Do Golden Retrievers Drool? Breed Characteristics & Other Non Drooling Breeds
Updated on
Click to Skip Ahead
All dog breeds are prone to some degree of drooling, but while some, like greyhounds, are known to drool minimally, others, like Mastiff breeds, are known to produce a lot of drool. The Golden Retriever is not known for excessive drooling but some, typically those with larger jaws, can drool more than others.
While it can be unsightly and may actually be a symptom of an underlying health condition, there may not be very much you can do about drooling if your dog is prone to the issue. Below, we look at Golden Retrievers and their tendency to drool, as well as possible causes and a list of breeds that are known to drool less than others.
About Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers originate from Scotland, where they were used to retrieve downed game for their hunter handlers.¹ They are able to tolerate cold and wet conditions and, because they were used to gather birds from water as well as fields, they are at home in water.
The Golden Retriever is a very popular pet breed. It’s loyal, intelligent, and gets on well with just about everybody, including strangers and visitors to the home. They do require plenty of exercise, however, and that long double coat needs regular tending to ensure that it doesn’t get matted and become uncomfortable for your Retriever.
Do Golden Retrievers Drool?
Drooling tends to be more prominent in dogs that have large jowls and big jaws. Although this does not usually include the Golden Retriever breed, some have larger jaws and jowls than others. If your Retriever has these characteristics, then it is possible that they will drool. It is especially common when food is involved because this causes them to salivate. Drooling is also more common in Golden Retrievers after they have exercised or consumed water.
Why Do Dogs Drool?
As mentioned earlier, some dogs naturally drool more than others because they have large jaws and jowls, and all dogs are more prone to salivate when they are excited, after exercise, or when they anticipate food.
However, if your dog is not usually a drooler but has suddenly started drooling a lot, it could be a symptom of a health problem. Common conditions that do cause drooling include:
- Dental problems
- Nausea
- Poisoning
- Food intolerance
- Something lodged in the mouth or throat
Rabies also causes excessive drooling. While it is much less common than it once was, rabies is still a concern that you should be mindful of.
The 5 Dog Breeds That Drool Least
No matter what breed of dog you opt for, there is a chance of drool. But the following five breeds are considered among those that drool the least:
1. Bichon Frise
If you’re looking for a small breed with a lot of character that isn’t prone to slobbering, the Bichon Frise is a good option. It is an intelligent dog that makes a great companion.
2. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a high-energy dog that can run for hours on end without getting tired or bored. It needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation, but it doesn’t usually produce excessive amounts of drool.
3. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small breed that is popular as a companion pet, although it can be prone to fits of yapping. This little breed is usually great with kids and has the added bonus that it won’t leak drool when it is playing.
4. Dachshund
The Dachshund is another popular family pet thanks to its friendly nature, playful attitude, and its somewhat smaller size—not to mention its unique appearance and shape.
5. Husky
The Husky can be a challenging pet. It requires plenty of exercise and its tendency to vocalize about absolutely everything means that it may not be suitable if you have neighbors in close proximity, but you shouldn’t have to deal with large puddles of slobber.
Conclusion
The Golden Retriever is a very popular breed of dog, especially with families that are looking for an intelligent, friendly family companion. Those with large jaws may suffer some degree of drooling, although the breed is not known for being especially heavy droolers. If your Retriever has started drooling and isn’t normally a drooler, it may be worth consulting a vet to ensure there isn’t an underlying health condition.
Featured Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock
