Clippers for Standard and Toy Poodles

Question
QUESTION: Hi Jessica,

I have a Standard and a Toy Poodle. I would like to groom them myself. We currently live in a hot climate (Hawaii) and would like to keep their hair short for most of the year. I am looking at the Oster Golden A5 and the Andis Ultra Edge clippers. Which one would you recommend or is there another that you think would be better for Poodles? Also, what size blades should I use to keep them short. We want short hair all over. No show cuts. Do the blades need to be different for their bodies and their faces? Thank you so much for your help.

ANSWER: I would definitely go with the Andis clippers.  The Andis Ultra Edge is what I use professionally and they are better made, will last you longer and be more comfortable than the Oster clippers.  
When considering blade length you would first want to consider the thickness of your dogs coat, if the coat is thin, the shorter you go the more likely it is that your dogs skin will show through. Some people don't worry much about that and go all the way down with a 10 blade which is very smooth leaving the hair 1/16 of an inch. Keep in mind that if you choose a 10 blade for the body you might need to watch for sunburn if the dogs are outside most of the day.  
The 10 blade, which comes with the clippers is what you will use on the face, sanitary area (where they use the bathroom), and the paw pads even if the body s longer.
When clipping the body my suggestion would be a #5F or #7F.  It will keep them short but not down to the skin, a #5F leaves 1/4 of an inch.  It really is a personal preference, some people like the 10 blade all over but for others it's too short.  The good thing about the 10 blade coming with the clippers is that you could test it out on your dog's face or inside the legs to see how short it is and if you like it you don't have to bother buying another blade.
When you get blades make sure they are 5F or 7F (finish cut), not a skip tooth blade.  You'll want to shave with the growth of your dogs hair and use a brush to back brush it a couple times and get a smooth finish.  Watch out for "danger zones" like the flanks, lips, ears, basically anywhere the skin is loose you'll want to pull it taught so you don't cut the dog.
I would also suggest a small (6 1/2 inches or less) pair of straight shears to use around the ear leather and to trim the feet.
Good luck, If you need any more info feel free to ask.
Thanks,
Jessica

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

QUESTION: Thank you so much. I just ordered the Andis Ultra Edge today. Also, I had read that the Oster blade was better than the Andis blade. Would you recommend the Oster? Would you also recommend a guard? I had tried to clip my Standard when he was a puppy but it was with clippers made for human hair. It was not easy. Also, how long do you think it would take for an inexperienced person to clip a dog?

Answer
Andis blades and Oster blades are fine.  I use them both, I don't think one is better than the other.  A guard comb is only necessary if you plan on leaving the hair over 1/2 an inch.  If you are doing just a short one length a/o clip on your standard I would say it would take about 1-2 hours.  I depends on your own confidence and your dogs behavior.  Standards always take forever!  I hope it works out for you.