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Borzoi Grooming Costs in 2026: What That Flowing Coat Will Cost You

Borzoi grooming
1080 words · 4 min read

Borzoi Grooming Costs in 2026: What That Flowing Coat Will Cost You

Owning a Borzoi means owning one of the most striking dogs on the planet. It also means owning a grooming budget that reflects the size and coat of that dog. Borzois are not cheap to groom -- they are large, they are silky-coated, and they take time. But understanding what you are paying for helps you budget realistically and avoid sticker shock at the salon.

The Quick Numbers

A standard professional grooming session for a Borzoi costs between $75 and $120 in 2026. The national average sits around $90 to $100.

That price reflects the combination of size, coat length, and time required. You are grooming a 75-to-105-pound dog with a flowing silky coat -- this is not a 15-minute shih tzu trim.

What Drives the Price

Size

This is the most straightforward factor. Borzois are large dogs, and everything about grooming scales with size:

  • More shampoo and conditioner
  • Larger tub and table requirements
  • Longer drying time (significantly longer -- the coat is dense and silky)
  • More time for brush-out and detangling
  • More surface area for skin inspection
Most salons price partially based on size, and the Borzoi falls into the large or extra-large category.

Coat Condition

This is where the price can swing dramatically. A Borzoi that comes in every four to six weeks with a well-brushed coat is the base price. A Borzoi that has not been brushed in two months with mats in the feathering and ruff? That is a different job.

Condition-based pricing adjustments for Borzois:

| Coat Condition | Price Impact | |---------------|-------------| | Well-maintained (regular visits) | Base price | | Minor tangles in feathering | +$10 - $20 | | Moderate matting (legs, chest) | +$20 - $40 | | Heavy matting (multiple areas) | +$40 - $75 | | Full dematting required | May recommend shave-down |

Salons using condition-based pricing are not trying to upsell you. Use our free pricing calculator → They are compensating for the very real extra time that matted coats require. A heavily matted Borzoi can take an additional hour to detangle safely.

Geographic Location

Regional pricing for Borzoi grooming in 2026:

| Region | Standard Groom | With Add-Ons | |--------|---------------|-------------| | Rural/small town | $60 - $85 | $75 - $100 | | Suburban | $75 - $100 | $90 - $120 | | Urban/metro | $90 - $120 | $110 - $145 | | High cost cities | $110 - $150 | $130 - $175 |

Grooming service prices have risen approximately 4.2% annually since 2023, tracking with broader labor cost increases in pet care.

Breaking Down What You Pay For

A full Borzoi grooming session includes:

  • Pre-groom assessment and brush-out -- evaluating the coat and working through tangles before the bath (this alone can take 20-30 minutes)
  • Bath -- two lather cycles are common for a dog this size to thoroughly clean the coat
  • Conditioning treatment -- essential for silky coats to prevent post-bath tangling
  • Blow dry -- the single longest part of the session; a Borzoi's coat can take 30 to 45 minutes to dry properly with a high-velocity dryer
  • Post-dry brush-out -- straightening the coat and checking for any remaining tangles
  • Feathering trim -- tidying leg feathering and removing any drag
  • Paw pad trim -- clearing hair between pads
  • Sanitary trim -- rear area maintenance
  • Ear cleaning -- wax removal and inspection
  • Nail trim -- these are large, strong nails that need proper tools
  • Skin inspection -- full body check under that coat
Total hands-on time: 90 minutes to 2 hours. For perspective, that is roughly double the time of a medium-sized, short-coated breed.

Common Add-Ons and Costs

| Add-On | Typical Cost | Notes | |--------|-------------|-------| | De-shedding treatment | $20 - $35 | Highly recommended during spring/fall | | Deep conditioning mask | $15 - $25 | Great for maintaining silky texture | | Teeth brushing | $5 - $15 | Preventive dental care | | Medicated shampoo | $10 - $20 | For skin issues, vet-recommended | | Nail grinding | $5 - $10 | Smoother finish on large nails | | Blueberry facial | $5 - $12 | For tear staining on lighter-colored Borzois |

Annual Grooming Budget

Let us do the math:

Regular maintenance schedule (every 5 weeks):

  • Sessions per year: approximately 10
  • Average cost per session: $95
  • Seasonal add-ons (de-shedding, conditioning): $150
  • Total: approximately $1,100 per year
Stretched schedule (every 7 weeks):
  • Sessions per year: approximately 7
  • Average cost per session: $110 (higher due to more coat work)
  • Add-ons: $100
  • Total: approximately $870 per year
Notice something? The stretched schedule costs less in total but more per session. Regular visits actually cost less per visit because the coat is easier to work with.

A Surprising Cost Fact

Here is something that reframes the cost conversation: the drying phase alone accounts for roughly 30 to 40% of your Borzoi's grooming bill. That long, silky coat holds water like a sponge, and thorough drying is non-negotiable -- a damp Borzoi coat will mat within hours of leaving the salon. Salons that invest in high-velocity forced-air dryers can cut drying time nearly in half compared to standard dryers, which is why pricing varies between salons even in the same area. If your salon charges more but has professional-grade drying equipment, you are actually getting a better result for the premium.

How to Save Without Cutting Corners

  • Brush at home religiously -- three times per week minimum, daily during shedding season; a well-brushed Borzoi costs the base price, not the matting surcharge
  • Stay on schedule -- every 4 to 6 weeks prevents the condition surcharges that add $20 to $75 per visit
  • Ask about package pricing -- many salons offer 10 to 15% discounts when you pre-book 5 or more sessions
  • Learn to dry properly at home between visits -- if you bathe at home between appointments, invest in a proper high-velocity pet dryer (roughly $80 to $150) to prevent post-bath matting
  • Skip unnecessary add-ons -- a de-shedding treatment is valuable during seasonal transitions but unnecessary in off-seasons

What to Watch Out For

Be cautious of any salon that quotes a Borzoi at medium-breed prices. If the quote seems too good to be true, the groomer is either inexperienced with the breed or is planning to cut corners on drying time -- which will result in mats forming before you even get home.

Also confirm the drying method. Cage drying is risky for large breeds and sighthounds, which can overheat. Your Borzoi should be hand-dried or stand-dried, never left in a cage dryer unattended.

PawOps helps salons price large, long-coated breeds accurately -- factoring in size, coat condition, time, and the specialized care breeds like the Borzoi require.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to groom a Borzoi in 2026?

A standard grooming session costs $75 to $120, with a national average around $90 to $100. Prices increase with coat condition issues, geographic location, and add-on services.

Why is Borzoi grooming more expensive than most breeds?

The combination of large size, long silky coat, and extended drying time makes Borzois one of the more time-intensive breeds to groom. A full session takes 90 minutes to 2 hours, roughly double the time of a medium-sized short-coated breed.

How often should I budget for Borzoi grooming?

Every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended. Annual costs range from approximately $870 to $1,100 depending on visit frequency and add-ons. Regular visits actually cost less per session because the coat is easier to maintain.

Can I reduce costs by bathing my Borzoi at home?

You can bathe at home between professional visits, but you must invest in a proper high-velocity pet dryer. Air drying or towel drying a Borzoi's coat will result in mats. Home bathing without proper drying creates more problems than it solves.

Should I tip my Borzoi's groomer?

Yes, 15 to 20 percent is standard. Borzoi grooming is physically demanding and time-intensive work. A groomer who does excellent work with a dog this size and this much coat deserves recognition.

Ready to streamline your grooming workflow?

PawOps helps salons manage every breed from check-in to pickup.

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