Dog Grooming Prices
What to Expect in 2026

Professional grooming prices in the United States typically range from $40 for a basic bath-and-brush on a small short-coated dog to $150 or more for a full-service groom on a large, heavily coated breed. Size is the single biggest pricing factor because it directly affects time on the table, product usage, and physical effort.

Small dogs under 20 pounds — Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, Shih Tzus — generally run $40–65 for a full groom. Medium dogs between 20 and 50 pounds — Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, Standard Poodles — typically cost $55–85. Large dogs over 50 pounds — Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs — range from $70–110. Giant breeds like Great Danes and Newfoundlands often start at $90 and can exceed $130 for a full service.

These ranges assume a standard full groom: bath, blow dry, brush-out, nail trim, ear cleaning, and a basic trim or tidy. Specialty cuts, hand-stripping, de-matting surcharges, and mobile grooming premiums sit on top of these base prices.

A short-coated Beagle and a curly-coated Poodle of the same weight are not the same job. Coat type determines how long the groom takes, what tools are required, and how much skill the groomer needs — all of which feed directly into price.

Short, smooth coats are the fastest and cheapest to groom. A bath, dry, and nail trim on a Labrador might take 45 minutes. Curly and wavy coats — Poodles, Bichons, Doodles — require clipping every four to eight weeks and meticulous scissoring, often taking 90 minutes to two hours. Double coats with heavy undercoat — Huskies, Samoyeds, Chow Chows — need extensive de-shedding that adds 30–45 minutes to any appointment.

Doodle crosses have created a pricing category of their own. Their unpredictable coat texture — ranging from wavy to tightly curled — means groomers often charge a premium because every Doodle is a slightly different job. Expect $75–120 for a medium Doodle full groom, with matting surcharges common if the dog hasn't been brushed between appointments.

The base groom price rarely tells the whole story. De-matting is the most common surcharge: groomers typically charge $10–20 per 15 minutes of mat removal, and a severely matted dog can add $40–80 to the bill. Some salons refuse severely matted dogs entirely and require a shave-down instead.

Teeth brushing ($10–15), anal gland expression ($10–15), flea baths ($15–25), medicated shampoos ($10–20), nail grinding instead of clipping ($5–10), and specialty styling like Asian fusion cuts or breed-standard patterns ($20–40 extra) all add up. Mobile grooming — where the groomer comes to your home in a fully equipped van — typically costs 20–40% more than salon grooming but eliminates travel stress for anxious dogs.

Tip expectations vary by region, but 15–20% is standard for grooming services, similar to hair salons. Some groomers work as independent contractors within a salon and rely heavily on tips as part of their income.

Frequency depends entirely on coat type. Short-coated breeds need professional grooming every eight to twelve weeks — mainly for nail trims, ear cleaning, and a thorough bath. Double-coated breeds benefit from a professional de-shedding session twice a year during heavy shed seasons, plus routine maintenance every six to eight weeks.

Curly and continuously growing coats need professional attention every four to six weeks without exception. Letting a Poodle or Bichon go eight weeks between grooms usually means matting, extended appointment times, and higher bills. Budget $600–1,200 annually for a high-maintenance coated breed versus $200–400 for a low-maintenance short coat.

Puppies under six months often receive discounted introductory grooms ($25–40) designed to acclimate them to the process. Senior dogs may need shorter, more frequent sessions rather than fewer long ones — discuss a maintenance plan with your groomer rather than assuming the standard six-week cycle still works.

The cheapest groom isn't always the best value. A groomer who rushes through a double-coated breed without proper undercoat removal leaves you with a dog that sheds just as much at home and may develop skin issues from trapped undercoat. Look for transparent pricing, clear communication about surcharges, and willingness to show you what was done.

Regular home brushing between professional appointments is the single most effective way to reduce grooming costs. A dog brushed three times a week arrives mat-free, finishes faster, and avoids de-matting fees entirely. For a curly-coated dog, this can save $200–400 per year.

Ask about package deals or loyalty discounts — many salons offer a free groom after ten visits, or reduced rates for booking recurring appointments. Some groomers charge less for dogs that are well-behaved and require no extra restraint, which is another reason to invest in grooming desensitization training early.