Medium
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of America's most beloved breeds — an intelligent, devoted, and endlessly patient family companion with a natural affinity for water and retrieving. Their dense, water-repellent double coat comes in shades from pale cream to rich gold, and it sheds heavily year-round with dramatic seasonal blowouts in spring and fall. Regular brushing, de-shedding baths, and periodic trims around the ears, paws, and tail keep a Golden looking polished and mat-free.
Coat Type
Long, Dense, Water-Repellent Double Coat
Groom Every
Every 6-8 weeks
Styles Available
3 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Natural Breed Trim
The coat is maintained at its natural length with tidying scissors applied to the ears, paws, hocks, and tail feathering. The body coat is not cut — only cleaned up at the margins. This is the correct show-ring style and the most common pet trim for Goldens.
2
Puppy/Summer Trim
The body coat is shortened by 1–2 inches with clippers or scissors to reduce the heat load and shedding volume in warmer months while leaving feathering around the ears and legs. A good option for active dogs that swim frequently.
3
De-Shedding Treatment
A specialized bath using de-shedding shampoo and conditioner, followed by a high-velocity blow-dry that physically ejects the massive undercoat. Typically removes enough loose fur to fill a shopping bag during a seasonal blowout.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- Brush at least three times per week with a slicker brush and finish with a metal greyhound comb — Goldens mat easily behind the ears, in the armpits, and around the collar zone where friction is constant.
- Never shave a Golden Retriever — the double coat regulates body temperature in both heat and cold, and shaving can permanently damage the coat texture and cause sunburn on the exposed skin.
- Pay extra attention to the ear canals; Goldens are prone to ear infections because their floppy ears trap warmth and moisture — check and clean ears every 1–2 weeks.
- The feathering on the legs, belly, and tail picks up debris, burrs, and mats rapidly after outdoor activity — do a quick comb-through after every walk in brush or tall grass.
- A monthly de-shedding bath during peak shedding season (spring and fall) dramatically reduces house shedding — the professional blow-out removes what would otherwise come out on your furniture over the next three weeks.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
BrushThe gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
$60 - $75
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake
BrushThe ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.
$40 - $60
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Deep Dives
Golden Retriever Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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