Golden Retriever Breed Maintenance
While this amicable pooch is the perfect family companion, they can also be very high maintenance. They require regular brushing and bathing. Considered to be an excessive shedder, their hair will mat if left ungroomed. When grooming, pay close attention to the underbody and where the legs and body meet. These areas tend to have excessive matting. They will have major shedding twice a year; during this time, daily brushing is required to keep the hair from getting everywhere in your home. Even after shedding all their undercoat, the Golden Retriever will still shed and hair will get on your furniture and clothing. You can use a shedding glove on them once a day to help alleviate the excessive shedding but it will not completely eliminate the hairs that tend to find their way onto everything. Golden Retrievers love water and dirt. They will find mud puddles, ponds and pools. Regular baths are recommended when they discover mud or dirt. Freshwater rinses are recommended when they get into ponds, streams or pools to remove any debris or chlorine from the coat. They are playful so expect them to think bath time is just another game. Be prepared to have a bath with them! Ears should be cleaned once a week and kept dry to prevent ear infections from occurring. Regular nail trimmings about every 2-3 weeks should also be done. Teeth brushing to keep teeth and gums healthy should also be done daily or at least weekly.