If you own a Golden Retriever, you may have noticed that its fur is full of tight curls. If so, you may ask yourself, “why is my Golden Retriever curly?” Let’s explore the phenomenon of curly Golden Retrievers and what this trait means for owners.
We will discuss the genetics behind why some dogs have tightly curled fur, as well as the possible health implications that come with it. Finally, we will offer the best tips on how to care for curls and keep wavy coats healthy and shiny.
So, if you’re curious about your Goldie and want to keep it healthy, read on!
Table of Contents
- 1 Can A Golden Retriever’s Coat Change From Curly To Straight?
- 2 How To Take Care Of A Curly Golden Retriever
- 3 What Type Of Coats Do Golden Retrievers Usually Have?
- 4 Does A Curly Coat Mean There Is Something Wrong?
- 5 When To Consult A Vet?
- 6 Curly-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever With Curly Hair
- 7 FAQs
- 8 Conclusion
Can A Golden Retriever’s Coat Change From Curly To Straight?
Some Golden Retrievers naturally have a curlier coat, while others have a straight coat.
It is possible for a Golden Retriever’s coat to change from curly to straight over time. This can be due to changes in the environment, such as the temperature and humidity levels, or health issues, such as stress or allergies.
If you notice your Golden Retriever’s coat changing from curly to straight, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any health concerns.
A Golden Retriever puppy usually starts with straight fur, but this may change to curly or wavy hair as they get older. Golden Retriever puppies usually finish growing their coat at around 18 to 36 months, and this is when they will have their mature coat.
How To Take Care Of A Curly Golden Retriever
Grooming wavy hair
You should avoid brushing dogs with wavy hair, as this will make their curls frizzy. Instead, wet their coats and let them air dry. This will enhance their curls and keep them looking their best. Use a comb rather than a brush if you want to give their curly fur a light groom.
You should also avoid giving them baths too often, as this can dry out their skin and coat. When you do bathe a Goldie with wavy hair, use a mild shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for dogs with wavy coats.
Bath time is the perfect opportunity to do treatments your dog needs, such as flea or tick treatments – you might not spot nasty critters as easily in all those curls! Remember to leave these treatments on for the required time only – no longer.
Diet
In addition to regular brushing and bathing, you also need to pay attention to your Golden Retriever’s diet. Make sure they are getting plenty of fresh, whole foods that are rich in nutrients. Avoid processed foods and ingredients that can cause allergies or other health problems. A high-quality diet from a young age can help keep the coat healthy, whether curly or straight.
Keep an eye on your Golden Retriever’s weight and make sure they are not overeating at their regular meals or consuming too many treats. Those puppy dog eyes can be convincing, but try not to give in!
Golden Retrievers will shed a lot during shedding season, but this is normal. Shedding season is actually the best time to comb this dog breed. A healthy diet can reduce the amount of shedding. You can add supplements to their diets, such as fish oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.
Your dog’s food should contain sufficient amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.
Mental and physical exercise
Other than a healthy diet, your Golden Retriever also needs to get enough exercise, as this is an intelligent dog that needs to keep busy. This will also help keep their fur healthy.
This dog breed needs mental stimulation to keep the mind active. Using things like chew toys and puzzle games or physical activity such as running or walking are good options.
What Type Of Coats Do Golden Retrievers Usually Have?
These sporting dogs usually have a long and flowy coat with some feathering. Their coats are thick, as they are a double-coated breed. The outer coat is long and smooth, while the undercoat is soft and fuzzy.
These layers work hand-in-hand to protect a Golden from heat, cold, and moisture. The coat is water-repellent – pretty cool, right?
Does A Curly Coat Mean There Is Something Wrong?
No, curly coats do not mean there is something wrong with your Golden Retriever – just like there is nothing wrong with curly-haired humans.
Retrievers’ curly coats are inherited from their parents. Golden Retrievers with curls are just as healthy and happy as their straight-coated counterparts.
When To Consult A Vet?
If you can smell a strong odor coming from your dog’s coat then there could be something wrong. Another sign to look out for is a greasy coat. Dogs’ coats should not be greasy, whether they’re straight, curly, or in between – they should be shiny, and not only for appearances’ sake.
If their coat is becoming dry and brittle, you should take your Golden Retriever puppy or adult dog to the vet. There could be a serious underlying health issue that is causing your Golden Retriever’s hair to become brittle and dry.
If there is something wrong with your Golden Retriever’s skin or fur, you might see these symptoms:
- Sores on the skin
- Bumps or lumps
- Dandruff or flaky skin
- Redness
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Hair loss
- Hot spots
Hair is made from proteins. Therefore, the better your dog’s food is as a source of protein, the better their hair will be.
Health concerns for the skin include:
Allergic dermatitis
This is an itchy skin disease. The allergic reaction is caused by pollen or house dust and results in excessive rubbing, licking or biting.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection commonly seen in dogs. It is characterized by the formation of crusty lesions on the skin, usually on the face, neck, and legs. Impetigo is often caused by Staphylococcus bacteria and treatment usually involves antibiotics and antiseptic washes.
Ringworm
It is caused by a fungus that lives on the skin and hair of dogs. Ringworm can be passed to humans, so it is imperative to get your dog treated if you think they have it.
Brush your dog’s fur regularly to remove any dead skin cells or dirt that could harbor the fungus. Avoid letting your dog share their bed with other animals or people.
If you think your dog has ringworm, take them to the vet for an evaluation. Your vet will likely prescribe an antifungal medication to treat the condition.
Mange
Mange is a skin condition caused by parasitic mites. It is a highly contagious condition that can affect both dogs and humans. Mange is characterized by intense itching, redness, and hair loss. The most common type of mange in dogs is Demodectic Mange, which is caused by the Demodex mite.
Ticks and fleas
Both of these parasites can cause a lot of discomfort for your dog and can even transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease. Ticks can cause a lot of irritation and discomfort for your dog.
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of their host – your canine companion, in this case. Fleas can also cause a lot of irritation and discomfort for your dog, and they can transmit diseases like Typhus.
Food allergies
If your dog has a food allergy, it is important to know what the allergen is and how to avoid it. The most common food allergens in dogs are beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat.
Some dogs may be allergic to more than one type of food, and others may only have a reaction to certain ingredients in a food.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a condition that causes hair follicles to become inflamed. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including bacterial or fungal infections, allergies, or even injuries.
When the follicles are inflamed, they can become irritated and infected, leading to hair loss, discomfort, and occasional scarring.
If there is something wrong with your Golden Retriever that is not skin-related, the signs can include changes in appetite and energy levels, a fever, sleeping too much or too little, a dry nose, drinking more water than usual, or having a discharge from the eyes.
It’s better to address an issue straight away, so you should see your local veterinarian if any of these signs worry you. There’s a good reason people say “sooner rather than later.”
Curly-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever With Curly Hair
Yes, there’s a difference between these two dogs, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes both.
Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated breed is larger, with a wider-shaped head, and their height is around 23 to 27 inches. This Retriever’s lifespan is typically nine to twelve years and its weight can range from 65 to 100 pounds.
This breed is very active, highly intelligent, and often more elegant than other Retrievers. They’re great with children, typically less needy than other Retrievers and covered in tight curls. Their coats are dark in color (often black or dark brown) – differing from Golden Retrievers’ coats (usually light golden, dark golden or just golden!).
This Curly-Coated breed originated in the 1700s in England and was bred to be a working game dog (a gun dog). Read more about dogs that look like Golden Retrievers here.
Golden Retrievers
The Golden Retriever, on the other hand, has an average height of around 21 to 24 inches. A Golden Retriever’s lifespan is usually around ten to twelve years and their weight ranges from 55 to 75 pounds.
A Golden Retriever is also an active dog, they have broad heads, they’re very loyal, and they make great family pets. Golden Retrievers were originally bred to be gun dogs and water retrievers – so they’re serious about their jobs!
The Scottish breed is said to be a healthier dog than its curly-coated cousin.
FAQs
Can a Golden Retriever have curly hair?
Yes. While most Golden Retrievers have straighter hair, it is possible for them to have curly hair. This is due to a recessive gene that can be passed down from parent to puppy.
If both parents have this gene, then there is a higher chance that their offspring will have curly hair. Even if only one parent has the gene, there is still a small chance that their puppy will inherit it.
Are Curly-Coated Retrievers aggressive?
No. These dogs are actually very gentle and loving dogs. They make great family pets and are very loyal to their owners, just like Goldies.
Can I make my Goldie’s coat straight?
You can’t make a Golden Retriever with wavy or curly hair have straighter hair if they are genetically born this way. If their wavy or curly hair is caused by something other than genetics (such as living conditions/ weather), then there are ways to get their hair back to its natural form.
Pet parents can incorporate a proper diet that includes fish oil, regular grooming and exercise into their dog’s life. Consult the local veterinarian if you’re particularly concerned about your dog’s curly fur.
Why is my dog’s hair getting curly?
Your Golden Retriever’s fur can get curly from the weather, their food, genetics or other factors. Some puppies start off with straight hair, and after a few months, they get wavy or curly hair.
What does an unhealthy dog coat look like?
An unhealthy dog coat can look dull, dry, and/or brittle. The coat may also have excessive shedding, dandruff, or bald patches. If you notice any of these changes in your dog’s coat, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health problems.
You might also see dead hair on your dog, which can be taken out by using a metal rake-style brush. It’s important to take this hair out to make room for new hair.
How do I keep my Golden Retriever’s hair silky?
In order to keep a Golden Retriever’s fur/hair silky, you must feed them a diet high in proteins, natural supplements such as fish oil, and Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. You can also use oatmeal bath products, massage coconut oil onto their coats, and keep up with grooming.
Conclusion
The Curly-Coated and the Golden Retriever are two different breeds. However, Golden Retrievers sometimes have curly hair.
The Goldens with curly locks are completely normal and still have all the same traits as the Goldens with straight hair. Sometimes they get wavy or curly hair through their dog food, other times it’s due to genetics.
As long as you have a healthy dog, there is nothing for pet parents to worry about when it comes to wavy or curly hair. Just choose from reputable breeders, as they will match the standard for all dog breeds.
Barks in the Park can tell you so much more about the Retriever dog breed if you are interested in knowing more.