Pet grooming cost is one of the most variable ongoing expenses in pet ownership. Some breeds need virtually no professional grooming; others require $1,000+ per year just to keep their coat healthy and mat-free. This makes grooming needs one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a breed.
Pet Grooming Cost by Dog Size in 2026
| Pet type or coat | Typical session cost | Typical frequency | Annual impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-coated small dog | \$40-\$70 | Occasional | Lower grooming budget |
| Doodle / curly coat | \$70-\$140 | Every 4-8 weeks | One of the highest annual budgets |
| Double-coated shedding breed | \$60-\$120 | Seasonal deshed plus brushing | Moderate to high |
| Domestic shorthaired cat | Usually low | Mostly home care | Low professional cost |
Professional grooming prices depend on dog size, coat type, and local market rates. Estimated national averages for a full grooming session (bath, dry, haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning):
- Pet grooming cost can range from almost nothing to more than $1,000 per year depending on coat type and owner habits.
- Coat maintenance frequency matters as much as breed size.
- DIY brushing, bathing, and nail trims can reduce cost, but some coats are expensive to maintain no matter what.
- In 2026, grooming is one of the easiest ownership costs to underestimate when choosing a breed.
- Small dogs (under 25 lbs): $35–$60
- Medium dogs (25–50 lbs): $50–$80
- Large dogs (50–80 lbs): $65–$100
- Giant breeds (80+ lbs): $80–$150
Common add-ons include matting surcharges ($10–$25+), teeth brushing ($10–$15), and de-shedding treatments ($10–$20). Heavily matted dogs may incur significant extra charges.
How Coat Type Changes Grooming Frequency and Annual Cost
Non-shedding/curly coats (Poodles, Goldendoodles, Bichon Frise): Every 4–6 weeks. These breeds have continuously growing hair that mats easily without regular maintenance. Estimated annual pet grooming cost: $700–$1,800.
Long/double coats (Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Collies): Every 6–8 weeks for professional grooming, plus regular brushing at home. Estimated annual cost: $400–$900.
Short/smooth coats (Labs, Beagles, Boxers): Professional grooming a few times per year for bath and nail trim. Estimated annual cost: $100–$300.
Wire/rough coats (Schnauzers, Wire Fox Terriers): Every 6–8 weeks for hand-stripping or clipping. Estimated annual cost: $500–$1,000.
Which Breeds Have the Highest and Lowest Grooming Bills
Higher grooming costs: Standard Poodle, Goldendoodle, Afghan Hound, Old English Sheepdog — all breeds with continuously growing or high-maintenance coats requiring frequent professional attention.
Lower grooming costs: Chihuahua, Beagle, Dachshund, Pit Bull — short-coated breeds that primarily need occasional baths and nail trims, much of which can be done at home.
DIY Grooming vs Professional Grooming: What You Can Save
DIY helps most with maintenance between appointments rather than replacing every appointment. Brushing a coat before it mats and keeping nails under control often saves more money than trying to do a full groom from scratch with no practice.
A quality grooming kit (clippers, scissors, slicker brush, nail trimmer) costs $150–$400 upfront. With practice and patience, owners can reduce professional grooming visits substantially. For high-grooming breeds like Goldendoodles, doing full grooms at home could save an estimated $600–$1,200/year.
YouTube and breed-specific grooming communities offer excellent tutorials for learning at-home grooming techniques. Expect a learning curve — and some creative early results — but the long-term savings for high-maintenance breeds can be meaningful. The AKC’s grooming guide is a good starting point.
Factor grooming into your lifetime cost with our free breed-specific calculator.
Compare grooming-heavy breeds against lower-maintenance options before you choose a pet.
Regular brushing between appointments often prevents the extra de-matting fees owners dislike most.
What grooming task gives the best savings?
Sometimes for short-coated pets, but not always for coats that mat easily or need clipping.
Can DIY grooming replace a salon completely?
It depends on coat type, but many grooming-heavy breeds need appointments every 4-8 weeks.
How often should a dog be professionally groomed?
Most cats are not, but long-haired or matted cats can still need paid grooming support.
Are cats expensive to groom?
Curly-coated, long-haired, and high-maintenance designer mixes often sit at the top of the grooming-cost range.