Dog Grooming Prices UK 2026 | Real Data from 15,029 Bookings
April 15, 2026 3:13 pm
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.
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.
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.
small dog (S)
medium dog (M)
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.
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.
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 calculatorDog 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.
| Breed | Coat type | Size | Avg. UK price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cockapoo | Curly/Wavy | S–M | £49–£54 | Every 6–8 weeks. Curly coats mat quickly without regular grooming. |
| Cavapoo | Curly/Wavy | XS–S | £43–£49 | Popular compact breed. Well-served by groomers across the UK. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | Curly/Wavy | S–M | £49–£54 | Specialist cut. Breed expertise matters more than with most breeds. |
| Bichon Frisé | Curly/Wavy | S | £49 | Breed-specific rounded style. Every 4–6 weeks recommended. |
| Labradoodle | Curly/Wavy | M–L | £54–£64 | Fleece coats easier than wool. Assess individually at first groom. |
| Goldendoodle | Curly/Wavy | L–XL | £64–£78 | 2–3 hours per session. One of the most time-intensive grooms. |
| Poodle (Standard) | Curly/Wavy | L–XL | £64–£78 | Expect 2.5–3.5 hours. Correct breed clip requires expertise. |
| Shih Tzu | Long | XS–S | £45–£50 | Long coats need grooming every 4–6 weeks. Topknots popular. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Long | XS | £45 | Fine silky hair tangles quickly. Regular grooming essential. |
| Maltese | Long | XS–S | £45–£50 | Long silky coat needs grooming every 4–6 weeks. |
| Cocker Spaniel | Long | S–M | £50–£56 | Ears mat easily. Hand-strip option for show dogs adds cost. |
| Springer Spaniel | Long | M | £56 | Feathering on ears and legs needs regular attention. |
| Schnauzer (Mini) | Wire | S | £46 | Hand-strip maintains correct texture. Clipping gradually softens coat. |
| Border Collie | Double | M | £62 | Heavy seasonal shedding in spring and autumn. De-shed recommended. |
| Golden Retriever | Double | L | £66 | Feathering on legs and tail. De-shedding treatment recommended twice yearly. |
| German Shepherd | Double | L | £66 | Significant seasonal blow-out in spring. Never shave. |
| Husky | Double | L–XL | £66–£81 | De-shedding treatment essential. Never shave a double coat. |
| Labrador | Smooth/Short | L | £56 | One of the more affordable large breeds. De-shedding adds £15–£25. |
| French Bulldog | Smooth/Short | S | £43 | Mainly bath, nails, and wrinkle clean. Quick session. |
| Jack Russell | Smooth/Short | XS–S | £38–£43 | One of the quickest and most affordable grooms available. |
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 size | Examples | Avg. UK price | What’s included |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | Chihuahua, Toy Poodle | £42 | Bath, blow dry, trim, nails, ears |
| S | Shih Tzu, Jack Russell, French Bulldog | £48 | Bath, blow dry, trim, nails, ears |
| M | Cockapoo, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie | £55 | Bath, blow dry, trim, nails, ears |
| L | Labrador, Golden Retriever, Labradoodle | £63 | Bath, blow dry, trim, nails, ears |
| XL | Goldendoodle, Standard Poodle, Husky | £76 | Bath, blow dry, trim, nails, ears |
Bath and blow dry: average price by size
| Dog size | Avg. UK price | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| XS | £29 | Shampoo, conditioner, blow dry, brush out |
| S | £33 | Shampoo, conditioner, blow dry, brush out |
| M | £38 | Shampoo, conditioner, blow dry, brush out |
| L | £45 | Shampoo, conditioner, blow dry, brush out |
| XL | £52 | Shampoo, conditioner, blow dry, brush out |
Other services: average UK prices
| Service | XS / S | M | L / XL | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail clip | £13–£15 | £17 | £19–£21 | Standalone or add-on |
| Puppy first groom | £29–£31 | £35 | £36–£40 | Introduction session, light tidy, nails |
| De-shedding treatment | £31–£37 | £43 | £52–£62 | Specialist shampoo and high-velocity blow out |
| Hand stripping | Price on assessment | Wire 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.
You go to them
They come to you
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.
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 pricesWork 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 locationWhat 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.
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+.
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.