Most professional pet groomers use straight shears between 7.0" and 8.5", curved shears from 6.5" to 8.0", and blenders or thinning shears in the 6.0" to 7.5" range. The right size depends on the dog’s size, coat type, and area of the body being groomed.
Long Answer: Finding the Ideal Shear Length for Grooming
✂️ Why Shear Size Matters
Shear length affects control, speed, and precision. Longer shears cover more surface area, making them great for large breeds and straight cuts. Shorter shears offer better control in tight spaces or when working on small dogs, faces, and paws.
📏 Shear Size Guide by Type
| Shear Type |
Common Size Range |
Best For |
| Straight Shears |
7.0" – 8.5" |
Body work, long straight lines, large and medium dogs |
| Curved Shears |
6.5" – 8.0" |
Shaping around the head, legs, tail, and paws |
| Blender Shears |
6.0" – 7.5" |
Blending harsh lines, face work, soft transitions |
| Chunkers |
6.0" – 7.5" |
Texturizing thick coats, removing bulk with style |
| Detail Shears |
4.5" – 6.0" |
Tight spaces, feet, ears, toy breeds |
✂️ Shear Length by Dog Size
| Dog Size |
Recommended Shear Lengths |
Common Breeds |
| Small Dogs |
6.0" – 7.0" |
Yorkies, Shih Tzus, Poodles (Toy), Bichons |
| Medium Dogs |
7.0" – 8.0" |
Cockapoos, Schnauzers, Cavaliers |
| Large Dogs |
8.0" – 8.5"+ |
Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Labs |
💡 Pro Tip: Groomers often keep multiple lengths on hand to switch based on the breed, task, or dog behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the same shears on every dog?
A: It’s not ideal. Large breeds benefit from longer shears for speed and efficiency, while small breeds need smaller, more precise tools.
Q: Is it better to start with a longer or shorter shear as a beginner?
A: Start with a 7.0" straight shear—it's versatile enough for most body work but still manageable for control.
Q: Do curved shears come in the same sizes as straight shears?
A: Usually yes, though curved shears slightly shorter than straight ones are preferred for shaping and safety near curved areas like paws and faces.
Too Long Didn't Read
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7.0" to 8.5" straight shears = Ideal for full body grooming on medium/large dogs
-
6.5" to 8.0" curved shears = Best for shaping legs, heads, tails
-
6.0" to 7.5" blenders = Perfect for finishing and blending lines
-
Use shorter shears (4.5"–6.0") for face, feet, and small breeds
-
Most groomers use multiple shear lengths based on dog size and area being groomed
What Size Shears Do Professional Pet Groomers Use?
Most professional pet groomers use straight shears between 7.0" and 8.5", curved shears from 6.5" to 8.0", and blenders or thinning shears in the 6.0" to 7.5" range. The right size depends on the dog’s size, coat type, and area of the body being groomed.
Long Answer: Finding the Ideal Shear Length for Grooming
✂️ Why Shear Size Matters
Shear length affects control, speed, and precision. Longer shears cover more surface area, making them great for large breeds and straight cuts. Shorter shears offer better control in tight spaces or when working on small dogs, faces, and paws.
📏 Shear Size Guide by Type
✂️ Shear Length by Dog Size
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the same shears on every dog?
A: It’s not ideal. Large breeds benefit from longer shears for speed and efficiency, while small breeds need smaller, more precise tools.
Q: Is it better to start with a longer or shorter shear as a beginner?
A: Start with a 7.0" straight shear—it's versatile enough for most body work but still manageable for control.
Q: Do curved shears come in the same sizes as straight shears?
A: Usually yes, though curved shears slightly shorter than straight ones are preferred for shaping and safety near curved areas like paws and faces.
Too Long Didn't Read
7.0" to 8.5" straight shears = Ideal for full body grooming on medium/large dogs
6.5" to 8.0" curved shears = Best for shaping legs, heads, tails
6.0" to 7.5" blenders = Perfect for finishing and blending lines
Use shorter shears (4.5"–6.0") for face, feet, and small breeds
Most groomers use multiple shear lengths based on dog size and area being groomed