Most owners expect to pay for food and vet visits, but grooming a Bernedoodle can easily cost you over $1,000 a year. Here is exactly what you should expect to pay to keep that coat under control.
I’ve been breeding dogs for over a decade, and one of the most common questions I get from new puppy owners is about the grooming bill. People are often surprised by the cost, but after seeing the work that goes into a full doodle groom, it makes sense. It is a lot of labor to keep these coats looking good.
What a full groom actually costs
I usually pay anywhere from $50 to $75 per dog, but for larger Bernedoodles or dogs with matted hair, I’ve seen prices hit $100 or even $130 for a single session.
The prices generally break down by the size of your dog. I checked in with a professional groomer to get the current rates you’ll likely see:
Also note that these costs can vary largely depending where you live.
- Extra small: $72 to $77
- Small: $77 to $82
- Medium: $83 to $93
- Large: $95 to $105
- Extra large: $108 to $120
- Giant (100+ lbs): $120 to $130
What is included in the bill?
When you take your dog in for a full groom, you aren’t just paying for a haircut. A standard professional session usually includes:
- Bath with specialized shampoo and conditioner
- Blueberry facial massage
- Blow dry and full brush out
- Hair cutting and styling
- Nail trimming and filing
- Ear cleaning
- Sanitary trim (the potty area and paw pads)
- Final touches like cologne, a bandana, or bows
If you don’t need the full service, you can ask for a “feet, face, and fanny” trim. This is a mini-groom that skips the full body haircut but keeps the messy areas tidy. With my groomer the price for this ranges from $58 to $98 depending on the size of your dog.
Factors that drive the price up
Two main things will make your bill higher than the base price: hair length and matting.
Hair length
If you want to keep your Bernedoodle’s hair longer than half an inch, expect to pay more. Longer hair requires more product, more brushing, and more careful scissoring. It takes more skill and more time, so groomers usually bump these dogs into a higher price category.
Matting fees
If you haven’t been brushing at home and your dog’s coat is tangled or matted, the groomer will charge extra. Matting is hard on the equipment and the dog. Sometimes the only safe option is to shave the coat down, which takes extra time and care.
Building your yearly budget
Most Bernedoodles need a professional groom every six to eight weeks. If you go eight times a year, your total cost will look something like this:
- Small dogs: roughly $575 per year
- Giant dogs: roughly $1,050 per year
Keep in mind that these prices can vary based on where you live. If you are in a major city like Chicago, you might pay significantly more than these averages.
How to save money on grooming
You don’t have to just accept a massive bill every month. There are a few ways to keep your costs down.
- Brush daily. Brushing is the best way to save money. If you prevent mats, you avoid matting fees and you can often go longer between professional appointments.
- Schedule ahead. Many groomers offer a loyalty discount (around 5%) if you schedule your appointments for the entire year in advance.
- Do the mini trims yourself. If you can handle the feet, face, and sanitary trims at home every few weeks, you can stretch the time between full professional haircuts.
Grooming at home
Doing the work yourself is definitely cheaper, but you have to invest in the right tools first. If you want to try grooming at home, here is what you will need:
- Slicker brush and a metal Greyhound comb (essential for reaching the skin)
- Dog-specific shampoo (never use human shampoo)
- Cordless, professional-grade clippers
- Curved shears for shaping the face and feet
- Nail grinder or clippers
- Styptic powder (to stop bleeding if you clip a nail too short)
The trade-off is time. Grooming a large Bernedoodle is a big job. If you have the time, you’ll save a lot of money. If you’re busy, the professional fee is usually worth it for the convenience and the socialization your dog gets at the shop.
In closing
The biggest mistake you can make is letting the coat go too long. When the hair gets tangled and matted, it isn’t just expensive—it’s uncomfortable for your dog. Keep up with the brushing so your groomer can focus on a style you actually like instead of being forced to shave your dog to the skin.