Grooming with a 3/4" or 1" guide versus a #3 FC Blade....

[Doreen Szukala]

I have been grooming booth of my doodles for a couple of years.  I have been using an Andis Ultra Edge trimmers with guides. On Java my curlier coat doodle I use either the 1/2 guide or 3/4 inch guide over a #40 blade, but it is taking a long time, especially if I wait too long between trims. On Kona I usually us the 1" or 1 1/4" guide.  I want to cut them both for summer as they are in and out of the pool.  Has anyone used the #3FC blade instead? It says it will leave them at 1/2"? I prefer their fluffier doodle look, but it just isn't practical in our heat for the summer.  They grow out very fast.  Anyone have pictures using this blade? I will scissor cut most of their faces and the lower half of their legs as usually.  

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I use the #3 blade when I give my guys their summer cuts.  I scissor cut their legs though.  I feel like leaving the fur on the legs a big longer still gives them that doodley look even if their bodies are cut shorter.  I also scissor cut the tops of their heads which I keep longer than the body too.  The first cut after winter always seems so much more dramatic because I was used to seeing Cubbie with 4.5" hair, but they both seem to like the shorter cuts for the summer and are sooo much easier to keep clean even with all the extra outdoor playtime. 

[Doreen Szukala]

They look awesome! The length looks good. It is always an adjustment, but they are happier in the summer this way and it ALWAYS grows back faster than I expect.

[Carol and Banjo]

What a wonderful job you do.    They look perfect!   So cute.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

thanks!  That first cut always seems a bit shocking, but they just prance around the house after and seem so happy to be feeling cooler. 

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I also do my own grooming.  I just recently used my #3FC blade for the second time.  Our daughter was having her first baby and we were going to be staying for a week in Los Gatos, CA in a dog friendly motel.  I needed to have Gracie cut very short and maintenance free since they have amazing trails up there for dogs and many streams for them to swim in.  I needed to be able to bathe her in the motel hose and not worry much about brushing.  Also, because she is prone to stickers in her paws I went really short on her legs and feet which I usually keep longer.  The only difference I can see between the 3FC and the 1/2" or 3/4" comb attachment is that it is a bit choppier looking rather than smoother.  That is fine with me because Gracie Doodle is a fine, soft, fluffy wavy fleece and so she has waves that go every which way.  I also use the same trimmers you do and a #40 or #15 with my comb attachments.  I also use scissors on the face and usually the feet.  Here are pictures right after her #3FC cut.