How to Groom a Labradoodle with Clippers | A Step-by-Step Cut

A Labradoodle’s coat needs a thorough brush-out and a full dry before any clipper touches it, with a #5 or #7 blade for the body.

The key to a smooth Labradoodle clip is preparation. Skip the bath and the brush, and you’ll be fighting mats, dulling blades, and risking a patchy, uneven cut. Grooming a Labradoodle with clippers isn’t a race; it’s a careful, methodical process that starts long before you turn the clippers on.

Before You Clip: Wash, Dry, and Brush Out the Coat

Clipping a dirty or matted coat is the single biggest mistake you can make. It dulls your blades quickly, pulls at the dog’s skin, and leaves an uneven result. The coat must be clean, completely dry, and tangle-free before you begin.

• Bathe and fully dry. Moisture and clippers are a bad mix. A damp coat can snag and cause clipper burn or irritation.
• Brush and comb thoroughly. Work through the entire coat until a comb passes through without snagging. Mats must be removed first; clipping over them can pull the skin and cause discomfort.
• Secure your dog. Work in a calm, safe area. A non-slip surface and a helper for the wiggly moments make the job easier for both of you.

The Body Clip: A #5 or #7 Blade, Working With the Coat

For the body, a #5 or #7 blade is the standard choice, giving a clean, comfortable length. You’ll move the clippers with the lie of the coat, not against it.

1. Start at the base of the skull or neck. This gives you a straight, even line to work down from.
2. Clip down the back, moving with the coat’s natural growth direction, then move to the body, chest, and belly.
3. Do the legs last, and finish by carefully clipping the area under the tail.
4. Keep the blade flat against the skin. Pressing down too hard or holding the blade at an angle can cause uneven lines and increase the risk of nicks.

If you prefer to keep the coat longer, you can use a #10 blade with an E comb attachment. For a very short, cool summer clip, some groomers use a #10 or even #40 blade, but these are for experienced clippers only, as they cut extremely close to the skin.

Finishing Touches: Face, Feet, Ears, and Sanitary Areas

Once the body is clipped, the detailed work begins. The face, feet, ears, and sanitary areas need smaller blades and scissors for a neat, safe finish.

• Sanitary areas: Use a #10 blade, keeping it flat against the body to safely trim the belly and rear. This keeps things clean and hygienic between full grooms.
• Feet and paws: A #10 blade is also right for the underside of the paws and between the pads. This removes the hair that collects dirt and can cause slipping on smooth floors.
• Face, ears, and tail: Use scissors for the finish work. Thinning or curved scissors are ideal for shaping a rounded “teddy bear” face and for trimming the ears, mouth, nose, and eye area. Clip the top of the head downward, keeping the ears out of the way.

After clipping, brush or comb through the coat once more to find any uneven spots you missed. This final pass catches stray hairs and gives your Labradoodle a polished look. Always oil the blade after each use and store your tools dry to keep them in top condition.

Clipper Safety and Maintenance Schedule

Clippers are safe, but they demand respect. Blades that overheat, are dull, or are used improperly can cause irritation, cuts, or painful clipper burns. The AKC’s professional grooming standards emphasize introducing clippers slowly and watching for signs of sensitivity. The RSPCA notes that irritation and cuts shouldn’t happen if the blades are clean and used correctly.

Before you buy, make sure the clippers you pick are up to the job of a thick, curly Labradoodle coat. A high-quality clipper with replaceable blades will save you time, frustration, and vet bills from skin irritation. If you’re researching your options, our tested roundup of the best clippers for Labradoodles breaks down the models that handle this coat best.

For maintenance, plan for the body coat to be shaved down about twice a year, with lighter monthly trims for the head, tail, rear, and feet in between.