How Long Does it Take to Groom a Dog?

Every dog parent wants their furry friend to look and feel their best, but it’s only natural to want to plan your day around a grooming appointment. The answer isn’t as simple as a set number, but most dog grooming sessions typically last 1 to 3 hours. Several factors can affect how long your dog will need at the salon.

By understanding what affects your dog’s grooming time, you can help make their visit smooth and stress-free for both of you. At K-9 University, our team takes the time to get to know each pup and makes everyone feel right at home. Let’s take a look at everything that goes into grooming and what you can expect at your next appointment.

A corgi gets groomed in Plano or Garland, TX

What Can Affect How Long Dog Grooming Takes?

Just like every dog is unique, the time it takes to groom them can vary, too! Here are some of the most significant factors our groomers consider before giving you a time estimate:

1. Size Matters

This one’s pretty straightforward: a larger dog takes longer to wash, brush, and dry than a smaller one. Think of the difference between a big, fluffy Goldendoodle and a petite Chihuahua! Small breeds like Yorkies or Shih Tzus can often be finished within about an hour, while big breeds like German Shepherds or Standard Poodles might need two to three hours for a full groom.

2. Breed and Coat Type

Some dogs have simple, easy-to-care-for coats, while others need a bit more TLC.

  • Short, Smooth Coats: Dogs like Boxers, Beagles, or Greyhounds have short fur that’s easy to keep clean, so their baths go pretty quickly.
  • Double Coats: Huskies, German Shepherds, and Aussies have thick undercoats that shed a lot. Grooming them takes extra brushing and de-shedding to keep their coats healthy and beautiful.
  • Long or Curly Coats: Breeds like Poodles, Doodles, and Bichon Frises have hair that can mat and tangle easily, so their grooms tend to be more detailed and can take longer.

3. Coat Condition

Is your dog’s fur lovely and tangle-free, or are there some mats that need gentle attention? Dogs who are brushed regularly are usually more straightforward (and quicker) to groom. If there’s matting, the groomer will need to take their time to detangle, which adds to the total appointment time. If mats are very severe, the best thing for your dog’s comfort may be a careful shave-down.

4. Personality & Comfort Level

We know that not every dog loves visiting the groomer (although we sure do our best to make it fun!). Anxious, shy, or senior dogs sometimes need a little extra time for breaks and gentle reassurance. If your pup is used to grooming and enjoys being pampered, things often go more quickly. At our salon, we treat every dog like our own and always go at a pace that keeps them comfortable.

5. The Services You Choose

A basic “bath and brush” appointment is often the quickest, but you may want to add extra options for a complete spa day! Here are some services that can make your appointment longer (but your dog happier!):

  • De-shedding treatments
  • Flea & tick baths
  • Teeth brushing
  • Breed-specific trims and styles
  • Paw pad and sanitary trims

At K-9 University, we offer a variety of dog grooming services, and we’ll talk you through every step, so there aren’t any surprises.

What Happens During a Grooming Appointment?

Wondering what’s happening while your dog’s at the groomer? Here’s a peek behind the scenes:

  1. Check-In & Brushing: We start by checking your dog’s coat and skin, and loosening up any tangles with a gentle brush.
  2. Bath Time: Next up is a relaxing bath with shampoos and conditioners picked for your dog’s specific needs.
  3. Drying: After towel-drying, many dogs get blown out with a high-velocity dryer (picture a gentle breeze just for pups!) and a final brush to make their coat extra soft.
  4. Haircut or Trim: If your dog is getting a haircut, this is where the magic happens! Whether it’s a breed-standard style or a cute custom look, we clip and trim with care.
  5. The Finishing Touches: We wrap up with a paw-dicure (nail trim), a gentle ear cleaning, and any needed sanitary trimming, so your pup feels as good as they look.

How to Help Your Dog Have a Great Grooming Experience

Want to make your dog’s next appointment a breeze for them and the groomer? Here are a few tips:

  • Brush Between Visits: A little brushing at home, even just a few minutes a day, can prevent tangles and keep your dog’s coat in great shape.
  • Start Early: If you have a puppy, introduce them to grooming as soon as you can. Touch their paws, ears, and face to help them get comfortable.
  • Keep It Regular: Schedule grooming every 4–8 weeks. Sticking to a routine makes each visit quicker and less stressful.
  • Share Important Info: Let us know if your dog gets nervous, has special needs, or has any “quirks” we should know about. We love to tailor our approach to help every pup feel safe and loved.

Why Plano & Garland Pet Parents Love K-9 University

K-9 University is more than just a dog grooming salon—it’s a place where dogs and their people are treated like family. Since 1993, our team has made it our mission to take the best possible care of our community’s pets. Every grooming appointment is perfectly tailored to your dog’s needs and personality, with one-on-one attention and no shortcuts: no crowded salons, no cage dryers, and no rushing. We believe your dog deserves gentle care, a soothing environment, and results that leave everyone happy—no matter how long it takes! When you trust us with your pup, they’ll leave looking, feeling, and smelling fantastic. Got more questions about how long it takes to groom a dog or ready to book an appointment in Plano or Garland? We’d love to help. Contact us anytime!

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