Long-haired dogs are stunning—until they're matted, shedding everywhere, and taking up your entire bathroom with fur. Grooming them properly requires more time, money, and know-how than short-coated breeds, and skipping appointments can lead to serious skin issues and painful tangles. Here's what you actually need to budget for and when to book your groomer.
Why Long-Haired Dogs Cost More
Groomers charge more for long-haired breeds because the work is genuinely harder. A full grooming session involves bathing, drying (which can take 1–2 hours alone for a Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd), brushing out tangles, and trimming. Short-haired dogs typically take 2–3 hours; long-haired dogs often take 3–5 hours or more, depending on coat condition and size.
Mat removal alone can jack up your bill. If your dog arrives severely matted, groomers may charge an additional $20–$75 per area or recommend dematting as a separate service.
Realistic Pricing for Long-Haired Breeds
Expect to pay $75–$150 for a basic full groom on a medium-sized long-haired dog (like a Cocker Spaniel). Larger breeds (Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds) typically run $100–$200. Show-quality grooms or specialized breeds (Poodles, Doodles, Sheepdogs) can exceed $200.
Regional variation is significant. Urban areas charge 20–40% more than rural regions. Mobile groomers often cost 15–25% extra due to travel and equipment overhead.
How Often Should You Groom?
The timeline depends on your dog's coat type and your maintenance level at home:
- Brushing at home: Every 2–3 days minimum. Non-negotiable if you want to avoid mats.
- Professional grooming: Every 6–8 weeks for most long-haired breeds. Neglecting this schedule means mats set in, bathing becomes painful, and skin infections develop underneath.
- Double-coated breeds (Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds) need more frequent brushing during shedding seasons (spring and fall) but can stretch to 8–10 weeks between full grooms if you're diligent at home.
- Continuously growing coats (Poodles, Doodles, Shih Tzus) need every 4–6 weeks to prevent overgrowth and matting.
If you skip more than 12 weeks, your groomer may charge extra or decline the appointment if mats are severe.
Breaking Down the Grooming Session
When you book, understand what's included:
- Bathing & drying: Removes loose undercoat and prepares hair for trimming.
- Brushing/combing: Detangles and removes mats; this is the time-intensive part.
- Trimming: Nails, paw pads, sanitary areas, and overall shape.
- Finishing touches: Ear cleaning, anal gland expression (often an add-on, $10–$20), and cologne.
Ask your groomer upfront if mat removal or dematting is included or billed separately. Some groomers include basic detangling; others charge $15–$30 per mat or area.
What to Look for When Hiring a Groomer
Don't just pick the cheapest option. A rushed or inexperienced groomer can injure your dog's skin or leave tangles that mat worse than before.
- Ask for references and check reviews specifically mentioning long-haired dogs.
- Visit the facility or video-call to see setup and handling.
- Confirm breed experience—a groomer skilled with Poodles may not know Newfoundlands.
- Ask about their drying method (high-velocity dryer, cage dryer, or hand-drying) and how they handle nervous dogs.
- Request a trial appointment for a bath and brush before committing to a full groom.
If you're overwhelmed by options, Mercoly makes it easy to compare local groomers, read verified reviews, and book directly in one place.
Maintenance Between Appointments
Brushing at home extends your appointment timeline and saves money:
- Invest in a quality slicker brush and metal comb ($20–$40 total).
- Brush in the direction of hair growth, working from the undercoat outward.
- Focus on areas prone to mats: behind ears, armpits, groin, and tail.
- Use a mat splitter or dematting spray if small tangles appear.
Even 15 minutes every other day prevents expensive mat removal fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I brush my long-haired dog myself instead of paying for professional grooming? Home brushing is essential but doesn't replace professional grooming—a groomer handles drying, nail trimming, sanitary care, and areas you can't safely reach or dry properly.
Q: Why did my groomer charge extra for mats? Mat removal requires hand-separating tangled hair, which is time-consuming and difficult; severe mats may need dematting tools or even careful clipping, justifying the additional cost.
Q: How do I know if my groomer did a good job? A well-groomed long-haired dog should have a clean, fluffy coat with no visible tangles, trimmed nails, clean ears, and a comfortable, confident demeanor—not stressed or shaved bald unless that was your request.
Find a trusted groomer near you who specializes in long-haired breeds and book your dog's first appointment today.