Despite their beautiful, medium-long coats, Golden Retrievers actually do not require extensive grooming. Their coats do not matt easily and they do not need to be bathed as frequently as other breeds of dog - unless, of course, they roll in the garbage! They are known to be heavy shedders so frequent brushing is a must.
The Golden Retriever's coat varies from white-blond to reddish-blond and is usually shiny and soft. Regular brushing will help keep the coat's sheen at its best and will also help stimulate the flow of blood to the skin. Brushing can be done as little as once weekly and as often as daily; your dog will enjoy the experience. If you pay attention to your dog's coat, you will get a feel for specifically how often he or she needs to be brushed.
Dry bathing regularly will help keep your Golden Retriever's coat healthy and clean. Normal baths should be saved for dealing with messes such as mud, or given every three or four months. Water bathing can strip essential oils from your dog's coat and lead to dry or irritated skin. Show Goldens are usually blow-dried with a brush so that their coat is silky and straight, but this is not necessary for casual grooming or for the household pet.
Other than brushing and dry bathing, there is very little that needs to be done to keep your Golden Retriever's coat in tip top shape. However, you will need to perform the occasional trim. The hair on your dog's ears will usually grow very quickly. For his or her comfort and for aesthetic reasons, it is a good idea to trim this hair every so often. Thinning shears or a texturizer (available at most pet or beauty supply stores) are ideal for this task, as they only trim a reasonable amount of hair, allowing your dog's floppy ears to stay furry, but not overgrown.
The soft, fluffy fur behind this breed's legs can also use a trim from time to time. This hair is of a different texture and is prone to catching debris and brambles, which can be uncomfortable and lead to matting or skin irritation. Show dogs will need to be trimmed more precisely, but the home groomer can take the same thinning shears to this hair quite easily themselves.
The Golden Retriever's tail fur grows extremely quickly, as well, and can get quite long. This hair is similar in texture to the hair on the back of the legs and is also likely to pick up dirt, leaves, and other debris. Keeping this hair brushed and trimmed can help you avoid other problems down the road as well as keep your house a bit cleaner.
All in all, grooming a Golden Retriever is remarkably easy for a dog with such a long, thick coat! Just a couple of brushings a week should keep your Retriever's coat in proper condition; healthy, shiny and thick. I think that most Retriever owners will find their Retriever will love brushing and view it as their pampering time.
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