Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful, fluffy coats. Unfortunately, not all Golden Retrievers have the same luxurious coat. Some may be fluffier than others, and some may lack that soft fur completely.
If you have a dog with less luxurious fur, you may have asked yourself, why isn’t my Golden Retriever fluffy? And when do Golden Retrievers’ tails get fluffy?
The short answer is that your Golden Retriever can lack the breed’s typical fluffy fur and still be perfectly normal and healthy.
This blog post will take a look at Golden Retrievers’ fur and provide insight into why some lack fluffiness and when their tails will become fluffy. We’ll also discuss potential health issues, such as atopy, that could lead to a lack of fluffy fur, and offer tips for getting your Golden Retriever back to its beautiful best. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
- 1 Why Isn’t My Golden Retriever Fluffy?
- 2 Health Issues Affecting A Golden Retriever’s Fur
- 3 Tips To Make Your Golden Retriever’s Fur Look Fluffier
- 4 Can A Golden Retriever With Shorter Fur Still Get A Fluffy Coat?
- 5 How The Climate Affects The “Fluffy Look”
- 6 When Do Golden Retrievers’ Tails Get Fluffy?
- 7 FAQs
- 7.1 At what age do Golden Retrievers get fluffy?
- 7.2 Why isn’t my Golden Retriever’s hair long?
- 7.3 Why is my Golden Retriever’s tail so thin?
- 7.4 How do you treat atopy in dogs?
- 7.5 Can you cure atopic dermatitis in dogs?
- 7.6 Can a dog’s coat change with the weather?
- 7.7 How do I keep my Golden Retriever fluffy?
- 8 Conclusion
Why Isn’t My Golden Retriever Fluffy?
There are several reasons why your dog might not be as fluffy as other Golden Retrievers. It could be that they are not getting enough exercise, which can lead to them being overweight and shedding more.
Grooming your Golden Retriever too often can also affect its coat and make have less fluffy fur. Otherwise, it could simply be that your Golden Retriever’s coat is not as thick as some other dogs’ due to genetics. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about!
A Goldie’s coat can vary depending on the bloodline. Some bloodlines are more likely to produce dogs with a thicker, fluffier coat, while others produce dogs with a thinner coat that is not as soft and fluffy. In general, the fluffier the coat, the more valuable the dog.
So, if you’re looking for a fluffy Golden Retriever, you’ll want to choose a breeder who specializes in breeding this type of coat. Be prepared to pay more for a dog with a fluffier coat, as they are considered more desirable.
Keep in mind that even within the same bloodline, there can be variations in coat types. So, if you have your heart set on a particular type of coat, it’s important to see pictures then meet the Golden Retriever puppies in person to see how they look.
Health Issues Affecting A Golden Retriever’s Fur
If your Golden Retriever is showing signs of sickness, such as a bad mood, anxiety, vomiting, diarrhea, or a decreased appetite, take them to your local veterinarian as soon as possible. Here are some health conditions that could lead to a lack of fluffiness.
Atopy
Atopy, or atopic dermatitis, is a hereditary condition caused by Golden Retrievers (or any dog breeds) having an inflammatory reaction to their environment or food. Environmental allergies include pollen, grass, trees, dust, mold, and insects.
Symptoms include itchiness, licking, a yeast smell, rubbing, and red skin. The most commonly affected areas are the feet, ears, armpits, underbelly, tail, and groin. Food allergies and sensitivities can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
A Golden Retriever may show signs of allergies between the ages of one and six, although dogs of any age can be affected. The gastrointestinal issues can be mild at first, but may lead to a nutritional deficiency, which will damage the coat.
How do you treat a dog with atopy?
Your vet will give your dog injections to decrease the itchiness. The injections contain a dose of the allergens they are sensitive to. This works for around 60% to 80% of dogs, but improvements can take around a year to show.
Medicated shampoos will also be prescribed to help the dog’s condition, and this should help with getting the fluffy fur back over time.
A Golden Retriever adult will need to go for treatments every two to eight weeks until the itchiness subsides. A Golden Retriever puppy under one year old is less likely to develop atopy than older dogs.
Pesky parasites
Tapeworms are parasites; if your dog is infected, they’ll start to scratch and bite themselves. As a result of this biting, the dog will lose hair – a condition called alopecia.
Body infections
Goldens are susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, which can be avoided by vaccinating your dog. Take your dog for annual checkups and vaccinations to keep it in tip-top condition and to diagnose and potential issues early.
Thyroid problems
Your Retriever’s fur can be affected by underlying health issues such as thyroid problems. One condition is called hypothyroidism and causes sores, scabs, and skin infections. If you notice these symptoms, take your Golden Retriever to the vet ASAP for a proper diagnosis.
Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can affect the shine and texture of the fur. Signs of stress are tucked ears and tail, constant licking of the lips, yawning, pacing, and panting. Dogs might even want to avoid looking you in the eyes. More obvious signs are barking and whining.
Find out what is stressing them and try to eliminate that issue, and pay attention to their body language. If the problem persists, see a veterinarian or dog trainer. Professionals will know more about the situation and can pick up on signs quickly.
Tips To Make Your Golden Retriever’s Fur Look Fluffier
If you want to make your Golden Retriever’s fur look fluffy, start by brushing your dog regularly. This will help redistribute the natural oils in their fur and prevent matting. You can use a slicker brush, bristle brush, or comb.
On top of this, have your dog professionally groomed every six to eight weeks. Good Golden grooming will include a bath, blow dry, and trimming of the fur. If you bathe your Golden Retriever at home, remember that over-bathing removes essential oils, which could damage the coat.
Also take note that there are no shampoos that can change your dog’s hair from straight to wavy or fluffy. However, you can add a bit of fluffiness to your Golden by using a leave-in conditioner or detangler after you brush your dog’s fur.
If your dog’s fur is looking dull, try giving them an omega-3 or omega-6 supplement, which you can find at most pet stores. Omega-3 and omega-6 are natural sources and can be found in vegetable oils, olive oils, fish oils, and coconut oils. One teaspoon of either of these oils can be added to your dog’s food to help their coats become less dry.
Make sure you are feeding your Golden a high-quality diet with fatty oils, as that will also affect the health of its coat. Poor nutrition can lead to dogs’ coats not being healthy, resulting in excessive shedding. Your veterinarian can also speak to you about proper nutrients.
If you feel your dog’s coat is not becoming fluffy, then speak to your local veterinarian. Your Golden Retriever could have health issues that need to be addressed, and this could be the reason for the dog lacking a healthy coat.
Can A Golden Retriever With Shorter Fur Still Get A Fluffy Coat?
A Golden Retriever’s coat can vary in fluffiness depending on the length of its fur. Those with shorter fur may not have as fluffy fur as other Golden Retrievers.
We would recommend that you focus on keeping your dog’s overall happiness in check rather than focusing on the length of the coats. Having a happy dog is more important than having a fluffy one!
How The Climate Affects The “Fluffy Look”
If you live in a climate with cool winters and hot summers, your Golden Retriever’s coat will be fluffier than if you live in a climate with mild winters and cool summers. The reason for this is that the coat protects the dog from both extremes of temperature.
That’s right, in cooler climates, the coat helps to keep the dog warm, while in hotter climates, it helps to keep the dog cool. Genius, isn’t it?
Dry weather can have an effect on your Golden Retrievers’ hair, causing it to lose luster. The skin underneath might also become dry and chapped, which can result in itchiness. To combat this, keep your dog well-hydrated and offer them a balanced, nutritious diet.
When Do Golden Retrievers’ Tails Get Fluffy?
When Golden Retrievers are born, their tails are usually not very fluffy. However, as they grow older and their coats become thicker, their tails will gradually become fluffier.
Depending on the individual dog, this process generally takes around three or four months. This is around the time when your Golden Retriever starts to grow their adult coat.
The adult coat usually starts forming at the tail. From there, the long hairs will start to form around the stomach and legs. It can take around 18 months of age for your Golden Retriever to get their fluffy tail, so be patient!
Check out our guide on when a Golden Retriever is fully-grown for more information.
At the end of the day, the fluffy tail depends on the genes passed down from the parents and the age of the puppy.
FAQs
At what age do Golden Retrievers get fluffy?
Golden Retrievers usually get fluffy at around three months old, and it’s called feathering. The timing of this will usually depend on genetics.
Why isn’t my Golden Retriever’s hair long?
The length of their coats depends on their parent’s coats – it’s hereditary. If you want to improve the chances of your Golden Retriever having long hair, find a breeder who breeds with long-haired Golden Retrievers.
Why is my Golden Retriever’s tail so thin?
A thin tail could be caused by a condition called atopy. Atopy is caused by environmental and food allergies. Golden Retrievers who suffer from this condition will need to go on a special diet recommended by their veterinarian.
How do you treat atopy in dogs?
Your veterinarian might give your Golden Retriever a course of injections to help stop the itching. They’ll also need to go on a diet with all the nutrients needed to help treat the condition.
Can you cure atopic dermatitis in dogs?
This health issue is not curable but can be maintained with regular checks and a proper diet to prevent severity. Speak to your vet for more advice on this condition.
Can a dog’s coat change with the weather?
Yes. When it’s colder, your dog’s coat will change and become thicker. The thicker, fluffy fur helps keep your dog warm.
How do I keep my Golden Retriever fluffy?
You can simply brush your dog, which will remove dead skin cells. The brushing will help stimulate and spread the natural oils on your dog’s skin. These natural oils are the reason for the healthy shine of their fluffy coat.
Conclusion
Many Golden Retriever owners have asked themselves, “Why isn’t my Golden Retriever fluffy?” It can be a bit alarming to discover that your Golden Retriever’s hair isn’t as fluffy as you expected. However, the good news is that there are several reasons why this might be the case, and they’re all fairly simple to address.
Golden Retrievers’ tails usually become entirely fluffy by around three months of age, so it’s just a matter of waiting for your new dog to develop correctly. Alternatively, poor diet with poor nutrition, a health issue such as atopy, hereditary health problems, or inadequate grooming may also prevent your dog from having its natural, lusciously soft fur.
Still, these Golden Retriever issues are easily resolved with some small dietary adjustments; increased fish oil and olive oils may help your dog’s hair. If you want to know more about your Golden Retriever, go to the land of all things doggo at Barks in the Park.