Dog Grooming Prices UK 2026 | Real Data from 15,029 Bookings

April 15, 2026 3:13 pm

City & Guilds qualified dog groomer with a Goldendoodle on the grooming table in a UK salon
Real UK Prices: 15,029 Tuft Bookings

Average dog grooming costs UK 2026

Based on 15,029 real bookings through Tuft, a full groom averages £55 for a medium dog across the UK.

XS (Chihuahua etc.)
£42
Full groom avg
S (Shih Tzu etc.)
£48
Full groom avg
M (Cockapoo etc.)
£55
Full groom avg
L (Labrador etc.)
£63
Full groom avg

XL (Goldendoodle etc.) averages £76. London adds 20–40%.

Are your prices competitive? This guide gives UK groomers real market data from over 15,000 actual bookings through Tuft, so you can benchmark your rates, justify your pricing to clients, and see exactly what groomers near you are charging.

UK Groomer Pricing Benchmark: Real Data from 15,029 Tuft Bookings

What UK groomers charge for a full groom: the national average is £55 for a medium dog in 2026. Small dogs average £42. Extra-large dogs average £76. If you’re charging significantly below these figures for your size band and coat type, there’s a strong case for reviewing your rates.

Curly and wavy coats (Cockapoos, Goldendoodles) command the highest prices, averaging £49–£78 depending on size. Double coats (Huskies, German Shepherds) average £62–£81. Smooth coats (Labradors, French Bulldogs) sit at £38–£57.

£42Market avg full groom
small dog (S)
£55Market avg full groom
medium dog (M)
£76Market avg full groom
extra-large dog (XL)

Market averages from 15,029 real bookings on the Tuft platform, February 2026.

What drives pricing differences between UK groomers?

Five factors explain most of the variation in what groomers charge: coat type, dog size, location, your overheads, and your qualifications. All five are legitimate reasons to price above the market average.

Coat type: the biggest driver

This is why a flat rate by size alone doesn’t work. A Jack Russell with a smooth coat takes 30–45 minutes. A Cockapoo with a thick wavy coat takes two to three hours. Charging the same for both is leaving money on the table. Curly and doodle-type coats justify a premium, and the market data backs that up. Curly coats average £49–£78 on Tuft, compared to £38–£43 for smooth coats at the same size band.

Size

More dog means more shampoo, more drying time, and more physical effort. Structuring your pricing by size band (XS through XL) is standard practice and gives clients a clear, defensible framework when they ask why a Goldendoodle costs more than a Shih Tzu.

Coat condition, and the late rebooking problem

A dog arriving with significant matting is a different job entirely. Dematting is time-consuming, isn’t always possible without cutting the coat short, and can be distressing for the dog. It’s entirely reasonable to charge for this separately, and communicate to clients upfront that leaving gaps between appointments costs them more, not less.

Your location

London groomers pay higher rent, higher staff costs, and higher overheads. Those costs justify higher prices. The data shows London groomers consistently charging 20–40% above the UK average. If you’re in London and pricing at national averages, you’re probably undercharging.

Qualifications and experience

City & Guilds Level 3 or iPET Network-qualified groomers have a legitimate basis for charging a premium. For specialist breeds like Poodles, wire-coated terriers, and Schnauzers requiring hand-stripping, breed expertise is a real differentiator.

On regulation: Dog grooming is currently unregulated in the UK. That means your qualifications are a genuine market advantage. List your City & Guilds, iPET Network, or LCGI accreditation on your profile and in your marketing. Clients who care about quality are looking for exactly that signal.

What groomers near you are charging, by UK city

These are the going rates for a full groom on a medium dog in each UK city and region. If your prices sit significantly below your local range, these figures give you the market evidence to justify a review.

London
£60–£90
20–40% above the UK average. Higher overheads justify higher rates here.
Manchester
£40–£60
City centre salons typically sit at the top of this range.
Birmingham
£38–£58
Competitive market with a strong independent grooming scene.
Edinburgh
£45–£70
Broadly comparable to South East England outside London.
Glasgow
£38–£58
Slightly below Edinburgh; strong demand for doodle breeds.
Bristol
£42–£62
South West pricing; boutique salons command the higher end.
Leeds
£38–£55
Active grooming community; strong rebooking culture.
Liverpool
£36–£54
Slightly below Manchester; good independent salon market.
Cardiff
£32–£50
Wales generally sits below English city averages.
Newcastle
£32–£50
North East rates reflect lower regional cost of living.
Belfast
£30–£48
Northern Ireland has the most affordable rates in the UK.
Rural areas
£28–£50
Lower overheads but fewer competitors, so pricing power varies significantly.
Pricing above your local average? That’s not necessarily a problem. Qualifications, specialist breed knowledge, a strong rebooking rate, and a premium client experience all justify charging above the going rate. These figures are the market floor, not the ceiling.

Not sure if your rates are right for your area? Use our free pricing calculator to work out exactly what you should be charging based on your services, size bands, and location.

Try the pricing calculator

Dog grooming prices by breed UK 2026

These are average full groom prices from real Tuft bookings, mapped to each breed’s coat type and typical size. All prices are UK-wide averages. London runs 20–40% higher.

BreedCoat typeSizeAvg. UK priceNotes
CockapooCurly/WavyS–M£49–£54Every 6–8 weeks. Curly coats mat quickly without regular grooming.
CavapooCurly/WavyXS–S£43–£49Popular compact breed. Well-served by groomers across the UK.
Poodle (Miniature)Curly/WavyS–M£49–£54Specialist cut. Breed expertise matters more than with most breeds.
Bichon FriséCurly/WavyS£49Breed-specific rounded style. Every 4–6 weeks recommended.
LabradoodleCurly/WavyM–L£54–£64Fleece coats easier than wool. Assess individually at first groom.
GoldendoodleCurly/WavyL–XL£64–£782–3 hours per session. One of the most time-intensive grooms.
Poodle (Standard)Curly/WavyL–XL£64–£78Expect 2.5–3.5 hours. Correct breed clip requires expertise.
Shih TzuLongXS–S£45–£50Long coats need grooming every 4–6 weeks. Topknots popular.
Yorkshire TerrierLongXS£45Fine silky hair tangles quickly. Regular grooming essential.
MalteseLongXS–S£45–£50Long silky coat needs grooming every 4–6 weeks.
Cocker SpanielLongS–M£50–£56Ears mat easily. Hand-strip option for show dogs adds cost.
Springer SpanielLongM£56Feathering on ears and legs needs regular attention.
Schnauzer (Mini)WireS£46Hand-strip maintains correct texture. Clipping gradually softens coat.
Border CollieDoubleM£62Heavy seasonal shedding in spring and autumn. De-shed recommended.
Golden RetrieverDoubleL£66Feathering on legs and tail. De-shedding treatment recommended twice yearly.
German ShepherdDoubleL£66Significant seasonal blow-out in spring. Never shave.
HuskyDoubleL–XL£66–£81De-shedding treatment essential. Never shave a double coat.
LabradorSmooth/ShortL£56One of the more affordable large breeds. De-shedding adds £15–£25.
French BulldogSmooth/ShortS£43Mainly bath, nails, and wrinkle clean. Quick session.
Jack RussellSmooth/ShortXS–S£38–£43One of the quickest and most affordable grooms available.
How these prices were calculated: each breed is mapped to its typical coat type and size band. Averages are calculated from 15,029 real bookings processed through Tuft by UK groomers. Individual groomers set their own prices. Prices assume average coat condition.

Dog grooming service prices UK 2026

Not every visit needs to be a full groom. Here are average prices for each service by dog size, from real Tuft bookings across the UK.

Full groom: average price by size

Dog sizeExamplesAvg. UK priceWhat’s included
XSChihuahua, Toy Poodle£42Bath, blow dry, trim, nails, ears
SShih Tzu, Jack Russell, French Bulldog£48Bath, blow dry, trim, nails, ears
MCockapoo, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie£55Bath, blow dry, trim, nails, ears
LLabrador, Golden Retriever, Labradoodle£63Bath, blow dry, trim, nails, ears
XLGoldendoodle, Standard Poodle, Husky£76Bath, blow dry, trim, nails, ears

Bath and blow dry: average price by size

Dog sizeAvg. UK priceWhat’s included
XS£29Shampoo, conditioner, blow dry, brush out
S£33Shampoo, conditioner, blow dry, brush out
M£38Shampoo, conditioner, blow dry, brush out
L£45Shampoo, conditioner, blow dry, brush out
XL£52Shampoo, conditioner, blow dry, brush out

Other services: average UK prices

ServiceXS / SML / XLNotes
Nail clip£13–£15£17£19–£21Standalone or add-on
Puppy first groom£29–£31£35£36–£40Introduction session, light tidy, nails
De-shedding treatment£31–£37£43£52–£62Specialist shampoo and high-velocity blow out
Hand strippingPrice on assessmentWire coats only. Time-intensive; priced individually

All prices are averages from real bookings on the Tuft platform. Individual groomers set their own rates.

Mobile grooming vs salon: how the pricing compares

Mobile groomers typically charge £5–£15 more than salon-based groomers for the same service. Lower overheads offset the travel cost. For the right client base, mobile commands a genuine premium.

Mobile Groomer

You go to them

Typically £5–£15 above equivalent salon rates
No salon rent or rates, so lower fixed overheads
Travel costs and van running costs to factor in
One-to-one appointments, higher per-dog rate
Strong fit for anxious or reactive dogs
Salon

They come to you

Baseline market rate for your area
Higher throughput, more appointments per day
Rent, rates, and utilities to factor into pricing
Easier to build walk-in trade for quick services
More visibility through passing trade and word of mouth

Recommended rebooking intervals by coat type

Regular rebooking is better for the dog’s coat, better for the client’s wallet, and better for your schedule. A dog on a regular 6–8 week cycle takes less time to groom each visit.

4–6
Long coatsShih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frisé. Tangles form fast.
Every 4–6 weeks
6–8
Curly and doodle coatsCockapoo, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Cavapoo. Matting risk rises sharply after 8 weeks.
Every 6–8 weeks
6–8
Wire coatsSchnauzer, Border Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier. Coat texture degrades without regular attention.
Every 6–8 weeks
8–12
Double coatsHusky, Border Collie, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever. Seasonal blow-out needs managing.
Every 8–12 weeks
8–12
Short and smooth coatsLabrador, French Bulldog, Boxer, Greyhound. Lower maintenance, but regular baths still matter.
Every 8–12 weeks
Use intervals to protect your pricing. When a client asks why their appointment costs more than last time, the conversation is much easier if you can point to a 16-week gap. Rebooking at the end of each appointment, and sending automated reminders, is the single most effective way to keep your diary full and your prices consistent.

Tuft sends rebooking reminders automatically. Set your preferred intervals by breed or coat type and Tuft handles the follow-up. Use our free calculator to make sure you’re charging the right rate when they rebook.

Calculate your prices

Work out exactly what to charge

Our free pricing calculator helps UK groomers set the right rates for every service, size band, and coat type. No spreadsheets, no guesswork.

Pricing questions groomers get asked most

Market rates by location
What is the average dog grooming price in the UK in 2026?

Based on 15,029 real bookings through Tuft, the average full groom price in the UK is £55 for a medium dog in 2026. Small dogs average £42, large dogs £63, and extra-large dogs £76. These are national averages. London groomers charge 20–40% above these figures.

What do dog groomers charge in London?

London groomers typically charge £60–£90 for a full groom on a medium dog, with large or complex coats reaching £80–£110 or more. London prices are 20–40% above the UK average, reflecting higher rent, rates, and operating costs.

What do dog groomers charge in Manchester?

Groomers in Manchester typically charge £40–£60 for a full groom on a medium dog. Salons in the city centre tend to sit at the upper end of this range. Curly-coated breeds like Cockapoos and Doodles command £50–£70 in most Manchester salons.

How much do mobile dog groomers charge compared to salons?

Mobile groomers typically charge £5–£15 more than salon-based groomers for the same service. The premium reflects the convenience and one-to-one environment. In London and the South East, mobile grooming often starts at £65–£80 for a medium dog.

How do I find out what dog groomers near me are charging?

Tuft shows real pricing from real UK groomers before clients book, so it’s a useful way to benchmark your local market. You can also check local Facebook grooming groups or use the regional data in this guide as a starting point.

Market rates by breed
What do groomers charge for a Cockapoo groom in the UK?

The market average for a Cockapoo full groom is £49–£54 across the UK in 2026. In London, groomers charge £60–£80. Cockapoos have curly or wavy coats that justify regular appointments every 6–8 weeks. A dog arriving with significant matting warrants a dematting fee on top of the standard price.

What do groomers charge for a Goldendoodle groom?

The market average for a Goldendoodle full groom is £64–£78 across the UK in 2026. In London, prices reach £90–£110. Goldendoodles are large dogs with thick coats that take 2–3 hours to groom properly. They’re one of the most time-intensive grooms on the market.

What do groomers charge for a Labrador groom?

The market average for a Labrador full groom is £56 across the UK in 2026. A de-shedding treatment costs an additional £30–£52 on top of the standard groom. In London, the standard groom reaches £70+.

Pricing your services
What is included in a standard full dog groom?

A standard full dog groom typically includes shampoo and conditioner wash, blow dry, full brush out, haircut or coat trim, nail clip, and ear clean. Being explicit about what’s in your standard price, and what costs extra, is one of the most effective ways to avoid misunderstandings with clients.

Should I charge more for anxious or difficult dogs?

Yes, and it’s entirely reasonable to do so. An anxious or reactive dog takes longer, requires more patience, and carries a higher risk of injury. A behaviour surcharge of 20–50% above your standard rate is standard practice and well understood by experienced pet owners.

How much should I charge for nail clipping as a standalone service?

The market average for standalone nail clipping in the UK is £13–£21 depending on dog size. XS dogs average £13, medium dogs £17, and XL dogs £21. In London, add 20–30%.

Why are dog grooming prices rising?

Grooming prices are rising because the costs of running a grooming business have risen: energy, product costs, insurance, and rent have all increased significantly since 2021. The rise of doodle and curly-coated breeds has also pushed average prices up, as these breeds take considerably more time than short-coated dogs.

How do I justify a price increase to existing clients?

Let clients know in advance, ideally 4–6 weeks ahead. Explain what’s driven the change: rising product costs, energy, or aligning to the going rate. You can reference the UK market averages in this guide as independent data. Most long-term clients who value your work will understand.

How do I charge for dematting?

Dematting should always be priced separately and clients should be informed at booking that it’s a possibility. Most groomers charge an additional £10–£40 on top of the standard groom price depending on severity. A clear written policy on matting, shared with clients at onboarding, makes this much easier to handle.

Why are dog grooming prices so high?

Professional dog grooming takes real skill and significant time. A full groom on a curly-coated breed can take 2–3 hours. Groomers have overhead costs including salon rent, specialist equipment, insurance, and ongoing training. Most grooming prices are reasonable for the level of skill and time involved.

What qualifications should a UK dog groomer have?

The most recognised UK qualification is City & Guilds Level 3 in Dog Grooming. Some groomers hold iPET Network or LCGI qualifications instead. Dog grooming is currently unregulated in the UK, meaning anyone can legally call themselves a groomer without formal training.