How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost? Average Prices and Extra Services

Understanding how much dog grooming costs is not always straightforward: different price lists, services with technical names (stripping, trimming, de-shedding), surcharges based on size, coat type, and behavior. The risk is not having a clear idea of average grooming prices and not knowing whether a quote is in line with the market.

In this article, you’ll find a practical overview of:

• dog grooming price ranges by size (small, medium, large);
• differences between bath, haircut, stripping, full grooming;
• costs of extra services (ear cleaning, nail trimming, teeth cleaning, flea treatment);
• what affects groomer rates;
• how to compare groomer quotes smartly, without looking at price alone.

1. What affects the cost of dog grooming?

Before talking numbers, it’s essential to understand which factors make the price go up or down.

1.1 Main factors that influence the price

In general, the cost of dog grooming depends on:

• Dog size

  • Toy/small (e.g., Chihuahua, Maltese)
  • Medium (e.g., Beagle, Cocker Spaniel)
  • Large (e.g., Golden Retriever, German Shepherd)
  • Giant (e.g., Newfoundland, Great Dane)

• Coat type and length

  • Short smooth coat (e.g., Pitbull) → generally less demanding
  • Medium coat (e.g., Labrador)
  • Long or curly coat (e.g., Poodle, Maltese, Shih Tzu) → more drying and brushing time
  • Wire coat (e.g., Fox Terrier, Schnauzer) which may require stripping

• Requested service

  • Just a bath
  • Bath + brushing
  • Scissor cut or clipper cut
  • Stripping or trimming
  • Full grooming (bath, cut, ears, nails, finishing touches)

• Coat condition

  • Well-maintained coat → less time
  • Very tangled or matted coat → extra work, with a surcharge
  • Presence of parasites (fleas, ticks) → often a higher fee

• Dog behavior

  • Cooperative dog → faster appointment
  • Very anxious, aggressive, or hard-to-handle dog → the groomer must work more carefully and slowly

• Geographic area and type of facility

  • Large cities and historic centers tend to have higher rates
  • Small towns or peripheral areas may have lower prices
  • Highly specialized groomers and premium services have higher price lists

1.2 What is included in the “base” price

Every salon structures its packages differently, but the base price usually includes:

• bath with suitable shampoo;
• drying and brushing;
• cleaning of intimate areas;
• basic finishing touches (paws, eyes, tail);
• sometimes ear cleaning and nail trimming (but not always).

Services such as deep ear cleaning, careful nail trimming, anti-parasitic treatments, or specific products for dermatitis may be charged separately.

2. Average dog grooming prices by size

Let’s look at the numbers. Below you’ll find an indicative overview of average dog grooming prices in Italy, broken down by size and type of service.

2.1 Small dogs

Examples: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, Pomeranian.

Just bath + drying

• Average range: €25–35
• Includes: shampoo, drying, basic brushing.
• It can reach €40–45 for very long coats or special products.

Bath + cut (scissors or clipper)

• Average range: €35–55
• Complex styles for show breeds can exceed €60–70.

Full grooming

• Bath, cut, thorough brushing, ear cleaning, possible nail trimming.
• Average range: €40–65.

2.2 Medium dogs

Examples: Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Border Collie, French Bulldog, Springer Spaniel.

Just bath + drying

• Average range: €30–45
• Long, dense-coated breeds can rise to €50–60.

Bath + cut / finishing

• Average range: €45–70.
• For demanding coats or stylized grooming: up to €80.

Full grooming

• Average range: €50–80 (in some urban settings also €90–100).

2.3 Large dogs

Examples: Golden Retriever, Labrador, German Shepherd, Boxer.

Just bath + drying

• Average range: €40–70, depending on coat quantity.
• Very thick-coated breeds (e.g., Golden Retrievers, Shepherds) with plenty of undercoat can reach €80–90.

Bath + finishing / de-shedding

• Average range: €60–90.
• Often includes undercoat removal and thorough brushing work.

Full grooming (when available)

• With possible finishing cuts:
• Average range: €70–100+.

2.4 Giant dogs

Examples: Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, Great Dane.

Bath + drying

• Average range: €70–120, but it can go higher for very large or hard-to-handle dogs.

Full grooming

• Often over €100–130, especially if:
  • the coat is very long;
  • there are many knots;
  • two handlers are needed.

3. How much does a dog bath cost at the groomer?

Many owners look specifically for the dog bath cost at a groomer, because it’s the most common service.

3.1 Price ranges for a bath only

Indicatively, the dog bath cost falls within these ranges:

• Small dogs: €25–35
• Medium dogs: €30–45
• Large dogs: €40–70
• Giant dogs: €70–100+

It usually includes:

• shampoo (sometimes conditioner too);
• full drying;
• basic brushing;
• cleaning of intimate and perianal areas.

3.2 What can increase the bath price

• Use of medicated shampoos or specialized products;
• Anti-parasitic treatment during the bath;
• Need for heavy undercoat removal;
• Difficult-to-handle dog or one that needs frequent breaks.

4. Extra grooming services and their prices

In addition to bath and haircut, there are several extra services worth knowing about, both for your dog’s care and to understand why a quote is higher.

4.1 Nail trimming

• Average range: €5–15 when booked as a standalone service.
• Often included in full grooming.

4.2 Ear cleaning

• Average range: €5–15 as a standalone extra.
• In some salons, it’s included in the full package.

Over-cleaning or using unsuitable products can irritate the ear canal: for dogs with recurring ear infections, it’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s advice.

4.3 Stripping and trimming

Stripping is a manual technique for wire-coated dogs (e.g., Schnauzers, Fox Terriers, some Terrier types), involving the removal of dead hair to maintain the correct texture and color.

• Wire-coat stripping price for small/medium dogs: usually €50–90.
• For large dogs or very detailed work: even €100–120.

Stripping often includes:

• bath;
• removal of dead hair by hand;
• scissor finishing;
• ear cleaning;
• possible nail trimming.

4.4 De-shedding / undercoat removal

For double-coated breeds (e.g., Huskies, Spitz, Shepherds, Golden Retrievers), removing dead undercoat helps prevent knots, bad odors, and helps the skin breathe.

• Average surcharge: €10–30 on top of the bath cost, depending on:
  • amount of undercoat;
  • dog size;
  • time required for the work.

4.5 Specialized treatments

Examples:

• coat repair treatments;
• nourishing masks;
• soothing shampoos and lotions for sensitive skin (always with veterinary advice).

Prices vary widely, but the surcharge is usually €5–25 depending on the product used.

5. Common packages: how often and how much per month?

To assess how much dog grooming really costs, it helps to think not only about a single appointment, but also the recommended frequency.

5.1 Frequency examples by dog type

• Short-haired dogs (e.g., Pitbull, Boxer, Pug)

  • Professional bath every 2–3 months (if there are no special needs).
  • More frequent grooming in case of dirt, outdoor life, or skin issues (always on veterinary advice).

• Medium/long-haired dogs (e.g., Cocker, Golden, Poodle, Maltese)

  • Full grooming every 4–8 weeks, depending on coat growth.
  • Regular brushing at home several times a week to avoid knots.

• Wire-coated dogs (e.g., Schnauzer, Fox Terrier)

  • Full stripping/trimming every 2–4 months, with possible interim touch-ups.

5.2 Monthly spending examples

Let’s imagine a few average scenarios:

• Small Maltese

  • Full grooming every 6 weeks at €50.
  • Average monthly spend: about €35.

• Golden Retriever

  • Bath + undercoat de-shedding every 2 months at €80.
  • Average monthly spend: about €40.

• Toy Poodle living in an apartment

  • Full grooming every 4 weeks at €55.
  • Average monthly spend: about €55.

These estimates help you understand how much to allocate to your dog’s care and well-being budget, alongside food, vet visits, parasite prevention, and activities.

6. How to compare groomer rates intelligently

When you try to figure out how much dog grooming costs in your area, it’s easy to get lost among offers, packages, and promotions. Here’s how to evaluate them practically.

6.1 Don’t look at price only

A very cheap grooming service is not necessarily a bargain, just as the most expensive one is not automatically the best. Also consider:

• the groomer’s training and experience;
• the salon’s hygiene and safety;
• the quality of the products used;
• attention to the dog’s comfort and stress;
• time spent listening to your needs.

6.2 Checklist for choosing a good groomer

When you visit (or contact) a grooming salon, check:

• Is the place clean, tidy, and well ventilated?
• Do the tools (scissors, clippers, tables) appear to be in good condition?
• Are the steps of the service clearly explained?
• Does the professional ask about the dog’s health, age, or any fears?
• Are specific products used according to the coat type?
• Are you given a detailed quote before the service starts?

6.3 How to read a grooming quote correctly

A transparent grooming quote should state:

• what is included in the base price (bath, drying, brushing, finishing touches);
• what counts as an extra (significant knots, undercoat, anti-parasitic treatment, specialized treatments);
• possible additional charges (aggressive dog, parasites, particularly poor coat condition).

Always ask whether:

• nail trimming is included;
• ear cleaning is included or charged separately;
• the price will be adjusted if the dog has many knots.

7. How to save money without giving up quality

You don’t always need to choose the most expensive option to give your dog good care. There are smart ways to optimize grooming costs while keeping the level of well-being high.

7.1 Daily care at home

The better the coat is maintained at home, the less time (and extra work) will be needed at the salon.

Good home care practices:

• brush your dog regularly (especially if it has long or double coat);
• get them used from puppyhood to being touched on paws, ears, and tail;
• gently clean the eye area and muzzle when needed;
• avoid overly frequent home washing with unsuitable products.

7.2 Book appointments in advance

• booking regularly prevents the dog from arriving in “extreme” conditions (matted coat, very long nails), which often lead to surcharges;
• some salons offer loyalty packages or small discounts for consistent bookings.

7.3 Consider bundled services

Some groomers offer:

• monthly/quarterly subscriptions;
• packages combining:
  • bath;
  • full grooming;
  • periodic nail trimming.

Always ask whether there are advantageous options for those who use multiple services per year.

8. Why grooming is worth investing in (not just for looks)

Grooming is not just a matter of appearance, but an important part of daily dog care.

8.1 Benefits for the dog

• Cleaner coat, free of knots and foreign bodies;
• Skin that breathes better, with a lower risk of irritation from accumulated dirt;
• Greater walking comfort thanks to properly trimmed nails;
• Ability to spot early:
  • redness;
  • small lumps;
  • parasites;
  • foreign bodies between the paw pads.

8.2 Benefits for the owner

• less hair around the house (especially if the undercoat is managed properly);
• cleaner, fresher-smelling dog;
• lower risk of severe matting that requires full shaving.

Keep in mind, however, that groomers and veterinarians have different roles: if you notice skin abnormalities, significant itching, or pain, the veterinarian should always be your first point of reference.

9. How PawsPet can help you organize grooming

Managing appointments, expenses, and services across grooming, vet visits, trainers, and pet sitters can become complicated, especially if you have more than one pet.

The PawsPet app can help you:

• track grooming treatments performed (date, type of service, cost);
• note important remarks (e.g., “afraid of the dryer”, “sensitive left eye”);
• set reminders for the next bath, nail trim, or stripping session;
• more easily compare, over time, how much you spend on:
  • baths;
  • full grooming;
  • extra services (ear cleaning, nails, special treatments).

If you are a professional groomer or you’re opening a new business, PawsPet can become another channel to:

• get discovered by dog owners in your area;
• showcase specializations (e.g., stripping, brachycephalic grooming, low-stress grooming);
• receive contact requests and, where available, verified reviews.

10. Practical summary: how to tell if the price is fair

When you ask for a quote and want to understand whether the groomer’s rates are in line, try following this mini-guide:

1. Clearly define the service you need

• Just bath?
• Bath + cut?
• Stripping?
• Full grooming with nails and ears?

2. Provide accurate information about the dog

• Size and breed;
• Coat type (long, short, wire, curly);
• Last grooming (how long ago?);
• Presence of knots or specific issues.

3. Ask what is included in the price

• Is nail trimming included?
• Is ear cleaning included?
• Are there surcharges for knots, undercoat, or an anxious dog?

4. Compare not only price, but value

• Groomer experience;
• Salon hygiene;
• Time spent and attention to the dog’s well-being.

FAQ on dog grooming costs and prices