clipping yorkie poo

Question
QUESTION: I have a 5 month old, 12 lb. yorkie poo (looks like a poodle) with thinner very "fluffy" hair and am going to groom him myself.   I would like to do a puppy cut short on the face and neck and longer on the body, nothing fancy just cute and comfortable for him.  I am looking at a Oster A5 Golden and Andis clipper.  I am reading the Andis gets very hot.  What size blades should I use and what about blade guards.  I like a half inch on his body.  Also is a one speed or two speed better. Help with this clipper purchase would be appreciated.

ANSWER: Hi Kathy,
I am not a fan of Oster clippers. Here is a list of reasons I do not like them:

1) Osters are vented so they get clogged with hair, which means more clipper maintenance.


2) They actually run much hotter than Andis clippers (despite what you read); it may mean that you have to set them aside to let them cool before you continue. This is particularly true when you are learning to groom.

3) The motor inside an Oster A5 Golden is not maintenance-free. You will have to disassemble and grease the gears to keep it running properly.

4) Hotter clippers mean hotter blades; hot blades dull quickly and ultimately cost more to sharpen because of the frequency with which it is needed. Not to mention you can easily blade-burn your dog.

5) I do not care for the shape of the Oster clipper. The cylindrical shape is harder to hold for lengthy periods. Also, Osters are weighted differently than Andis and they actually weigh more than Andis clippers.

6) They are louder than Andis clippers, which can be challenging for frightened dogs.

7) The Oster A5 Golden is a single speed clipper.

The Andis AGC 2 speed is a far Superior clipper than Oster. There exists better Andis clippers than the aforementioned but I listed the clipper with a price similar to the Oster A5 Golden.

It is best to have a clipper with two speeds because the lower speed is quieter and better to use around the face until you and your dog become accustomed to the grooming process.

1) You will need to purchase the clipper; don't forget to send in your warranty!

2) You will need #10 & #15 blades. I like Andis universal blades. Do not buy ceramic blades because you can only sharpen the metal side and most blade sharpeners will not even attempt to sharpen them. When they dull, you have to discard them.

3) For the snap-comb ( blade attachment) you will need a #1, which will attach over your #10 blade. The #15 blade is for shaving pads -- eventually, you can purchase a #30 blade for shaving pads but it's best to learn with a #15. You will also use the #10 blade for shaving the tummy, around the genitals and face (unless you want a teddy-bear face).

4) Purchase a can of blade cooler and use the clipper oil provided with your clippers to keep your blades rust-free.

Good-luck Kathy!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, your help is tremendous.  I will purchase the Andis ulra light 2 speed for $135 on line.  Also I think a blade of 3 3/4 would be good since it would leave 3/8" I believe on his body hair.  Should we get a FC or shiptooth blade?  His hair is white, very soft, fluffy and light/thinner. Also would I need a blade guard for this blade too?

Your help has been so good since this is probably a $175 or so investment by the time I purchase.  Over 15 years at $40 a cut this saves us $3600 so I need to get the right clipper.

Kathy

ANSWER: Hi Kathy,
If you purchase the 3-3/4 blade you will not need a snap-comb. The attachments are designed for blade numbers #30, #15 and #10. I think the #10 blade with the snap-comb will garner better results if her fur is soft. If you decide to purchase the blade; buy the FC, which stands for 'finish clip'. The skip-tooth blades are for roughing-in a dog or for use on wiry, terrier-type fur.
Good-luck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks again for the info.  So how long will Bear's fur be after using a #10 blade?  I have read it will be 1/16th long and my concern is too short, and shaving that close to his skin scares me for a beginner.  I don't want to accidently hurt him.

Answer
Sorry, you misunderstood! Don't use a #10 on the body, without a snap-comb. You originally said you would like the fur to be 1" long and wrote that you considered purchasing a blade with a snap-comb. My first post read that you should use the #10 blade with the snap-comb, and to use the #10 blade (by itself) for the genital area and under the eyes/around the muzzle unless you want a teddy-bear head.
Thanks,
Becca