Coat Condition & Style
Coat type and condition on a cat or dog is pertaining to short haired like a beagle, or long haired like a Maltese. Short haired dogs are typically cheaper because they will only need to be brushed out after the bath rather than getting a hair cut like a long haired dog. Please be aware that short haired dogs may be shedding which also affects the price. The longer it takes to remove all the dead hair the more expensive it will be. If a pet goes to the groomer on a consistent bases and the coat is free of knots it will be cheaper. Pre-shaving or de-matting knots on long haired dogs, will be an extra charge. The amount of the extra charge will all depend on the time it takes. Usually there is a set amount for the extra charge. For example, $1 per minute past 10-15 minutes of brushing.
Style of haircut affects the price because certain styles take longer than others. For example, a dog that always gets shaved down to a short length will come back and the coat will still be on the shorter side, if it’s been coming consistently. A dog that is getting groomed consistently, but is left longer, there is a lot more hair to wash, dry, and brush. Plus, the hand-scissoring technique used to create a longer look takes more time. For example, in order to get the big fluffy round Bichon head the grooming needs to fluff dry it and hand scissor it, which is more time consuming compared to a Bichon who gets the head and ears shaved all one length. This also pertains to dogs that get groomed like the breed standard and are in a “pattern cut” with a skirt or longer hand scissored legs compared to dogs that are shaved one length all over.
Which Lengths Cost Extra?
"Fluffy" Coat Types
Longer than 1 Inch left on coat $30+
1 Inch left on coat $20
7/8ths or 3/4ths left on coat $10
5/8ths or shorter left on coat will be the price of the base haircut.
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The longer the haircut, the longer it takes to make it look good. The extra charge is for the extra time that goes into fluffing/combing/scissoring.
Double Coated Dogs
Shorter than 1/2 Inch left on coat $55+
5/8ths or 1/2 Inch left on coat $45
7/8ths or 3/4ths left on coat $35
1 Inch left on coat $25
"Light" or "Tight" Feather trim will be the price of the base haircut
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*Charges for length are in addition to the base haircut price
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Why Shaving Your Double Coated Dog Is A Bad Idea
Double coated dogs like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Border Collies, Pomeranians, and Australian Shepherds have two layers of fur. The bottom layer, closest to the dogs skin, is very thick and dense. This layer is referred to as the "undercoat." The top layer is stiffer and usually coarser. This outer coat is designed to protect from the elements. The two layers work together similar to insulation inside your home's walls, and the walls themselves — with the inner layer helping to regulate the dog's temperature, and the outer layer protecting the animal against the elements.
You would not take the insulation out of your house in the summer, right? Shaving your double-coated dog does just that - it exposes your dog to overheating, sunburn, and can also lead to post-clipping alopecia, hair loss, or even skin cancer.
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BUT MY DOG IS HOT….
Dogs do not have the ability to cool themselves through their skin like humans. They sweat through the pads of their paws. Their primary method of cooling their body temperature comes from panting. Dogs. As your dog pants, water evaporates from the dog's tongue, nasal passages and lungs, this helps lower its body temperature
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BUT MY DOG SHEDS…
There is no way to stop shedding. The best way to manage hair and keep a double-coated dog clean, cool, and comfortable is to regularly bathe and brush them. Double coated dogs require maintenance and regular grooming to prevent the dead hairs from matting. Shaving a double-coated dog will not stop the shedding. It could actually make the problem worse.
When we shave a double coat, the undercoat grows back quickly. The outer coat does not grow back as quickly. This often leaves the undercoat to take over as the primary coat. This thick wooly coarse coat will trap heat and will not protect from the sun, thus exposing your pet to warmer climates and making them warmer and increasing their body temperature in the heat. Shaving can damage a dog's ability to regulate its temperature or protect their skin. It does not solve shedding problems, and it can also contribute to heatstroke.
Regular bathing, brushing, and de-shedding treatments will be your double-coated dog's best friend.
If you feel your dog's shedding is excessive, this could be a sign of a nutritional deficiency, vitamin deficiency, or possible metabolic disorder. If you feel your dog's shedding is excessive, consult with your veterinarian.