Grooming Your Schnoodle at Home - Andis Clippers

After hearing that a few families have begun grooming their Schnoodles at home, I decided to write several posts to discuss the various grooming tools that I use, and why I like them. I will begin with the Clippers and blades I recommend.

I use an Andis Clipper for fast professional looking grooming.
(you will also find this tool in Our Shop above.)

Andis are one of the top manufacturers on the market for grooming clippers.  You will buy this tool once, and it will likely last you beyond the life of your dog.  I like this tool because it is not the most expensive of the Andis clippers...but it is fairly quiet...and it has easily detachable blades.  Other models are more expensive because they run more quite, and they run cooler. Some are also cordless.  These extra features are useful for the professional groomer, who grooms one dog after another all day long.  But I do not feel these features are necessary for most home grooming)

The Andis Clipper comes with the #10 blade (1.5mm length cut) that is perfect for the ears, and face.  During the summer you can get away with also using it on the Schnauzer or Schnoodles back.....but it is a very close cut.

For the back of the Schnauzer I use a #4FC Clipper blade.  (3.2mm length cut) This blade costs $24.99. You could use this short cut on your Schnoodle too, if you want to increase the time between grooming. 
The FC next to the blade number stands for 'Finished Cut'.  This is a nice smooth cut for everyday.

Andis also makes a 3/4HT" blade  (1/2" length cut) which leaves a 'puppy cut' look when used over the whole body of the Schnoodle. This blade costs $37.46.  
The HT next to the blade number stands for Heat Treatment. Andis® UltraEdge™ dog clipper blades are made from high-carbon steel and processed through a unique carborizing heat treatment that actually adds carbon to the metal. More carbon on the metal means a harder cutting surface. Blades hold a razor sharp edge that will endure prolonged use and more sharpening treatments.

Liam's body was shaved using a 3/4" blade.

Some people use the 3/4HT blade on Schnauzer legs....but I like Schnauzer furnishings to be a bit longer than that.  Lately I have used the Scaredy cut with the 1" comb (#6) for legs.  Most plastic attachment combs will also fit on the Andis clipper to increase the length of the cut.  But I have found hair gets caught in the combs, and they don't work as well.  

Note:  You will notice when buying blades that the Ceramic Edge blades are a little more pricey than the Regular Carbon blades.   The Ceramic Edge is a higher quality material for the Professional groomer who is grooming multiple dogs throughout the day.  The high-quality ceramic cutters on these blades stay sharper longer and require less sharpening than standard steel blades. The low heat transfer and friction index of ceramic keeps blades running 50 percent cooler than steel. But for the single dog, home groomer, the Regular Carbon blades are also a good choice...and the UltraEdge Carbon blade will save you $5-10.00 per blade over Ceramic Edge Blades.

Here is a very useful Chart from Andis in a PDF format you can print.  It explains all the blades and what they are used for.

 

 Finally, always remember to oil your blades with Clipper Oil before you cut, and after you cut.  If the blades get hot while trimming then spray them with Cool Care.  Both these products lubricate the blades and will clean them and prolong their life.

My next post will be all about the Scaredy Cut grooming scissors with detachable combs.  In my opinion, this is the easiest way to start grooming a young puppy, or for any person or pet who is nervous about using an electric clipper....it is a great tool for longer 'puppy cuts'.  (more to come...)