How long to groom a Rough Collie?

I know there is no "right" answer to this question, as this is one of those breeds that you never know what to expect until they walk through the door.. However, I had new client (potentially) come to my place for me to meet her Collie. The dog was in great shape but when I gave her a quote, based on 2-2.5 hours groom, she was shocked and said the mobile groomer she has been using (every 4 week) can do the dog in an hour. Now I was shocked. Even with a well maintained coat, how could anyone groom a Collie in an hour.

I'm just wondering if anyone else thinks this is odd or does it sound reasonable. I can't even imagine getting a dog that size and coat density, dry in an hour, let alone thoroughly brushed out and trimmed etc. However, stranger things have happened, and who knows, maybe I will surprise myself and get the dog done sooner. I'm wishing now I hadn't told her my hourly rate, just given her a price range. I don't want her to think if I get the dog done in an hour it will only be $40.00. I don't care how little time it takes, I'm not grooming a Collie for $40.00 bucks.

No way, no how, I don't care what anyone says. You can't possibly bath, dry and properly brush out a full coated Collie in an hour.

Let us know how long it takes, just for interest sake

The key to what you wrote, Admin, is "properly".

I think it depends on the dog. Every collie is different. I know i have some really thick coated dogs that come in regularly that would definately take 2 + hours. But we also have one that comes in every 3 months,she is groomed well at home, she's smaller, very pretty, and we can get her done in an hour and half. If this lady is willing to bring her dog to you every 4 weeks the dog may not be that much work, compared to some collie's that is, and she may be a very good client. Those are the ones that keep us busy in our slow periods.

Like i said above though it really depends on the dog and the owner, she may have just been saying that as well, trying to see your reaction. Did it look like it was groomed a month ago?

The dog looked really well maintained. Her fur felt really clean and her feet had obviously been trimmed fairly recently. However, it was hard to tell if there was a lot of undercoat waiting to come out or not. It felt like there was, but it is also winter so I am assuming the dog's coat has thickened up for the cold weather.

I had a case almost the exact same as this a few years ago, but with a Sheltie. Owner was shocked when I quoted 1.5 hours. She said the Mobile groomer (again every 4 weeks) could do it in 3/4 hour. The first time I groomed the dog I brushed out TONS of undercoat which obviously wasn't getting out each previous groom. I saved the pile (mountain) of hair to nonchalantly show the owner what I got out and she was a little surprised. She's been coming back for a few years (still every 4-6 weks) and I've never got out so much a one time. I'm thinking the Collie is going to be the same.

The Collie's appointment is next week so I won't know until then.

You could also tell her that you will charge and groom the way you do, then put her on your own schedule.After you have groomed her you will know what to expect and what you can charge.

I groomed the Collie this week and he took me exactly 2 hours, which is what I was thinking it would take. It took me 1.5 hours to bath and dry and 1/2 an hour to brush out, nails and feet and light trimming. He really was in good shape, not too much to brush out, he obviously does get groomed regularily, she wasn't jsut saying that.

The owner said as she dropped the dog off, "it's o.k. if he's still a little wet, sometimes his undercoat is still damp in areas" So, that told me how the previous groomer could do him so quickly. When she picked him up (completely dry!) she raved and raved about how good he looked, when I really don't think he look any better than a nicely bathed Collie. I hardly trimmed anything, just evened up the odd area, and I really didn't take out to much undercoat.

It really made me wonder how he used to look after his past grooms. Maybe she was just being polite. LOL! No complaints from me though, she paid the full price with no complaints and booked another appointment.

Sounds like she'll be a great client!!!