Dog grooming in the UK typically costs £30–60 for a full groom, with small breeds at the bottom of that range and large or thick-coated dogs well above it. Here's what drives the price, what's included, and how to spend less without cutting corners.
Typical prices by dog size
| Dog | Full groom | Bath & tidy |
|---|---|---|
| Small (Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Maltese) | £28–45 | £20–30 |
| Medium (Cockapoo, Cocker Spaniel, Schnauzer) | £38–55 | £25–38 |
| Large (Labradoodle, Golden Retriever) | £45–70 | £35–50 |
| Extra large / Standard doodles | £60–90+ | £45–60 |
A full groom normally includes a bath, blow-dry, full clip or scissor styling, nail trim, ear check and sanitary tidy. A bath and tidy skips the full haircut — wash, dry, brush-out, nails, and a light neaten of face and feet.
What makes the price move
- Coat type beats size. A dense doodle coat takes longer than a bigger smooth-coated dog. Time on the table is what you're paying for.
- Coat condition. Matting is the big one — dematting is slow, skilled, uncomfortable work, and most salons charge extra for it or recommend a shave-off instead. Regular home brushing is the single biggest money-saver in grooming.
- Region. London and the South East run 20–40% above the national range; Northern Ireland, the North East and parts of Scotland sit below it.
- Specialist work. Hand-stripping (Westies, Borders, Cockers, Schnauzers) is billed by time and expertise — often £50–80+.
- Behaviour. Anxious or wriggly dogs take longer. Many groomers charge for the extra time; some offer quiet one-to-one slots that are worth every penny.
How often will you pay it?
Most clipped and styled breeds need a professional groom every 4–8 weeks — call it 7 to 10 grooms a year. Natural double-coated breeds (retrievers, spitz types) manage on a deshed groom every 8–12 weeks. Budget annually rather than per-visit and the numbers are easier to plan around.
Mobile and home grooming prices
Mobile groomers — who bring a converted van to your door — typically charge £5–15 more than a salon for the same dog, in exchange for zero travel and one-on-one attention. For anxious dogs, elderly owners or multi-dog households the premium often makes sense.
Keeping the cost down honestly
Brush to the skin between grooms; keep a regular schedule (a maintained coat is a faster, cheaper groom than a rescue job every four months); book blocks of appointments — some salons discount pre-booked regulars; and be upfront about your budget. Most groomers would rather adjust the trim length than see a dog disappear until its coat is unmanageable.