Golden Retriever Grooming Guide: 16 Expert Tips

An A-Z Grooming Guide to Make Sure Your Golden Retriever Is Happy and Clean

There's no question that goldens are gorgeous. Their pretty, flowy coats and easy-going attitudes are just two of many reasons that they're one of the most popular breeds in America. Your pup might be busy chasing butterflies, loving life and befriending everyone they meet-leaving it up to you to learn how to groom a golden retriever. Dog grooming is a part of every pet parent's life, so we've got you covered with the top 16 golden retriever grooming tips.

Grooming Your Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers' flowing coats are relatively easy to care for. But grooming is important to help keep them looking their best. Goldens were bred to be hunting dogs, and their "wash and wear" style hails from the breed's long days spent retrieving in the fields. For proper routine maintenance, it can often entail daily brushing and about 30 minutes per week of coat, nail and ear care to help you have a clean, happy golden.

There are also various golden retriever grooming styles to choose from that range from higher to lower maintenance. The "show cut" or natural style doesn't require much cutting at all-it's a simple golden retriever haircut that goes along with the golden's natural hair. This means hair on the tail, neck and chest stays long and feathered, letting that fur flow. For the least amount of golden retriever grooming, you can opt for a shorter cut. The tail, paws, neck and chest will be thinned and trimmed, and the body fur will be clipped shorter. You'll still need to brush, but the process will be quicker.

How often should I bathe my Golden Retriever?

Bathing is an essential part of golden retriever grooming, but how often to do it depends on your dog's lifestyle. Goldens can sometimes go up to six weeks without a bath, but if you notice them getting dirty-it's time. On the other hand, you often won't need to bathe your golden more than once a week. Too much bathing might strip the golden retriever coat of its natural oils, possibly drying the skin and dulling your golden's shine.

How long should Golden Retriever nails be?

Golden retriever nails are no different from any other dog nails. If you hear a lot of clacking when your dog walks on hard floors-it's time to trim. Your dog's nails shouldn't protrude past the paws of their feet, and they shouldn't touch the floor when your dog is standing. Clipping their nails every two to four weeks can often be a good schedule for your pup.

How do I clean Golden Retriever ears?

Golden retriever ears are floppy and furry, making them prone to a buildup of wax or dirt. Goldens also love water, another potential risk factor for ear irritation and infections. Look at your golden's ears during your weekly grooming sessions and look for redness, debris or excessive wax. Check out our article How to Clean Your Dog's Ears 101 for step-by-step instructions on this important part of golden retriever grooming.

Golden Retriever Grooming Tools

Learning how to groom a golden retriever can be relatively easy, but you'll still need a few specialized tools. Dog brushes and deshedding tools are a must for your golden's thick double coat, especially in the spring when they "blow" their undercoat, shedding the fur built up for winter warmth. You might even require dog hair clippers, shears or other accessories to help keep the undercoat under control.

For bath time, you'll need a high-quality shampoo-some pet parents also like to use a conditioner and a coat spray to make that golden coat gleam. You may even want a blow-dryer to speed up the drying time and make your pup's hair silky smooth and straight. Golden retriever grooming tools often include the basics-nail clippers, a toothbrush, dog toothpaste and any ear cleaning solution. At Petco, we've got the dog grooming supplies you need to help keep your beautiful retriever sparkling clean.

16 Tips for How to Groom a Golden Retriever

Goldens have a heart of gold, so you'll want to help make sure that your golden can really shine. Follow these golden retriever grooming tips to show off one of the best-looking pups in town.

Part One: Brushing

The golden is known for having a beautiful coat-but it will often only stay that way with regular brushing.

1. Brush Often

Many grooming tasks may only need to be done once a week, and bathing can often be even less frequent. Brushing, however, should ideally be done at least every few days, and it doesn't hurt to make brushing your golden a daily habit.

2. Use the Right Type of Brush

Golden retriever grooming kits should always include an undercoat rake and a slicker brush. Start with the undercoat rake to work through any mats, then use the slicker brush for detangling the topcoat.

3. Look for Mats

Mats are clumps of tangled hair and can be uncomfortable for dogs. If you're brushing regularly, you often won't see many. If you do, try to brush it out while holding it at the base so it doesn't pull on your dog's skin. If you can't brush it out, you might consider cutting it out with shears or scissors.

4. Brush All Over

Golden retriever grooming focuses on a few areas where they grow more hair, like the shoulders, chest and neck. Don't forget the belly, tail and ears, which can easily get tangled and pick up debris.

Part Two: The Bath

A clean golden is often a happy golden. But the thick golden retriever coat means there are a few special tips for bath time.

5. Brush Before and After

Seeing a pattern? Brushing is the key to how to groom a golden retriever appropriately. Brushing before a bath will help the shampoo work its way in. Brushing afterward-when your golden is completely dry-helps avoid tangles.

6. Use a Quality Shampoo

Better-quality shampoo means a healthier coat. You'll ideally avoid anything with preservatives or other irritants. If your dog has sensitive skin, you'll likely want to avoid added colors, fragrances or sulfates.

7. Try Conditioner and Coat Spray

Did you know there are conditioners and sprays for dogs, just like for humans? You can use a detangling spray when you brush, conditioner at bath time and end your golden retriever grooming routine with a polishing spray.

8. Work It Out

Make sure you really work the shampoo into your dog's coat, then rinse thoroughly. You may even want to shampoo and rinse twice to ensure your pup is squeaky clean.

9. Make Sure Your Dog Is Completely Dry

It's the double coat again-drying a golden can take a while. That's why golden retriever grooming kits often include one human tool-a blow-dryer. And if you don't go this route, it can help to have lots of thick, fluffy towels on hand for drying.

Part Three: The Trim

Since they're already so beautiful, there aren't many golden retriever grooming styles. Trimming can be relatively simple with these tips.

10. Watch the Undercoat

Goldens' undercoat protects them from the temperature by trapping air between the layers, helping to keep them warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. Golden retriever grooming tools generally don't include clippers because you may potentially interfere with the undercoat.

11. Know Where to Focus

You might notice more fur on your pup's shoulders, chest and neck, so start there. Then check and trim the ears to help keep them looking sharp. Finally, focus on the tail-that happy wag machine can quickly get messy.

12. Don't Forget the Paws

Things can get very hairy around your golden's paws. Trim away the fur around the edges, then brush the hair between the toes upwards and trim it. Make sure the coat lays flat against the foot and doesn't stick out.

13. Follow the Natural Coat

The golden retriever coat is most often kept natural. It's one of the things that makes learning how to groom a golden retriever relatively simple. Follow the direction of growth when trimming and keep it symmetrical-then you'll be good to go.

Part Four: The Nails, Ears and Eyes

Nails, ears and eyes are just as important as the coat to keeping your golden retriever looking fresh.

14. Don't Force It

Some dogs don't like their paws and ears touched-so it might be ideal to familiarize your dog with grooming as a puppy. Adult dogs may need some training in this area. Use lots of treats and rewards to get your dog used to the tools before you start grooming.

15. Watch the Quick

Be careful when trimming nails-like all dogs, golden retriever nails have a quick-or the soft inner core of their nail-that helps keep the nail alive. You can see the quick in white nails, but you'll have to rely on touch for black nails. There will be a groove you can feel where the quick begins. Alternatively, book a grooming appointment with a trained pet stylist.

16. Use the Tub

A lot of golden retriever grooming happens in the bathtub. The tub can be useful to help contain both your golden and the ear cleaning and eye wipe solutions you might be using. Your dog may shake their head when you do these parts of the grooming process, so it's best to be prepared for potential mess during bath time.

Now that you know how to groom a golden retriever, your habits will help to raise clean, happy and thriving goldens. With any luck, you can be less stressed when grooming time rolls around-it's a win-win for everyone.

Golden Retriever Grooming Schedule: Frequency & Task Guide

Use this at-a-glance reference to build a consistent grooming routine for your golden. Consistency is the single biggest factor in keeping that signature double coat mat-free, lustrous and comfortable year-round.

Pro tip: Shedding peaks in spring when goldens "blow" their winter undercoat. Bumping brushing to a daily session during this period — and adding a deshedding treatment at bath time — can significantly reduce loose fur around your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my golden retriever? Daily brushing is ideal for a golden retriever's thick double coat. At a minimum, brush every 2–3 days to prevent mats from forming, especially in high-friction areas like the chest, shoulders and behind the ears. During seasonal shedding periods, daily brushing is strongly recommended.

Can I shave my golden retriever in summer to keep him cool? No — and this is one of the most important golden retriever grooming rules. A golden's double coat acts as natural insulation, trapping air to keep him cool in heat and warm in cold. Shaving can disrupt this system and may leave the skin vulnerable to sunburn and overheating. Instead, keep up with regular deshedding and brushing to allow the coat to do its job.

How do I know when my golden retriever's nails are too long? If you hear a distinct clicking sound when your golden walks across a hard floor, or if the nails visibly extend past the paw pad when he's standing, it's time for a trim. A general schedule of every 2–4 weeks helps most pet parents stay ahead of overgrowth. If you're unsure about trimming at home, a Petco-certified groomer can help.

Why are golden retrievers prone to ear infections, and how do I prevent them? Golden retrievers have floppy, heavily furred ears that limit airflow, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria and yeast can thrive. Their love of water adds additional moisture risk. Weekly ear inspections and cleaning every 2–4 weeks — or after swimming — can help support ear health. If you notice redness, odor or your dog shaking his head frequently, consult your veterinarian promptly.

How often should I bathe my golden retriever? Most golden retrievers do well with a bath every 4–6 weeks. Bathing more frequently than once a week can strip the coat of its natural oils, potentially leading to dry skin and a dull coat. If your golden has been swimming or rolling in something unpleasant, a rinse or bath sooner is perfectly fine — just use a gentle, dog-formulated shampoo.

When should I take my golden retriever to a professional groomer instead of grooming at home? A Petco-certified groomer is a great resource every 8–12 weeks for trims, deshedding treatments and a thorough clean. You should also seek professional help if you encounter mats too dense to brush out safely, if your golden is anxious about nail trims, or if you notice any skin changes — redness, bumps or unusual odor — during your grooming sessions. Always loop in your veterinarian for anything that looks like a health concern rather than a grooming issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I groom my golden retriever? Plan on brushing your golden retriever at least every few days — daily during heavy shedding seasons like spring and fall when goldens "blow" their undercoat. Beyond brushing, a solid weekly routine covering ears, paws and a coat check, plus nail trims every two to four weeks, will keep your golden looking and feeling his best. Bathing can range from once a week to once every six weeks depending on how much outdoor adventure your pup gets into.

Can I groom my golden retriever at home? Yes — with the right tools and a little patience, most golden retriever grooming can be done at home between professional salon visits. Brushing, bathing, ear cleaning, nail trims and basic trimming around the paws, ears and tail are all manageable for most pet parents. For more complex cuts or if your golden has severe matting, a Petco-certified groomer can step in and help.

What tools do I need to groom a golden retriever at home? A well-stocked golden retriever grooming kit should include: an undercoat rake, a slicker brush, grooming shears or scissors, nail clippers, a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste, an ear cleaning solution, a high-quality shampoo formulated for double coats, a detangling conditioner or coat spray, and a blow-dryer to speed drying of that thick double coat. Clippers are generally not recommended for golden retrievers, as shaving or clipping too close can disrupt the undercoat's ability to regulate your dog's body temperature.

How often should I bathe my golden retriever? Most golden retrievers do well with a bath somewhere between once a week and once every six weeks — the right frequency depends on your dog's activity level and how dirty he gets. Bathing too frequently can strip the coat of its natural oils, potentially drying out the skin and dulling that signature golden shine. When in doubt, let your nose and eyes guide you, and consult your veterinarian if your golden's skin seems persistently dry or irritated.

Are golden retrievers prone to ear infections, and how do I prevent them? Golden retrievers have floppy, heavily furred ears that trap moisture and limit airflow, making them more susceptible to wax buildup, debris accumulation and ear infections — especially since many goldens love water. Check your golden's ears during every weekly grooming session and look for redness, odor or excessive wax. Gently clean the outer ear with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution as needed. If you notice persistent redness, discharge or your dog is shaking his head frequently, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Should I shave my golden retriever in the summer to keep him cool? No — shaving a golden retriever is not recommended. The double coat actually works in both directions: it traps warm air in winter and insulates against heat in summer, helping regulate your dog's body temperature. Shaving can interfere with this natural system and may leave your golden more vulnerable to sunburn and overheating, not less. Instead, keep up with regular brushing to remove loose undercoat, ensure access to shade and fresh water, and speak with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog's comfort in warm weather.

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.