Completing The Grooming Of Your Golden Retriever
How Much Exercise Does A Golden Retriever Need
Golden Retrievers are highly active dogs and like to stay engaged both physically and mentally. This breed is the type of dog with plenty of energy, likes to have a job, and wants to work. This work ethic is part of why Golden Retrievers make not only excellent birding dogs and hunting companions but also service dogs. If you plan to adopt a Golden Retriever, be prepared for daily exercise and activity.
Taking a vigorous or extended walk every day will help to keep your dog happy and healthy. Plan on an hour-long walk or hike. This activity will not only help get some energy out of your Golden Retriever but will give him plenty of stimulation as he can interact with other dogs, people and pick up plenty of smells along the way. Golden Retrievers also like to run and can be a perfect jogging buddy for your daily exercise. Of course, a rousing game of fetch will also keep your Golden Retriever happy.
Because this breed of dog is intelligent and likes to work, the Golden Retriever excels at dog agility competitions. Teach your dog how to run an agility course, participate in flyball, or work through obedience training. Not only will these activities help to keep your dog healthy and fit, but they will keep his mind engaged and his brain active as he has to work to figure out new challenges and puzzles.
When Do Golden Retrievers Get Their Full Coat
The full coat that your adult Golden Retriever will not be found on a little puppy. This is something that the puppy will need to grow into as they get older and start to mature. If you have a Golden Retriever puppy though, you may be curious when they will start to get their full coat.
Lets take a closer look at some of the milestones that happen as your Golden Retriever gets their adult coat, when you should start to expect to see some of the parts, and when the full adult coat should be in for your Golden Retriever.
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Trimming Golden Retriever Feathers: Owners Guide
Golden Retrievers have feathers??? Yes, but not the kind they can use to fly. When it comes to Goldies, feathers refer to fur patches found around their belly, tail, and legs. This fur can grow very long and harbor dirt. This is why trimming Golden Retriever feathers is a necessary part of grooming. For this post, I will discuss a step-by-step guide so you can groom your pooch at home.
When Finding Free Or Low
DONT try to find inexpensive pups on Missouri Craigslist or other Missouri free listing websites.
They are typically poor quality and can originate from un-reputable breeders.
DONT attempt to cut a deal with a Missouri Golden Retriever dog breeder.
The Golden Retriever puppy might be the runt of the litter or have considerable health issues if you pay less than their typical cost.
What If I Have A Show Dog
Whether you have a show dog or a companion dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the grooming maintenance and training for the show ring. It is always helpful if your breeder is willing to help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the show ring. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Golden Retriever Club of America, www.grca.org.
Teacup Or Toy Golden Retrievers
Due to the popularity of teacup breeds like Teacup Maltese or Teacup Chihuahua, the question of a teacup Golden Retrievers has come up several times.
But can you really imagine a Teacup Golden Retriever? Neither can we.
Some breeders argue that this would border on unethical breeding as Golden Retrievers are meant to be medium-sized dogs who are active companions.
A teacup or toy Golden Retriever would be too far from the original size of a Golden Retriever, so its more likely to have health implications that could affect the dog for life.
Breeding down a medium-sized dog to a teacup size is not encouraged. Do not buy a puppy just because it would be nice to look at.
As a responsible dog owner, you also have to consider the quality of life a your pet will have.
Golden Retriever Shedding: Do Golden Retrievers Shed A Lot
Yes. Golden Retrievers, just like most other dogs, shed. In the case of the Golden Retriever shedding, it is very noticeable.
Golden Retrievers have a double coat and are considered to be among the that shed the. Shedding is a natural process that is inherent to the dogs physiology so do not try to prevent it.
Trouble is the only result.
This retriever breed was developed in a relatively cold part of the world, Scotland.
They had to have protection in the cold winters, but not suffer from the heat in the summer. Golden Retrievers still retain their adaptation to those conditions:
They lose most of the thick insulating undercoat when the longer days of summer approach, and grow it back when the days begin shortening for winter.
How Do I Brush My Golden Retriever
Start by putting your puppy or dog on a table and have him or her stand up. Its easier to brush and groom your Golden when he or she is standing, and it will make the experience for your dog much better. Having a young pup standing for a more extended period can be difficult, I know, but dont give up.
In the beginning, have someone help you by holding your Golden puppy and reward him or her with some yummy treats for standing still and being such a good girl or boy. Your pup will learn and will get more relaxed in time.
There are several types of brushes you can use; each has its purpose. Begin brushing by using a . Brush the entire body of your dog. The head, back, belly, chest, paws, tail, behind the ears, the armpits, and the back legs. These last three mentioned spots are spots where matting can occur, so they are essential to brush and prevent matting.
Brush gently down to the skin, a small section at the time, and be careful not to brush too firm, which can hurt your dog. Brush with the direction the hair grows. A dog groomer, who is a friend of mine, told me it is best to start brushing at the bottom and work your way up, start at the end of the dog and work towards the front.
Adult Golden Retrievers shed during the shedding season, which is twice a year around Spring and Autumn. Youll know its that time of the year again when you find more golden hairs than usual on your floor, clothes, and couch, and your vacuum cleaner will is used a lot more!
The Science Behind Hair Vs Fur
Scientifically speaking, there is absolutely no difference between hair and fur. It is a column of dead cells containing the protein called keratin.
All mammals have hair, even those that appear hairless. For example, whales have hair while they are embryos in the womb. Hair is, in fact, a unique feature to mammals that do not occur in any other kind of animal.
Mammalogists classify hair into different types based on growth:
- Definitive. This type of hair reaches a certain length, and is then shed replaced periodically. Human eyelashes is an example.
- Angora. This type of hair grows continuously and reaches a considerable length before being shed. Some are never shed, like a horses mane.
Mammologists also classify hair on the basis of pattern and function:
- Vibrissae. Commonly known as whiskers. They are long, stiff, well supplied with nerves at the base, and used for tactile receptors . The most well-known occur on the face but they are also located on the legs and elsewhere on the body.
- Guard hairs. This is the most conspicuous hair on all mammals, including dogs. There are 3 types of guard hairs: spines , bristles , and awns .
- Underhairs. These hairs function primarily for insulation. There are 3 types: wool , velli aka down or fuzz and fur .
The Golden Retriever is one of the dog breeds that have a double coat. That means it has guard hairs as well as an undercoat.
How Often Do Golden Retrievers Need To Be Groomed
A Golden Retrievers coat should be well brushed every one or two weeks to avoid painful matting and to avoid too much shedding. You also shouldnt bathe your golden retriever too often as this could damage their beautifully soft undercoat. Their nails should be carefully cut at least once a month but you shouldnt do this if youre unsure as you could end up harming your Retriever.
When Will My Golden Retriever Get Their Full Coat
You will start to notice that the adult coat of your Golden Retriever will start to come in when they are about three months old. The initial growth that comes in is going to be subtle so it is possible that you will not be able to see it right away. If your puppy is already past this age, you may not have noticed the coat come in. If they have not reached this age yet, then you should check it out closely to see whether or not you can notice it or not.
This growth will take some time to complete though, which is part of why it is so hard to notice that the coat is coming in. Pet owners should expect that the Golden Retriever will get their full coat in by the time they are two years old. They will have their adult coats all the way in by that time.
Each dog will be a little different in the type of coat they get and the timing of when the new coat will come in. some will start to grow it really fast, while others may seem to not get it until they are a lot older. Often it is going to be based on what the parents of the puppy had and the genetics of your puppy. This means that you should not be surprised if the puppy seems to start growing the hair in quickly, or if it seems to take them a long time to get that adult coat you are waiting on.
Keep Your Golden Neatly Trimmed
Puppy cuts can be a bit severe for some people because basically, their Golden Retriever will look like a Lab, except for the tail.
If you choose not to do a puppy cut, you should still keep your golden looking neat and tidy by keeping some areas trimmed.
Areas that need trimming are between the feet and paw pads, the hair in the ears, the feathering on the legs, the bum area, and the tail can be trimmed to look neat and sculpted.
Trimming your dog will help keep him looking his best, as well as help keep him a bit cooler in the summer. Find out how to trim a Golden Retriever easily at home by yourself.
How Often To Bathe Golden Retriever Dogs
Your dog needs to bath twice a month avoiding getting their ears wet as part of their Golden Retriever grooming routine. It is highly recommended to brush their coat before you bathe to reduce the amount of hair and tangles. Bathing and grooming a Golden Retriever will assist in the removal of loose hair, making the job of cleaning up after a coat drop a little easier. A quality dog shampoo should be used for washing and if skin reactions occur, try a different product as there are many to choose on the market. Rinse off the shampoo carefully. Your dog will also require rinsing after swimming in chlorinated or salt water to avoid skin irritations.
It is important that Golden Retrievers are thoroughly dried after bathing, especially the ears and tail. Goldens can get limber tail from cold water at the base of the tail which can be very sore and his tail will just hang, too painful to wag.
Your Golden Retriever And Hot Weather
Temperatures in the 90s and 100s, can be harsh for your furry companion. Golden Retriever dogs are as vulnerable to summertime heat as humans are. Dehydration, overheating, and sunburn are just a few of the health concerns of hot weather and canines. Nevertheless, there are several easy, precautions dog owners can take to ensure a healthy and happy golden retriever:
=> Whenever you travel with your golden retriever dog or puppy, always tote a bottle of cold and fresh water.
=> As hyperthermia can be fatal, it is never recommended to leave your golden retriever dog or puppy in the car alone. Even if the windows are ajar, a parked vehicle can heat up rapidly. For errands less than 15 minutes, park the automobile in the shade for some extra protection.
=> Regular Golden retriever grooming may stave off summer discomfort as well as skin problems. Particularly, canines with heavy coats, as golden retrievers, should have their hair shaved at least one-inch in length and never right down to the skin. To protect your golden retriever from the ultra-violet rays of the sun, never have your golden retriever’s hair cut down.
=> You can also use a cooling pad for dogs. This pad delivers cool, refreshing comfort in seconds, and keeps your Golden Retriever dog cool continuously for 6 to 8 hours during hot weather, hence prevents overheating and keeps your pet comfortable.
=> During the hottest part of the day, bring your golden retriever dog indoors to cool-off.
Health Of Golden Retrievers
Purebreds, in general, many times have more health issues than mixed breeds. There are several that come to mind with Golden Retrievers, but asking some questions up front might help to avoid these issues for you.
- Hip DysplasiaIf your Golden ends up having this, it can get quite costly and can be painful for your dog. This can be screened for in your puppy before you purchase him, and most good breeders should have this done before puppies are going to their new home.
- Golden Retrievers are susceptible to allergies. These can be quite serious. I had a Golden who would chew all the fur off his feet until all that was left were pink feet. We ended up going to a specialist and had to give him shots every 3 weeks because he was in such bad shape. Our next 2 Goldens didnt have any allergies, but we asked before choosing them if the parents had allergies. They didnt, and ours never did either.
- Ear InfectionsThey have long furry ears that result in poor air circulation. The best way to help prevent the infections is drying the ears after swimming and baths. There are also ear cleaning solutions that you can pick up almost anywhere you get pet supplies. Cleaning their ears regularly will help with fewer infections.
Golden Retriever Shedding Season
Golden Retrievers shed with the change from warmer to colder weather, as well as from colder to warmer.
They may also shed lightly right through the year.
Shedding is initiated by changes in day length, not temperature per se.
Dogs who spend most of their time indoors tend to have less pronounced shedding seasons.
The Controversy With Designer Dogs
Why is there so much talk going on about hybrids like the Mini Golden Retriever?
To understand the controversy with these popular canines, we have to quickly define what a designer dog or crossbreed is.
Designer dogs are the offspring of two purebreds. These hybrids rose to popularity in the 1980s and remain sought-after these days because they offer a balance of their parent breeds qualities.
Examples of popular designer dogs include the and the Pocket Pitbull.
On the other hand, purebreds like the Shih Tzu and the have a documented pedigree. Breeding is done carefully over generations to produce dogs that have the same physical features and temperament.
Purebreds are usually registered to breed clubs like the AKC and the United Kennel Club.
Many canine enthusiasts warn against breeders who care only about profit and not about the overall health and wellness of the designer dogs they create. They are worried about breeders who focus more on what looks cute rather than on crossbreeding to create a healthier new dog.
Meanwhile, designer dog advocates claim that crossbreeding will promote better health in canines because of gene diversity and encourage hybrid vigor.
Crossbreeding is said to reduce the chances of pups acquiring the genes that cause specific health issues for a dog breed.
As for the Mini Golden Retriever, a breeders main goal is often to create a tinier version of the Golden Retriever that also sheds less .
Golden Retriever Swimmers Cut & Field Cut
Some golden retrievers have so thick hair that it doesnt dry fully between their splashes and swims in rivers and lakes if they like swimming. A Swimmers Cut is a great haircut for such goldens as it saves them from the hazards of not drying completely. This cut trims the coat short but it is not shaved completely. This will make sure the pup remains dry between swims and stays away from the smell and risks of skin problems.
A field clip is another amazing summer cut option for golden retrievers. It is one of the choices for owners who dont want a style clip. This is a short grooming style often given to dog breeds that work in fields so that they dont catch burrs in their fur. This hairstyle suits summer grooming for a golden retriever.
The groomer uses a #9 or #10 or even a shorter blade to remove most of the coat from the legs and body. A field clip can also be called a shave down and it can be customized for your dog to make it looking its best.
How To Groom A Golden Retriever
The beautiful Golden Retriever is one of the most popular and best loved dog breeds.
They are a famously loving, gentle and devoted canine companion.
The breed is also admired for that lovely golden coat. You know, the one that gave the Golden Retriever its name!
Sharing your life with a Golden can bring you countless hours of joy, but will you also be spending countless hours grooming your dogs coat?
The Golden Retriever is known as a shedder, and regular grooming is required.
But theres no need to spend tons of money at the dog grooming salon.
You also dont have to be intimidated by the idea of grooming your Golden at home yourself.
When Is The Best Time To Give Goldendoodles The Haircuts They Need
The best time to give Goldendoodles the haircuts they need is when their hair gets long.
How long is too long varies from family to family. A basic rule of thumb would be that if the dogs hair affects their overall health and safety, it is time for a haircut.
If the hair on their face prevents them from seeing correctly, Goldendoodles need haircuts.
If the hair on the hindside is getting dirty often from when they use the bathroom, Goldendoodles need haircuts.
Daily grooming will help keep pet parents informed of when it is time to give Goldendoodles haircuts, regardless of how many weeks it has been since their last one.
Do Golden Retrievers Need To Be Shaved In The Summer
The answer is no, never shave a Golden Retriever, no matter how hot the weather is. The double coat of the Golden protects your furbaby during every season and every temperature. The double coat keeps your dog cool during summer and warm during winter.
Look at it this way, the double coat of a Golden or any other double-coated breed works like sort of an insulation for the dog. Besides keeping your Golden nice and cool during summer and warm during winter, the double coat also protects your Goldens skin from getting sunburned.
Whats The Difference Between A Mini Golden Retriever And A Goldendoodle
Although the Mini Golden Retriever and the Goldendoodle share the same set of parents, they are not the same crossbreed.
The two dogs have a lot in common in terms of temperament and their grooming and exercise needs.
The main difference between these two is that a Mini Golden Retriever has more Golden Retriever genes, while Goldendoodles have more Poodle in them.
Now Here Is The Part Where You Should Go Home And Do Your Research
Other sites claim they are free but they often are not. One site claims that you dont have to pay anything but you have to fill out an adoption application. So basically you have to pay an adoption fee and then you must fill out an adoption application. Thats fine except that the fee can be as much as $50. Another site says you will have to pay for a free dog but that is false as well.
So you see. Dont just go for one site. Make sure that you check the other sites out and compare the cost. Once you have found a breeder that charges a reasonable price, there is only one thing left to do. Bring in the dog!
I hope this article was helpful to you. Please consider all the above information before choosing a breeder to buy from. A good breeder will also offer free shipping. To find a free list of Golden Retriever rescues please go to the website indicated at the bottom of this article. Good Luck!
Is A Golden Retriever The Right Dog For You
Lets play a game. This game will help determine whether a Golden Retriever is the right dog for you. These questions are really simple but answer them honestly.
If youre feeling excited about getting a golden retriever, now is not the right time to answer these questions. You will answer with your happy brain and not your rational brain, and we really need your rational brain right now.
Okay, ready? Here we go.
Grooming A Golden Retriever In The Summer
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link & purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Summer is here, and perhaps your long-haired Golden Retriever is suffering from all this heat. Before you decide to head to your local groomer you may want to read on to find out what not to do when grooming a Golden Retriever in the summer.
Golden Retrievers have a lot of hair, and your first thought might be to shave it all off to help your dog keep cool in this heat. After all, that is what most of us do in the summer when we are too hot, we end up getting our hair cut shorter.
Well, let me tell you that shaving your Golden Retriever is a big mistake! I will tell you the reasons why below.
But first, lets talk about the beautiful coat of a Golden Retriever!
When properly maintained it is striking to look at. Goldens have a double coat that serves a purpose.
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