Are Golden Retrievers Double Coated? Breed Fur Characteristics & Care Tips
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A double coat means a dog has two layers of fur, one that is short and dense and one that is long and fluffy. Some people believe that all Golden Retrievers are double coated, while others claim that only certain varieties have this type of coat. It turns out there is a definitive answer to this question: Yes, Golden Retrievers are double coated! So, read on to find out more about this breed’s fur and the different things that you can do to help support their coat health.
Golden Retrievers Have a Double Coat
All Golden Retrievers have a double coat. Both the American Kennel Club1 and the Kennel Club2 of the United Kingdom specify a double coat in their breed standards. The dog should also have feathery longer hairs on their ears, legs, chests, and tails. There are two types of coats for these dogs: flat or wavy. The outer coat is water resistant, and the inner or under coat is soft and thick. While all Golden Retrievers have this double coat, it may be more or less dense, depending on the individual dog’s genes and environment.
The Function of a Double Coat in Golden Retrievers
This unique coat helps this breed stay warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. In cold and wet conditions, a Golden Retriever with a dense double coat is well-suited because it provides water resistance and insulation. Additionally, the double coat helps protect these dogs from getting scratched by sticks and branches or bitten by insects or other parasites. During the summer, when the undercoat sheds, the guard hairs of the overcoat act as insulation. Guard hairs protect your dog’s skin from sunburn and allow cool air to flow over their bodies while also reflecting the sun’s rays.
What Are the Drawbacks of a Double Coat?
One of the main drawbacks to having a double coat is that it can be quite a bit of work to maintain. Golden Retrievers, for example, require regular brushing and bathing to keep their coats looking healthy and shiny. In addition, dogs with double coats are more prone to developing mats in their fur, which can be difficult to remove without causing discomfort to the dog. Another downside of a double coat is that it can make dogs more susceptible to overheating in warm weather.
What Are the Different Types of Coats in Dogs?
When it comes to the coats of dogs, a few different types can be classified. There is the single coat, the double coat, and the hairless coat. Each type of coat has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The single coat is the most common type of coat. These dogs have a thin layer of fur that is relatively short. This type of coat is typically sleek and does not provide much insulation against the cold. Breeds that fall into this category include the Greyhound, the Whippet, and the Saluki. These dogs are not well-suited for climates with cold winters and tend to fare better in warmer environments.
Along with the Golden Retriever, other double-coated breeds include the Alaskan Malamute, the Samoyed, the Chow Chow, the Siberian Husky, and the Norwegian Elkhound. There are a variety of hairless dog breeds, which are breeds of dogs that have little to no hair. These breeds include the Mexican Hairless, or the Xoloitzcuintle, and the Chinese Crested. With the right clothing and shelter, these dogs can be kept comfortable in all climates.
Golden Retrievers & Shedding
Golden Retrievers are considered a “heavy shedding” dog breed and will require more grooming than a “light shedding” dog breed. There are a few things you can do to help take care of your Golden Retriever’s coat and minimize the amount of hair they lose. During shedding season, which usually occurs once or twice a year, make sure to brush your dog’s coat daily to remove any loose hair. During the spring and fall, they “blow” their coats.
To minimize the amount of hair your Golden Retriever sheds, when your dog is shedding heavily, you should brush them at least once a day. You can use a pin brush to remove any dead hair. Brushing will also help to distribute the oils evenly along the coat, which will help to keep it healthy and shiny. During times when your dog is shedding normally, you can ease back to brushing once a week. This should keep your dog’s fur free of knots and tangles and prevent your house from being covered in unwanted fluff.
Taking Care of Tangles
There are a few things to keep in mind when caring for a Golden Retriever’s coat. One of the most important is to avoid tangles as much as possible. You can do this by brushing your dog’s coat regularly, and if tangles do form, add a small amount of dog conditioner to your dog’s fur before brushing. When brushing, make sure to go against the grain of the hair to remove any knots. Remember that with this breed, brushing and detangling are going to be a key part of your care for your pet. This is an overhead that comes with the Golden Retriever breed, but it’s a small price to pay for all the love and loyalty they give us in return.
Brushing Before Bathing
One must brush their Golden Retriever before bathing them in order to remove any dirt, debris, or mats in the fur. This will help to ensure a clean and healthy bath for the dog. If you don’t brush your dog first, there will be a lot of hair floating around in the bathtub. The process of brushing a Golden Retriever before bathing can help to make the bath easier and more effective, as well as reduce the amount of time it takes to groom the dog.
Conclusion
Golden Retrievers are double coated, meaning they have a layer of fur that protects them from the elements. This fur is important for keeping them warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. It also helps to protect their skin from sunburn. If you are considering getting a Golden Retriever, be sure to groom them regularly to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
- Related Read: What Are Guard Hairs on a Dog?
Featured Image Credit: Melanie Mai, Pixabay
