Golden Retriever Grooming: Feathering and Coat Care

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Golden Retriever's coat is part of its charm: golden, wavy and thick, with soft feathering on the legs, chest and tail. It also produces enough hair to fill a vacuum cleaner every week. See also the Golden Retriever breed profile.

The Golden coat

Goldens have a dense, water-repellent undercoat and a firm, wavy outer coat. Feathering grows along the backs of the legs, chest, belly and tail. They shed all year and blow coat twice a year. See double-coat grooming.

Brushing

• Two to three times a week with a slicker brush and a comb.
• Daily during shedding. Use an undercoat rake. See how to use an undercoat rake.
• Focus on feathering, behind the ears, the "pants" and the tail, where tangles form.

See how to brush a dog properly and best slicker brushes for dogs.

Shedding seasons

Spring and autumn bring heavy shedding. A bath, a blow-dry and a good raking greatly reduce loose hair. See dog blowing coat and how to reduce dog shedding at home.

Trimming

Tidy the feathering on the legs and tail with thinning shears or scissors, trim the hair around the feet and neaten the ears. Do not cut the main coat. See how to use grooming scissors on a dog and how to trim hair between dog paw pads.

Do not shave

Shaving a Golden removes protection and can ruin the coat. See should you shave a double-coated dog.

Bathing

Bathe every four to eight weeks, using a gentle shampoo, and rinse thoroughly. Dry completely, including the undercoat. See how to bathe a dog at home and how to dry a dog after a bath.

Swimming

Many Goldens love water. Rinse after swims and dry well, including the ears. See how to groom a dog after swimming.

Ears

Golden Retrievers have drop ears, which trap moisture and are prone to infections. Check weekly. See grooming routine for floppy-eared dogs.

Skin issues

Goldens can be prone to skin allergies and hot spots. Check the skin while brushing. See dog hot spots and dog skin allergies.

Nails and teeth

Trim nails and brush teeth regularly. See how to trim dog nails safely and how to brush a dog's teeth.

Seniors

Older Goldens may need gentler grooming. See how to groom a senior dog.

A weekly Golden routine

• Two or three evenings a week: full brush and comb, with attention to feathering.
• Weekly: check ears and nails, and wipe the face.
• Every four to eight weeks: bath, dry and rake out loose undercoat.
• As needed: trim the feet and tidy the feathers.

Common coat problems

Goldens are prone to hot spots, particularly after swimming or in hot weather, and to seasonal skin allergies. A thick coat can hide early signs, so part the hair to check the skin. Contact your vet if you find red, moist or hairless patches.

The takeaway

Brush often, tidy the feathering, dry thoroughly and keep the coat intact. A well-groomed Golden is a delight.