How Long Does Dog Grooming Take?

How long will this take?

Will your dog come out happy and clean, or stressed and anxious?

Pet grooming sessions can be unpredictable. What took an hour last time might stretch to two hours this time around. Maybe your dog decides today is the perfect day to test the groomer’s patience. Or maybe everything goes smoother than you expect.

Dog grooming isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. It’s more complicated than just "small dogs take less time, big dogs take more." Grooming duration can depend on things like your dog’s breed, coat condition, and how comfortable they are around clippers and blow dryers.

Are We Talking a Quick Trim or the Full Dog Spa?

Not every grooming appointment is the same. Some visits are quick and simple. Others feel more like sending your dog to an exclusive spa day

If you’re going for basic grooming, it’s usually pretty straightforward. Think nail trims, brushing out loose fur, and checking those ears. Generally, you’ll be in and out in about 20 to 40 minutes.

But what about the full grooming package?

That's when things take longer. Your dog gets a full bath, a blow-dry session, a haircut, tooth brushing, and styling. All of this can stretch anywhere from an hour and a half up to three hours.

Why such a big difference?

It mostly comes down to what you’ve picked from the grooming "menu." Every pet groomer offers slightly different services. One salon’s full groom might include extras like special shampoos or coat conditioning. Another might stick to a simple cut-and-dry approach.

Related: What Does Dog Grooming Include? 5 Essential Services

How Long Does It Take?

There’s no single answer here. Dog grooming time depends on your dog’s size, coat, and what’s being done. But if you’re looking for a ballpark figure, here’s what you can expect.

Small dogs (under 20 lbs)

Average time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Small dogs are quicker to groom for one obvious reason: there’s just less dog. Less fur to brush. Less surface to wash. Less time under the dryer.

Think Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Shih Tzus. Still, if their coat is high-maintenance or matted, time adds up.

Medium dogs (20–50 lbs)

Average time: 2 to 2.5 hours

This is where grooming gets a bit more involved. You’re working with more coat, more drying time, and possibly more styling, especially for dog breeds like Cocker Spaniels or Aussies.

They’re not giant, but they don’t exactly hop in and out of the tub either.

Large breeds (50 lbs+)

Average time: 2.5 to 4 hours

Bigger dogs mean more everything, more brushing, more blow-drying, and usually more patience. Golden Retrievers, Labs, and Collies often fall into this group. If they’ve got thick or double coats, plan on extra time.

Quick note: Giant breeds like Great Danes or Newfoundlands? Expect longer appointments, mostly due to drying time and sheer size. They're basically a couch with legs.

Why Some Dogs Take Longer Than Others?

Ever wonder why your neighbor’s Lab is in and out of the puppy groomer in two hours, but your doodle’s visit eats up half your day?

It’s not because groomers play favorites.

A few factors come into play.

First off, coat type matters a lot. Curly-haired dogs like poodles and doodles need extra attention. Those curls look cute, but they trap tangles easily. Double-coated breeds, like huskies or shepherds, shed constantly. More shedding means more brushing and more vacuuming after.

Speaking of tangles, mats slow things down significantly. Brushing out matted fur takes patience. If your doodle hasn’t seen a brush since Christmas, expect a longer visit.

Then there’s behavior and temperament. Nervous or anxious dogs need extra breaks. Groomers often go slower with them to make sure the experience isn’t stressful.

Breed-specific styles can also add time. Your schnauzer’s neat beard or your Yorkie’s precise trim requires a groomer’s careful hand and extra minutes on the clock.

Lastly, skin issues or special handling needs can extend the session. Groomers have to be gentle and cautious, ensuring your pup stays comfortable.

Is This Their First Time? That Changes Everything

First-time grooms are rarely quick. And that’s not a bad thing.

When a dog’s never been to a groomer before, everything feels new. The clippers. The Shelandy Electric And Heavy Duty Pet Grooming Table. The strange-smelling shampoos. Even the K-9 III Variable Speed Dog Dryer™.

It’s a lot to take in.

Most dog groomers know this, so they take it slow. Rushing through it only creates stress for both the dog and the groomer. And once a puppy has a bad experience, it’s harder to build trust the next time.

That’s why early introductions help. The younger the dog, the easier it is to build a calm, consistent routine.

Some salons even offer puppy grooming programs. These shorter, low-stress sessions help dogs get used to the process in stages.

So if it’s your dog’s first visit, don’t expect speed. Expect patience. The extra time now can make every future visit smoother.

What You Can Do to Speed Things Up?

No one wants to wait around all day for a grooming appointment to wrap up. But you can help move things along without rushing your groomer. A few small habits can make a big difference.

• Brush your dog regularly at home. Matted fur slows everything down. A few minutes of brushing each week keeps tangles in check and saves your groomer extra work.
• Stick to a schedule. Waiting months between visits usually means more buildup, more brushing, and more time on the table. Regular grooming keeps the process shorter and less stressful.
• Let the groomer know about behavior quirks. If your dog hates the dryer or gets anxious when touched near the paws, say so. Knowing this upfront helps groomers plan around it, rather than getting surprised mid-groom.
• Arrive on time. Pick up on time. Seems simple, but it helps a lot. Late drop-offs or pickups can throw off the groomer’s entire day, which delays other appointments too.

Remember, dog grooming isn’t just about looking nice. Clean coats, trimmed nails, and healthy skin all contribute to your dog’s overall well-being.

How Long Will It Take Your Dog? (Spoiler: It Depends)

If you’re hoping for a single answer, you won’t find it here. And that’s okay.

The truth is, grooming time depends on a few key things. Your dog’s size. Their coat type. The kind of service you’ve booked. And how your dog behaves during the appointment.

A short-haired Lab coming in for a bath? That’s going to take less time than a curly-coated doodle getting a full haircut. Add in some nervous pacing or mats behind the ears, and the timeline shifts again.

But longer doesn’t mean worse. In many cases, it just means the groomer is taking their time, gently brushing, carefully trimming, and making sure your dog is safe and comfortable from start to finish.

If you’re ever unsure about timing, ask. Most groomers are happy to talk through what to expect. A quick conversation can save a lot of second-guessing.