Blade / comb combination to keep hair long

[Don & Gracie]

Hi everyone.

One of the reasons I wanted a doodle was 'cause I like shaggy dogs. The groomers always cut her too short, so I always find myself waiting for her hair to grow out, then when it does it's time for another grooming. dle, about 21 lbs.

So I decided to try grooming her myself, then I can keep her hair long and trim it a little bit every few weeks to keep the "look." I've been doing her face and head for a few months and I'm happy with the results and the compliments she gets from strangers.

From reading recommendations here and elsewhere, I bought the Andis Pro Clip UltraEdge clipper, and a set of Wahl stainless steel combs.  The Andis clipper comes with a #10 blade. 

Gracie is a mini Australian Labradoodle with wavy hair. She's (thankfully) past the puppy/adult change. I comb or brush some of her every day, so she's mat-free and (until she moves again) tangle-free.  The hair on her back (coarser and straighter than the hair on her legs and chest) is now about 4" long.  I'd like to cut off about an inch or so. Can anyone give me advice on which comb/blade combination will give me the desired result? I don't want to give her a "summer cut." Once I start with the clippers on her back, I'll have to keep going and be stuck with whatever length results ....

Thank you, in advance, for any guidance.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I also have a Gracie who I have been grooming for over 4 years.  She is a Standard F1 Goldendoodle and is quite large.  As far as the comb attachments go I have not found one any larger than a 1 1/4".  Using that along with the #10,30 or 40 blade the result I get is just about 1 1/4".  That is using the clippers in the direction of the growth.  If you go against the growth of the hair your result will be much shorter.  I have researched and researched for combs that would keep the hair at 2" but have not had any luck.  Therefore, if you want to maintain any length over 1 1/2" you would have to do a scissor cut.  You also could consult a groomer and ask how they do a longer cut and what equipment they use.  Good Luck!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

The only attachment combs I've seen that leave hair longer than 1" are Kim Laube Mammoth combs. They cut hair in a range from 1" to 6". Here's a link:
http://laubeshop.com/mammothclippercombsshippinglatefeb08.aspx

I have zero experience with them and have no idea how they perform. They are universal combs that would fit the Andis clipper you have. You can buy them as a set or individually. Someone posted a discussion on this same topic a week or so ago, and I'd completely forgotten about the Laube Mammoth combs.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Debb, this is interesting indeed. Never saw these longer combs. Who wants to be the guinea pig? ;-)

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

It won't be me, since I keep the doods pretty short year round. I'm not a fan of the regular Laube plastic combs. I found they left the coats pretty rough and uneven. My professional groomer swears by Laube combs and she could get a flawless finish. Me, I'll stick with the Wahl stainless steel type.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Leslie...been there done that...$100 dollars later just for various combs that wouldn't fit my Andis clippers.

[DonMarie and Picco]

I ordered the 3" mammoth comb and couldn't even comb it through wavy hair - way to flimsy! I didn't even try to see if it fit my clipper.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Good to know! 

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Oh, BTW, the best blade to use with attachment combs is a 30 blade, IMO.

[Don & Gracie]

So I should buy a 30 blade ... is the ceramic blade worth paying more for? I read on Amazon that the 30 blade is better for getting at the hair inbetween the pads on the paws. True?

Then what is the 10 blade good for?

Thank you all for your advice!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Actually, I have a Wahl Competition 30 blade that came free with an order from petedge.com almost a year ago, which works really well, but the ceramic edge blades are nice, too. I use a cordless Andis trimmer for in between the pads. I have yet to find a particular use for the 10 blade that came with the Andis clipper.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I think the blades are based on how many tiny cutting tines they have.  Basically a #10, #15, #30 and #40 all cut really close.  The higher the number the closer.  Basically skin bald by the time you get to the #40.  I never use a blade without a comb.  I had read somewhere that if you use a #30 or #40 that it just makes the clipping easier to do.  The clippers run through the hair much easier and make a finer cut.  With the attachment on it has nothing to do with the length.  Just more the smoothness and ease of cutting.  If you Google around you will find a list of what each number blade is used for.  Also, I think if you search the DK archives you will find many discussions and posted charts regarding blades.  FYI...I personally never take a blade to my Doodle.  I always have a comb on it.  The one thing you do not want to have is razor burn which is easy to do in the sanitary area and tummy.  I put the tightest comb on for those type shavings and even use scissors in tight places...this depends on the cooperation of your Doodle though!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I know the higher the number, the closer the cut on a blade. I think I've seen grooming videos where they use a 10 blade on things like sanitary cuts. I think I'll try that next time. My Andis trimmer seems to be hit or miss in resulting in razor burn in that area. I'll also try the shortest comb attachment over a 30 blade and see how that works out. I really do like a close cut in the sanitary area, but I hate razor burn!