By Pamela Steward · Kanine Country Club · Oct 20, 2026
If you are thinking about a Labrador or Golden Retriever, be ready for fur. These breeds shed all year, and more heavily in spring and fall. The good news is that a little routine grooming keeps their coats healthy and your home manageable. At Kanine Country Club in Sperry, Iowa, we raise both breeds, and these are the basics we tell every new family.
Understand the double coat
Both Labs and Goldens have a double coat: a soft, dense undercoat for insulation and a longer, water-resistant outer coat. The Golden’s coat is longer and feathered, while the Lab’s is short and thick. Both keep dogs comfortable in cold water and winter weather.
That undercoat is what sheds the most. Twice a year, dogs lose large amounts of it in what is often called blowing coat. Expect extra brushing during those weeks.
Brushing basics
Brush Labs about once or twice a week and Goldens several times a week, or daily during heavy shedding. A slicker brush and a metal comb work well on Goldens. A rubber curry brush or shedding tool suits the Lab’s shorter coat.
Brush in the direction the hair grows, and check behind the ears, under the legs and around the tail where mats form on Goldens. Make it pleasant with treats and a calm voice. Starting when your dog is a puppy makes it easy for life.
Bathing
Most Labs and Goldens only need a bath every month or two, or when they get dirty. Too many baths can strip natural oils and dry out the skin. Use a shampoo made for dogs and rinse thoroughly, since leftover soap can cause itching.
Brush before the bath to remove loose hair and tangles, and dry well afterward. Pay special attention to ears and the thick fur at the base of the tail.
Never shave a double coat
It may seem logical to shave a dog in summer, but the double coat protects against both heat and sun. Shaving can disrupt how it insulates, lead to sunburn and the coat may grow back uneven.
A better plan is regular brushing to remove dead undercoat so air can circulate. If you want a tidy look, trim only the feet, the feathering on the legs or the edges of the ears.
Nails, ears and teeth
Trim nails every few weeks. If you hear clicking on the floor, they are probably too long. Clip small amounts to avoid the quick, or ask your vet or groomer to show you.
Check ears weekly. Labs and Goldens with floppy ears can get infections, especially after swimming. Wipe the outer ear with a dog ear cleaner and call your vet for redness, odor or head shaking. Brush teeth a few times a week with dog toothpaste.
Reduce shedding with good care
Good food supports skin and coat health. Talk to your vet about a diet that fits your dog, and about whether supplements make sense. Regular brushing is still the best tool for cutting down on loose hair in the house.
Wash dog bedding often, vacuum frequently and keep a lint roller handy. Embrace the fur. It comes with the territory.
When to see a vet or groomer
Sudden heavy hair loss, bald patches, constant scratching, a greasy or smelly coat, or red irritated skin are reasons to call your vet. Allergies, parasites and thyroid problems can all affect the coat.
A professional groomer can help with deshedding treatments, nail trims and tidying, especially if you are short on time or your dog finds home grooming stressful.
Grooming and boarding
Before a boarding stay, a bath and brushing a few days earlier keep your dog comfortable and cut down on loose hair. Mention to your boarding facility if your dog has any skin issues or sensitive spots.
Short, regular grooming sessions at home also build trust, so handling feels normal anywhere your dog goes.
Tools worth owning
You do not need a closet full of gear. A slicker brush, a metal comb, a rubber curry brush or deshedding tool, nail clippers or a grinder, a dog ear cleaner and a gentle dog shampoo cover almost everything. Add a towel and a non-slip mat for baths.
Buy decent quality tools. Cheap brushes can break hair or irritate skin, and a good set lasts for years.
Make grooming a happy habit
Start young and keep sessions short. Pair brushing with treats and praise, and handle paws, ears and mouth gently every day. Dogs who learn to enjoy handling are much easier for owners, groomers and veterinarians to care for.
If your dog fidgets, stop before they get upset and try again later. Ending on a good note builds trust.
Seasonal coat care
In spring and fall, expect clumps of undercoat to come out. A short daily brushing session during these weeks keeps hair off the furniture. Use a rake or deshedding tool carefully so you do not irritate the skin.
In summer, focus on keeping your dog cool, with shade and water, and check for ticks after outdoor time. In winter, dry your dog after wet or snowy walks and check between the toes for ice balls.
Ready for a puppy?
Thinking about a Lab or Golden puppy? See our puppies, call 319-759-4210 or message us on Facebook. More answers are in our FAQ, and you can find us in Sperry.