Do Golden Retrievers Shed? (16 Tips to Manage Shedding)

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If you’re thinking of getting a golden retriever, you’re probably wondering “do golden retrievers shed?”

I wondered this too before getting my red golden, Theo!

Golden retrievers do shed lightly all year round, and twice every year more significantly for a couple of weeks. This seasonal shedding is called “blowing” their coats, which prepares their fur for the next season.

I am excited to share everything I’ve learned about golden retriever shedding, why a golden retriever shreds, things you can do to manage their shedding, and my favorite grooming tools.

After reading this article, you’ll be prepared to welcome a golden retriever into your family without being covered in fur!

How Much Do Golden Retrievers Shed?

You may be wondering exactly how bad do golden retrievers shed? Golden retrievers shed lightly throughout the year, and excessively for about 4-6 weeks of the year.

Their famous, thick double coats are what makes them such a beautiful breed. And like all other double-coated dogs, they shed excessive amounts twice each year, for 2-3 weeks at a time – this is called “blowing” their coat, and it’s how their body prepares their fur for the next season.

Theo, my red golden retriever, on a beach in San Fransisco looking at the water

Golden Retriever Colors

Golden retrievers’ luxurious coats come in different colors. Theo is red, but you’ll also find them in light cream shades and different shades of gold. The only colors officially recognized by the American Kennel Club are golden, light golden, and dark golden.

It’s a myth that some colors shed more than others – all colors of golden retrievers shed the same amount.

White english golden retriever in portrait with a snowy background

When do Golden Retrievers Shed and How Often do Golden Retrievers Shed?

When golden retrievers are born, they just have a single coat, but from about 3 months until 1 year old, they grow their adult double coat.

Golden retrievers shed lightly throughout the entire year, and the shedding increases dramatically twice a year for a couple of weeks at a time.

The golden retriever shedding season is roughly 2-3 weeks in the spring and again in the fall. During this season, golden retrievers “blow” their coats. As temperature rise in the spring, they will shed their heavy winter coat, and then they’ll shed their lighter summer coats before just before winter so that a warmer coat can grow in its place.

Theo put his thick winter coat to good use this past winter in Canada – he loves making snow angels during our hikes!

Why do Golden Retrievers Shed Hair?

All dogs shed, but some breeds shed more than others. Golden retrievers are one of those breeds because they have what’s called a “double coat” of fur.

The double coat of fur isn’t just for show, it serves a purpose.

In the winter, the double coat helps keep your dog warm and dry, and in the summer it works kind of like a doggy air conditioning unit, preventing sunburns and keeping your pup cool.

Dogs will also shed excessively when their hormones shift, such as after giving birth, or after getting fixed.

Two golden retrievers lying in the snow on a hike in the forest

How to Recognize Unusual Golden Retriever Shedding

If you’re wondering “why is my golden retriever shedding so much?” and it’s not the typical shedding season, it’s good that you noticed.

Excessive shedding outside of the regular seasonal time can be a sign that your dog is experiencing allergies, or that they have an underlying illness. Pay attention to how much your dog sheds when they’re young and healthy so that you can tell if there’s a change.

Golden Retrievers are more likely to have food allergies than other types of dogs, and excessive shedding is a common sign of allergies. Theo was shedding A LOT last year, so I took him to the vet, who diagnosed him with a beef allergy. I changed his food, and it helped a lot – now there’s a lot less golden retriever hair on my clothes.

You know your dog best, so if you find that excessive shedding is happening more often throughout the year than just a few weeks, you’ll want to check with a vet.

16 Tips for Managing Golden Retriever Shedding

You probably want to know how to stop golden retrievers from shedding altogether, but that is impossible. But there are several ways I’ve learned to reduce golden retriever shedding.

1. Brush at least 3 times per week, daily if possible (especially when they are “blowing” their coat).

2. Use different types of brushes for different purposes. I use this undercoat rake on Theo to remove any extra hair from his undercoat, and this slicker brush to remove the rest of his excess hair. He loves being brushed!

3. After brushing, use your hands to rub them down – this helps remove any excess hair that the brushes missed.

4. Give your pup a bath every couple of months, and if they’re dirty. You don’t want to bathe your dog too often, because it will cause dry skin and cause even more shedding. And if you bring your dog to a groomer, try to find one who has experience with double coats.

Pro Tip: put peanut butter on the wall or on a lick mat that suctions to the wall. Theo loves the tub now that he knows he gets peanut butter in there!

5. Use a high-quality shampoo that doesn’t contain too many chemicals. Rich oatmeal shampoos help keep your dog’s coat healthy. Never use human shampoo on a dog – it’s too harsh for their skin. Be sure to rinse out all the shampoo because leftover soap will lead to more shedding.

6. Your dog’s diet has a HUGE impact on its coat. Use high-quality dog food without a lot of fillers, that is rich in fatty acids and digestible proteins. I like to add salmon oil to Theo’s food as well since it’s rich in omega fatty acids. Always check with your vet before changing your dog’s food.

Close up of a golden retriever holding a tug rope in his mouth

7. NEVER SHAVE A DOG WITH A DOUBLE COAT. That includes your golden retriever. Shaving causes different skin conditions, which leads to more shedding in the long run. It can even alter your dog’s metabolism since they use their coat to regulate their body temperature. Just don’t do it.

8. Ensure your dog is drinking enough water. A full-grown golden like Theo (who is about 70 lbs) should drink around 35-70oz of water each day. Theo loves it when I give him ice cubes during the summer. I also like sticking frozen strawberries in his Kong toy along with the peanut butter.

9. Regularly check for fleas and ticks, since these cause skin problems and lead to more shedding!

10. Keep your dog’s life stress-free. Stress leads to excessive shedding. You can help prevent stress by feeding your golden on a regular schedule, ensuring daily exercise, giving lots of affection, and managing your own stress – your dog will be stressed if you’re stressed!

11. A lot of goldens like to swim, which is great, because swimming will remove some extra hair. Be sure to rinse your dog off after their swim to get rid of any leftover chlorine or salt.

Happy golden retriever panting in the ocean with a golden sunrise behind it

12. Buy your pup an extra comfy bed so that they stay off your furniture. I’ll be honest, this one didn’t work for me – Theo thinks my leg is the most comfortable bed of all!

13. Invest in a good vacuum. You may have to vacuum every day, so it helps to buy a quality one.

14. Buy washable couch covers (even if you only use this during their excessive shedding season, it’s worth it!). I also have a car seat protector for him since he’s usually muddy after hikes.

15. Use a drain protector in your shower or tub to catch any hair. It catches my hair, too, which is great!

16. Skip unnatural options. There are a lot of pills and sprays on the market that promise to cure your dog’s shedding. Usually, these don’t work and may even contain harmful chemicals, so it’s best to stay away.

Best Shedding Tools for Golden Retrievers

These are my favorite tools for taking care of Theo:

Golden retriever on a couch holding their owner's hand as they scratch their belly

FAQs: Golden Retrievers Shedding

Do golden retrievers shed a lot?

Yes, golden retrievers shed a lot – more than other breeds. Golden retrievers are one of several breeds that has a double coat of fur, so they shed lightly all year round. Twice a year, golden retrievers shed excessively for several weeks – this is called “blowing” their coat, a process that prepares their fur for summer and winter.

Is golden retriever shedding a problem?

Golden retriever shedding can be a problem. Although golden retrievers shed more than other dog breeds, due to their double coats, there are several ways to manage their shedding. Be sure to brush them daily, feed them high-quality dog food, prevent fleas and ticks, and invest in a powerful vacuum.

Is golden retriever shedding manageable?

Although golden retrievers shed more than other breeds, it is manageable! Brush them daily, feed them high-quality dog food, prevent fleas and ticks, and invest in a powerful vacuum and you will have no probably keeping up with their shedding.

How do I limit my golden retriever shedding?

Things you can do to limit your golden retriever’s shedding include daily brushing with an undercoat rake and slicker brush, feeding them high-quality dog food, ensuring they’re drinking enough water, limiting stress, and preventing fleas and ticks. Never shave your golden – this can cause more skin problems and shedding.

What time of year do golden retrievers shed most?

Golden retrievers, like all breeds with double coats, shed lightly throughout the entire year, but they shed the most in the spring and fall when their bodies prepare for summer and winter by “blowing” their coats. This process usually takes 2-3 weeks each time. Excessive shedding can also be a sign of food allergies or underlying illness.

Do golden retrievers have hair or fur?

Golden retrievers have fur, not hair. They’re famous for their beautiful fur coats that come in many shades, ranging from light cream to dark gold. They are one of several breeds that have a double coat of fur, which helps keep their skin dry and regulates their temperature. Golden Retriever fur can be wavy or straight.

Do golden retrievers shed more than labs?

Although labs have shorter hair, golden retrievers do not shed more than labs – they shed the same amount. They shed lightly all year, and heavily twice a year when it’s time to prepare their double coats for summer and winter. But since goldens have longer hair, you’ll find more fur around the house with a golden than with a lab.

Is there a nonshedding golden retriever?

There is no such thing as a non-shedding golden retriever, but there is a mixed breed called a Goldendoodle, which is a golden retriever and poodle mix. Because poodles don’t shed very much, the mixed breed sheds a lot less than a purebred golden retriever.

Does shaving help with golden retriever shedding?

You should never shave your golden retriever. Shaving their coat may seem like a good short-term solution to shedding, but it often leads to other health issues that lead to more shedding and other problems down the road. Golden retrievers’ coats perform many functions, including regulating their body temperature and protecting their skin.

Conclusion: Do Golden Retrievers Shed?

Golden retrievers are known for being affectionate, good with other dogs, safe around children, but perhaps most notably– shedding. This is something to consider before adopting.

They shed regularly all year round, and they shed excessively twice a year when they are “blowing” their coat.

There are a lot of ways to help manage your golden’s shedding such as brushing them daily and feeding them high-quality food. There are also things you should avoid, like shaving your golden retriever.

Even though my golden retriever Theo sheds a lot, I love having him in my life and wouldn’t change it for the world. His beautiful red coat allows him to hike with me on warm summer days and in the snowy Canadian winters, which we both love!

Do you like hiking with your dog in the winter too? Check out my favorite winter dog boots.

Dog Travel Planning Guide

🐶 How do you travel with a dog?

You can road trip, go camping, fly (depending on your dog’s size), go for day trips, and even live in an RV or motorhome with your dog! I’ve done all of the above with my dog, Theo.

✈️ How to travel with a dog by plane?

Check the airline requirements, if you’re flying with a large dog you’ll need to book far ahead, get a travel crate or carrier, and make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations. And don’t forget to bring along a leash, collapsible dish, and plenty of treats! (Read more)

🚗 How to travel with a dog in a car?

Get a seatbelt or car-friendly crate, a seat protector, and a few toys to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Bring along items like a leash, pee pads, treats, collapsible bowl, and some calming treats for anxious dogs. Take frequent potty breaks (I recommend every 2 hours minimum).

🧳 What should I pack in my dog travel bag?

I always pack a collapsible bowl, back up leash, 50ft long leash, Toppl food toy, plenty of dog food, and a few toys for my pup when we go on our travels. It’s important to have all the essentials packed before you leave home since it can be difficult to find pet-friendly stores in some locations. (Read more)

📝 What paperwork do I need to travel with a dog?

The paperwork you need will depend on where you’re going. You will always need your dog’s veterinary records and their vaccine status. You may also need an international health certificate, titre test, and even a spay/neuter certificate.

🐾 What is the best travel dog crate?

This collapsible crate is great for local travel and road trips. For plane travel, I recommend this hard crate for large breeds and this carrier for small breeds.

📍What is the best way to travel with a dog?

It depends! The best way to travel will depend on you and your dog. Small dogs will have an easier time with plane travel. Large breeds are better for long term trips to minimize plane time, or road trips.

🛌 Best dog travel mat?

This non-slip, water-proof, easy to wash travel mat is my go to!

✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?

To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?

To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com.

Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!

🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?

To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.

🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?

To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.