PRESS RELEASE
For dog owners, grooming is a necessity that can’t be skipped – regular dog grooming keeps pets comfortable and happy, and houses clean.
But it’s also another rising expense of pet ownership, with some breeds costing a lot more than others.
From regular baths to more elaborate grooming sessions, recent data from Money.com.au reveals the top 10 dog breeds in Australia based on their grooming costs.
Keep reading to see where your pet is on the list or to plan how much your potential new pup might set you back!
Leading the list of the most expensive dog breeds to groom in Australia are German Shepherds, with an average grooming cost of $147 per session.
Their thick double coats and large size mean that they need extra care, including thorough washing, drying, and brushing to keep their coats in top shape.
Following closely behind are Golden Retrievers, averaging $142 per grooming session.
Their long, dense coats require regular trimming and brushing, making them one of the more maintenance-heavy breeds.
โAs a proud owner of a Golden Retriever, I can attest that keeping these fluffy giants maintained isnโt cheap,โ says Sean Callery, a finance expert at Money.com.au.
โThe regular groom is not something I or the dog look forward to for very different reasons, but itโs important for his care.โ
Labradors come in third, with an average grooming cost of $121.
While they are also larger dogs, their shorter coat is easier to manage compared to retrievers, which translates to lower grooming costs.
Herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are in the mid-range for grooming costs, averaging $117 and $114 per session, respectively. These breeds have dense, often double-layered coats, making regular grooming essential to prevent matting and excessive shedding. The time and effort required to maintain their coats contribute to their grooming costs.
Rottweilers, despite having shorter coats, average $112 per groom. Their larger size means that even though their coats are simpler to care for, they still require time and attention during grooming sessions, such as baths and nail trims.
Josh Belmonte, co-owner of The Dog Barber in Canberra says the big dogs with dense coats, like German Shepherds and Retrievers, take way more time to bath and dry.
โBecause of their size and thick coats, theyโre very labour-intensive and create more mess as their hair fibres spread everywhere, so accordingly, groomers will charge more for these breeds,โ he explains.
Smaller dog breeds tend to be less expensive to groom.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Miniature Schnauzer, for example, average $100 and $98 per session. Although these breeds may have intricate fur, their smaller size means grooming takes less time, making them a more affordable option for those who want to keep their pets looking sharp without spending too much.
โHigh-end styling for dogs has skyrocketed in demand, and Instagram is a huge part of that,โ Josh adds.
โPeople want their pets to look picture-perfect for the โgram,โ so stylish cuts and trendy styles are more popular, and people are willing to pay for it.โ
For those looking to save on grooming costs, short-coated breeds like the American Staffordshire Terrier and French Bulldog are the most economical options.
Their grooming costs average $90 and $81, respectively. These breeds only require occasional brushing and baths, making them less expensive to maintain compared to dogs with thicker or more intricate coats.
The financial impact of dog grooming seems even more relevant these days, during times when many Australian households are looking to save.
As the cost of living rises and pet ownership becomes increasingly expensive, pet owners may need to reconsider their spending.
โSome pet owners are facing a real dilemma about which costs to prioritise,โ says Sean Callery.
โThere may be a temptation to skip or delay what are seen as non-essential costs like trips to the groomer to save money, but that might not be ideal for a dogโs health and well-being.โ
Proper grooming is important not only for appearance but also for a dogโs health.
Neglecting regular grooming can lead to problems like skin infections, matted fur, and discomfort.
While the costs can add up, keeping a consistent grooming schedule is a key part of responsible pet ownership.
Several factors influence the cost of grooming beyond just the breed.
According to Josh Belmonte, factors like a dogโs size, coat type, and whether specific styling is requested all play a role in setting prices.
“In most grooming salons, thereโs a price point difference for services.
“A basic groom, which doesnโt take as long with minimal styling, will cost less than a style groom or breed-standard cut, like Cavoodlesโ teddy bear style,โ he explains.
For those considering adding a new dog to their family, understanding the grooming needs and costs of different breeds can help with planning.
Belmonte also suggests pet owners might consider purchasing at-home grooming kits for breeds that donโt require professional styling, offering a way to reduce costs while still keeping their pets healthy.