How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost in 2026?

Whether you just brought home a new pup or you’ve had your dog for years, their grooming bill can feel like a moving target. Costs can vary wildly depending on your dog’s breed type and the amount of grooming you ask for. Some dogs, like Labradors, have pretty low-maintenance coats. Others, especially dogs with double coats, will have higher grooming costs.

Dog grooming is a necessary, vital part of pet parenting. It can’t be skipped if you want your dog to have a healthy, happy life. How much grooming a dog will need depends on their size, breed, and coat type. We’re breaking down what goes into that price tag and why it’s a vital investment in your dog’s health.

Average dog grooming prices in 2026

There are several main categories of dog grooming. In 2026, you can expect to pay somewhere between $40 and $100 for a full groom, depending on your dog’s size and the location of the groomer. Like haircuts for people, a dog’s grooming experience can be highly customized and run from simple DIY services to luxury, boutique grooming services.

• Self-service dog wash ($15 to $25): This DIY option is fairly affordable but requires more personal effort. Shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, towels, and blow-dryers are usually provided. But you’ll be doing the work yourself.

• Standard professional salon ($40 to $100): These are the prices you can expect at popular retail stores with on-site grooming facilities. Standard grooming usually includes a bath, brush out, de-matting, and a nail trim. Some services can be added on or packaged together for a more detailed clean.

• Mobile grooming and luxury boutiques ($100 to $200 or more): The most custom, luxury service is a mobile groomer who will come straight to you. This is convenient, but pricier.

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Aside from keeping your dog pretty or handsome, grooming is an important part of maintaining their health. Here are some tips on knowing when your pup needs a little freshening up.

Factors that determine your final bill

• Breed size and coat type: The first, most crucial determination for your bill will be your dog’s size, breed, and coat. Dogs like Beagles, Labs, Vizslas, and Pit Bulls have short coats that often just need regular baths, while dogs with long coats like Shih Tzus, Maltese, or Yorkshire Terriers have more complex grooming requirements and haircuts. There are also dogs with double coats, like Golden Retrievers and Huskies, who require special attention during shedding seasons.

• Coat condition: If your dog has matted fur, de-matting services will cost more, even if your pet is getting shaved. This extra fee is necessary to cover the time, effort, and expertise required to safely remove the mat while keeping your dog calm, in addition to wear and tear on grooming tools.

• Dog behavior and age: Your grooming appointment may require an additional fee if your dog exhibits anxious behavior, aggressive behavior, or advanced age. These factors will require extra time in the grooming session.

• Where you live: Grooming prices will depend on where you live, and typically cost more in metropolitan settings than rural ones.

• Specialized cuts and needs: Some breeds require breed-specific cuts, and some popular haircuts can cost more than regular ones.

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What are you actually paying for?

A standard grooming session will usually include a bath, blow-dry, brush-out of fur, nail trim, ear cleaning, and a sanitary trim.

Common grooming add-ons and their costs

Some dogs may require additional services, which can cost a little bit more. You can also opt to have professionals handle this if you’d prefer not to do these tasks.

• Toothbrushing: $10 to $20

• Flea and tick prevention application: $20 or more

• Healthy skin and coat treatment: $15

• De-matting or de-shedding: $10 to $25

• Anal gland expression: $10 to $20

• Deep conditioner: $15 to $25

• Senior dog package with CBD shampoo and feet soak: $25

• Blueberry facial: $20 to $25

Grooming costs by breed: what to expect

Some groomers will have base prices for certain dog breeds. You’ll have to check each groomer for their specific prices, but here’s a general idea.

• Border Collie: $65 to $100

• Labrador Retriever: $45 to $55

• Beagle: $70 to $75

• Short-haired Chihuahua: $35 to $60

• Long-haired Chihuahua: $70 to $90

• Short-hair Dachshund: $40 to $60

• English Bulldog: $50 to $65

• Corgi: $50 to $75

• French Bulldog: $40 to $65

• Shih Tzu: $85 to $95

• German Shepherd: $75 to $120

• Golden Retriever: $55 to $65

• Golden Doodle: $100 to $180

• Labradoodle: $110 to $180

• Pomeranian: $85 to $110

• Siberian Husky: $120 to $160

• Yorkshire Terrier: $85 to $100

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How to save money on grooming without skipping it

• Home maintenance: Brush your dog regularly to prevent matting and shedding at home.

• Book maintenance visits: Quick baths between full haircuts can help keep the costs down on full grooming sessions.

• Use loyalty programs or book off-hours: You may be able to save money with loyalty points or by booking during less-requested hours, such as weekdays.

• Train your dog for calm behavior: Well-behaved dogs are quicker to groom, which means lower fees.

• Find community resources: Seek out low-cost clinics or student groomers to lower the costs of grooming, while still keeping up with your dog’s health.

Dog grooming is healthcare

At the end of the day, dog grooming is a key part of their healthcare. It’s not just about keeping them looking and smelling fresh — it’s vital to their health and happiness.

• Healthy skin and coat: Brushing your dog regularly removes dead fur, distributes oils, and prevents matting.

• Regular nail trimming: Doing this at home will keep your dog’s paws healthy, as well as protect their walking gait and your apartment’s floors.

• Clean ears: Doing this at home regularly can help your pet avoid infections, and you can inspect for fleas, too.

• Emotional bonding: Brushing and grooming are great ways to bond with your pet, so they feel comfortable and safe with you.

• Don’t forget oral care: Just as ignoring dental care can cause issues in people, it’s the same with pets. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can help prevent gum disease and buildup just like it does in people.

A well-groomed dog will be calmer and happier, and the best results will be found by combining both home grooming and professional grooming. Just like you feel better after a good bath or haircut, your pet will as well.

Commonly asked questions

How much should I tip my dog groomer?

You should tip between 15 and 20 percent of the service total to your dog groomer.

Why is mobile grooming more expensive?

Unlike salon groomers, who can work on several dogs at once in different stages of grooming, a mobile groomer will focus on your dog one-on-one. Any premium, personalized service, like a mobile groomer, will cost more than a general one.

How often does my dog need to go to the groomer?

Short-haired dogs should go to a groomer every four to six weeks. Long-haired dogs need to be bathed every four to six weeks and have their hair cut every eight to 12 weeks. Dogs with thick undercoats or double coats should be groomed every eight weeks during shedding seasons. And silky-haired dogs should be groomed every four to eight weeks.