The Golden Retriever is the third most popular dog breed in America, according to the American Kennel Club’s 2025 rankings, and Brooklyn has its share of them. They are friendly, active, and covered in a thick golden coat that sheds year-round and collects everything from park mud to city grit. At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a full Golden Retriever groom starts at $103, and this guide covers shedding, brushing, feathering, bathing, and what to expect at the groomer.
Understanding the Golden Retriever Coat
A Golden has a double coat: a dense, water-repellent outer coat over a soft, thick undercoat. The longer “feathering” on the chest, belly, backs of the legs, ears, and tail is where most tangles start. The undercoat insulates the dog in winter and summer, which is why shaving a Golden is almost never a good idea.
Because this coat is so dense, loose hair does not always fall out right away. It stays trapped under the topcoat until you brush it out or it releases in a big seasonal shed. Our guide to the science of shedding explains why double-coated dogs behave this way.
Do Golden Retrievers Shed a Lot?
Yes. A Golden Retriever sheds all year, and twice a year, usually in spring and fall, the undercoat comes out in clumps, often called “blowing coat.” In a Brooklyn apartment that means hair on sofas, floors, and every dark jacket you own.
Quick answer: Goldens shed heavily year-round with two big seasonal peaks. Regular brushing and professional deshedding baths are the best way to keep it under control. Shaving does not stop shedding and can damage the coat.
How to Brush a Golden Retriever
Brush two to three times a week, and daily during the spring and fall peaks. Use an undercoat rake or deshedding tool to lift the dead undercoat, then a slicker brush and a metal comb for the feathering.
- Work in sections, brushing from the skin outward.
- Check behind the ears, under the legs, along the chest, and around the tail, where tangles form first.
- Finish with a comb to confirm you reached the base of the hair.
- Brush before baths, since water tightens tangles.
Our guide to the best brushes for every coat shows which tools suit double coats, and this grooming products guide helps with shampoos and sprays.
Why You Should Not Shave a Golden Retriever
It is tempting to shave a Golden in summer, but the double coat actually helps regulate body temperature and protects the skin from sun and insects. Shaving can leave the coat patchy, change its texture as it grows back, and does not reduce shedding. A professional trim of the feathering, paws, and sanitary area, plus a thorough deshedding bath, keeps your dog cooler and tidier. For summer-specific advice, see our summer grooming tips.
Bathing and Drying
A bath every four to eight weeks suits most Goldens, depending on how active they are. Rinse thoroughly, because leftover shampoo can irritate the skin, and dry completely. A damp undercoat is one of the most common causes of hot spots, which are red, itchy, sore patches that can appear quickly. Our full groom includes shampoo and conditioning, a blow dry, nail clipping and filing, ear cleaning, and a dental inspection.
Ears, Nails and Paws
Golden Retrievers have floppy ears that trap moisture, especially after swimming or baths, so they are prone to ear infections. Check the ears weekly for odor, redness, or discharge, and read our ear cleaning guide for what to look for. Trim the hair between the paw pads to keep slippery floors and snow from becoming a problem, and see how to trim dog nails for a simple routine.
How Often Does a Golden Retriever Need Professional Grooming?
Every six to eight weeks works for most dogs, and every four to six weeks during heavy shedding seasons. See how often to take your dog to the groomer for more general guidance. If you want to understand what a deshedding session does, our dog deshedding treatment guide covers it. Comparing breeds? Our German Shepherd grooming guide covers a similar double coat.
Golden Retriever Grooming Cost in Brooklyn
These are Brooklyn Pet Spa starting prices from our breed rate chart. Final pricing depends on size, coat condition, matting, and temperament, and service tax applies.
| Service | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Grooming haircut + bath package | $103+ |
| Groomer’s bath | $78+ |
| Wash N Go | $58+ |
Popular add-ons for this coat include a sheddless treatment ($30-$50), a deep conditioner ($22-$50), and brushing ($15). Appointments typically take 2 to 4 hours, even if online booking shows a shorter slot.
At-Home Golden Retriever Grooming Checklist
- Brush two to three times a week, and daily during spring and fall shedding.
- Use an undercoat rake, then a slicker brush and comb on the feathering.
- Check the ears weekly, especially after swimming.
- Dry the coat completely after baths and rain.
- Do not shave the coat. Ask a groomer about trimming the feathering instead.
- Book professional grooming every six to eight weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my Golden Retriever?
Two to three times a week most of the year, and daily when the coat is blowing in spring and fall.
Should I shave my Golden Retriever in summer?
No. The double coat helps with temperature control and sun protection. A deshedding bath and trimmed feathering are safer and more effective.
Do Golden Retrievers shed all year?
Yes, with two heavier shedding seasons each year. Regular brushing and professional deshedding help the most.
How much does Golden Retriever grooming cost in Brooklyn?
At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a full groom starts at $103, a groomer’s bath at $78, and a Wash N Go at $58. Matted or very large coats may cost more.
How often does a Golden Retriever need a groomer?
Every six to eight weeks for most dogs, and more often during heavy shedding seasons.
Where can I find a dog groomer near me in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn Pet Spa is a cage-free grooming salon in Park Slope serving Brooklyn since 2008. Call +1 (718) 768-0293 or book online.
Ready for a cleaner, less hairy Golden? Book a grooming appointment at Brooklyn Pet Spa or explore our grooming services in Brooklyn.
