Golden Retriever Grooming: Complete Care Guide

Golden Retrievers are beloved for their friendly personalities and beautiful golden coats. But that gorgeous fur requires consistent care to stay healthy and manageable.

Understanding the Golden Coat

Goldens have a double coat:

Undercoat: Dense, water-resistant, insulating
Outer coat: Longer, wavy, water-repellent guard hairs

This coat naturally protects them from heat, cold, and water—which is why you should never shave a Golden!

Grooming Schedule

Daily (5-10 minutes)

Quick brushing to prevent tangles
Check for debris, ticks, or burrs

Weekly (20-30 minutes)

Thorough brushing session
Ear cleaning
Paw inspection

Monthly

Nail trimming
Bath (or every 6-8 weeks)
Teeth brushing

Every 6-8 Weeks

Professional grooming
Sanitary trim
Feathering trim

Brushing Techniques

Tools Needed

Slicker brush
Undercoat rake
Pin brush
Metal comb

Step-by-Step

Use the undercoat rake to remove loose undercoat
Follow with slicker brush for tangles
Use pin brush on featherings (legs, chest, tail)
Finish with metal comb to check for remaining tangles

Problem Areas

Pay extra attention to:

Behind the ears
Under the collar
Armpits
Belly and groin
Behind the back legs
Tail feathering

Bathing Tips

Brush thoroughly before bathing
Use a deshedding shampoo
Condition the featherings
Rinse completely
Dry the undercoat thoroughly (use a high-velocity dryer)

Shedding Management

Goldens shed moderately year-round and heavily twice a year (“blowing coat”).

During heavy shedding:

Brush daily
Use a deshedding tool
Consider professional deshedding treatments
Vacuum frequently!

Trimming (Never Shaving!)

Professional groomers can neaten:

Feet (remove “slippers”)
Ears (thin excess hair)
Featherings (trim to even length)
Sanitary areas
Tail shaping

Common Issues

Matting

Prevent with regular brushing. Never cut mats out with scissors—see a groomer.

Hot Spots

Common in Goldens due to thick coat. Keep coat clean and dry.

Ear Infections

Those floppy ears trap moisture. Clean weekly.

Dry Skin

Use moisturizing shampoo and add omega fatty acids to diet.

Your Golden deserves the best care! Book a professional grooming session.