Care & how-to
Do Golden Retrievers Shed?
Yes, Golden Retrievers shed, and quite a lot. Their dense, water-repellent double coat sheds moderately all year and heavily in spring and fall, when they drop much of the undercoat. VCA rates their shedding as average to above average. Brushing two or three times a week, and daily during seasonal sheds, keeps the hair under control. Goldens are not a good choice if you want a low-shedding dog.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 9, 20263 min read3 sources
How much Golden Retrievers shed
Goldens have a medium to long outer coat that is straight or wavy, over a soft, thick undercoat. That undercoat is what keeps them warm and dry on cold water retrieves, and it is also the source of most of the hair on your floor. VCA Animal Hospitals rates Golden shedding at 3 out of 5, describing it as average to above average, and the AKC notes that double-coated breeds like the Golden tend to shed year-round.
Expect a steady drift of hair every day, collecting in corners and on dark clothes, and then one or two periods a year where it seems to double. Most Golden owners end up reaching for a deshedding tool long before the next coat blow. Spayed and neutered Goldens often grow a longer, fluffier coat, which some owners find sheds more.
When Goldens shed most
Like most double-coated breeds, Goldens blow their coat in spring, to shed the heavy winter undercoat, and in fall, to make way for a new one. The AKC explains that changes in daylight and temperature trigger these sheds, which can last from a few weeks to a couple of months. During a blow, undercoat comes out in tufts and clumps with every stroke of a brush.
Indoor Goldens living in steady heating and air conditioning may shed more evenly through the year rather than in two clear bursts. Females may also shed more heavily after a heat cycle or after having puppies.
A brushing routine that works
VCA suggests brushing a Golden twice a week, with more frequent brushing during shedding seasons. A slicker brush works through the coat and undercoat, an undercoat rake helps pull out packed undercoat during a coat blow, and a double-sided comb catches tangles behind the ears, in the armpits and in the feathering on the legs, chest and tail, where mats form first.
Brush in the direction of growth, section by section, and finish with the comb. During heavy shedding, a quick daily session makes far more difference than a long weekly one. Brushing outdoors keeps most of the hair out of the house. A grooming glove works for the quick daily passes between longer sessions.
Bathing, trimming and shaving
A bath every couple of months, or when your Golden is dirty, with a gentle dog shampoo helps loosen undercoat, especially if followed by a thorough dry and brush. Bathing too often can dry the skin. Tidying the feet, ears and feathering with scissors keeps the coat neat, and many owners use a groomer for this.
Do not shave a Golden Retriever. The AKC advises against shaving double coats, because the undercoat and topcoat regrow at different rates and the coat can come back patchy, and because the coat protects against sun and heat. Shaving does not stop shedding either; it just makes the hairs shorter.
When shedding is not normal
Goldens are prone to skin allergies, ear infections and hot spots, and the breed can be affected by hypothyroidism, which can change the coat. Signs worth a vet visit include thinning or bald patches, red, greasy or scabby skin, a bad smell, constant scratching, licking or chewing, recurring ear trouble, or a dull, brittle coat with weight gain and low energy.
Keep up with flea prevention as your vet recommends, because flea allergy causes intense itching and hair loss. A healthy Golden sheds a lot, but its skin underneath should look clean and calm.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Labs?
They shed a similar amount overall. Labs have a shorter coat, so hair is short and gets into fabric, while Goldens have longer hair that collects in visible tufts. Both shed heavily in spring and fall.
Are Golden Retrievers hypoallergenic?
No. Goldens shed a lot and produce allergens in dander and saliva like all dogs. Someone with dog allergies should spend time around Goldens before committing to one.
Do Goldendoodles shed less than Golden Retrievers?
Often, but not always. A Goldendoodle's coat depends on which parent it takes after, and some shed nearly as much as a Golden. Ask the breeder about coat type and see the puppy's coat as it develops.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
