The Ultimate Dog Grooming Length Chart: Never Be Confused at the Groomer Again

 You walk into the grooming salon and say, “I want my dog’s hair short, but not too short.”
Your groomer smiles, nods, and off you go.

A few hours later, your pup comes back looking like a freshly shaved sheep. 😳

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. One of the most common frustrations in the grooming world is miscommunication about coat lengths.

Why Grooming Lengths Are So Confusing

Here’s the thing: groomers speak in blade numbers and comb attachments—terms most pet owners don’t use every day. To us, a “#4 blade” or a “½ inch comb” is crystal clear. To owners, it’s gibberish.

So what happens? Owners describe what they think they want, groomers interpret it, and often the result isn’t what anyone pictured. One person’s “short” is another person’s “still fluffy.”

How a Grooming Length Chart Solves the Problem

That’s exactly why I created the Dog Grooming Length Chart.

✅ It shows you what different blade lengths actually look like on a dog.

✅Makes it easier to explain realistic options if a dog is matted and can’t keep the desired length.
✅ It bridges the gap between owner language (“a little trim”) and groomer language (“use 1" CC”).
✅ It saves groomers from awkward conversations and saves dogs from unnecessary shave-downs.

Think of it as your grooming translator—no more guesswork, no more surprises.

Clipper Vac vs. Regular Clippers

Here’s another thing many people don’t realize: grooming lengths actually differ depending on whether a clipper vac system is used or not.

• With a Clipper Vac: The suction changes the way the blade cuts. On shorter blades, it’s almost like using a reverse blade — the cut comes out about two lengths shorter than expected. On longer blades, the length stays the same. That’s why a separate Clipper Vac chart is essential if you’re using one.

• Without a Clipper Vac: Blade lengths cut exactly as they’re labeled. What you see on the chart is what you’ll get.

That’s why I listed the blade to use without a clipper vac or with using one—so you always know the length you’re truly getting.

What’s Inside the Chart

The Grooming Length Chart is designed to be simple, clear, and practical:

• Blade numbers matched with actual coat lengths.

• Visual guide so you don’t have to imagine.

• Available as a PDF download (instant access)

• Great to print out and laminate a hard copy for your grooming salon.

Who This Chart Is For

• Dog owners who want to communicate clearly with their groomer.

• Groomers who want an easy way to clearly communicate coat lengths with their clients — and keep everyone happy..

• Aspiring groomers who are learning the ropes and need a reference guide.

Ready to Take the Guesswork Out of Grooming?

Grab your chart today and finally know exactly what to ask for at the groomer.

👉 [Shop the Grooming Length Chart Here]

Your dog will thank you. Your groomer will thank you. And you’ll never leave the salon saying, “That’s not what I meant…” again.