Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. The Golden Retriever was bred initially in the United Kingdom and are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925. Goldies are great family pets. Though they are active dogs and need daily exercise. Their active nature also makes them great service dogs for those with disabilities. Golden Retrievers live for roughly 10 to 12 years and can grow up to 23 to 24 inches tall (depending on gender and other factors). These fluffy friends can also weigh between 65 to 75 pounds for a male and 55 to 65 pounds for a female. Golden Retrievers excel at obedience training, are eager to please and are loved for their loyalty, intelligence, obedience, their ability to retrieve and of course, their beautiful golden coats. If you are considering getting your very own Golden Retriever, it’s important to know that they are one of the heaviest-shedding breeds of puppies and dogs.
If you are considering adopting a dog of the Golden Retriever breed, you must be prepared for a large amount of dog hair around the house! But don’t let that discourage you – there are plenty of ways to manage the shedding, and the joys of owning a Goldie outweigh the negatives with this breed.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about Goldies shedding, including how much they shed, how to manage the shedding, and more.
Golden Retriever- Breed Characteristics (Coat)
Coat Type: Double
Coat Length: Medium
Coat Color: Dark Golden, Golden, Light Golden
Color Marking: No
Shedding Level: High
Golden Retriever’s are a beloved breed of dog known for its luxurious double coat. Golden Retrievers have a dense, soft and thick undercoat and a topcoat of longer, wavier hair. The combination of the two coats provides a beautiful, lavish look unique to the breed.
Depending on the individual dog, the coat can range from dark golden to light golden in color. These family dogs can also either be a yellow or golden undertone. A Golden Retriever puppies coat is medium in length and requires frequent care and combing to maintain its appearance. In addition to regular combing, Goldies must be properly groomed at least twice a year to keep their coat healthy and looking their best. With proper grooming and care, the coat of Goldie can remain healthy and beautiful for years to come.
How to Groom a Golden Retriever Puppy
Grooming your Goldie requires a few steps to ensure its coat is kept healthy and clean. Following these steps will help maintain a healthy and clean coat for your Golden:
- Comb their coat with a slicker brush to remove dirt, debris, and mats.
- Then use a metal comb to detangle any knots and remove any remaining dirt or debris.
- After that, use a pin brush to fluff and style their coat.
- Finally, use a soft cloth to wipe down their coat and remove any excess dirt or oils.
Going through two heavy shedding phases a year, retriever breeds also shed moderately in between. To keep their fur off your furniture, comb your pup’s coat with a slicker brush once or twice a week. Daily combing helps remove most of the dead hair during intense shedding periods.
Baths will also help loosen up the hairs – but ensure your pup is totally dry before combing. For Golden Retrievers, a bath now and then is all that’s needed to stay clean and healthy. As with all breeds, you should trim your pups nails regularly.
How much do Goldens Shed?
On average, Goldens shed year round with their heaviest shedding periods around fall and spring. They do also shed moderately in the winter and summer. If you love Goldies, you should know that they do shed. Golden Retrievers also need regular brushing and a good grooming routine to reduce shedding and keep their coats in good condition. Investing in a good quality brush will help with this new found routine.
Why do Goldens Shed?
According to the American Kennel Club, Golden Retrievers have a thick coat that comprises a soft, dense undercoat and a straight, water-repellent outer coat. Their coat sheds due to weather changes, to help them regulate their temperature in preparation for the season changes. As puppies, they will lose their puppy coat and grow into their adult dog coat from around 6 months old. Their coat helps to protect the Golden Retriever from the elements, but it also means that they shed quite a bit throughout the year. The undercoat sheds the most, especially during the fall and spring seasons when the coat changes. To keep shedding under control, it’s important to comb your Golden Retriever regularly to remove loose fur and prevent mats and tangles.
When Does Golden Retriever Shed the Most?
Goldies typically shed the most in spring and fall, as these are the times of the year when their coats are transitioning from thicker winter coats to lighter summer coats. During these times, you may notice your Goldie shedding more than usual, leaving behind a large amount of fur. To help manage the shedding, daily combing and regular grooming can help reduce the amount of fur left behind. Additionally, providing your Golden Retriever with a high-quality diet and plenty of exercises can help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.
Causes of Shedding in Golden Retriever Health and Lifestyle
Allergies
Golden Retrievers are prone to seasonal shedding due to allergies, which can be triggered by pollen, dust, and other environmental triggers. If your Golden Retriever is experiencing excessive shedding, it may be a sign of an allergy and hypersensitivity. Pets with allergies might also be prone to ear infections and eye infections.
Parasites
Parasites, such as fleas and ticks, can cause excessive shedding in Golden Retrievers. If your Retriever is scratching or biting at its fur, it could be a sign of a parasite infestation. You can generally fix dogs with this condition by using anti-tick and anti-mite shampoo or insecticides. You shouldn’t take them to the groomers to have this removed, as it could potentially infect other peoples pets.
Stress
Stress can cause a Golden Retriever to shed more than usual. If your Retriever is experiencing a lot of stress and/or anxiety, it could be a sign of excessive shedding. Things that could trigger this include family or lifestyle changes, loud noises or even a change to their scenery or routine. Goldies are a type of dog who needs a calm environment. To avoid overwhelming your best friend, provide your friend a safe space in a spot that is even-tempered in the home.
Swimming
Swimming is a great way to keep your Golden Retriever healthy but it can also cause excessive shedding. When your Retriever gets out of the water, towel them off and comb their coat to help reduce shedding.
Spaying or Neutering
Spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever can cause them to shed more than usual. If your Retriever has recently been spayed or neutered, it could cause excessive shedding.
Nutrition
Nutrition plays an important role in the shedding of a Golden Retriever. Poor nutrition can lead to excessive shedding, as can certain health conditions. For example, an inadequate diet can cause a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, leading to fur loss and poor coat health. Make sure that you are feeding dog food that is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. This will help with their skin and coat. It is recommended that you feed your full grown Goldie at least twice a day rather than only one meal at dinner time.
Health Conditions
Moreover, certain health conditions, such as skin allergies, thyroid problems and many more can also cause increased shedding. To ensure your Golden Retriever is a healthy dog and shedding is kept to a minimum, it is important to feed them a balanced diet and monitor their health closely. If you’re ever unsure, a visit to the vet will help clear up any concerns you may have.
How to Manage Shedding in the Golden Retriever Dog Breed?
Brushing
Regular combing is necessary for Golden Retrievers to keep their coats healthy and reduce shedding. Combing should be done at least once a week and often during shedding season.
Bathing
Bathing should be done every 4-6 weeks to remove dirt and debris from the coat and reduce shedding. Some people bathe their pets once a week to reduce the pet hair and dander. This is typically done for allergy sufferers.
High-Quality Diet
Feeding a high-quality diet is important to maintain a healthy coat and reduce shedding. Goldies are a breed that can be deeply impacted without proper nutrition as they are prone to certain health conditions.
Vacuum
Vacuuming your house regularly can help reduce the amount of pet hair around the house. Carpeted flooring especially can trap particles of pet hair and dander as well as other allergens.
Cover the Furniture
Covering furniture with slipcovers can help protect your furniture and reduce the amount of pet hair. Alternatively, you can keep your pet out of certain areas where you spend a lot of time in. This could be your bedroom and lounge room.
Yard Time
Your furry friend can spread their dander and pet hair across your home if they are left inside for extended periods of time. You can reduce the amount of pet hair throughout your home by giving your pet yard time for a few hours each day. This could also double as your time to play with them. A game of fetch will suffice.
Can You Shave a Golden Retriever?
No, pet parents should not shave a Golden Retriever during any season – and for a good reason. Over the course of the year, Golden Retrievers have a double coat of fur that helps keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Shaving this protective layer of fur could leave them and their skin vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Plus, those signature curly locks are part of what makes Golden Retrievers so adorable! So, to keep your pup looking their best, skip the razor and comb them regularly instead.
Is Golden Retriever Hypoallergenic?
People often ask if golden retrievers are hypoallergenic. The answer is no. Goldens are not hypoallergenic, so if you have allergies, consider looking for a different pup instead. That being said, Golden Retrievers are still an incredibly lovable and loyal breed, so if you don’t have allergies, these search and rescue pups can make a great addition to your family.
If you or someone in your family has allergies with pets, you may be able to have a golden retriever if you take some allergy prevention measures. These measures include keeping the dog out of the bedroom and using air filters in your home. If you or someone close to you has allergies and are considering adopting a golden retriever, talk to your allergist to see if it is a good option.
Are Goldies Ok for People With Allergies?
Many people are allergic to dogs, but some breeds are more likely to trigger allergies. Golden Retrievers are generally one of those breeds. Golden Retrievers are also known for being not hypoallergenic, which means they are more likely to trigger allergies in people. However, there are certain measures you can take to use this lovely breed for people allergic to dogs. Though, not all measures can actively help stop a person having an allergic reaction. If you’re not allergic to dogs and have always wanted a furry friend, a Golden Retriever might be a good addition to part of the family.
Typical Symptoms of Dog Allergies
Similar to other allergies such as hay fever, there are some signs to look out for if you think someone is having an allergic reaction to your pet. Symptoms include watery eyes, hives, sneezing, swelling and difficulty breathing. A person does not need to have each individual symptom to have an allergic reaction.
Are Golden Retrievers Good for Asthma Sufferers?
No, Goldies are not the best choice for asthma sufferers. There are many different factors to consider when trying determining whether or not a particular breed of dog is good for people with asthma. For example, some people with allergies and asthma can have issues with shedding and dog dander, a protein that is produced in all dogs’ skin and fur. Golden Retrievers have more of this allergen than most other breeds, this means that they are typically not suitable for those who have asthma. Golden Retrievers are relatively shedding dogs, and their fur can make them difficult to handle for people with asthma. If you have asthma and you’re considering getting a Golden Retriever, it’s important to talk to your doctor first to discuss your options.
Getting a Golden Retriever – Final Thoughts
To sum up, Golden Retrievers are shedding dogs. They have a double dense coat that sheds year-round, with the heaviest shedding occurring in the spring and fall. While there are ways to reduce the amount of shedding, it is impossible to stop it completely. Therefore, if you consider adopting a Golden Retriever, be prepared for shedding but loving furry friends. Sadly for allergy and asthma sufferers, this dog breed is generally not suitable as they are prone to shedding regularly and producing pet dander which is known as a trigger for many allergy and asthma sufferers. Goldies should be groomed at least twice a year and maintaining their coat by combing it through regularly. If you’re considering adopting a Goldie, consider reading up on the Golden Retriever dog breed information and choosing a reputable breeder that is known for adhering to these loving dogs breed standards.
