• The cost of dog grooming: top 10 most expensive breeds to groom

    October 16, 2024

    PRESS RELEASE

    German shepherd dog on lead running on grass with ball in mouth for most expensive dogs to groom

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    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!

     



    German shepherds and retrievers: the costliest to groom

    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.

    โ€œAs a proud owner of a Golden Retriever, I can attest that keeping these fluffy giants maintained isnโ€™t cheap,โ€ says Sean Callery, a finance expert at Money.com.au.

    โ€œThe regular groom is not something I or the dog look forward to for very different reasons, but itโ€™s 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.

     


     

    Golden retriever puppy looking at camera for Animal Friendly Life article on National Pet Desexing Month
    The adorable fluffy golden retriever pups grow up to be one of the most expensive breeds to groom! (Image: Unsplash)

    The report also shows the average expensive for the different sized breeds:

    โœฉ Herding breeds and rottweilers: mid-range 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.

    โ€œBecause of their size and thick coats, theyโ€™re 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.

    โœฉ How much does dog grooming cost for smaller breeds?ย 

    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.

    โ€œHigh-end styling for dogs has skyrocketed in demand, and Instagram is a huge part of that,โ€ Josh adds.

    โ€œPeople want their pets to look picture-perfect for the โ€™gram,โ€™ so stylish cuts and trendy styles are more popular, and people are willing to pay for it.โ€

    โœฉ Short-coated breeds: the budget-friendly choice

    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.

     

    Infographic showing the top ten most expensive breeds to groom in Australia
    Infographic showing the difference in grooming costs of ten dog breeds (Image: Animal Friendly Life)

    Why dog grooming is a responsible pet ownership necessity

    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.

    โ€œSome pet owners are facing a real dilemma about which costs to prioritise,โ€ says Sean Callery.

    โ€œThere 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 dogโ€™s health and well-being.โ€

    Proper grooming is important not only for appearance but also for a dogโ€™s 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.


    What affects dog grooming prices?

    Several factors influence the cost of grooming beyond just the breed.

    According to Josh Belmonte, factors like a dogโ€™s size, coat type, and whether specific styling is requested all play a role in setting prices.

    “In most grooming salons, thereโ€™s a price point difference for services.

    “A basic groom, which doesnโ€™t 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 donโ€™t require professional styling, offering a way to reduce costs while still keeping their pets healthy.

     

    ย โž”โž” ๐™ƒ๐™š๐™–๐™™ ๐™ฉ๐™ค ๐™ฉ๐™๐™š ๐™ข๐™ค๐™ฃ๐™š๐™ฎ.๐™˜๐™ค๐™ข.๐™–๐™ช ๐™ฌ๐™š๐™—๐™จ๐™ž๐™ฉ๐™š ๐™›๐™ค๐™ง ๐™ข๐™ค๐™ง๐™š ๐™ž๐™ฃ๐™›๐™ค๐™ง๐™ข๐™–๐™ฉ๐™ž๐™ค๐™ฃ!

     


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