Not all coats—and certainly not all shears—are created equal. For professional groomers, choosing the right shear isn’t just a matter of comfort or preference; it directly impacts the quality of the cut, the safety of the pet, and the time it takes to complete a groom. Whether you're dealing with a dense double coat, a wiry terrier texture, or a fine, floppy doodle mane, knowing which tool to use is essential. Here’s a breakdown to help you match shear type to coat type like a pro.
Straight Shears: The Versatile Workhorse
Best for: General trimming, body work, medium to long coats
Straight shears are the go-to for most groomers when shaping and bulk cutting. They deliver clean, sharp lines—perfect for breeds like Shih Tzus, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles when you’re sculpting legs, shaping skirts, or leveling out longer coats. If you’re dealing with a dense double coat, longer straight shears (7.5"–8.5") can help move through volume faster, while shorter ones offer more control on smaller breeds.
Curved Shears: For Shape and Flow
Best for: Angled work, rounded finishes, facial contours
Curved shears shine when you’re shaping the rounder parts of a pup: think faces, tails, and feet. Their subtle arc follows natural curves, making it easier to sculpt teddy bear faces, pom-pom tails, and rounded paws with less choppy blending. They’re especially helpful on breeds like Bichons, Pomeranians, and designer mixes like Goldendoodles that call for a soft, plush finish.
Thinning/Blending Shears: The Secret to Seamless Style
Best for: Blending lines, reducing bulk, smoothing transitions
Thinning shears (aka blending shears) are your finesse tool. They gently remove weight without altering length, making them ideal for softening transitions—like between the body and legs—or blending scissor lines. Use them on double coats, drop coats, and even wiry breeds to create texture or reduce puffiness around the face and ears. They’re also great for touch-ups between grooms when clients want a tidy-up without a full cut.
Bonus Tip: Know Your Teeth
For thinning shears, tooth count matters. Shears with fewer teeth (around 20–30) remove more hair and are great for initial bulk reduction. Shears with more teeth (40–50+) deliver a finer blend, making them perfect for finishing work on visible areas like faces and necks.
Straight, Curved, or Thinning? Choosing the Right Shear for Each Pet Coat Type
Not all coats—and certainly not all shears—are created equal. For professional groomers, choosing the right shear isn’t just a matter of comfort or preference; it directly impacts the quality of the cut, the safety of the pet, and the time it takes to complete a groom. Whether you're dealing with a dense double coat, a wiry terrier texture, or a fine, floppy doodle mane, knowing which tool to use is essential. Here’s a breakdown to help you match shear type to coat type like a pro.
Straight Shears: The Versatile Workhorse
Best for: General trimming, body work, medium to long coats
Straight shears are the go-to for most groomers when shaping and bulk cutting. They deliver clean, sharp lines—perfect for breeds like Shih Tzus, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles when you’re sculpting legs, shaping skirts, or leveling out longer coats. If you’re dealing with a dense double coat, longer straight shears (7.5"–8.5") can help move through volume faster, while shorter ones offer more control on smaller breeds.
Curved Shears: For Shape and Flow
Best for: Angled work, rounded finishes, facial contours
Curved shears shine when you’re shaping the rounder parts of a pup: think faces, tails, and feet. Their subtle arc follows natural curves, making it easier to sculpt teddy bear faces, pom-pom tails, and rounded paws with less choppy blending. They’re especially helpful on breeds like Bichons, Pomeranians, and designer mixes like Goldendoodles that call for a soft, plush finish.
Thinning/Blending Shears: The Secret to Seamless Style
Best for: Blending lines, reducing bulk, smoothing transitions
Thinning shears (aka blending shears) are your finesse tool. They gently remove weight without altering length, making them ideal for softening transitions—like between the body and legs—or blending scissor lines. Use them on double coats, drop coats, and even wiry breeds to create texture or reduce puffiness around the face and ears. They’re also great for touch-ups between grooms when clients want a tidy-up without a full cut.
Bonus Tip: Know Your Teeth
For thinning shears, tooth count matters. Shears with fewer teeth (around 20–30) remove more hair and are great for initial bulk reduction. Shears with more teeth (40–50+) deliver a finer blend, making them perfect for finishing work on visible areas like faces and necks.