Dog Grooming Size Guide: book the right size every time
“Medium” sounds friendly until a 45 kg Rottie lumbers in like a tank in a bow tie. This guide explains our size bands, how to measure at home, and where common breeds usually sit. If your dog is between sizes, book the larger option. We confirm the final price at check-in.
Our size bands (by weight)
- Small: under 10 kg
- Medium: 10–20 kg
- Large: 20–35 kg
- XL: 35–50 kg
- Giant: 50+ kg
Weight is the main setting. Coat type, coat condition and temperament can add time.
Breed examples (typical placements)
Small (under 10 kg)
- Maltese Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Cavoodle (toy)
- Moodle
- Dachshund
- Pomeranian
- Boston Terrier
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Pug (smaller frames)
- Mini Schnauzer
Medium (10–20 kg)
- Cavoodle (standard)
- Spoodle
- Beagle
- Cocker Spaniel
- Staffy
- Schnauzer (lighter standards)
Large (20–35 kg)
- Border Collie
- Australian Shepherd
- Kelpie
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador
- Australian Cattle Dog
XL (35–50 kg)
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd (by weight)
- Husky (by weight)
Giant (50+ kg)
- Great Dane
- Newfoundland (by weight)
Borderlines happen. A muscly 19.8 kg Staffy is still Medium. A lean 21 kg Kelpie moves to Large. When unsure, book the larger size.
Coat type and condition can change the service
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Double coats
Golden Retriever, Labrador, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Kelpie, Australian Cattle Dog. We do not shave double coats. Book a Bath + Deshed to remove loose undercoat and protect natural insulation. -
Curly/oodle coats
Cavoodle, Spoodle, Labradoodle, Groodle, Moodle. Mats start in friction zones first: behind ears, collar line, armpits and tail base. A breathable teddy clip keeps coats comfy in SEQ humidity. Book a Full Groom. -
Short coats
Staffy, French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier. Proper bathing and drying still matter, plus wrinkle, ear and paw care through summer. -
Matting or heavy undercoat
Adds time and may change the service. We will always discuss options before starting.
How to measure at home
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Weight: step on your scale holding your dog, then subtract your weight.
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Chest girth: soft tape around the widest part behind the front legs.
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Back length: base of neck to base of tail.
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Coat check: run a metal comb through ears, collar line, armpits and tail base. If it snags, book sooner or choose the larger size.
Common mix-ups we see
- “My Rottweiler is medium.” Rottweilers are XL.
- “My Golden is medium in winter.” Goldens are Large year-round; shedding seasons add deshed time.
- “My Cavoodle is tiny but mats fast.” Size may be Small, but matting can change the service.
- “Short coat = quick.” Proper dry, nails, ears and paws still take time, especially in humidity.
FAQs
Do you charge extra for matting or heavy undercoat?
If coat condition adds time, we will discuss options and confirm the price before starting.
What if my dog is between sizes?
Choose the larger size. We confirm at check-in.
Do puppies count as small even if they are a large breed?
We book by current size and coat, not adult breed. A 12 kg retriever pup is Medium today.
Can double coats be shaved in summer?
We do not shave double coats. We deshed to reduce loose hair while protecting the coat’s insulation.