Shedding is one of the most important things to consider when getting yourself a dog.

If you’ve got allergies, chances are that you’ll actually be allergic to your dog’s fur which is why doctors suggest that you get a dog that’s hypoallergenic, which means that the dog doesn’t shed too much or does so seasonally.

But, is that the case with the beloved Goldy?

That’s what we’ll figure out.

In this blog post, we will help you determine whether or not the Golden Retriever is the best choice for you by answering the question, “Do Golden Retrievers shed?” in as much detail as possible.

Let’s get started!

How Much Do Golden Retrievers Actually Shed?

This is probably one of the most-asked questions when people are considering getting a Goldy.

Honestly, you need to prepare your vacuum cleaners and lint rollers because Golden retrievers happen to shed a lot. If you want to get yourself a Golden Retriever, you should be ready to brush your dog’s coat out on a daily basis and also use an undercoat rake at least once per week.

That’s not all, though.

Large clumps of hair usually roll down your house like tumbleweeds when shedding season comes around. You’ll need to sweep on a daily basis and vacuum once every 2-3 days.

Lint rolling your clothes every time you step out of the house will become a harsh reality as well.

Also, wearing black clothes will become a nightmare!

Not just that, having a Golden Retriever at home also comes with the additional cost of hiring a groomer as they need regular grooming once every 8 to 10 weeks.

Just like human hair, a Golden Retriever’s coat can get long, tangled, and dirty if not groomed on a regular basis. So, Goldies do need a little extra attention when compared to short haired dogs.

Keep that vacuum cleaner handy!

What’s With the Hair: Why Golden Retrievers Shed

Golden retrievers are one of the dog breeds that come with a double coat which is made up of a thick, downy undercoat and an oily, waterproof outer coat. This makes them resistant to water to an extent.

This awesome duality is the reason why Golden Retrievers are resilient to different weather types and able to spend lots of time outdoors and in the water.

But, this also works like a double-edged sword.

At least for the owners, that is.

The undercoat sheds hair often which allows the new hair to grow in. The coat adapts to the weather and temperature needs of your Goldy – during the cold winter months, they will grow an extra thick undercoat, before shedding much of it during the spring.

This is exactly why your dog sheds so much during fall and spring.

During springtime, Golden Retrievers get rid of their thick winter coat while during fall, they get rid of the lighter summer coat to allow the cold winter coat to grow.

The hotter the place you live, the more your golden retriever will shed as he need less hair to stay warm.

Reasons for Increased Shedding

Most shedding in your Golden Retriever is completely normal and natural, however, there are a few health reasons that may contribute to heavier than normal shedding.

• Allergies: These can cause an increase in shedding as they irritate the dog’s skin and loosen the hair follicles. This allows the hair to fall out quickly and easily. The allergens could come from your dog’s food, shampoo or even from outdoors. You should consult your vet if you suspect an allergy and find out the best way to manage it.

• Parasites: These are particularly fleas and ticks that usually burrow and bury themselves into your pup’s skin, proving very irritable and itchy, and again encourage the hair to fall out.

Make sure that your golden retriever is up to date with their flea and tick prevention treatment and consider investing in some anti-parasite cleaning sprays and shampoos.

• Stress: This can also cause increased shedding in Goldies. For example, moving home or a change in the family dynamics. Just as some humans lose their hair when they’re particularly stressed or anxious, so could your dog.

How To Get Control Of Shedding

This is no sure way to stop your dog from shedding. But, there are a few things that you may be able to do to control the situation.

Let’s take a peek, shall we?

Brushing

This is probably the most important thing you can do to groom and deshed your dog. However, most owners don't realize that the right tools make all the difference in the world. You should brush your Golden Retriever at least three times a week.

We recommend you use a high-quality brush to carry out the task.

You also should use a good undercoat rake at least two times a week to groom your dog’s undercoat and ensure less shedding. It’s best to stick to a pin brush, or slicker brush, along with an undercoat rake.

Bathing

Since Golden Retrievers have long coats, it is essential to groom them on a regular basis to be on top of everything. In case your dog has gotten dirty, greasy, or stinky, it is time to give hima nice and warm bath.

General rule of thumb is once every 6 – 8 weeks.

We recommend that you use a hydrating shampoo along with a conditioner to make sure that your dog’s fur remains soft. Scented shampoos may attract you but, they can result in allergic reactions and bald patches.

So, you should stay away from them.

Tip: After you bathe your dog, towel dry him and while he’s still slightly damp gently brush him out. The slicked down hairs will be easier to remove and will leave your dog shed free for up to two weeks afterwards.

A professional groomer can give your dog a deshedding treatment. This generally means blowing the dog’s coat out with a high velocity dryer. This is a quite effective treatment to get rid of the loose fur tapped in their undercoat.

You’ll see a noticeable reduction in shedding for weeks afterwards.

Summing Up: Do Golden Retrievers Shed?

Golden retrievers happen to shed a lot. If you want to get yourself a Golden Retriever, you should be ready to brush your dog’s coat out on a daily basis and also use an undercoat rake at least once per week.

Golden retrievers are one of the dog breeds that come with a double coat which is made up of a thick, downy undercoat and an oily, waterproof outer coat. This makes them resistant to water to an extent.

The undercoat sheds hair often which allows the new hair to grow in.

The hotter the place you live, the more your golden retriever will shed as he need less hair to stay warm.

Of you have any questions, leave them in the comments, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.