How Long Should a Full Dog Groom Take? Realistic Timelines for Every Coat Type

Ever walked into a dog grooming salon and wondered how long your pup will be stuck in the back? Or maybe you’re thinking of doing it yourself and want to know if you’ve got enough time after work. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A full dog groom can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over four hours - and it all depends on your dog’s coat, behavior, and condition.

What Counts as a ‘Full Groom’?

A full groom isn’t just a quick brush and trim. It’s a complete package: bath, blow-dry, haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, anal gland expression (if needed), and sometimes even teeth brushing. Think of it like a spa day - but for your dog. If your dog’s coat is matted, tangled, or dirty, that adds serious time. Same if they’re anxious, wiggly, or have sensitive skin. A calm, well-maintained Poodle might zip through in 90 minutes. A shaggy, muddy Newfoundland could take three hours just to get clean.

Time Breakdown by Coat Type

Your dog’s coat is the biggest factor in how long grooming takes. Here’s what to expect based on common coat types:

• Short-coated breeds (like Beagles, Boxers, or Labs): 45-75 minutes. These dogs don’t need much trimming, but they still need a bath, blow-dry, and nail trim. If they’ve been rolling in mud or have skin folds (like Bulldogs), expect the upper end of that range.
• Medium-coated breeds (like Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, or Border Collies): 1.5-2.5 hours. These coats tangle easily. Brushing out mats before the bath is half the battle. Blow-drying a thick double coat takes time - and patience. If you skip regular brushing at home, this time can easily jump to three hours.
• Long-coated breeds (like Shih Tzus, Maltese, or Afghan Hounds): 2-3.5 hours. These dogs need daily brushing. If they’re neglected, a full groom becomes a rescue mission. Detangling can take 45 minutes alone. A precise trim around the eyes and paws adds another 30-45 minutes.
• Curly or corded coats (like Poodles, Bichon Frises, or Komondors): 2.5-4+ hours. Poodles are the gold standard for grooming. A show cut requires sectioning, clipping, and precision shaping. Even a basic pet trim on a curly coat takes longer because the hair holds water and takes forever to dry. Corded coats? Those can take half a day if they’ve never been redone.

Behavior Matters More Than You Think

Two dogs with identical coats can take wildly different times just because of temperament. A dog that sits still, loves the blow dryer, and doesn’t mind the clippers? Easy. A dog that jumps, barks, or tenses up every time the scissors come out? That’s a whole different challenge.

Many groomers charge extra for difficult dogs - not because they’re being unfair, but because it takes twice the time and energy. If your dog is nervous, ask the groomer about calming techniques. Some use pheromone sprays, quiet rooms, or even short breaks. If your dog has never been groomed before, plan for a longer session. First-time grooms often include extra time for acclimation.

Condition of the Coat Is Everything

A dog that’s been brushed every other day? Grooming will be smooth and fast. A dog with mats? That’s a different story. Mats aren’t just ugly - they trap moisture, cause skin infections, and hurt when pulled. Removing them isn’t a quick snip. It often means shaving down the affected areas, which adds time and can be stressful for the dog.

One groomer in Wellington told me about a Shih Tzu that hadn’t been groomed in nine months. The dog looked like a walking carpet. It took three hours just to remove the mats - and then another hour to trim the rest. That’s not normal. Regular brushing at home cuts grooming time in half and keeps your dog comfortable.

What Happens During a Full Groom?

Here’s a real breakdown of what goes on behind the scenes:

1. Check-in and assessment (5-10 minutes): The groomer checks for mats, skin issues, fleas, or ticks. They’ll ask about any sensitivities or behavior concerns.
2. Brushing out (15-60 minutes): This is where most time is lost. Thick undercoats need special rakes. Long hair needs section-by-section detangling. Skipping this step leads to uneven cuts and skin irritation.
3. Bath (15-30 minutes): Shampoo, rinse, conditioner. Double-coated dogs need two rinses to get all the soap out.
4. Drying (30-90 minutes): This is the silent time-suck. A small dog might dry in 20 minutes. A large, thick-coated dog? An hour or more with a high-velocity dryer. Some groomers use cages with dryers - others do it by hand for safety.
5. Trimming and styling (30-90 minutes): This includes the haircut, face trim, foot pad shave, sanitary trim, and nail clipping. Show cuts take longer than pet trims.
6. Final check (5-10 minutes): The groomer checks for missed spots, cleans ears, expresses glands if needed, and gives you a quick walkthrough.

That’s 2-4 hours for most dogs - and that’s without delays. If your dog has a bad reaction to the dryer or gets startled by a clipper, it can add 20-30 minutes just to calm them down.

How to Save Time (and Money)

You don’t have to pay for a full groom every four weeks. Here’s how to cut down on salon time:

• Brush at least 2-3 times a week. A quick brush with a slicker brush prevents mats. It’s the single biggest time-saver.
• Trim nails weekly. If nails are overgrown, groomers have to be extra careful - or refuse to do it until they’re filed down. That means extra visits.
• Wipe paws after walks. Mud and dirt build up fast. A quick wipe with a damp cloth reduces bath time.
• Get a pet trim, not a show cut. Show cuts require precision and time. A simple ‘puppy cut’ or ‘teddy bear trim’ is faster, cheaper, and just as cute.
• Book early morning appointments. Groomers are freshest then. Your dog will be calmer, and the whole process moves faster.

When to Expect Longer Groom Times

Some situations almost guarantee a longer session:

• First-time groom
• Severe matting
• Large or heavy-coated breeds
• Dogs with skin allergies or hot spots
• Senior dogs with arthritis (they move slowly)
• Summer grooming after beach trips or muddy hikes

If your dog falls into one of these categories, plan ahead. Don’t wait until the coat is a disaster. Schedule a grooming appointment every 6-8 weeks for maintenance. It’s cheaper and less stressful than waiting until it’s a full-blown emergency.

What’s Normal? What’s Not?

Some groomers promise ‘one-hour grooms.’ That’s only possible for tiny, well-maintained dogs with short hair. If you’re being told your 70-pound Golden Retriever can be done in 90 minutes - be skeptical. You’re either getting a rushed job or skipping key steps.

On the flip side, if your dog’s groom takes five hours and they’re still wet or have a patchy cut? That’s not normal. A good groomer knows how to work efficiently. Time shouldn’t be wasted - just respected.

Final Takeaway

There’s no magic number. But here’s a simple rule: For every inch of coat length, add 15 minutes to the base time. A 6-inch coat? Add 90 minutes. A 12-inch coat? Add 3 hours. Then adjust for behavior and condition.

The best thing you can do? Brush your dog regularly. It’s the fastest, cheapest, and most loving way to keep grooming time short. And if your dog hates the groomer? Talk to them. Find someone who works with nervous dogs. A good groomer doesn’t just cut hair - they build trust.