How Much Do Labradors & Golden Retrievers Shed
Labradors and Golden Retrievers shed a lot. If you want a dog that doesnt shed a lot of hair you shouldnt go for one of these two breeds.
You should expect to de-shed a rather big pile of fur and hair every day especially when the seasons change from winter to spring or summer to fall. This is because the dog will fluff up the undercoat during the winter in order to keep warm in the cold.
Here you can see the amount of her hair we have shed from a golden retriever from a few minutes of using the brush:
Remember that this should be a daily task and if your dog lives indoors all year round you should expect it to shed all year round.
You need to be ready to brush and de-shed your dog daily whether you choose one of the other. The amount of hair can be overwhelming at times and this is something you need to be prepared for before you go out and get one. If youre not up for a daily grooming session with your dog you should choose another breed.
Golden Retriever Shedding What To Expect
Golden Retrievers are a moderate shedding breed.
But they are on the top end of moderate because they shed an average amount of hair throughout most of the year, and considerably more a couple times per year as they blow coat.
And this is because they are a double coated breed. They have a soft undercoat and a medium length, water resistant top coat that comes in lighter and darker shades of gold.
So, because they have a thick double coat, come spring and fall, the shedding goes from average to heavy, which is a normal occurrence in most dogs with a double coat.
All that is happening is they are shedding their thick winter coat in spring to prepare for the warmer summer months. And likewise they are shedding their summer coat in fall to grow a thicker coat for winter.
Also worth noting is that when puppies reach 6 months of age they shed their thick, fluffy puppy coat completely, to make way for their adult coat. So during this time youre going to notice a once in a lifetime shedding event.
To give you some perspective on the shedding of an adult Golden compared with other breeds, they lose about the same amount of fur as breeds like the Labrador and Great Pyranees, but not quite as much as breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog and Leonberger for example.
So, as amazing as Goldens are, theyre probably not the best choice if you want a low shedding breed. And definitely not suitable if youre looking for a hypoallergenic breed, like the Poodle.
Prevent And Treat Skin Diseases
Allergies, parasites, infections, and more can all plague your golden, so make sure vet checkups are regularly scheduled.
It will keep you “in the know” about what’s going on with your dog, and your vet can help you treat and prevent diseases that could cause hair follicles to become unhealthy.
Some afflictions cause dogs to scratch excessively, which causes hair loss, and can be treated with medicine from your vet.
How Much Exercise Does A Golden Retriever Need
As hunting dogs, golden retrievers need a lot of exercise. They need games, walks and, if possible, the opportunity to swim. Intense exercise, such as agility, is good for healthy adult dogs because it helps release stored energy. However, theyre not recommended for puppies and young dogs because they can cause joint damage.
Elderly golden retrievers should also go for walks, but always without forcing them to do intense exercise.
Losing The Golden Puppy Coat
When dogs, including Golden Retrievers, are puppies, they have a coat thats extra thick and padded. This is so that they are extra warm for the first 4 to 6 months after birth.
When puppies are around six months old, they will shed this puppy coat and develop their adult coat. You can expect to be dealing with more shedding, therefore, when your dog is around six months old.
So prepare for that and have nothing to worry about. Its all part of the natural puppy shedding cycle of all dogs.
Why Do Golden Retrievers Shed A Lot
Golden Retrievers are one of the few dog breeds that have a double coat. This double coat is made of a thick plush undercoat and a furry waterproof outer coat. This double coat makes it possible for Golden Retrievers to be able to tolerate different weather types.
The undercoat adapts to the temperature and environmental needs of the dog. This is the main reason why Golden Retrievers shed a lot. They tend to grow a thick undercoat during the cold seasons which they shed during the warmer seasons.
Another reason why your Golden Retriever might be shedding a lot could be as a result of a medical complication. When your dog starts shedding its fur in big clumps such that bald patches are left behind, then this is far from normal shedding.
Excessive shedding may be a sign that your dog has skin allergies or thyroid disease. You can handle this by consulting your veterinarian.
Also, if you live in a hot area, then your Golden Retriever will tend to shed more. This is because they need less hair in hot areas to stay warm.
How Often Do Golden Retrievers Shed
All mammals will shed their hair at some point. These hairs can only last for so long. They will be jettisoned when they wear out. Humans generally shed at a consistent rate while other mammals shed very heavily in certain seasons or times of the year.
Golden retrievers will shed more heavily in the fall and spring, these are the most important time to follow proper procedure for minimizing this shedding and keeping your house as clean as possible.
Do Curly Coated Retrievers Shed
Lets just say that if you ever had a dog like this then youre no ordinary dog owner.
They have been bred to be extremely well-coiffed and can survive anywhere from the northern states to the south, especially in hot climates.
So, do curly coated retrievers shed? Yes, Curly coated Retrievers shed because of their coat and genetic factors. If youre looking for a dog to keep as pet, these breeds are affectionate, calmly, and smart. But they shed a few times in a year.
Why do curly coated retrievers shed when they are so well-coiffed? One reason is because they havent outgrown their puppy stage.
They were bred to have beautiful coats and only grow them during their young adulthood.
Another reason that this breed of curly coated golden retrievers shed is because they do not have the ability to control their body temperature.
There are breeds that have been shown to have more of a control over their body temperature than curly coated retrievers.
While the American Kennel Club still allows curly coated retrievers to run in hot temperatures they will lose their coat and also be considered unsuitable for racing.
How can you ? Well, the answer to this question is almost as complex as the breed of your dog.
If you look at your dogs coat as a natural blessing, then you will be grateful for the process of grooming.
Most dogs will shed their hair each month; however you will have to begin by removing all the hair from the hair follicles.
Are Golden Retrievers Easy To Train
Yes, they are!
If your Golden Retriever is listening to what you say and doing well, you should reward it with a treat or praise it, as this is a positive reinforcement. On the other hand, if your Golden isnt listening to you or doing the total opposite of what you say, you shouldnt reward it at all but instead scold him with a stern NO.
When training your Golden Retriever, timing is the most important factor. If your dog is doing something wrong, you shouldnt wait or hesitate to correct it. When you see your Golden Retriever doing something right, you should praise your dog right way. If you dont praise your pet instantly and instead wait until it stops, your dog will assume that you are praising it for stopping.
The Golden Retrievers Coat
Before we begin talking about the ways to deal with Golden Retriever shedding, we need to explain the basics of their coats.
Golden Retrievers have a double coat, comprised of two separate layers.
- The outer coat of a Golden is waterproof, comprised of medium to long hairs and primarily intended to protect the dog from the elements. Some Goldens have wavy hair, while others are primarily clad in straight hair. The outer coat of many Goldens exhibits feathering on the legs, tail and
- The inner coat is extraordinarily dense and quite soft. The inner coat isnt very visible, but if you run your fingers through the coat of a Golden, youll easily feel the soft hairs underneath. The primary job of the Golden Retrievers undercoat is to keep the dog warm in cool weather.
A Golden Retriever Shedding Is Not Considered A Problem
Shedding is natural for some breeds because, as mentioned earlier, its essential for them to be able to adjust to different climates.
In case youre allergic, or you dont have the patience and time to care for a double-coated pet, there are other dogs that dont shed or are considered hypoallergenic, such as the Poodle, Afghan Hound, Basenji, and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Those who prefer a Golden Retriever thats a bit low maintenance, you might like the Goldendoodle.
Your decision will depend on how much you want a Golden Retriever of your own. If youre willing to overlook the golden fur youll find, it shouldnt be an issue.
If youre a Goldie parent, comment any advice or tips on how you manage your Golden Retrievers shedding.
Labrador Retriever Vs Golden Retriever
Both Labradors and Goldens rank high on most peoples lists of the ideal dog to add to their family. Its no accident that the Lab has been the most popular dog breed in the U.S. for the past 26 years, and the Golden is not far behind.
If you are looking for an energetic, intelligent, and outgoing dog to keep up with your active lifestyle, particularly if you have children, the Lab might be the perfect dog for you. You will have to watch their weight, and make sure that you get your puppy from fully health tested parents.
If a loving, kind, and gentle dog is more your speed, be sure to consider the Golden. Golden Retrievers also need fully health tested parents, but there is the added risk of cancer in Golden Retrievers to consider.
This is something you cant avoid through health testing, but might be helped by choosing puppies with older parents and no family history of cancer.
Cant decide? Then maybe a Goldador is what you are really looking for!
Other Factors To Consider
Reducing normal levels of shedding is pretty simple when you break it down, and weve discussed the main methods in which you can do this.
But what if the shedding isnt normal? Well, like all dogs, Goldens can sometimes shed beyond what is considered normal. And in some cases there can be an underlying cause for this.
For example, if your Golden has dry, irritated skin, this can sometimes be due to an allergy arising from the food theyre eating, fleas, or their environment. And in some cases, it could be related to stress, because dogs that are stressed can shed excessively.
So if you are concerned that the amount he is shedding isnt within the realms ofnormal then the best thing to do is contact your local veterinarian. They are going to be the best source of information here, and should be able to identify the cause and help you get it sorted.
Just keep in mind that normal shedding in a Golden Retriever is going to be higher than it is for a low shedding breed like the Norfolk Terrier for example. And, as mentioned, they do shed heavily a couple times per year. So an uptick in shedding is not always a cause for concern.
Recommended:Go here to see our top rated dog hair blowers for shedding of 2021
Tip #3: Bathe Them Every 1
Running water and your fingers through their fur gets even more dead fur out from their coat.
Plus, it keeps their coat clean.
However, there are three warnings when it comes to bathing your golden:
Most golden retrievers do well with getting a bath every 1-2 months depending on how much they play outside , how much they play with other dogs, and how much they swim.
Another important tip to manage shedding that has a lot to do with bathing is the shampoo
Now Why Precisely Is Excessive Golden Retriever Shedding Bad
Excessive shedding in dogs is such a typical factor that almost all individuals usually take it into account as a usual factor for his or her dog to perpetually shed and leave a path of hair everyplace they are going. In reality, excessive shedding isnt traditional and might cause variety of issues if not treated. As luck would have it, there also are straightforward solutions to treat and stop excessive shedding.
The shedding is excessive and unnatural if your dog sheds all year round! Healthy coats ought to be tight and glossy, and fur mustnt fall out simply.
Most of the issues higher than encountered by dogs can even occur in cats. There is, however, one extra drawback distinctive to cats with excessive shedding: hairballs. So, however does one forestall or get good in reducing excessive shedding and hairballs, and also the unpleasant issues may result for each owner and pet?
What Can Cause A Golden Retriever To Shed More Than Normal
Now that you know the answer to the do golden retriever shed question. Lets discover some causes of Golden Retriever shedding. But before that lets have a quick crash course.
Golden Retrievers are part of the list of dog breeds that have a double coat, composed of an oily waterproof outer coat and a thick, downy undercoat. This incredible duality is what makes this breed so resilient to various weather types and able to spend plenty of time in the water and outdoors.
However, its a double-coated sword as a fluffy undercoat sheds dog hair frequently to let new dog fur grow in. During the cold winter months, the undercoat adapts to the temperature and the weather needs of your dog. And before shedding much of it during the spring, they will grow an extra thick undercoat.
This is why the Golden Retriever shedding is very heavy during spring and fall. In spring, your dog is eliminating its thick winter coat, and in fall scrapping its lighter summer coat to make way for the cold winter coat growth.
As a general rule, the hotter the area, the more Golden Retrievers will shed as they need less fur to stay warm. Moreover, its also worth noting that when Golden pups reach the age of 6 months, they will shed their thick, downy puppy coat entirely, to make way for their adult coat. So during this time, expect a once in a lifetime shedding episode of your dog. Other reasons are explained below.
Is My Golden Retriever Shedding Too Much
As a Golden Retriever owner, you have to expect that your dog is going to shed. Knowing whats normal, however, can help you determine if the amount their shedding is to be expected, or a symptom of a more serious problem. This is important to know in order to maintain your Goldens health.
As mentioned earlier, the shedding might be caused by factors other than the change of seasons, which may mean your dog is experiencing other health issues. Therefore, youll want to carefully observe how your dog sheds its fur.
Here are some signs you should watch out for that may indicate your Golden Retriever is shedding due to a health related issue.
What Age Do Golden Retrievers Get Their Full Coat
Most Golden Retriever puppies start growing feathers in their puppy coat t around 3 months of age. However, this may differ depending on your puppys bloodline such that if your puppys parents got their adult coats at a later stage, then so will he.
At about 3 months, your puppys coat will start transitioning to an adult coat. First, long hair will start growing on your puppys tail. The feathers will then spread to the puppys legs, tail, and stomach. This new hair will be of a slightly darker shade compared to the puppy fluff.
The adult hair then continues growing until it replaces the puppy fur as the dogs undercoat. This undercoat will then continue to thicken until the outer coat grows in. This transition period from puppy fluff to an adult coat takes about 18 months to complete.
Shedding Caused By Stress
Stress can have adverse effects on dogs, similar to the way it affects humans. So, high-stress levels can contribute to excessive shedding of fur. When considering your Golden Retrievers stress levels, ask yourself:
- Have there been any significant changes in your home?
- Are they regularly fed and given water?
- Are they able to regularly get enough rest?
- Are they getting enough exercise?
- Are they being bonded with and given attention?
How Much Do Golden Retrievers Shed
In a word: lots.
These beautiful dogs shed hair moderately throughout the year. And by moderately, we mean that youll find a few of their short, coarse hairs straying across your furniture, clothes and probably your carpets.
For many golden retrievers, this shedding ramps up twice a year during the spring and fall seasons. If the shedding during the rest of the year doesnt convince you to get a high-powered dog hair vacuum, were willing to bet youll want to during the shedding seasons!
If you want to research a broader range of pet vacuums check out the best vacuum cleaners as tested by ModernCastle.com. Theyve put over 82 different vacuums to the test and have a ton of information on the best models for dogs, carpets, hardwood floors, tile, and more. Additionally, Gemma Tyler from Smart Vacuums says when looking for a good cordless vacuum cleaner to tackle dog hair, then one with a motorized head is a must, anything else just wont do the job.
You should expect a lot of hair to escape from your golden at this time as they blow their coats, ready to grow in entirely new ones for summer and winter, respectively.
You should expect a lot of hair to escape from your golden at this time as they blow their coats, ready to grow in entirely new ones for summer and winter, respectively.
Golden Retriever Shedding What To Expect
Golden Retrievers are a moderate shedding breed.
But they are on the top end of moderate because they shed an average amount of hair throughout most of the year, and considerably more a couple times per year as they blow coat.
And this is because they are a double coated breed. They have a soft undercoat and a medium length, water resistant top coat that comes in lighter and darker shades of gold.
So, because they have a thick double coat, come spring and fall, the shedding goes from average to heavy, which is a normal occurrence in most dogs with a double coat.
All that is happening is they are shedding their thick winter coat in spring to prepare for the warmer summer months. And likewise they are shedding their summer coat in fall to grow a thicker coat for winter.
Also worth noting is that when puppies reach 6 months of age they shed their thick, fluffy puppy coat completely, to make way for their adult coat. So during this time youre going to notice a once in a lifetime shedding event.
To give you some perspective on the shedding of an adult Golden compared with other breeds, they lose about the same amount of fur as breeds like the Labrador and Great Pyranees, but not quite as much as breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog and for example.
So, as amazing as Goldens are, theyre probably not the best choice if you want a low shedding breed. And definitely not suitable if youre looking for a hypoallergenic breed, like the Poodle.
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Health Reasons For Increased Shedding In Golden Retrievers
There are a lot of health related reasons why a Golden Retriever could be shedding more than usual. I mentioned before that pests like fleas and ticks can cause health issues that result in loss of fur, but there are many others too.
Skin conditions and allergies are just as common in dogs as they are in people. These conditions can lead to irritated skin and excess shedding.
Other causes for abnormal shedding can be more serious, such as cancer or internal issues. These are serious problems that should be addressed immediately, so do not ignore the warning signs!
It is very common for sick dogs to shed more than normal, so this could be extremely helpful in early diagnosis which could help save the life of your pup. That goes for all dogs, not just Golden Retrievers.
Bathe Your Golden Retriever Every Few Weeks
You should give your golden retriever a every few weeks as this can help to wash off some hair that was preparing to shed as well as hair that was already released by the hair follicles but was stuck to your golden retrievers coat.
However, resist the temptation to bathe your golden retriever too often as that can lead to skin conditions. It also removes the natural oils in your pets fur, leading to a dry, damaged coat that doesnt have its beautiful shine.
Golden Retriever Shedding: An Introduction
If you are a Golden Retriever dog owner, one of the many facts about your dog that you are simply going to have to live with is that your Golden retriever shedding. And you are reading this post because you are asking : Do golden retrievers shed?
Almost every variety of dog sheds hair, unless it is a completely hairless dog, much like the Golden Retriever, American Hairless terrier and others. The shedding may vary from light to heavy depending upon the the dog, the kind of coat he has and how much the owner is taking care of his dog.
Feed Your Golden High
Obviously, every dog should be fed with healthy and nutritious food, but did you ever wonder what this does for their skin and coat? With the proper diet, your dog will have a very healthy coat and skin, which helps limit the shedding.
With poor diets, you will find that dogs tend to shed much more than they should. Make sure that especially consider foods that have lots of omega-3 fatty acids and other foods that reduce inflammation and enhance skin and coat health.
You can even give your dog some omega-3 fatty acid supplements. These aids come in several different forms, such as liquid or tablets, so that you can implement them into your dogs diet with little trouble.
Does Shaving A Retriever Help In Any Way
It wouldn`t be a good idea to shave your Golden as this might lead to skin issues and it might damage your dog`s fur.
Shaving could remove whatever protection your dog might have against external elements as well as their own capacity to adapt to changes of weather. This might increase the risk of sunburn or heat strokes.
There are grooming professionals out there who don`t recommend using various de-shedding products such as . These experts strongly believe such tools may ruin a Retriever`s coat.
There are other alternatives out there, like and . It`s also recommended to only use such tools once per week.