Dog size and grooming cost
Size is the starting point every other grooming cost gets added to. More dog means more shampoo, more drying time, and more table time, regardless of coat type.
Small dogs
$44–$59 baseUnder about 20 lb (Chihuahua, Yorkie)
Less coat surface area, less shampoo, and less time on the table adds up to the lowest base price bracket.
Medium dogs
$56–$77 baseAbout 20–50 lb (Beagle, Cocker Spaniel)
A step up in bathing and drying time from small dogs, without yet needing the extra handling larger dogs require.
Large dogs
$72–$98 baseAbout 50–90 lb (Labrador, Golden Retriever)
More coat to bathe, dry, and brush means meaningfully more groomer time per visit than a small or medium dog, even at the same coat type and matting level.
Giant dogs
$88–$121 base90+ lb (Great Dane, Saint Bernard)
The biggest bathtubs, the most shampoo, the longest dry time, and often two-person handling for safety. Size alone can push the price up even for a giant breed with a short, low-maintenance coat.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a bigger dog cost more to groom, even with a short coat?+
More dog means more shampoo, more time in the tub, and more time drying and brushing, regardless of coat length. A giant breed can cost more to groom than a small dog with a longer coat, purely because of the time and product it takes to bathe and dry that much surface area.
What size class is my dog for grooming pricing?+
Small is generally under about 20 lb (Chihuahua, Yorkie), medium is about 20-50 lb (Beagle, Cocker Spaniel), large is about 50-90 lb (Labrador, Golden Retriever), and giant is 90 lb and up (Great Dane, Saint Bernard). Weight, not breed reputation, is what actually drives this.
How much more does each size class typically cost?+
Base prices before any coat, matting, or temperament adjustments typically run $44-59 for small dogs, $56-77 for medium, $72-98 for large, and $88-121 for giant breeds. Coat type and matting are added on top of these.
See your dog's full estimate
Size is just the starting point. Coat type and matting move it from there.
Start my estimate