The best dog nail clippers, tested and reviewed with small and large pups

Very active dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors often wear down their nails naturally, but most still need regular trimming with a pair of the best dog nail clippers. It's important to keep your dog's nails short to prevent them from curling and growing into the paw pads, causing pain and potentially becoming a dangerous condition. A bonus for you is that dogs with shorter nails are less likely to scratch wood floors or, worse, your arms and legs when they jump up on you.

I have eight years of experience as a veterinary assistant, and during that time, I trimmed the nails of thousands of pets with a variety of dog nail clippers, including plier-style, guillotine, and grinders. For this guide, I tested 11 different clippers and four grinding tools with four dogs. My top pick for trimming nails of large dogs is the Andis Pet Nail Clipper, a tool that makes consistently easy and smooth cuts. If you need to maneuver around small nails, the JW Pet Grip Soft Deluxe Pet Nail Clippers in size medium are an excellent choice. Read on to learn more about these clippers as well as other options that may better fit your needs.

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Our top picks for the best dog nail clippers

Best for large dogs: Andis Pet Nail Clipper - See at Chewy

Best for small dogs: JW Pet Grip Soft Deluxe Pet Nail Clipper (Medium) - See at Chewy

Best guillotine clippers: Resco Original Deluxe Dog Nail Clippers (Small/Medium) - See at Chewy

Best nail grinder: Dremel PawControl 7760-PGKD Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit - See at Chewy

Best budget: Millers Forge Pet Nail Clipper - See at Chewy

Best for large dogs

Big dogs often have thick, large nails, and some medium-sized breeds do, too. The Andis Pet Nail Clipper makes trimming these tough nails easy, thanks to its durable design and sharp blades.

I tested these clippers on both a Labrador retriever and a golden retriever. The sharp blades easily and smoothly cut through their thick nails, without any splintering or shredding. The nonslip grip was comfortable in my hand, and the large tension spring made the handles easy to squeeze. Additionally, the clippers have a safety guard to prevent overcutting and hitting the quick and a locking mechanism to keep the clippers securely closed for easy storage.

I also used these clippers on a miniature poodle with medium-sized nails, and they worked well, making them a great choice if you have medium and large dogs. Another pair of clippers, the Safari Professional Nail Trimmers, are similarly constructed and nearly identical to the Andis clippers in feel and performance. However, the Andis clippers stand out for their two-year warranty and lower price.

Best for small dogs

The JW Pet Grip Soft Deluxe Pet Nail Clipper in size medium is an excellent choice for dogs with small or thin nails. I tried them with a miniature poodle with medium-sized nails and a 10-pound mixed-breed dog with small nails. The gel-like nonslip handle is especially comfortable to hold, and the sharp stainless steel blades deliver smooth, clean cuts with minimal noise. The clippers also feature a quick guard to prevent overcutting and a locking mechanism for safe storage. I always lock my nail clippers after using them to protect the blade.

Cassie Edmond, an animal care specialist at the San Diego Humane Society, prefers using small nail clippers for puppies or dogs whose nails have grown too long and are beginning to curl toward the paw pad. She says the smaller blades offer better control when maneuvering around curled nails.

These clippers are also a good fit for people with small hands. If you have larger hands, though, you might find the handles a bit tricky to grip comfortably.

Best guillotine clippers

I tested the Resco Original Deluxe Dog Nail Clippers in size small/medium on a miniature poodle with medium-sized nails and a 10-pound mixed-breed dog with small nails. They outperformed the guillotine-style clippers I tested from Millers Forge. The Resco clippers had a sharper blade that delivered clean, smooth cuts, while the Millers Forge blade didn't feel as sharp or cut as smoothly.

Although the Resco clippers don't have a rubber grip on the handles, they were still comfortable to hold and easy to squeeze, similar to my other picks for the best dog nail clippers. They're also built to last, made from chrome-plated steel. And when the blade eventually dulls, you can simply replace it with a blade replacement kit rather than buying a whole new pair.

Guillotine clippers require less force to operate than plier-style clippers, which can make trimming easier on your hands. However, they aren't as strong, so they're not ideal for dogs with very large or thick nails. Instead, they're best suited for dogs with small or medium-sized nails and are also great for cats. Another advantage is that they're very quiet, which can be helpful for pets that get nervous around the loud snapping sound some plier-style clippers make.

It's important to note that guillotine clippers don't come with a quick-guard safety feature. To avoid cutting the quick, trim small amounts of the nail at a time. You'll want to use extra caution, as a dog's nail can sometimes get caught in this style of clipper. If your dog pulls away suddenly, it could lead to a painful injury or even a torn nail.

Best nail grinder

Some nail grinders are designed specifically for pet owners, while others are tailored more to professional groomers. My top pick for the best dog nail grinder, the Dremel PawControl 7760-PGKD, strikes a balance that is ideal for both beginners and pros.

Grinders are a great alternative for dogs who are nervous around clippers or have black nails, where it's difficult to see the quick. They're suitable for dogs of all sizes and are especially effective on thick nails. I tested the Dremel grinder on a miniature poodle with medium-sized nails and a Labrador retriever with large nails, and it handled both with ease.

This cordless grinder is quiet and gentle. I especially liked the grinding disc recommended for beginners — it quickly filed down the nails. The grinding disc works in combination with guard attachments that enclose the spinning parts of the tool and add an extra layer of safety. The enhanced safety afforded by these attachments is the main reason this grinder edged out its closest competitor: the Wahl Grind and Smooth Battery Nail Grinder.

The Dremel grinder comes with band attachments that offer more maneuverability, but they require more skill and confidence since they can't be used with the guard attachments. I tested the grinder with both options and found I preferred the grinding disc, which gave me added peace of mind.

The kit comes with a variety of sanding bands and discs, but what really sets it apart is the nail safety guard and paw guide. These features helped me maintain a proper trimming angle. Like all grinders, there's a bit of a learning curve, but Dremel's Quick Start Guide is incredibly useful. It offers clear recommendations on which attachments and speeds to use, especially for beginners. As with all nail grinders, the grinding heads need occasional replacement. While professional groomers may need to do this more frequently, pet owners should find that the heads last quite a while.

Read my full Dremel dog nail grinder review.

Best budget

The Millers Forge Pet Nail Clipper stands out for its simplicity, reliable performance, and excellent value at under $8. These were the quietest plier-style clippers I tested, a big plus for skittish dogs. The blades are sharp and cut smoothly and easily. The sharp blades delivered smooth, easy cuts, and the metal handles have slip-on rubber grips that felt comfortable in my hand. That said, I did notice that the grips occasionally slid down the handles during use.

I've used these clippers a lot over the years, particularly during my time as a veterinary assistant. The stainless steel blades maintain their sharpness even with frequent use. The blades' thin design makes it easy to maneuver around each nail, and the quick-guard safety feature and locking mechanism for secure storage add an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind.

These clippers are compact and have a narrow blade opening, so they aren't the best choice for very large dogs or those with very thick nails. However, they worked great when I tested them on a miniature poodle with medium-sized nails and a 10-pound mixed-breed dog with small nails.

What to look for in dog nail clippers

Choosing the type of nail clippers that are best for your dog — and you — can be tricky. To help you make your decision, I asked Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer at the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, what features are most important in a good pair of dog nail clippers.

Appropriate style for your needs: Dog nail clippers come in four main styles. Guillotine clippers have a loop at the end and a blade that slices upward when you squeeze the handle. They're easy to use, but precise cuts can be harder to achieve. These are best for small- to medium-sized dog nails as they aren't as strong as other types.

Scissor-style clippers are double-bladed and work just like a pair of regular scissors. They're easy to handle and best for dogs with small or thin nails. They are not ideal for large, thick nails because they lack the strength needed to make smooth, clean cuts, says Klein. Pliers-style clippers, on the other hand, are similar in design but much stronger thanks to a spring between the handles. These are a great choice for dogs with large, thick nails and also work well for medium-sized dogs.

Electric or battery-powered nail grinders, which work like Dremel tools, are great for slowly and gently filing the nails down rather than cutting them. Klein says nail grinders are popular with dog groomers and show dog handlers because they leave nails smooth and rounded. They're also a good option for dogs that dislike having their nails cut. Keep in mind, though, that grinders vibrate and can be somewhat loud, so some dogs might need time to get used to them.

Quality materials: Most dog nail clippers have metal blades with plastic handles, though some are entirely metal and may have rubber grips on the handles. Klein says the best dog nail clippers have stainless steel or carbonated steel blades because they are durable and easy to clean. For large pliers-style nail clippers, look for strong springs between the handles. Replaceable blades are another useful feature.

Safety features: Trimming a dog's nails can be tricky. If you cut too far, you risk hitting the quick — the vein inside the nail — which is painful and causes the nail to bleed. That's why safety features matter. Look for clippers with nail guides or safety stops that limit how much nail you trim. Nail grinders ideally have safety guards that prevent anything from touching the rotating parts of the tool.

Sizing: When choosing dog clippers, compare the cutting blade to the size of your dog's nails. Klein says that small dogs generally need smaller clippers, and large and giant dogs need bigger clippers. In addition, he says clippers should fit comfortably in your hand so you have good control while trimming your dog's nails.

How we tested the best dog nail clippers

I tested 11 different pairs of nail trimmers and four grinding tools on four dogs with varying nail sizes: a Labrador retriever and a golden retriever with large, thick nails; a miniature poodle with medium-sized nails; and a 10-pound mixed-breed dog with small nails.

The clippers and grinders were tested on the miniature poodle with medium-sized nails. I also used the small clippers on the small mixed-breed dog, the large clippers on the Lab and golden retriever, and the nail grinders on the Lab. For every tool, I evaluated ease of use, performance, sharpness, safety, and overall quality.

In my first round of testing, I tested each tool at least once per dog. The top performers were tested multiple times to narrow down the category winners. I spaced testing several weeks apart to allow the dogs' nails to grow back.

To assess long-term durability, I kept using the highest-rated nail trimmers with my miniature poodle. Over the next five months, I clipped my dog's nails about every two weeks, rotating among each pair. I also used the nail grinding tool to buff the nail edges after each trim.

Ease of use: When cutting a dog's nails, you don't want to struggle or feel uncomfortable using a nail trimmer. I evaluated how comfortable the clippers felt in my hand, how easy they were to squeeze closed, and whether I felt in control while trimming. For nail grinders, I evaluated how easy they were to set up, hold, and operate.

Performance: I confirmed whether each tool worked as advertised. For instance, large dog nail clippers should cut through tough nails with ease, while small clippers should be appropriately sized for smaller nails. For grinders, I evaluated how well the grinding bands or discs smoothed the nails and how loud each tool was.

Sharpness: Although the cutting blades will inevitably dull over time, they should be very sharp to ensure swift, clean cuts. Dull or poor-quality blades tend to shred or splinter the nail instead of slicing cleanly.

Safety: I evaluated the effectiveness of nail safety guards and whether clippers had a locking mechanism for safe storage. For nail grinders, I assessed how safe it felt to operate the tool along with any included safety features, like nail guards.

Quality: I examined the materials and construction of each tool. Good clippers should feel sturdy, appear well-made, and all parts should function as intended. For nail grinders, I considered the assembly of the tool and how it felt when using it.

Dog nail clipper FAQs

What is the best type of nail clippers for dogs?

The best dog nail clippers are easy to hold and have sharp blades that make smooth, clean cuts. If your dog's nails are very small or very large, choose clippers appropriately sized to match. Stainless steel blades are ideal since they're strong and resistant to rust. A quiet clipper can also be helpful for timid dogs or those who are uneasy about nail trimming. Ultimately, though, the right dog nail trimmer is the one that feels most comfortable for you to use.

Is it better to grind or clip dog nails?

Nail clippers cut through the nail, whereas nail grinders file the nail down to a shorter length. Some dogs prefer the sensation of nail grinding over clipping, and you're less likely to cut into the quick with a grinder. "When grooming, 9 times out of 10, I will just grind a dog's nails instead of trimming," Edmond says. "Nail clippers can leave a jagged rough edge on the nail, but a nail grinder can buff out the sharpness and round the nail all the way down to the quick." On the flip side, some dogs dislike nail grinders' loud sounds and vibrations. These tools also have a learning curve to use them safely and comfortably. Dr. Melissa Smits, a veterinarian who was a partner at Fort Morgan Veterinary Clinic at the time of my interview, recommends using the tool you feel most comfortable with, which will make your dog most comfortable.

How do I care for dog nail clippers and grinders?

After each use, wipe your clippers clean. Close the clippers and engage the safety lock to protect the blade when not in use. If your nail clippers get wet, dry them thoroughly before storing them indoors in a plastic or cloth bag with all of the grinding accessories. If nail clippers or grinders are left outside and exposed to dampness and temperature extremes, the metal can rust, and the plastic can warp.

How often should I trim my dog's nails?

The general rule of thumb is to trim your dog's nails before they grow long enough to click on the floor, but the frequency is unique to each dog. All nails grow at different rates, and dogs wear them down differently. Big, heavy dogs that run around outside may naturally wear their nails down, requiring less frequent trimming. "A Yorkie that barely touches the ground most days might need a nail trim every two weeks," Smits says. "An Iditarod training or marathon running pal might never need one."

How far down do I cut the nail?

Trim the nail as short as you can without cutting into the quick, which is the vein that runs down the center of the nail. If your dog has white nails, it's easy to see the quick. If your dog has black nails, it's harder to know precisely how far to cut. Conservatively clip just the hooked part of the nail to be safe. You can also ask your veterinarian for a demonstration on your dog. For more detailed directions, check out our tutorial on how to cut or grind your dog's nails the right way.

When should I start trimming my puppy's nails?

Start nail trimming as early as possible so your puppy learns to accept it. Even older dogs can learn to accept nail trimming if you approach it the right way. "Introduce the dog to the nail trimming procedure in a slow, fun, rewarding manner," Smits says. "This will enable the dog to fall in love with the attention that comes with getting a pedicure and time with you."

Does nail trimming hurt my dog?

As long as you don't cut too far down, trimming your dog's nails hurts no more than trimming your own nails. However, be very careful not to cut the quick. The quick is extremely sensitive. Cutting into it is painful and will cause the nail to bleed. It may also cause your dog to become resistant to nail trimming in the future.

What should I do if I cut my dog's nail and it bleeds?

If you accidentally nick the quick, use styptic power to cauterize it and stop the bleeding. Scoop up a small amount of powder onto your finger or with a piece of gauze and press it gently but firmly against the nail. Hold for a minute or so until the bleeding stops. If you don't have styptic powder, you can use flour or cornstarch instead.

I'm too nervous to trim my dog's nails. Who will do it for me?

If you are uncomfortable trimming your dog's nails or are concerned your pet might bite if you try to cut their nails, seek professional help. Most groomers include nail trimming in their regular services. You can also make an appointment to have your dog's nails trimmed at your veterinary hospital. "If the dog is an amiable sort, groomers are a phenomenal option," Smits says. However, dogs who may become aggressive during nail trimming would benefit from a trim at the vet's office where they can use sedation if necessary.

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