Dog Grooming Prices by Breed 2026: What You Should Expect to Pay
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Taking your dog to the groomer isn't always a budget mystery — but it often feels like one. Prices seem to jump without explanation, two groomers in the same town can charge $40 apart for the same breed, and nobody publishes a real price list you can actually plan around.
This guide breaks it down honestly: what groomers charge in 2026 by breed and coat type, what drives those prices up or down, and what you should expect to pay for everything from a simple bath to a full scissor cut.
Why Dog Grooming Prices Vary So Much
Before the numbers, you need to understand what you're actually paying for — because "grooming" covers everything from a 20-minute express bath to a 3.5-hour full doodle groom, and groomers price accordingly.
The four biggest price drivers:
1. Coat type and condition A double-coated Husky requires full deshedding treatment. A matted doodle that hasn't been groomed in 6 months takes significantly more time — and effort — than one on a regular 6-week schedule. Coat condition is often more important than breed alone.
2. Dog size and weight A 5-lb Chihuahua takes a fraction of the product and table time of a 90-lb Standard Poodle. Most groomers price in size tiers (small/medium/large/XL), but they also consider actual weight and build.
3. Temperament and behavior An anxious dog that needs extra handling, a senior dog with mobility limitations, or a bite-risk dog requiring muzzle work all take longer and command higher prices. Many groomers add a behavior surcharge when warranted.
4. Service package Bath-only vs bath + haircut vs full groom vs breed-standard trim are very different services. Always confirm what's included before you assume.
Dog Grooming Price Ranges by Breed (2026)
These are realistic price ranges based on national averages for a full groom (bath, blow dry, trim, nail clip, ear clean) at a mid-market grooming salon. Mobile grooming typically runs $20–$50 higher per appointment due to travel and convenience.
Small Breeds (Under 20 lbs)
| Breed | Coat Type | Typical Price Range | |---|---|---| | Chihuahua | Short / smooth | $35 – $55 | | Maltese | Long, silky | $55 – $85 | | Shih Tzu | Long, dense | $55 – $90 | | Yorkshire Terrier | Long, fine | $50 – $75 | | Pomeranian | Double coat | $55 – $80 | | Toy Poodle | Curly, requires styling | $60 – $95 | | Miniature Schnauzer | Wiry, hand-stripped or clipper | $55 – $80 | | Dachshund (short) | Smooth | $35 – $55 | | Cavalier King Charles | Silky, moderate length | $50 – $75 | | Bichon Frisé | Curly, high maintenance | $65 – $95 |
Small breed avg: $45 – $85
Medium Breeds (20–50 lbs)
| Breed | Coat Type | Typical Price Range | |---|---|---| | Cocker Spaniel | Long, silky, prone to matting | $70 – $110 | | Miniature Poodle | Curly, requires styling | $70 – $110 | | Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) | Double coat, heavy shedder | $65 – $100 | | Beagle | Short, smooth | $45 – $65 | | Border Collie | Medium double coat | $65 – $95 | | Corgi (Pembroke) | Double coat, heavy shedder | $60 – $90 | | Basenji | Short, minimal grooming | $40 – $60 | | Bulldog (French / English) | Short, wrinkle cleaning required | $50 – $75 | | Cockapoo / Cavapoo | Wavy/curly mix | $70 – $110 |
Medium breed avg: $55 – $100
Large Breeds (50–85 lbs)
| Breed | Coat Type | Typical Price Range | |---|---|---| | Labrador Retriever | Short double coat, heavy shedder | $65 – $95 | | Golden Retriever | Dense double coat, feathering | $80 – $130 | | German Shepherd | Heavy double coat, extreme shedder | $80 – $130 | | Siberian Husky | Thick double coat, seasonal shedder | $85 – $140 | | Australian Shepherd | Medium double coat | $75 – $120 | | Standard Poodle | Curly, full styling required | $90 – $150 | | Labradoodle / Goldendoodle | Curly or wavy, high maintenance | $90 – $160 | | Bernese Mountain Dog | Long double coat | $95 – $150 | | Irish Setter | Long, silky, flowing | $80 – $125 |
Large breed avg: $75 – $140
Extra-Large Breeds (85+ lbs)
| Breed | Coat Type | Typical Price Range | |---|---|---| | Great Pyrenees | Heavy double coat | $120 – $200 | | Saint Bernard | Long, thick | $120 – $200 | | Newfoundland | Extra-dense double coat | $130 – $220 | | Great Dane | Short, smooth — but large | $75 – $120 | | Alaskan Malamute | Extreme double coat | $120 – $200 |
XL breed avg: $90 – $200
Doodle Breeds: Why They Cost More
Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Aussiedoodles, and other doodle mixes consistently sit at the top of grooming price lists — and for good reason.
Doodle coats are genetically unpredictable. Unlike purebreds with predictable coat types, doodles can inherit anything from a tight Poodle curl to a loose Golden wave to an in-between "fleece" coat that mats aggressively. Many groomers dedicate 2–3.5 hours to a medium-large doodle appointment.
Typical doodle grooming prices:
- Miniature/small doodle (under 30 lbs): $75 – $110
- Medium doodle (30–55 lbs): $90 – $150
- Standard/large doodle (55–80 lbs): $110 – $180
If your doodle comes in matted, expect a dematting or shave-down surcharge — often $20–$50 additional, or more. The best way to avoid it: keep a 6–8 week grooming schedule.
Add-On Services and What They Cost
Most grooming prices listed above cover a standard full groom. Many salons offer additional services:
| Add-On | Typical Cost | |---|---| | Teeth brushing | $10 – $20 | | Blueberry facial / face scrub | $8 – $15 | | Deshedding treatment (FURminator) | $15 – $40 | | Flea/tick treatment shampoo | $15 – $25 | | Nail grinding (vs clipping) | $10 – $15 | | Anal gland expression (external) | $10 – $20 | | Bandana / bow | $3 – $8 | | De-matting (by severity) | $20 – $75+ |
Mobile Grooming vs Salon Pricing
Mobile groomers — who bring a self-contained grooming van to your driveway — typically charge $20–$50 more than a traditional salon for the same service. That premium covers:
- Travel time to your location
- Convenience (no waiting room, no kennel stress for the dog)
- One-on-one attention (your dog is the only dog on the van)
- Higher operating costs (van maintenance, fuel, insurance)
For many dog owners, the stress reduction for their dog is worth the extra cost — especially for anxious or reactive dogs. You can find current mobile grooming rates in our mobile dog grooming price list guide.
What Drives Prices Up in Your Area
National averages only go so far. Where you live affects grooming prices significantly:
- Major metros (NYC, LA, SF, Chicago): Add 30–60% above national averages. A Goldendoodle groom that costs $120 in Albuquerque can run $180–$220 in Brooklyn.
- Suburban markets: Generally close to national averages.
- Rural areas: Often 10–20% below average, but fewer options and longer wait times.
- Demand: Groomers are in short supply nationally. Many salons have 4–8 week waitlists. This keeps prices stable or rising in most markets.
How Groomers Price Your Dog
If you're a groomer trying to set your own rates — or just curious what goes into the number — here's the actual framework most grooming professionals use:
Base rate by size → adjusted for coat type → adjusted for condition and matting → add service type premium → regional factor
A well-run grooming business tracks time per appointment carefully. A solo groomer doing 6 dogs per day needs each appointment to cover: product cost, overhead (rent, utilities, insurance), their own labor, and profit margin. Most experienced groomers target $50–$80+ in revenue per grooming hour.
If you're building a pricing structure for your own business, our guide on how to price dog grooming services walks through the math. And if you're just starting out, see our complete guide to starting a dog grooming business.
How to Know If You're Paying a Fair Price
A few quick checks:
- Look at what's included. Is this bath-only or full groom? Nail clip? Ear clean? Get a line-item breakdown before assuming.
- Ask about the groomer's experience with your breed. Specialty coat work (poodle clips, Schnauzer hand stripping, doodle styling) takes real skill and commands higher prices.
- Check the shop's setup. Clean, organized, low-stress environment and good handling practices are worth paying for. Cheap grooming isn't a bargain if it comes with an anxious or injured dog.
- Frequency matters for price. A dog groomed every 6–8 weeks costs less per appointment than one groomed twice a year — because the coat stays manageable.
FAQ
How much does it cost to groom a dog? For most dogs, expect $50–$130 for a full groom at a mid-market salon. Small smooth-coated breeds sit at the low end; large double-coated or curly breeds like Goldendoodles or Standard Poodles sit at the high end.
Why is dog grooming so expensive for some breeds? Grooming price reflects time, skill, and materials. A Goldendoodle takes 2.5–3.5 hours of hands-on work. A Chihuahua bath takes 30 minutes. The difference in price is proportional.
How often should I groom my dog? Breeds with fast-growing or matting-prone coats (Poodles, doodles, Shih Tzus, Cockers) need grooming every 6–8 weeks. Short-coated breeds (Labs, Beagles) can go 8–12 weeks between appointments for a bath.
Can I negotiate grooming prices? Rarely at established salons. What you can do: keep your dog on a regular schedule (reduces dematting work), book during off-peak days, and ask about package deals for multiple dogs.
Do mobile groomers cost more? Yes, typically $20–$50 more per appointment. The premium reflects travel, one-on-one service, and convenience. For anxious dogs, many owners consider it worth every dollar.
What if my dog is matted? Expect a surcharge. Dematting is labor-intensive work and sometimes not in the dog's best interest — severe matting often requires a shave-down. Ask your groomer what they recommend before the appointment.
After reviewing what services cost, you may also find yourself wondering whether to tip your groomer — and what's actually standard. See do groomers expect tips, and how much? for a straightforward breakdown.
Are you a pet groomer building or managing your business? GroomGrid is an AI-powered grooming business management platform designed for how groomers actually work — waitlist open now.