I know of a few places around here that refuse to groom certain breeds of dogs. Usually chows are that breed.

I wouldn't go to a place that refused dogs because of breed....

I honestly wouldn't say he's chow though. Not because of anything against the breed, but he doesn't look like he has the coat of a chow....so he really shouldn't be charged as a chow. He looks like he has a coat more like a shepard. I know it varies, but where I work it's $46 for a chow vs. $29 for a german shepard.

Actually, my husband wanted to use a groomer because Guinness is still shedding. I remember reading something on here about dogs with "undercoats" like Huskies or something and how a good groomer can get most of it out. Guinness does have an undercoat and he sheds alot.
I really think this is a good idea. A good groomer can get a LOT of fur out. I brush Nebo often at home...but when I take him to work and use the high-pressure dryers on him...it's amazing how much fur comes out of that dog! It's really helpful with shedding to get it under control by getting those loose clumps of undercoat out.

I know of other groomers here that have all the dogs arrive by 8 and don't get them out until 4. I do NOT like that....not only is it not fun for the dogs, it sucks because all the kennels are used up. Where I work I'm there 9-4 (bather) and there's normally a groomer there 8-3 and another 1-7 or so. So we have dogs arriving and leaving all day. I always allow 2 hours for any kind of dog....and normally get them done in 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the size/coat of the dog...sometimes longer if the dog is not good or is very matted.