The 9 Best Dog Nail Clippers for Small And Medium Dogs in 2025
Small dogs can benefit from guillotine clippers as they are smaller and offer more precision. Scissor clippers are better for medium dogs because you get more control. For dogs who are more sensitive or nervous, nail grinders are the ideal middle ground.
Every dog needs their nails clipped. It keeps them healthy and prevents them from curling and growing inwards. When claws become too long, it can be very uncomfortable for your dog to deal with. It’s not a fun job, and no one wants to risk hurting their best friend, but it is necessary. But how do you know which clippers to use?
Small and medium breeds have different needs. It’s something that applies to everything from food and bedding down to healthcare. Nail grinders can be great for sensitive dogs and smoothing rough edges. Guillotine clippers are perfect for small breeds, and scissor clippers offer more control for medium dogs. It’s all in the clipper type.
I’m here to help you find the best nail clippers for small and medium dogs.
Key Takeaways
- Nail grinders are very effective and fantastic for dogs who are nervous
- Don’t panic if you cut the quick – it’s easy to stop the bleeding
- Small dogs have fine, delicate nails. This means guillotine clippers are best
- Medium breeds have thicker, firmer nails. This means scissor clippers are ideal
What Types Of Nail Clippers Are Available?
Your dogs need their nails trimmed every three or four weeks. It depends on how quickly they grow and how good they are at wearing them down on their own. One of my childhood dogs actually used to trim his own claws by biting them, which saved us a lot of work. It can be a challenge to cut your dog’s nails at home, but it’s rewarding when it goes well.
Trimming their nails is a great way to build trust between you and strengthen your bond. It also works as a form of reward-based training to help with positive reinforcement. But it’s not just your patience as an owner that’s important; you also need the right nail clippers. The most commonly found nail clippers for dogs are:
- Guillotine-style: These are the best for small breeds because they offer a clean cut with minimal force. However, if they are used on thicker nails, they can cause painful splits. They have a stationary and a moving blade that come together to cut the nail.
- Scissor-style: Medium breeds, like Corgis, often have thick nails that are curved slightly. These clippers have two curved blades that move against each other, just like scissors, to provide a clean cut. They are good for slightly thicker nails.
- Pliers-style: With these clippers, you will find that they use two spring-loaded handles to help apply more force to the nail. That’s what makes these great for very thick claws. A pair of dual-sided blades meet in the middle to cut through the nail effectively.
- Nail grinders (dremels): These are perfect for sensitive dogs and are also great for smoothing out the edges of claws. They have a rotating head that works like sandpaper against the nails, wearing them down. They are good for maintenance and smoothing out very sharp claws.
Choosing the Right Clippers by Breed and Size
If you’re ready to find the next pair of nail clippers for your pup, you’re in the right place. I’ve got the perfect selection of clippers for small and medium breeds. There are even some fantastic grinders included for those who want to try something different.
9 Best Nail Clippers: An Overview
for small dogs
best for beginners
best for no splitting
best for nerves
for sturdy small dogs
best for different size nails
best for a sharp cut
For Medium-Sized Dogs
best for grip
best for thicker nails
best for safety
for dogs of all sizes
best all-round grinder
Best Clipper Types For Small Breeds
This selection of nail clippers is perfect for small breeds such as Yorkies and Chihuahuas. They are good for use on delicate nails and get the job done quickly.
1. The Best Nail Clippers For Beginners
These nail clippers are sharp and easy to use, which means you get a clean cut every time. The ergonomic grip makes handling a breeze, and the guillotine style means fine claws are trimmed effortlessly. They’re very durable and suited to small dogs, cats, and other small pets. The only downside is that they don’t spring back after clipping, so you have to do that manually.
2. Best Nail Clippers for No Splitting
These springtrap guillotine clippers can take some practice to use properly, so I don’t recommend them for beginners. However, you get a really clean cut without the nails splintering or splitting. The rubber handle provides a solid grip, and the replaceable blades make it more durable. The trick with these is to find the right angle, and once you do that, you’re golden.
3. Best Nail Clippers for Nervous Dogs
These sharp, stainless steel blades are ideal for getting a smooth cut without any drag or splintering. They have a safety lock, and they are ideal for use on dogs who are nervous about nail trimmings because of how quiet and gentle they are. They can’t be used on thick nails because the opening is very small, but they are perfect for thin and delicate nails.
Clippers For Sturdy Small Breeds
These clippers are perfect for small breeds with thicker, sturdier nails. This includes Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs, each of which tends to have tougher nails.
1. Best Clippers For Different Nail Sizes
The adjustable blades on these clippers mean that they are perfect for a range of nail sizes. That means you could even use them to trim the claws on a cat if you needed to. The curved handles ensure you have a good, steady grip, and even if your dog pulls away, the blade won’t loosen. The only downside is the lack of a stop to help you gauge where the quick is.
2. Best Dog Nail Trimmers For A Sharp Cut
The dual-sided blades on these clippers ensure a clean cut every time. They are also exceptionally sharp, which provides a quick and painless experience for your dog. There is also a safety stop on the blade to help you avoid the quick. However, this gauge does make it a little hard to see where you’re clipping. They can also be used in the left or right hand.
Choosing Clippers For Medium-Sized Dogs
Corgis, Beagles, and Cockapoos are among some of the breeds that can benefit from these clippers. Made for those thicker, sturdier nails, they’re sure to get the job done.
1. Best Nail Trimmer For Good Grip
These clippers are made with high-carbon steel blades to ensure they last a long time and remain sharp. They offer a clean cut without the risk of splintering, and the ergonomic grips ensure that you don’t slip while you trim. The safety guard will help you figure out where the quick is, and even if your dog wiggles, these trimmers won’t lose their hold.
2. Best Nail Clippers For Thicker Nails
These clippers are spring-loaded and exceptionally sharp, which helps them to cut through thicker nails with ease. They are made from stainless steel and won’t tear the nail when they cut due to their sharpness. The unique plier design helps you get a better grip, and the comfortable handle ensures you don’t lose it. Even vets love these clippers.
3. Best Nail Clippers For Safety
These clippers have a safety stop to ensure that you don’t cut the quick and help guide you. The stainless steel blades are sharp for a clean cut, and the lock on the handle prevents accidents when you go to store them. The anti-slip handle ensures there are no injuries while you’re clipping, and they make the job fast so that your dog feels less stressed.
Grinders For Dogs Of All Sizes
Grinders are a fantastic way to help ease your dog’s mind and keep them calm if they are nervous. I have one in particular I like to recommend for breeds of all shapes and sizes.
1. The Best All-Round Nail Grinder
This grinder comes with a rechargeable battery that has a fantastic two hours and 45 minutes of running time. The cap even has a guide to keep you at the recommended angle (45 degrees), and there are several different attachments to ensure your dog’s nails are perfectly trimmed. It’s also quiet and has minimal vibrations to help keep your pup calm throughout the process.
When To Size Up Or Switch To A Grinder
If your clippers are struggling to cut through the nail, it might be time to size up. Similarly, trimmers that cause splits and splinters can end up hurting your dog and are a sign that they aren’t the right size. Thicker nails need more strength than the small, delicate ones, and even smaller dogs can have bulky nails.
Similarly, if your dog is nervous about having their nails trimmed, a grinder might be a better solution. They are quiet and don’t have as much risk of you catching the quick. Your dog will also feel less restricted by them as there is nothing gripping their claw. It’s also the perfect choice if you’re not confident in cutting their nails (just like me).
Features To Look For In A Safe Nail Clipper
Of course, you’re going to want your dog’s nail clippers to be safe. You want to minimise the risk of cutting the quick and ensure they have a comfortable experience. These are some of the key features I recommend you look out for when choosing nail clippers:
- Quick-stop guards: These are very helpful when trying to gauge where the quick should be. It’s a good way to avoid unnecessary pain and stress for your dog, but it’s not a perfect system. Every dog is different, and dogs with longer claws are also likely to have a longer quick. However, I still recommend these guards to help build your confidence when trimming.
- Ergonomic Handles: They aren’t just comfortable for you as the owner; they are also a safety feature. Ergonomic handles provide a better grip, which means you can keep hold of the trimmers and make a more accurate cut.
- Sharp Blades: This is the most important feature. Sharp blades mean that you get a clean cut in one shot, which is less stress for your dog. It also means you massively reduce the chance of any splitting or splintering in the nail.
- LED Lights: This is a great little addition for clippers, especially grinders. It can help improve visibility and give you more guidance on where the quick is. This is definitely something you see more in grinders, but it’s a massive help. It reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.
Quiet Motors: If you’re using a grinder, you want a quiet motor with minimal vibrations. It reduces stress levels and makes it easier for you to sand down their claws. Trust me, the ones that vibrate a lot will not give you or your dog a good time.
How to Clip Your Dog’s Nails Without the Stress
If your dog is anxious about having their nails cut, you’ll need to work on desensitization. This means getting them used to the clippers and praising them for a positive reaction. When they sniff curiously, give them praise and a treat. When they are calm during the clipping process, offer them a treat and gentle praise.
I find it works wonders if you play with their feet from a young age because it gets them used to their toes being handled. However, not every dog takes to it, and a few calm words of reassurance go a long way during clipping. High-value treats make the experience more enjoyable, and they will definitely give them a more positive association.
The most important thing is that you don’t rush your pup. Give them a slow and steady introduction to the clippers. It might be a week or more before you get the chance to cut their nails, but the results will be worth it. You and your dog will want this to be a stress-free experience that’s more relaxing than terrifying.
Trimming Without Hitting The Quick
It’s hard to trim nails without hitting the quick, especially when you’re new to it. Starting with a small trim every one or two weeks can be a great way for you both to get used to it. This also works well if your dog has overgrown nails, as they can take a while to wear down. It will also help you learn how to tell where the quick ends in their claws.
It’s harder to find the quick on dark nails since you can’t see the blood vessel clearly. On clear nails, the vessel makes itself quite apparent as it shows up as a dark line down the center. With dark nails, you’re going to need a flashlight. By placing it under their nail, you’ll be able to see the quick through the light, which then gives you a good guide on where you can cut.
7 Steps For Trimming Your Dog’s Nails
Don’t worry, trimming your dog’s nails is one of the easiest things in the world. You’ll have no trouble following these quick and easy steps.
- Get comfortable using the clippers away from your dog. Practice your grip, test them out on the air, and make sure you’re confident in how to use them.
- Ask your dog to sit for you, and make sure they are on a non-slip surface. If you and your dog are more comfortable with them standing or lying down, that’s also fine. Make sure you have some high-value treats ready.
- Lift their paw and press your thumb against the pad while using your forefinger as a support. Gently squeeze it (don’t apply too much pressure) until you see the claw straighten out.
- Establish where the quick is. If you can see it clearly, feel free to cut. If you can’t, use a torch under the claw to find it. If you can’t see it at all, clip the nail in very small chunks. That way, you can stop the second the inside starts to turn pink or red.
- When clipping, make sure you have the trimmers angled so that they cut from the top to bottom instead of from the side. This puts less pressure on the quick and made the end result more comfortable for your dog.
- Check your dog’s paws regularly to ensure you are cutting their nail properly and haven’t missed anything. The tip should not touch the ground when your dog is standing up.
- Give them all the treats and praise for being so well behaved while their nails were cut.
What To Do If You Cut The Quick
Don’t panic if you cut the nail too short and end up nicking the quick. Your dog is going to scream, and you’re going to feel terrible, but it’s very simple to take care of. It bleeds a lot, but it’s not an emergency, and applying pressure with a paper towel or a cloth is a good start. This will help stem the flow and stop the bleeding after several minutes.
However, I have also found that potato flour and antiseptic powder can be a great way to stop things faster. All you need to do is dip the nail into the powder, and you’ll find it clogs up the wound and absorbs the blood. It works very quickly, and the antiseptic powder is a fantastic option when looking to prevent infections.
Clipper Maintenance Tips
Maintenance for nail clippers is fairly simple. You should wipe them down with rubbing alcohol after every use to kill bacteria and get rid of any build-up from the debris under their nails. It’s also a good idea to oil the hinges if you feel the motion starts to become stiff. You want the clippers to be smooth at all times so that your dog gets a clean cut and a stress-free session.
It’s a good idea to store your clippers in a pouch or a case. That way, you keep the blades from getting dulled and it ensure the tool remains in good condition. This will also prevent rust and help them work smoothly for longer. I recommend a cloth or leather pouch for the best protection for the blade.
When Do Blades Need To Be Replaced?
There isn’t a definitive timeframe for when the blades on your nail clippers need to be replaced. Some brands don’t even have replaceable blades, which means you’ll need a whole new set. Generally speaking, you’ll need to look at a new pair of blades every one to four years, depending on the quality of the clippers and how often you use them.
The clearest sign that a blade needs to be replaced is when it stops cutting as cleanly as it used to. You’ll find that you can’t cut the nail in one go, and it will start to crush it instead of cut. The crushing is quite obvious, and it leads to very painful splitting down the nail. This pinching can also splinter the nail, and you’ll see little shards of it going all over the floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grinding and clipping nails can be equally good. If your dog’s nails are very long, clipping is usually the best way to go. This is because you’ll be able to get more of the nail off, and it will take less time. However, nervous dogs can benefit from a grinder as it’s less stressful and slowly wears the nail down while also leaving smooth ends.
In severe cases, your vet might recommend medication to help keep your dog calm while their nails are being clipped. However, most of the time you’ll find that high-value treats work wonderfully. Things like peanut butter, sausage, and cheese can be a great way to take their mind off things and help them feel more comfortable.
Dogs do feel better after their nails have been trimmed. This is especially true when their nails are very long, as they can dig into their skin and become caught on things more easily. Trimmed nails are much more comfortable and will also stop you from getting scratched when they jump up or you play together.
Final Thoughts
There are loads of fantastic options for nail clippers available to you for your dog. Whether you have a tiny pal or a beefier bestie, there are grinders and clippers that can help you keep their nails neat and tidy. It’s an important part of their health and hygiene, and good nails lead to a much happier and more comfortable dog.
Not everyone feels comfortable clipping their dog’s nails, and there is nothing wrong with that. Dog groomers and vets offer nail clipping as part of their services if it’s not something you feel you can handle. However, vets are usually a lot more expensive. Groomers, on the other hand, tend to have very reasonable rates for clipping nails.
