd like the coat to be, or have some areas (like the legs), longer than others. As long as the comb attachment says it is universal, you can mix and match brands. Universal comb attachments fit on any brand of size 10 or size 30 blade.

Plastic or stainless steel? We recommend stainless steel comb attachments for the thick, double Schnauzer coat as these have a more secure fit on the blade than plastic combs. With good coat prep (no knots, and all stuck, dead coat removed), you can use plastic combs.

[product=shernbao-universal-stainless-steel-comb-set-8-pack-container-3mm-to-2-5cm]
The Shernbao set includes 8 stainless steel comb attachments covering popular coat lengths from 3mm to 25mm. Compatible with all A5 blades, including size 10, 15, and 30, they offer versatility for various coats. Stainless steel combs are ideal for all coat types, providing a secure fit compared to plastic combs. The set comes with a plastic comb storage box for convenience.
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Rather than get caught up on all the different letters and numbers (as comb attachments don't use the same numbers as blades), you're best to buy comb attachments based on coat length. Both blades and comb attachments tell you the coat length in mm's.

[product=wahl-universal-stainless-steel-comb-size-4-12mm]
The Wahl Universal Stainless Steel Comb in Size 4 leaves the coat at 13mm. Compatible with all A5 blades, in sizes 10, 15, and 30
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[product=wahl-universal-stainless-steel-comb-size-5-16mm]
The Wahl Universal Stainless Steel Comb in Size 5 leaves the coat at 16mm. Compatible with all A5 blades, in sizes 10, 15, and 30
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[product=wahl-universal-stainless-steel-comb-size-6-19mm]
The Wahl Universal Stainless Steel Comb in Size 5 leaves the coat at 19mm. Compatible with all A5 blades, in sizes 10, 15, and 30
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Scissors for the Schnauzer coat

Use thinning scissors to go over the coat to remove any track lines or uneven areas left behind after clipping, and to blend shorter into longer areas such as the body in to the legs. For beginners, the most popular type of thinners are shorter with a high teeth count (around 6.5" with 40+ teeth).

[product=shernbao-shark-teeth-3-star-6-5-thinners]
This is the popular 6.5" length 35 tooth blender-style thinner in the Shernbao Shark Teeth 3 Star series (note the full scissor length is 7" if you include the finger rest). 3 Star are Shernbao's level 1 entry-level scissors targeted at beginner home users. A very affordable basic thinner for home groomers on a budget.
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[product=geib-gator-6-5-40-tooth-blender-thinner]
Frequently tops the best sellers list of all the thinners we stock. Practical 6.5" length with high 40 tooth count. A more usable, shorter, blender-style thinner with 1 notched and 1 solid blade for shaping and blending. High teeth count for a smoother more even, yet still textured finish. Shorter length with higher teeth count makes them easier to use for students and junior groomers still getting technique right.
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You can use straight scissors also, which are the closest to using paper scissors so have less of a learning curve, but they leave a blunt cut (great for Schnauzer brows for example) rather than the softer textured cut that a thinner does (thinning have one notched blade and one solid blade).

[product=shernbao-shark-teeth-3-star-7-5-straight-scissors]
This is the 7.5" length straight scissor in the Shernbao Shark Teeth 3 Star series (note the full scissor length is almost 8" if you include the finger rest). 3 Stars are Shernbao's level 1 entry-level workhorse scissors, targeted at beginners. A very affordable basic straight scissor for home groomers on a budget.
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[product=witte-roseline-7-5-straight-scissors-magenta]
The Witte Roseline 7.5" Scissors are a very practical medium length straight with a decent weight in the hand and lovely balance. Plus in a gorgeous magenta pink. Easy-to-manage size with enough length for all-over, general use. More durable and hard wearing, making them an ideal workhorse scissor for everyday use for professionals. Also makes them an ideal first straight scissor for students starting their collection, for beginners and home users, as it is more forgiving of knocks and drops than most.
[/product]

It's more common to have one of each type for the Schnauzer (one straight, one thinner) as they have different purposes. Curved scissors can also be a nice addition when shaping curved feet and tails, or for shaping round ears and faces if you prefer a "teddy bear" style. In scissors in general, the level 1 Geib Gator and Witte Roseline are the best sellers for less experienced groomers (although popular with experienced groomers also used as workhorse scissors). Shernbao offer a great range of budget friendly scissors, but don't expect them to last as long as a premium pair.

[product=geib-gator-7-5-3-piece-set]

Introducing Geib Gator Shears, crafted from high-quality stainless steel alloy for durability and sharpness. These precision-weighted shears stay sharp for months, ensuring smooth scissoring with double screw tension. The kit includes one 7 1/2" straight shear, one 7 1/2" curved shear, and one 40-tooth thinning shear, packaged in a cordovan vinyl case. Proudly made in the USA.
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Correct coat texture

The Schnauzer coat should ideally be carded and hand stripped to get the correct harsher coat texture, but a popular alternative for pet Schnauzers is a deshedder - a tool that emulates the hand stripped look and thins out the undercoat without harming the top coat. It won't give the same result as proper hand-stripping, but is the nest best thing for pet Schnauzer clips. Deshedding is highly recommended before using comb attachments, and before clipping, or the blade may 'chew' instead of cut the coat, and comb attachments may not get through all areas. The most common reason for the coat to clog up a blade or comb attachment is due to stuck, dead coat, not being removed fully before clipping. A deshedder helps with that step.

[product=andis-original-deshedding-rake]
Our best-selling Andis Deshedder in Original size is perfect for Schnauzer owners who prefer not to hand-strip. It effectively removes undercoat, loose, and trapped dead fur, reducing shedding by up to 90%. Ideal for both shedding and non-shedding coats, it provides relief from hot, dense undercoats in summer and thins knot-prone areas. It also helps maintain the correct texture of double coats while preserving the top coat.
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What coat prep is needed before clipping a Schnauzer?

Even with a brand new, sharp blade, and powerful clipper, poor coat prep can cause a lot of (avoidable) problems when clipping. The same coat prep guide for any breed, also applies to the Schnauzer coat, so read that first. Removing stuck, dead coat before you clip the Schnauzer coat is more important than with some breeds, so it doesn't clog your blade and make it 'chew' instead of cut.

Shampoo & conditioner

Use the Wire Coat Shampoo Selector for help choosing best match shampoo, conditioner, detangler & more for the Schnauzer coat, as well as tear staining & ear care. Never wash a knotted coat! This almost always makes knots much worse and harder to remove. If you want to wet the coat to help with knot removal, use a detangler spray.

How to clip the Schnauzer

Schnauzer body

This is a general overview only, so if you’re a beginner we recommend watching Youtube tutorials, finding a mentor groomer, attending a short grooming course (there are multiple grooming schools in NZ), or asking your breeder for more detailed advice.

A standard 10 blade is a popular choice for the Schnauzer body, or if you prefer it longer, use a longer blade or put a comb attachment on a 10 blade. See the Schnauzer Blade Guide above for help choosing.

Clip in the direction the coat grows. Start at the back of the skull and go right down the back to the tail, then down the sides. Stop an inch or so above the elbows. You can leave the coat long below the elbows, down the chest, and on the tummy for a feathery fringe if you like, in which case thinning scissors are usually used to blend the area where you stop clipping, so it smoothly transitions into the longer coat.

Tail: If you want the tail short, you can either clip in the direction of the hair growth and have the entire tail one short length, or clip only the top of the tail and leave it longer underneath if you prefer. You can trim the longer areas using thinning scissors.

Legs: You can put a longer comb attachment on a 10 blade for fluffier, longer legs, or can just comb them out and use scissors or your trimmers to tidy them up, such as clipping or trimming the outer side of the legs and leaving the sides and inside long. If you don’t comb and brush regularly however, you may like a shorter length all over, including the legs, otherwise they are likely to knot.

Feet: Trim excess fur between the toes and paw pads. Use a trimmer or a safety tip scissor (great scissors to have for any delicate or injury prone area – ideal for the face too). Use scissors or a trimmer to trim the coat close around the nails, and give a round shape the feet.

Nails: Either use a nail clipper, or if you’re not as confident or your dog doesn’t like nail clippers, use a nail grinder instead (the ones with a Dremel type stone tend to be better like the Codos Nail Grinder). Whatever you use for nails, always keep styptic powder on hand, just in case. We use the Bio-Groom Sure Clot but any styptic powder will do the job.

Schnauzer face

This is a general overview only, so if you’re a beginner we recommend watching Youtube tutorials, finding a mentor groomer, or asking your breeder for more detailed advice as the face really makes the breed when it comes to the Schnauzer.

Face: Usually the hair on the head is clipped close to the skull with a standard 10 blade, going backwards starting between the eyebrows and going up and back, between the ears, towards the back of the head. Then go down the side of the head (between the eyes and ears). You may not need to clip or cut the beard unless it’s become too long or knotted. Trimmers – with their more narrow blade – are ideal for the head and ears. If you want to tidy up the beard, use thinners.

Eyes: Put a little Fidos Tear Stain Remover on a cotton ball or use a damp soft cloth to soften and remove any build-up around the eyes.

Ears: A Schnauzers folded ears are prone to wax build-up. Use Fidos Ear Drops to soften, clean and remove wax, and a soft, dampened cloth to gently wipe ear folds. If there’s excess hair in the ear canal that needs to be removed, your groomer or breeder can pluck it for you or teach you how. When clipping the inside and outside of the ears, use the standard 10 blade on your clipper, or ideally use a mini size trimmer if you have one. YouTube videos are worth watching showing how to hold the ear correctly to avoid accidentally nicking them. Use scissors or a trimmer to finish the ear edges.

Dealing with tangles and knots

A detangler spray and slicker brush are a great combo to remove tangles. A bristle brush won’t be enough for the Schnauzer coat (but a pin brush is recommended for all over brushing for longer areas). For bad tangles start with a grooming comb to gently tease apart the knot first (a detangler spray helps a lot with this step too). For very bad knots you may have to cut them out, or clip under them. Take care as skin may be pulled in to the knot, so it’s best for a professional to remove felted or matted knots. When using scissors for knot removal, safety tip scissors are recommended unless experienced.

[product=chris-christensen-big-k-black-slicker-brush-medium]
The Chris Christensen Big K Black Slicker Brush, originally designed for Black Russian Terriers, is ideal for many breeds. It detangles and removes knots in long coats, reaching deep into the undercoat to create volume. Its long, dense bent pins lift hair without scratching, and the curved back provides control. The extra-long ergonomic handle reduces fatigue, while the GroomGrip coating prevents slipping. Available in medium size, it measures 18.7cm in length, with a 9.6cm x 5.8cm head.
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[product=bio-groom-anti-stat-detangler-aid-355ml]
This product was developed to tame "fly-away" hair, prone to frizz, fuzz, and tangles. The Anti-Stat spray eliminates static charges that can occur during grooming, making the coat easier to comb and brush. It's a non-sticky, non-irritating formula, perfect for fine or thin dog coats and cats. Conveniently packaged with a fine mist pump sprayer, it's an ideal detangler to keep on hand for daily grooming and knot removal.
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[product=laube-4-5-straight-scissors-ball-tip]
Laube 4.5" Straight Scissors are made in the USA from Japanese Steel. These shorter length scissors are perfect for delicate or injury prone areas, such as face and feet, as well as toy breeds for body use. Scissors come complete with protective case and small tube of Laube scissor blade oil, as pictured. Safety Ball Tip protects from injuries.
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Video tutorials for how to clip a Schnauzer

Here are two of many YouTube tutorials for tips on how to clip a Schnauzer after coat prep is done. You'll find many more on YouTube also.

SHARPENING

SAME-DAY DISPATCH

CLICK & COLLECT