Cutting your dog's coat is an important part of grooming, but it's not always clear what length to cut it to. Different breeds have different coat lengths and textures, and some require more maintenance than others. To help you decide on the appropriate length to cut your dog's coat, we've compiled a guide to some common breeds and their recommended clipper blade lengths.

Before we dive in, it's important to note that the length you choose to cut your dog's coat to will depend on a number of factors, including the breed of your dog, the time of year, and your personal preference. When in doubt, consult with a professional groomer or your veterinarian for guidance.

Poodle

Poodles have a curly, hypoallergenic coat that requires regular grooming. The most common poodle cuts are the "puppy cut" (short all over), the "teddy bear cut" (short on the body and longer on the legs and head), and the "continental cut" (short on the back half of the body and long on the front). The recommended clipper blade length for a poodle cut is typically a #10 blade, which cuts the coat to 1.5mm.

Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers have a thick, double-layered coat that sheds heavily. While you don't want to shave your golden retriever's coat completely, a shorter cut can help reduce shedding and make grooming easier. The recommended clipper blade length for a golden retriever is typically a #7 or #5 blade, which cuts the coat to 3.2mm or 6.3mm, respectively.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terriers have a long, silky coat that requires frequent brushing and trimming. The most common Yorkie cut is a "puppy cut" or a "teddy bear cut," which involves trimming the coat to a uniform length. The recommended clipper blade length for a Yorkie cut is typically a #10 blade, which cuts the coat to 1.5mm.

Shih Tzu

Shih tzus have a long, flowing coat that requires daily brushing and frequent grooming. The most common Shih Tzu cut is a "puppy cut," which involves trimming the coat to a uniform length. The recommended clipper blade length for a Shih Tzu cut is typically a #10 or #30 blade, which cuts the coat to 1.5mm or 0.5mm, respectively.

Maltese

Maltese have a long, flowing coat that requires daily brushing and frequent grooming. The most common Maltese cut is a "puppy cut," which involves trimming the coat to a uniform length. The recommended clipper blade length for a Maltese cut is typically a #10 blade, which cuts the coat to 1.5mm.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels have a long, wavy coat that requires regular brushing and trimming. The most common Cocker Spaniel cut is a "puppy cut," which involves trimming the coat to a uniform length. The recommended clipper blade length for a Cocker Spaniel cut is typically a #7 or #5 blade, which cuts the coat to 3.2mm or 6.3mm. 

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers have a double coat with a wiry outer layer and a soft undercoat. The hair on their legs, belly, and face should be left longer, while the hair on their body should be trimmed short to maintain a neat appearance. When trimming the hair on the body of a Miniature Schnauzer, a length of 10mm is typically used. This length ensures that the coat is not too short, which can lead to irritation, but also not too long, which can make the coat difficult to maintain. For the hair on their legs and belly, a length of 25mm is generally used. This length allows for a natural look while still keeping the hair trimmed and tidy.

When trimming the hair on the face of a Miniature Schnauzer, it is important to be careful and precise. The hair around their eyes, ears, and mouth should be carefully trimmed to ensure that it does not get in their way or cause irritation. The hair on the face is usually trimmed to a length of 3mm or 6mm, depending on the desired look. It is important to use the correct grooming tools when trimming a Miniature Schnauzer's coat. A pair of sharp scissors or clippers with adjustable blade lengths can be used to achieve the desired lengths. A slicker brush can also be used to brush out any tangles or mats in the coat before trimming.

A well-groomed coat not only looks good but also helps to prevent skin irritations and infections.