Cost of grooming for a small dog?

[FloatinInABlueLagoon]

Hi! I am thinking about adopting a small dog this summer. The breeds I'm looking into are something like a Yorkie Poo, Shih Tzu, Pekepoo...you get the idea. On average, how much would grooming cost? For example, trimming the hair so it's still relatively short and probably nails. How difficult would it be to maintain myself and how much does it cost to take the dog to a local groomer for a trim? Thanks in advance.

 

[wdwfam]

Our shih tzu costs $29 for shampoo, cut, ears cleaned, nails. We keep her in a puppy cut and have her groomed every 4-5 weeks. I've tried, but I don't have very good luck trying to groom her myself.

 

[momof5boys]

I have a schnoodle,had him shaved last week, nails and everything. Costs $35. I tried to shave him myself 2 months ago(he gets matted really easy because my Rottie slobbers all over him) poor dog looked like he got in a fight with a weedwacker! Needless to say I'll spend the money!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

My Westie runs about $45 at the groomers, but that's in So Cal, so adjust for inflation/deflation.

I take him to a Doggie Day Spa now that is self service. I use all their stuff, it takes me an hour, and it costs $12. They charge by the size of the dog. I think the max is $16. I bring my own clippers, but everything else I use is theirs.

 

[Jeanne B]

We have two Shih Tzu's and it cost's $35/ea for shampoo, cut and nails. I bring them in every 8-10 weeks and they get a short puppy cut each time.

We tried grooming our oldest Shih Tzu once, didn't work, they both behave wonderfully for the groomers though (naturally).

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

We have a toy poodle and it is $35 for everything for her. She gets what is called a puppy cut, not the fancy designs that some poodles get. LOL! I have her done every 10 weeks. It is her spa day.

 

[DaBoo]

Our Shih Tzu is $20 plus tip for cut wash and goom. This includes having nails clipped, ears cleaned and anal glands expressed. We have a great groomer and she only charges $5 per night for boarding.

 

[melanie18]

We have a 9 lb Shih Tzu and it costs $45 here in NJ.

 

[travlnman1]

I have a Hungarian Puli and he costs me $65.00 every 4 weeks!!
....and I get MY hair cut at the haircuttery. Go figure.

 

[momoftwodisneykids]

Our pugs cost about $20 each for grooming. Includes bath, nails and anal glands (trust me you don't want to do this yourself). They really don't need their fur trimmed. They are a fantastic breed. I wouldn't trade my puggie boys for anything in the world.

Joanne

 

[DisneyAprilFool]

Oh, do it- we brought home a baby Shih Tzu this past week and wow- what a nice breed of dog! I'm used to the bigger breeds and having a little lap lover is sooo nice! (In fact, that's where Tribble (ie Trouble with Tribbles, Star Trek) is right now!)

 

[DisneyAprilFool]

(Heh- I don't know grooming costs, btw- just wanted to tell you what a great thing a little lapdog can be!)

 

[skatingmom]

Our Shih Tzu costs $23 for everything. We probably have her groomed about 4 times/year. We have the top of the head left long enough to put a barrette or pony tail in.

 

[Nolcrest]

$35 for my toy poodle for the works. Actually he could use a grooming right now too.

 

[angwill]

I love my shih tzu. She costs $25 to have groomed (everything done) and $7 a night to board at our vets office. I have her groomed about twice a year because it is impossible to cut her nails myself (she hates it). The rest of the times I groom her most times with scissors and she is really good about it. I just get down on the floor with her and pet her while I clip and or comb she just loves it.

Have fun deciding,
Angela

 

[trulygoofy]

We have a miniature poodle and I groom her myself. It is a lot easier for me to just do it myself than drive to the groomer and pick her back up. I have a professional clipper and I think they are around $150 or more depending on the brand. I tried cutting her with a cheaper clipper, but the poodle hair killed it. They have so much hair and it gets matted easily. It isn't too hard to do once you get the hang of it. The first time I cut her she looked awful, but after about three times I figured it out. I looked online at pictures of different poodles and went from there.

 

[Piecey]

Lots of Shih-Tzus!

The one in my signature is about $30 everytime I take him. Depending on how matted he is, because oh does he love to roll in the dirt and wiggle to make all his fur stick together and knot!

 

[aubriee]

It costs me $32.00 to get my shih tzu bathed, ears plucked and cleaned, nails trimmed, and anal glands expressed. She can get really matted though, as my Akita loves to slobber on her. We keep the hair on top of her head long enough for a top knot with a bow.

Off topic: If you do get a shih tzu you will love your new little lap dog. They are bossy, dominating, little demons with a Princess complex, who know their place in the world and truly believe that everyone else is placed on this earth to cater to their wishes. You should see the look of total shock and disbelief on their adorable faces when they are informed otherwise. They feel they are masters of their domain. They will tell you when to go to bed, then will make you move your feet exactly where they want them, so they can be comfortable as they lie crosswise in your king size bed, (scooting you to the very edge). They will demand your food, then sniff at it daintly for a few moments then give you a look like they did you a favor (and why isn't it filet mignon, mom?), before they grab it (taking half of your finger with it), They will give you a totally shocked look, if you ever use the word no to them. They are absolutely adorable and always act like they are ten feet tall and weigh over 100lbs, instead of 8" tall and 13lbs. My little angel thinks nothing of bossing all of us around, including my 80+lb Akita, who she thinks he is her personal chew toy. She's a Princess, knows it, and has no problem conveying to everyone who comes in contact with her that she is not only a Princess, but THE High Princess.

 

[AnnaS]

Hi everyone,

I was also about to post this question.

I am ready to take my pappilion any day now. It's been about 10 years (our maltese) since I have gone to a groomer. Just curious if anyone tips the groomer, and if so, what would be reasonable amount.

Thanks.

 

[dismom24]

I am up early this morning house training our brand new little pomeranian. He did great last night (second night). If you start grooming them right away, it will be very easy to do yourself. I gave him a bath as soon as my Dh gave him to me (he is white, but had been in the breeders yard so was a little dingy). He loved his bath - fell asleep during his blow dry. I'm going to do his nails and do a sanitary shave tonight - he doesn't really need it yet, but I want to get him used to the clippers. We have a persian cat and I have always done her bathing and shaving. You may not want to do it yourself, but just a thought. We bought our other pom to the groomer when we first got her and they left the blow dry on too long and burned her a little. I haven't been able to find a good reference for another groomer, so just decided to try it myself adn it was real easy. Good clippers were around $100 and I replace the blades yearly for $40.. Enjoy your puupy!