Owning a dog is a joy, but have you ever thought about how much their beauty routines might cost? Grooming bills for some breeds can skyrocket, leaving you wondering if they’ve been to a luxury spa. Let’s dive into the fluffiest, fanciest, and most expensive dog grooming stories. Spoiler: your rent might pale in comparison.
1. Standard Poodle: $90-$150 Per Session
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Poodles aren’t just known for their smarts; they’re famous for their iconic curly coats. Grooming a Standard Poodle isn’t just a bath-and-go situation. You’re looking at specialized cuts, detangling, and styling to keep them looking runway-ready. Regular grooming prevents matting, which can cause skin issues, so skipping appointments isn’t an option. When you’re paying $150 for their upkeep every 4-6 weeks, you might start comparing their beauty budget to your rent. And let’s not even talk about competition cuts — that’s a whole other world!
2. Bichon Frise: $75-$125 Per Session
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This cloud-like pup is as high-maintenance as they are adorable. Bichons require a full grooming package, including baths, trimming, and their signature rounded face cut. Their cottony fur mats easily, so frequent visits to the groomer (every 4-6 weeks) are non-negotiable. Add in extras like nail trimming and ear cleaning, and the price climbs quickly. It’s worth it to see your little fluffball strut their stuff, but at $100 a pop, you might wonder if they’re living better than you.
3. Afghan Hound: $80-$180 Per Session
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With their floor-length silky coats, Afghan Hounds are the supermodels of the dog world. Grooming them takes hours, with endless brushing, shampooing, and blow-drying. Professional groomers often charge a premium because of the time and expertise required. Between detangling their flowing locks and keeping their ears spotless, you’re looking at $180 every few weeks. Afghans might just steal the spotlight — and a chunk of your budget.
4. Samoyed: $100-$160 Per Session
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The Samoyed’s thick, fluffy coat is as gorgeous as it is challenging to maintain. These snow-white beauties shed like there’s no tomorrow, meaning regular de-shedding treatments are essential. Groomers often spend hours brushing out their double coat and trimming their paws and tails for that perfect look. At up to $160 per session, your Samoyed’s grooming bill might rival a weekend getaway. But hey, at least they’re always camera-ready.
5. Old English Sheepdog: $100-$150 Per Session
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Think of an Old English Sheepdog as a walking teddy bear — with grooming needs to match. Their dense double coat requires frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangles, and let’s not forget those adorable shaggy faces that need regular trimming. Grooming can take hours, and at $150 per session, it’s a commitment both in time and money. If you’re skipping your own haircut to cover theirs, welcome to the club.
6. Chow Chow: $90-$140 Per Session
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Chow Chows are known for their lion-like manes, but maintaining that majestic look is no small feat. Their thick double coat requires professional attention, including brushing, shampooing, and trimming. Groomers often spend extra time ensuring their fur doesn’t mat or trap dirt. If you’re spending $140 every month to keep your Chow looking regal, you might question why they have better self-care habits than you do.
7. Newfoundland: $100-$200 Per Session
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With their massive size and waterproof double coats, Newfoundlands are lovable giants — but their grooming costs can be equally hefty. De-shedding treatments, trimming, and even coat conditioning are par for the course. Groomers also have to deal with their sheer size, which adds to the time and effort required. At $200 for a full session, your Newfoundland might have you rethinking your budget priorities.
8. Portuguese Water Dog: $75-$130 Per Session
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These active, curly-haired pups require regular grooming to keep their coats from turning into a matted mess. Portuguese Water Dogs are hypoallergenic, but that comes with the responsibility of frequent trims and shaping. Their coat grows continuously, so skipping a session isn’t an option. At $130 every six weeks, their grooming might cost more than your utilities — and yet, you’d still happily pay it.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog: $80-$150 Per Session
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Berners are known for their beautiful tri-colored coats, but keeping them that way is a serious commitment. Their thick fur requires regular brushing and de-shedding, and seasonal shedding makes grooming appointments even more essential. At $150 per session, you’re not just maintaining their coat; you’re protecting your vacuum cleaner from a fur explosion.
10. Yorkshire Terrier: $60-$120 Per Session
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These pint-sized pups might be small, but their grooming costs pack a punch. Yorkies need regular trims to keep their silky, floor-length hair from dragging everywhere. Add in delicate ear and paw care, and you’re easily looking at $120 per session. For such a tiny dog, their grooming bill can leave a big dent in your wallet.
11. Cocker Spaniel: $70-$110 Per Session
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Their wavy coats and adorable long ears make Cocker Spaniels irresistible, but grooming them is no easy feat. Those flowing locks need regular trims, and their ears require special care to prevent infections. At $110 every month, your Cocker might be living the high life — with a beauty routine that could rival any Hollywood star.
12. Golden Retriever: $80-$120 Per Session
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Golden Retrievers are America’s sweethearts, but their grooming costs are no joke. Their luscious coats shed year-round, requiring frequent brushing, de-shedding, and baths to keep them in tip-top shape. Groomers often spend extra time on their feathering and tail trimming, which can push your bill to $120 per session. All for a pup that’s worth every penny.
13. Shih Tzu: $65-$100 Per Session
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With their luxurious coats and adorable faces, Shih Tzus are the ultimate lapdogs — and their grooming bills reflect their VIP status. Regular trims, bath treatments, and face shaping are essential to maintain their look. At $100 every 4-6 weeks, their beauty budget might just outshine yours. But who could resist those big, loving eyes?
14. Great Pyrenees: $100-$160 Per Session
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Known for their majestic white coats, Great Pyrenees require extensive grooming to keep their fur clean and mat-free. Professional groomers often spend hours brushing, bathing, and blow-drying these gentle giants. At $160 per session, their grooming might make you question if you should start a side hustle just to keep up.
15. Scottish Terrier: $70-$110 Per Session
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With their distinguished beard and wiry coat, Scottish Terriers are the picture of elegance — but maintaining that look isn’t cheap. They need regular trims to keep their coat in shape and their iconic features sharp. At $110 per session, your Scottie might have better grooming habits than most humans you know.
Whether it’s their flowing locks or their thick double coats, these dogs don’t come cheap in the grooming department. But let’s be honest: the love, loyalty, and companionship they give us are priceless. Still, it might be time to consider DIY grooming… if you’re brave enough!
