Have you ever seen a Golden Retriever with short hair? Or one that doesn’t have that characteristic long, flowing coat? You may be surprised to learn that not all Golden Retrievers are born with iconic long locks. The breed’s long coat is one of its most distinct characteristics.
Some may have short hair, and some long hair! So, why do some Golden Retrievers have longer hair than others? This is usually due to genetics, health, age, and diet. Even the weather can affect the length of the coat.
Read on to find out more about one of the most popular dog breeds as well as:
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their thick coats
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coat length
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the history of a long-haired Golden Retriever breed
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the consistent grooming that is required to keep the coat healthy
…and more.
Table of Contents
Do All Golden Retrievers Have Long Hair?
Originally bred over in Scotland, the breeder knew the cold climate when hunting would mean the dog needed to have long hair. The outer coat is the lengthier layer. So it is a common appearance for these dogs.
They also have a double coat which is for protection. You should never shave this layer as it protects them from sunburns, cold weather, and more.
With that said, not all Golden Retrievers do have long hair. There are three types of Retrievers: the American Golden Retriever, the English Golden Retriever, and the Canadian Golden Retriever. The American type of Golden Retriever typically has a shorter coat, while the English Retriever has a longer coat.
Will My Golden Retriever Have Long Hair?
There are a few ways that you can tell if your Golden Retriever will have long hair. One way is to look at the parent dogs. If both parents have long hair, then it’s likely that your dog will also have long hair.
The team at BarksInThePark also suggests looking at the coat of the puppy. If the coat is thick and dense, then it’s more likely that your dog will have long hair. Lastly, you can ask the breeder about the parents’ coats and what they expect the coat of their puppies to be like.
If you start to notice some longer fur on your Goldens tail at around three to four months of age. This could be an indication that your dog will end up having long hair when it is older.
If it does have longer hair on its tail at this age, the long adult hair will grow all over when they are 18 months of age. It also tends to be darker than the puppy fluff.
Do Female Golden Retrievers Have Thinner Hair?
The answer to this question is somewhat complicated. While it is true that female Golden Retrievers have thinner hair overall, the reason for this is not entirely clear.
It could be due to hormones, genetics, or simply the fact that male Golden Retrievers tend to shed more. A Male Golden Retriever also tends to have a thicker coat. Whatever the reason, if you are looking for a Golden Retriever with less hair, a female may be the better option.
Why is My Golden Not Fluffy?
There are a variety of reasons why your Golden Retriever may not have the iconic long-haired, fluffy coat. It could be due to genetics, health conditions, or simple grooming choices.
If your Golden is from a working line or has mixed ancestry, it may not have the same long coats as those bred specifically for shows. Some health conditions can also cause hair loss or prevent proper growth, such as allergies, thyroid problems, and hormone imbalances.
Finally, how you groom your dog can also affect its coat. If you prefer a shorter cut or shave your Golden regularly, its coat will naturally be shorter and less fluffy. Regardless of the reason, your Golden Retriever is still just as lovable with or without the iconic long coat.
Can You Keep A Golden’s Hair Short?
Some owners opt to keep their dog’s hair short for a variety of reasons. Shorter hair may be easier to care for, so let’s take a look at why.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about keeping your Golden Retriever’s hair short:
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Long hair tends to get dirtier and requires more baths than short hair. Be prepared to bathe your pup more often if you keep their hair long. Shorter hair does not need as many baths.
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Long hair also requires more frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Be sure to brush your dog’s coat at least once a day if you keep their hair long. Short hair requires much less brushing.
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Some dogs may not tolerate having their hair clipped short. If your dog seems stressed or uncomfortable during the clipping process, it may be best to leave their hair longer.
Overall, there are pros and cons to keeping Golden Retriever’s hair short. It’s important to weigh all factors before deciding what’s best for your pup.
Don’t shave a Golden Retriever!
As far as grooming goes, you shouldn’t shave a Golden Retriever. Their fur is actually double-coated, meaning it’s composed of a top layer of long, coarse guard hairs and a bottom layer of soft downy fur.
This type of coat protects them from both heat and cold. When you shave a Golden Retriever, you’re essentially removing its natural insulation, which can lead to health problems like hypothermia.
Grooming Your Golden Retriever
Many people think that all Golden Retrievers have long, luxurious locks. However, this is not always the case. Some Golden Retrievers are quite low-maintenance when it comes to their grooming needs.
If you have a low-maintenance Golden Retriever, then you may only need to brush them once or twice a week. This will help to prevent knots and tangles from forming in their fur. You should also give them a bath every few weeks, using a mild shampoo specifically designed for dogs.
If your Golden Retriever does have long hair, then you will need to brush them more often – probably daily – to prevent mats and tangles from forming. You should also give them a bath once or twice a month, using a mild shampoo specifically designed for dogs.
Be sure to rinse their coat thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo, as leaving even a small amount behind can irritate their skin.
In addition to regular brushing and bathing, you will also need to trim your Golden Retriever’s nails every month. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can take them to a groomer or vet for assistance. If you feel that it is necessary, you may also trim the hair on their feet.
Remember to take extra care when cutting hair around their foot pads, as any mistake could cause serious damage and pain when they walk.
How can I keep my Golden’s hair soft and shiny?
Do you want your Golden Retriever to have soft hair? All you got to do is brush their hair. This should be done every one to two weeks in order to avoid any painful matting of their hair. Brushing spreads their natural oils across their coat, which keeps the coat healthy. Find a good quality grooming brush. Your pooch deserves it.
The second rule of thumb is to not over-bathe your Golden Retriever. Bathing them too much will strip the natural oils that your Retriever needs. Omega 4 and Omega 6 fatty acids will keep all types of Golden Retrievers coats shiny. You can provide these types of oils by adding a teaspoon of oil (fish oil, coconut oil, or olive oil) to their food.
Fish oil will also reduce itchy and flaky skin and could help all Golden Retriever types fight cancer by strengthening their immune system. You can also give these oils to a Golden Retriever puppy as immune system support when they are growing is vital.
What is the best shampoo for Golden Retrievers?
The fact that Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds gives you many different types of shampoo for you to choose from for your pooch. However, if your Golden Retriever has a skin condition, there aren’t as many options to choose from. The best shampoos for this dog breed are generally the ones that contain oatmeal and vitamin E.
These ingredients will keep the dog hair looking healthy and soft while also looking after the skin underneath.
A shampoo that lathers well is also a good option because of the thick undercoat that this breed has. An all-in-one shampoo and conditioner is a great choice, too. It helps reduce matting and knots in your Golden’s long hair, making brushing their hair afterward a much easier task.
FAQs
Why isn’t my Golden Retriever’s hair long?
Some dogs have shorter hair due to genetics, health, age, and diet. The length of their hair is hereditary based.
Can Golden Retrievers have long hair?
Yes, Golden Retrievers can have long hair, but it is not the norm. While some Goldens may be born with longer hair, most dogs will have a coat that is medium in length.
Can Golden Retrievers be fluffy?
Yes, some Golden Retrievers will have fur that is fluffy while also being long.
Conclusion
Not all Golden Retrievers have those iconic long locks. While the majority of these dogs do have long hair, some have short hair. This is usually due to genetics and cannot be helped.
If you are looking for a Golden Retriever with long locks, you may want to consider going to breeders that specialize in the specific look that you are looking for.
If this guide has helped you out, why not head over to our post on Golden Retriever biting statistics for some fascinating facts?