How to groom a Golden retriever

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve game when out hunting. They are still popular in the working field, although their versatility now has them working in: Bomb Detection, Guide Dogs, Obedience and Tracking. The traits that make a Golden Retriever excel at each task it is assigned is also what makes them such great additions as a family pet. They are calm, eager to please, and intelligent.

The Golden Retriever has a water-resistant double coat that can be wavy or flat, but is always, gold, golden or cream in colour. They are powerful dogs, with muscular legs and shoulders – however, their colouring and kind expression is their most defining feature.

Coat Type

Combination / Silky

Grooming Requirement

Bath & Brush Out, Minor Trimming

Grooming Notes

Due to their thick double coat, it can be difficult to thoroughly dry the coat. Taking a Golden Retriever to a Professional Groomer is beneficial as they have the correct equipment to dry them and also can card the coat to make it more manageable

Golden Retrievers have thick, double coats. This means that they do tend to shed quite heavily all year long, but will ‘blow’ their coat in Spring and Autumn
To prevent their thick coat from getting matted, it is recommended to brush the coat daily. This will help keep fly-away hairs under control, but it will also help to keep the skin & coat in good condition by distributing natural oils

Grooming Guide

Prior To Bathing

Use a blaster to loosen any skin dander, dirt, debris and loose/shedding coat
Use a rubber curry, undercoat rake, carding tool or bristle brush to remove loose coat
Brush out any tangles and/or matts from the longer coat or apply intensive conditioner
Hand-strip/Card the body so the coat lays flat against the body, always working in the direction of coat growth
Pluck or trim any long downy hair from the head and around the ears so the coat lays flat

After Bathing

Use a damp cloth to go over the muzzle after bathing, wiping away tear stains
Line brush using a firm slicker, when finished the coat should be tangle free and little/no hair should be being removed. Double check work with a wide toothed comb
Neaten edges of the ears with thinning/safety scissors
The front of the front leg should be saddled out to be short and smooth, while the back side of the front legs are feathered
The undercarriage should be well feathered, with only minor trimming to neaten the line
Thin the thigh area to accentuate muscle
The tail should be flag shaped. The underside of the tail should be trimmed with thinning scissors to neaten
Shave paw pads with a #15 – #40 blade
Back brush any excess hair between toes and trim with thinning/safety scissors
Trim feet and hocks to appear neat with thinning/safety shears

Grooming Tool Recommendations

Other Health Recommendations

Clipper Blade Recommendations

Shampoo Recommendations

For everyday use, mild/hypoallergenic shampoos are recommended.

Conditioner Recommendations

A conditioner is always useful in the longer areas of the coat, to weigh it down and add strength and shine. It can also help protect the coat while brushing