Golden Retrievers have some of the softest, most luscious coats out of all dog breeds. Did you know they actually have two layers of coat? One is an outer coat which is water-repellent, and a warm, thick undercoat.
Bearing this in mind, it’s important a Golden Retriever’s hair is adequately maintained and cut regularly.
In this guide, we’ll look at all things related to a Golden Retriever’s hair, including how often your dog requires a haircut, how you can perform simple haircuts on your Goldie, and when it’s time to seek the professional help of a groomer.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Do Golden Retrievers Need Haircuts?
In short, yes. Golden Retrievers will require a haircut.
However, it’s important to remember that this breed’s coat shouldn’t be cut overly short.
There are two reasons for this.
Firstly, it can ruin the overall look of the beautiful coat. Secondly, there’s the risk of damaging the dog’s skin, which can lead to unpleasant irritation that could require veterinary help.
All you need to do is carry out a simple trim. This will ensure the hair does not become unruly or matted. Cutting the top layer of hair is sufficient. You should never think about shaving a Golden Retriever.
Giving your Goldie a quick haircut is a great way to take care of your dog and ensure they are looking their very best.
How Often Should You Cut A Golden Retriever’s Coat?
A beautiful Golden Retriever naturally has long, flowing golden fur that many owners love. Besides looking stunning, the double coat serves some practical purposes, too. For one, a Golden Retriever’s coat keeps the dog warm in winter and cool in the summer.
It is also a valuable tool for blocking the sun from having direct contact with the skin.
So, that begs the question, how often should you cut a Golden Retriever’s hair?
As they have two coats, a Golden Retriever may require more grooming than some other dog breeds. The team at Barks in the Park suggests Golden Retrievers should be brushed weekly as well as getting a haircut every 8-10 weeks, on average. Both these actions will limit the build-up of dirt and debris that can lead to unattractive, painful, and potentially unpleasant-smelling mats and tangles.
How Do I Give My Golden Retriever A Haircut?
If you want to give your Goldie a haircut, there are a few simple steps that you need to carry out.
First, however. It’s important to note if you are in any way unsure or do not feel confident in cutting your Golden Retriever’s coat, then it should be left to a professional groomer.
This following advice is only recommended if you intend on giving your Golden Retriever a simple trim. For more complex hairstyles, always consult a professional.
Step one: Give them a bath
Using dog-approved shampoo and conditioner, give your dog a warm bath. Allow the conditioner to sit for a few minutes in order to make the hair softer, which will help to eliminate tangles. If your dog isn’t a fan of baths, give them lots of praise and encouragement. Also, the odd treat or two may be helpful!
Step two: Dry your pup
Ensure you thoroughly dry your dog’s coat before cutting. This allows you to maintain evenness. Don’t worry – your Golden Retriever will likely help you with this process by shaking their wet fur all over you and potentially your bathroom!
Step three: Get brushing
Once your dog is completely dry, it’s time to use a slicker brush to get rid of tangles and any dead hair. Make sure to work through the entirety of the coat right down to the Golden Retriever’s tail to eradicate the loose fur.
Step four: Trim the nails (if applicable)
If your Golden Retriever’s nails require a little trim, now is the perfect time to do it. If their nails have been already recently trimmed, you can skip this part.
Step five: The haircut
Now it’s time for the haircut. It’s vital that you are both gentle and encouraging of your Goldie as you cut its coat and try to keep them calm throughout. Don’t rush the process; it’s likely to take a bit of time. Begin with the body, using an ‘o’ snap-on comb, which will allow you to clip the body.
Next, it’s time for the legs. Using scissors, work along the legs, followed by the tail and locks, until the dog’s coat is looking even.
The Benefits Of Using A Groomer To Groom A Golden Retriever
When it comes to grooming a Golden Retriever, many people prepare to call the professionals.
Below, we’ve outlined just some of the reasons you, too, may want to consider a pro to groom a Golden Retriever.
They do more than just a Golden Retriever haircuts
A pro groomer will entail the dog being thoroughly brushed, bathed, dried, trimmed, clipped, and beautified. They will also offer a range of cuts that an amateur would not be able to carry out on their own dog (more on which a little later).
They used advanced clippers and sanitized brushes and are well-versed in cutting delicate areas such as the undercarriage, ears, and around the eyes. They’ll also take the opportunity to look for infection in these areas. This is something that owners won’t always know how to spot.
As well as these, they are specially trained to clean the ears and teeth, something that many dog owners struggle with!
They use the best tools
As we mentioned briefly, groomers have the right tools to get the job done properly. This included clippers and rounded scissors, specialist shampoos and conditioners for those dogs with allergies, and a range of hair care products.
They also have the tools in place to be able to perform Golden Retriever grooming cuts if you plan to show your dog. Their tools also mean they can get closer to the dog’s skin without hurting them.
And getting closer to the skin means that you’ll find a lot less dog hair around your home and on your clothes. (Always a good thing, in our book!)
They understand dogs
It takes a lot of skill and knowledge to be able to groom a Golden Retriever properly. Not only do pro groomers know how to carefully trim a dog’s nails and use a slicker brush with dazzling effect – they also understand how nervous and anxious some dogs can get.
A groomer will be able to gently and confidently groom a scared dog. They will also be able to take care of dogs with pain issues, such as arthritis, and older dogs that may have mobility or sight issues.
On a side note: if you, as a dog owner, suffer from any ailments that limit your movement, employing a groomer can be a lifeline, rather than you having to overexert yourself with excessive lifting and handling of your Golden Retriever. Even a Golden Retriever puppy can be weighty!
They’ve got the unpleasant stuff covered
Has your dog got some unpleasant-smelling tangles in their fur somewhere you’d rather not venture? What about ticks or fleas that need to be removed from your dog’s hair? A groomer is used to all these hair-related problems and more and can get rid of them with ease.
They bring health benefits to your Golden Retriever
Regular grooming and trimming or cutting of your Golden Retriever’s coat also have a host of benefits for your dog. Some of these include:
- Keeping the skin in good condition
- Stops painful matted fur from developing
- Removes damaged and dead hair, which encourages new hair to grow
- Helps detect lumps, bumps, or anything unusual early on
Golden Retriever Hairstyles
There are a lot of choices when it comes to Golden Retrievers’ hairstyles. Let’s take a look at 3 of the most popular below.
1. Puppy Cut
A Golden Retriever puppy cut is a simple cut and a very popular one at that. It’s not just Golden Retrievers that have this hairstyle. Lots of other breeds rock it well, too, not just those with a double coat. With the pup cut, the dog’s hair is cut to around half an inch all over its body. It doesn’t take a lot to maintain, and it leaves enough of the dog’s hair to protect from the sun.
2. Summer Cut
If the summer months are extremely warm where you live, you might want to consider a summer cut for your Goldie.
Basically little more than a trim, this style follows the natural shape of the coat. Although more shaped than a pup cut, it’s shorter. This cut ensures that the dog’s ears are not aggravated by long hairs, and the feet and chest area are well-trimmed, too.
3. The Teddy Cut
The teddy cut is one of the most popular options of professional cut for dogs that have a dual coat. It makes it easy for Golden Retrievers to adequately regulate their temperature. This means it’s perfect for the summer months when the temperature can get high.
In order to groom a Golden Retriever this way, the body is clipped quite short, and scissors are used to trim the legs and curve the coat to shape. Then the same is done to the dog’s feet and tail, resulting in what looks like a cute big teddy bear!
FAQs
Do Golden Retrievers really need haircuts?
Although Golden Retrievers don’t necessarily need a ‘full’ cut, they will always benefit from regular trimming. Keeping their coat well-groomed will help to keep their coat much more manageable. It will also mean there is less tangling.
As well as this, it’s important to know when your Golden Retriever’s ear hair and whiskers become too long and bothersome to the dog. In short, it’s very important to groom a Golden Retriever for these reasons.
Do Golden Retrievers need professional grooming?
While you don’t need to use a groomer for your Goldie, it is highly recommended that you do so. They can safely remove any matted fur and tangles that could otherwise cause your dog a lot of pain and discomfort. They can also perform some more elegant cuts that amateurs would be unable to carry out.
There are also additional Golden Retriever services that you can request from your groomer. These include de-shedding treatments and blowouts.
How much does a groomer cost?
Groomers aren’t cheap. They are, however, a necessity for many dog owners. Before you purchase a Golden Retriever, factor in around $500 per year on your dog’s grooming. This will include professional washing, drying, and trimming of your dog’s hair, as a minimum.
Should Golden Retrievers be shaved?
No! You should never attempt to shave your Golden Retriever, whether it’s a puppy or an adult.
The point of the coat on a Goldie is to allow them to stay cool in the summer as well as protect them from the sun. Shaving a Golden Retriever’s coat will mean your dog could potentially overheat and be prone to sunburn.
The best way to help your Golden Retriever to stay cool in the summer months is to regularly brush through its coat to remove loose hair.
Final Thoughts
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest draws for prospective Golden Retriever owners is this breed’s slinky, silky, and luscious coat. Whether Golden Retriever puppies or adult Goldies, these guys and girls have some of the sleekest coats in the whole of the canine kingdom.
And with that, it’s your responsibility as a good dog parent to ensure your dog looks and feels its best. When you groom a Golden Retriever, it’s not just helping to maintain the overall aesthetic of their lovely coats. It also allows your dog to be comfortable and free of annoying and – sometimes very painful – mats and tangles.
If your Goldie requires a trim, and you feel confident in doing so, you can give them one yourself. However, if there are mats that are painful or the cut you want is a difficult one, make sure to book an appointment with your groomer.
Ultimately, however, you should aim for your Golden Retriever’s hair to be cut every 8-10 weeks.