A Golden Retriever with short hair? Yes, you heard me right. If you asked any Golden Retriever owner about what they hate the most about their dogs, they would definitely say their long hair. Dogs with thick coats shed more heavily, which often makes potential dog owners to consider alternatives. Such as the short-haired Golden Retriever that is often the subject of many debates.
Until this day, many people seem to not know the truth. Some will say they saw these dogs, others claim it is simply impossible for the Golden Retriever to have short hair. So what is the truth? Is there a short hair Golden Retriever? And what is the reason behind Golden Retriever’s Short Hair? Is it difficult to find a short-haired golden puppy? And how can you keep a Golden Retriever short coat?
In this article, we will answer all of these questions and end this debate once and for all.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Is There a Short Hair Golden Retriever?
The short answer is NO, there is no such a thing called a Golden Retriever with short hair.
However, there are some Dogs with short hair that look like Golden Retrievers, may be a mix-breed or another type of retriever. Here are some breeds that look and behave exactly like a Golden Retriever:
– English Springer Spaniel
– Bernese Mountain Dog
– Labrador Retriever
– Flat-Coated Retriever
– Leonberger
– Great Pyrenees
– Chesapeake Bay Retriever
– Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
If you own a short haired Golden Retriever, you can contact the breeder or shelter from which you buy your puppy, to confirm if your dog is purebred. There is no need to worry, though. Golden Retrievers have excellent genes that produce glorious mix-breeds.
Reason Behind Golden Retriever With Short Hair?
Goldens are known for their long double coated fur, so if your Golden Retriever has short hair, you don’t need to panic, there are many reasons for your short haired retriever:
a. Nutrition
“You are what you eat?” Well, this saying applies to your Golden Retriever’s fur. Your Golden Retriever’s diet plays a massive role in determining the health of their fur.
The first step you should take to ensure that your Golden Retriever’s fur coat is healthy is by feeding them high-quality dog food that includes several vital vitamins for your Golden Retriever.
Beyond feeding your Golden Retriever diet, you should also include some supplements too. Fish oil supplements contain Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6. These supplements nourish your Golden Retriever’s skin and fur, as well as strengthen and support their hair follicles.
b. Health Conditions
As we all know, hair is closely associated with overall health and immune system, in other words, when your Golden Retriever is sick, their fur will also suffer. These illnesses will significantly reduce the quality of your Golden’s fur, and they may even start shedding excessively.
In case your golden has an illness that is characterized by a hair-loss effect. Such diseases include Alopecia and alopecia causes dog’s hair loss. It may create the impression of a short haired golden puppy
c. Age
If you own a short haired golden puppy, that does not mean that your puppy will always have short hair. Golden Retrievers only gain their mature fur coats when they are one year and a half. Hence, if your breeder told you that the parents of your golden had long hair, then it is likely that your Golden Retriever will have long hair too.
When your Golden Retriever gains their mature coat, their fur coat typically grows from their tail. This growing process will move over to the rest of their body until it completely covers their bodies in their matured fur coat. Keep in mind that all dogs are different, and your Golden Retriever could be a late bloomer.
d. Weather
Weather can also play a crucial part for your Golden Retriever short hair. If you are living in a hot area, then your Golden Retriever may suffer from dry skin and hair. As your Golden Retriever’s skin dries, their hair will fall out or break. Which will give you the impression of a Golden Retriever with short hair.
e. Genetics
Your Golden Retriever’s short hair is likely hereditary. If your Golden Retriever’s parents had short fur, then expect your Golden Retriever will have short hair as well. Although some Golden Retrievers with short hair may be mixed breeds, some Golden Retrievers are simply born with shorter hair.
Usually when Golden Retrievers are mixed with another breed, it’s typically a breed that takes part in dog shows. Because in these shows, long hair is more appealing.
Finding a Short Haired Golden Retriever Puppy
It is difficult to find a short haired golden puppy since all puppies start out with relatively short fur. We recommend, when looking for a short hair Golden Retriever, it’s a good idea to look at the puppy’s history. As you’re choosing puppies bred from two Goldens with short fur, the puppies are more likely to inherit the same trait!
As we mentioned earlier, field Golden Retrievers have shorter fur than those bred for show or companionship. So, it can help to look for a field-bred puppy , just make sure their personality needs suit your lifestyle.
Above all else, you must prioritize the breeder you buy from. Goldens can suffer from health issues like cancer and joint issues. So when choosing a reputable breeder you are limiting the risk,
You can also search for an older Golden Retriever in rescue shelters. Keep in mind, there is a slight chance that you will find a Golden Retriever in a shelter since this is a very popular breed.
Can You Keep Golden Retriever Hair Short?
The short answer is yes, Golden Retrievers’ fur can be short through trimming. But it is important to avoid trimming their coat anywhere other than specific areas, like their toes, paws, and ears.
We recommend taking your dog to a professional groomer so he can take care of all the difficult areas.
Keep in mind, Goldens naturally shed to keep the equilibrium in their coat. So, it is best never to shave a Golden’s fur, as it will not stop shedding. In fact, the Golden’s coat will be permanently damaged and will never grow back the same.
Some dog owners who are looking to get a Golden Retriever may be discouraged from their excessive fur shedding. Since shedding is unavoidable, they may shed throughout the year. It may even be heavier with the changing of seasons. However, there are many things pet owners can do to help keep it under control.
a. Frequent Brushing
Brushing at least twice a week helps remove Golden’s excess hair in a controlled manner. It can also help dog owners check their dog’s skin for any irritations, abrasions, or skin issues. Goldens also love the feeling and the extra attention, so they will accept it into their routine fast.
b. Regular Bathing
Goldens are water dogs, so most Goldens adore baths, and it is an effective approach to deal with shading. When you wash your dog all the weakened hair will be washed away. Keep in mind not to bathe Goldens too often, as this can cause skin and fur problems.
c. Feed Only High-Quality Food
As I mentioned before, a healthy and nutritious dog food is vital for a Golden Retriever’s skin. As a result, it will help them keep the shedding under control and have a healthy skin.
d. Lessen Their Stress
Stress and worry can increase the pace at which Goldens shed. It is important to keep them calm and in a good mood by giving them plenty of opportunities to exercise and a lot of attention and love. In addition, dog toys can help them calm and exercise their chewing instincts.
Final Thoughts
While there are no Golden Retrievers with short hair, there are still some suitable alternatives. This guide can also be a reminder for all potential Golden owners that shedding is manageable.
To sum up, Golden Retrievers are worth every effort put into them. They are excellent with other pets and other people, making them the perfect addition to your family.
