How Long Does A Dog Grooming Take? What To Expect At A Parlor

If you’re wondering, “how long does dog grooming take?” you’re not alone. Good pet parents always factor in a dog’s grooming needs before getting a dog. Navigating the world of dog grooming can feel like a complex dance of scheduling, particularly for new pet owners trying to juggle the needs of their dogs with the demands of daily life. Understanding the nuances of dog grooming time not only helps in planning but also ensures that both you and your pet have a stress-free experience.

In this guide, we dive into the specifics of dog grooming appointment lengths, breaking down the factors that influence how long your dog spends on the grooming table. Whether you’re booking your puppy’s first grooming session or navigating the grooming needs of a specific breed, we’ve got you covered with insights into average grooming times, the differences between full grooms versus bath and brush sessions, and tips on how you can contribute to a more efficient grooming process for your pooch.

To answer this question, we’ve consulted dog  expert dog groomers like Sue Dallas to break down exactly how long it should take to have your dog groomed.. Even so, a grooming appointment can be a hassle, and they do seem to take longer than human haircuts! So how much time should we allow for an appointment at the dog salon?

So, How Long Does A Dog Grooming Take?

The average time it takes for your dog to be groomed is 1 to 4 hours. However, the real answer is far more complicated, and it depends on your dog’s coat & temperament, the cut and services they need, how busy the parlor is, your groomer’s experience, and more.

So, in short, this time frame is influenced by — 

• Dog Size and Breed – Smaller dogs tend to take less time, typically around 1-2 hours, while larger breeds or those with intricate grooming needs can take upwards of 3-4 hours.
• Coat Type and Condition – Dogs with longer, thicker, or matted coats require more time for detangling, cutting, and styling compared to dogs with short, smooth coats.
• Grooming Services Required – A full groom, including a haircut, bath, nail trimming, and ear cleaning, will take longer than a simple bath and brush session.
• Dog’s Temperament –  Cooperative dogs who are used to grooming may take less time, while anxious or uncooperative dogs might require additional time for breaks and gentle handling.

Understanding these factors can help set realistic expectations for your dog’s grooming appointment, ensuring a smoother experience for both you and your pet.

Factors that Affect the Length of Your Grooming Session

Although you should allow 2 to 4 hours as the industry standard, some factors can shorten or lengthen the average time to groom your dog. Some parlors can have your dog in and out within an hour, but this is not the norm. On the other hand, if your dog is at the groomer for longer than 6 hours without a valid explanation, you may need to consider another parlor.

Some Factors that Influence How Long it Takes to Groom Your Dog — 

1. How difficult or easy your dog is to groom. Dogs that get extremely aggravated and stressed will take much longer, and a groomer may refuse to groom a dog that bites.
2. Your dog’s length, type of coat, and the cut you want are primary factors. Fancy cuts and tricky coats will cost more.
3. How busy the salon is on the day, and if they have other dogs that are very difficult to groom. It’s not fair, but one badly behaved dog can throw other clients behind schedule.
4. How experienced your groomer is. Some highly trained groomers can wield trimmers with lightning speed.
5. The number of services your groomer provides. This could include a nail trim, ear cleaning, parasite treatment, expressing anal glands, and teeth cleaning.

Given all this, don’t forget to tip your groomer if they did a good job. You can see our article on how much to tip your groomer if you are unsure about how much.

A Rough Estimate Of The Time For Different Coats, Cuts, And Grooming Services

To give a rough idea of the time it takes per service from an experienced groomer, let’s go over some average times for different cuts and coats — 

Your Dog’s Behavior During Grooming

Always allow 30 minutes to an hour for a fearful and aggressive dog during grooming.

The Size of the Dog and the Type of Trim

Consider the size of the dog and the type of cut. If you want a Miami clip for a Poodle, it can take 1 1/2 hours for a Miniature Poodle and 3 hours for a Standard Poodle.

A Town & Country clip may take a further two hours. Other clips, such as the lion cut, the powder puff cut of the Bichon Frise, or teddy bear cuts common in Labradoodles, can all vary in time.

Dense Double Coats

A normal bath and drying may only take an hour for most dogs. But dogs with dense, double, and water-resistant coats, such as Huskies, Akitas, and Newfoundlands, may take up to three hours to dry and longer to de-shed. Dogs with thicker coats, such as Samoyeds or Malamutes, may take longer.

Heavy Shedders

Dogs who are shedding will take longer; depending on the level of shedding, this can add another 10 mins to an hour in severe cases with large breeds. See this video to get an idea of the effort and time it can take to remove a shedding undercoat from sizeable long-haired dog breeds — 

https — //www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcZbnhSEAXk&t=137s

The Method of Trimming

Shaving a dog with trimmers can usually be done quickly, typically within 45 minutes for a small or medium-sized dog. If you are wondering long it takes for a dog’s coat to grow back, see “how long does it take for a dog’s shaved hair to grow back?“

Of course, people with double-coated dogs are warned not to clip the coat because it may damage the coat permanently and interfere with the dog’s natural insulation from heat and cold.

Meanwhile, dogs like Shih Tzu must be trimmed with hand scissors, and shears typically take 2 hours.

Hand-stripping wire-haired dogs are arguably the best way to preserve their coats, but it also takes extremely long. Hand stripping will take at least two hours. A large breed like Giant Schnauzer may take significantly longer to hand strip.

Long, Silky-Haired Dogs

Dogs with long, silky hair, such as the Maltese, Afghan Hound, Yorkshire Terrier, or Lhaso Apso, can take 1 to 2 hours to trim, depending on whether they have any matting. A perfect, show-quality look for these dogs can take longer. Remember, the bigger the dog, like a long-haired Golden  Retriever, the longer it may take.

Dogs with Dreadlocks

Finally, exotic breeds like the Puli and Komondor need special treatment. Their cords need to be separated by hand before they are bathed. Rinsing and drying the cords takes much longer than other breeds, as they can take 24 hours to dry. This means grooming a Hungarian Puli or Komondor can take up to two days. So, this may be better as a home project.

Grooming Time for Short-Haired Breeds

For short-haired breeds, grooming sessions are generally quicker due to the lesser need for haircuts or extensive brushing. The primary focus for these breeds often includes bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and sometimes a quick brush to remove loose fur. 

On average, grooming a short-haired dog might take between 1 to 1.5 hours. This timeframe can vary based on the dog’s size, temperament, and the specific services requested. Basic maintenance grooming helps keep their coat shiny and healthy, and prevents skin issues.

Grooming Time for Hairless Breeds

Grooming hairless breeds might seem counterintuitive, but they require special attention to maintain their skin’s health. The absence of fur means more exposure to the elements and a greater need for skin care. A grooming session for a hairless dog would typically focus on bathing with gentle, skin-appropriate shampoos, moisturizing, and in some cases, applying protective sunscreen. 

These sessions can also include nail trimming and ear cleaning. On average, expect grooming a hairless breed to take about 1 to 1.5 hours, similar to short-haired breeds, primarily due to the detailed skin care required rather than coat grooming.

Time for Other Services

You can factor in time for other services in the typical groom. Some examples include — 

1. 5 to 10 minutes to clip a dog’s nails;
2. 10 minutes to brush teeth;
3. 5 minutes to express anal glands; and
4. 5 to 10 minutes to clean ears, depending on cleanliness.

How Long Different Breeds Of Dogs Take To Groom

Grooming time can vary significantly from one dog breed to another, influenced by factors like coat type, size, and grooming needs. Here’s a table showcasing estimated grooming times for 20 different dog breeds, providing a broad spectrum of grooming durations based on their unique characteristics. These estimates are for a full grooming session, including bathing, drying, hair trimming (if applicable), nail clipping, and ear cleaning.

This table provides a general guideline for the average time it might take to groom each breed during a professional grooming session. It’s important to note that individual dog characteristics, such as coat condition (e.g., matting), temperament, and specific grooming requests (e.g., style of haircut), can affect the total grooming time. Additionally, puppies or dogs being groomed for the first time may require extra time to acclimate to the grooming process. Always consult with your groomer for a more accurate time estimate based on your dog’s specific needs.

Understanding Dog Grooming Times: What to Expect at Popular U.S. Chains and Other Grooming Options

In the United States, there are several popular chains where people can take their dogs for grooming, each offering a range of services from basic baths to full grooming sessions. The time it takes to groom your dog at these places can vary based on the type of service you’re opting for, your dog’s breed, coat condition, and behavior during the grooming session. Here’s a look at some main places and the average time it might take for a grooming session — 

PetSmart

• Services Offered —  Bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, teeth cleaning, and more.
• Average Time —  Grooming sessions at PetSmart can range from 2 to 4 hours. The exact time depends on the service package selected and the dog’s size and coat condition.

Petco

• Services Offered —  Full-service grooming, baths, nail trimming, and specialty services like de-shedding treatments.
• Average Time —  Similar to PetSmart, expect grooming to take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Comprehensive packages or services for larger dogs with more complex coat issues may take longer.

Local Grooming Salons

Aside from these chains, local grooming salons across the country offer personalized services, which can sometimes mean quicker or longer appointments based on the dog and services required.

• Services Offered —  These can range widely from basic grooming to luxury spa treatments for your pet.
• Average Time —  The time can vary significantly based on the salon’s approach. Some might offer one-on-one service that takes longer, while others have a more assembly-line process that could be quicker. Generally, expect anything from 1.5 to 4 hours.

Mobile Grooming Services

Mobile groomers come to your location, offering convenience and a more personal service for your dog.

• Services Offered —  Similar to physical locations, but with the added convenience of coming to your home.
• Average Time —  These sessions can be quicker due to the one-on-one nature of the service, often ranging from 1 to 3 hours.

Specialty Breed Groomers

Some groomers specialize in specific breeds, understanding the unique needs of those dogs’ coats.

• Services Offered —  These groomers offer tailored services that adhere to breed standards for show dogs or simply for maintaining the health of the coat.
• Average Time —  Given the specialized nature of these services, grooming can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, especially for show cuts or breeds with extensive grooming needs.

When booking a grooming appointment, it’s always best to discuss your dog’s specific needs and any behavioral issues they might have with the groomer. This conversation can give you a better estimate of the time required for grooming your dog. Additionally, always remember to book well in advance, especially during busy seasons like holidays, to ensure you get a spot that suits your schedule.

Does My Dog Need a Full Groom or Just a Bath?

Deciding between a full groom and just a bath depends on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and coat condition. A full groom includes a bath, drying, hair trimming, nail clipping, and ear cleaning, suitable for dogs with longer coats or those prone to matting. It’s ideal for maintaining a healthy coat and skin, as well as for aesthetic purposes. A bath might suffice for short-haired breeds or dogs with minimal grooming needs, focusing on cleaning the coat and skin to remove dirt and odors. Consider your dog’s activities, the amount of shedding, and any skin conditions when making your choice.

How Long Will It Take to Groom a Matted Dog?

Grooming a matted dog can take significantly longer than a regular grooming session, often requiring 3-4 hours or more. Mats can be painful to remove, requiring careful and patient work to untangle or cut them out without harming the skin. Severely matted dogs might need to be shaved, a process that should be done by a professional groomer to avoid injuries. Regular brushing and grooming can prevent mats from forming.

What Can I Do to Shorten My Dog’s Grooming Time?

Shortening your dog’s grooming time can be achieved with regular at-home care. Brush your dog’s coat frequently to prevent tangles and mats, keep their nails trimmed, and clean their ears to reduce the workload during professional grooming sessions. Getting your dog accustomed to grooming activities at home can also make them more cooperative and reduce stress during professional grooming.

Booking a Dog Grooming Appointment – Time Considerations

When booking a grooming appointment, consider your dog’s temperament, the grooming service needed, and the groomer’s schedule. Busy seasons like holidays may require booking weeks in advance. Discuss with your groomer about any specific needs your dog has, as this can affect the timing. Opt for a time when your dog is typically calm and relaxed. Early morning appointments can be ideal for energetic dogs, giving them the rest of the day to calm down after grooming.

What Happens During a Dog Grooming Appointment (Time Breakdown)

A dog grooming appointment typically includes several steps, each taking a portion of the total time — 

1. Check-in and Initial Assessment (5-10 minutes) – Discussing your dog’s needs and any special instructions with the groomer.
2. Bathing (15-30 minutes) —  Washing the dog with appropriate shampoo and conditioner.
3. Drying (30-60 minutes) —  Depending on the coat, drying can involve towels, hand-held dryers, or cage drying.
4. Brushing and Detangling (15-30 minutes) —  Essential for removing loose fur and preventing mats.
5. Hair Trimming (30-60 minutes) —  Haircuts or trims based on the breed standard or owner’s request.
6. Final Touches (15-30 minutes) —  Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and any final styling.

The total time can vary based on the dog’s size, coat type, and the specific services requested. Remember, the goal is a happy and well-groomed dog, so patience and understanding with the grooming process are key.

How Long Should it Take to Have Your Puppy Groomed?

Puppy grooming should preferably be as short as possible. A negative and overwhelming experience can teach your puppy to hate baths and grooming. Speak to your groomer about arranging special, much shorter grooming sessions, preferably no more than 15 mins to start. The aim should be to make it a fun and positive experience for your puppy rather than a forced and overwhelming one.

Teaching them to accept grooming during the socialization window will make full grooming sessions easier and shorter when they are adults. Also see this article on when to groom puppies.

How Long Does it Take to Groom a Large Dog?

It may take an hour to groom a large, short-haired breed such as Doberman Pinscher or even a Great Dane. However, the thicker or longer a large dog’s coat is, the longer it will take to groom. If you have a large dog with a double coat or long hair, set aside at least 3 to 4 hours.

How Long Does it Take to Groom a Small Dog?

If a small dog is well-behaved and has short hair, like a Pug, it can be completely groomed in 45 minutes or less. However, small dogs with elaborate or special coats that need to be hand cut, hand stripped, or have special cuts, usually take 2 to 3 hours.

Remember, if a tiny dog is frantic, they risk injury because of its tiny bones and fragile throat. This extends grooming time significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to groom a Labrador?

It can take about an hour to wash, dry, and brush your Labrador yourself. But a professional groomer may take around 2 hours, especially when they shed. Labradors can be deceptively hard to groom, as they are heavy seasonal shedders and have dense, waterproof coats that make washing harder.

How long does it take to groom a Shih Tzu?

The average Shih Tzu is usually groomed within two hours and trimmed with hand scissors. A Shih Tzu trimmed with electric clippers to make the coat more manageable can be done within an hour. However, if you want a more elaborate hairstyle, allow 2 to 3 hours.

How long does it take to groom a Cockapoo?

Like most doodles, you should spend about 15 minutes brushing your Cockapoo daily if they have a long coat or about twice a week for a shorter coat. At the doggy parlor, expect your Cockapoo to need at least 2 to 3 hours. Classic doodle cuts like the teddy bear cut can take quite a while.

Final Thoughts

The length of time a professional groomer takes to groom your dog depends on various factors, from your dog’s temperament to their coat and specific grooming needs.

On average, you can set aside 2 to 4 hours to have your dog groomed by a professional. This may seem excessive, but given the number of services they provide, it’s well wor

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

The length of time a professional groomer takes to groom your dog depends on various factors, from your dog’s temperament to their coat and specific grooming needs.

On average, you can set aside 2 to 4 hours to have your dog groomed by a professional. This may seem excessive, but given the number of services they provide, it’s well worth the time.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.