What Sheds Less: Lab or Golden?
Animal allergies can make it hard for families to welcome new pet companions into their homes.
However, with research, preparation, and regular proper care, you can welcome a beautiful Labrador or Golden Retriever with minimal issues.
What Sheds Less: Lab or Golden?
Labs and Goldens actually shed about the same amount of hair. They’re both double-coated breeds that will lose hair on a regular schedule based on the season. However, since Golden’s have longer fur than Labradors, the overall volume of hair you’ll find in your house will be greater with a Golden than a Lab.
You may think Golden Retrievers shed more because of the length of their hair and how it can build up around the home.
While both breeds shed at the same rate, the sheer volume of hair a Golden Retriever sheds often looks more on average.
You can keep your home clean and minimize hairs and dander with routine cleanings and the proper tools.
Your allergies don’t have to control the pet companions you bring into your life.
Learn more about how to mitigate the effects of loose hair and dander in your home now.
Does a Lab or a Golden Retriever shed less?
Both of these dogs carry hefty double coats that they shed every spring and fall.
Even when the season isn’t changing, they’re likely to still lose a fine amount of hair on a weekly or monthly basis.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers shed more than other dog breeds, coating the home in tufts and mountains of loose hair and dander.
A Golden Retriever typically has longer hairs, which show up more easily on furniture, clothes, and in the corners of rooms.
Labs have shorter coats that can blend into the carpet or in with the average dirt of a home.
You’re more likely to notice just how much your Labrador has shed when you check your vacuum filter.
A Golden’s seemingly extra hair can be a pain to deal with, setting off everyone’s allergies and presenting unique grooming requirements to keep the home clean.
If you suffer from extreme sensitivity to pet hair or dander, these two dog breeds might not be the ideal choice.
You can mitigate the negative effects on your allergies by following a strict cleaning schedule and implementing regular dog baths and brushings.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers are wonderful breeds that love to be around their families.
Their social and emotional benefits more than outweigh their moderate to heavy shedding rates as long as you’re prepared to put in the extra work.
Which is a better pet, a Labor a Golden Retriever?
Your family’s ideal dog breed depends on what you’re looking for in a pet companion.
Both Labs and Goldens live for about 10 to 12 years and often weigh about the same.
They’re easy to train and are typically very social dogs that enjoy spending a lot of time with their families.
However, Labs and Goldens also have different needs and can react differently to varying amounts of alone time, exercise, and younger family members.
Golden Retrievers are highly social creatures who constantly want attention and to be by your side.
They’ll follow you from room to room and want to cuddle on the couch when you sit down.
This breed is typically calmer than a Labrador and is better suited to older children.
Their coats are also longer and require more grooming to fully manage the shedding and avoid matted hair, knots, and tangles.
Labs are more energetic than Golden Retrievers and like a little more exercise during their day.
They enjoy swimming and playing with smaller children who are just as full of energy.
This breed tends to be a bit more mischievous and playful.
Both Labs and Goldens are at risk of certain cancers and dysplasia, which can be minimized by adopting from responsible breeders who can detail the health of the bloodline.
While Labradors and Golden Retrievers are often viewed interchangeably, your family will better benefit from understanding what drives these breeds and in what conditions they will surely thrive.
Every dog deserves a loving family that will give them the best chance of complete health and happiness.
What helps dogs shed less?
Shedding is a common issue that families face when they adopt bigger dogs with double coats.
No animal is completely hypoallergenic as it isn’t the hair that activates sensitivities but rather the animal proteins attached to the hair.
More hair around your home can worsen sensitivities and chase away your friends from visiting.
While you can’t stop your dog from shedding altogether, you can start practicing more active grooming and healthy diet routines.
Regular brushing a couple of times a week can remove the hair from your home before it has a chance to stick to all your furniture.
A rubber curry brush or bristle brush can pull the hair easily from your pet companion and let you collect it into a pile.
Opt to comb them outside so the hair isn’t being filtered back into the home accidentally.
Leaving the hair outside also makes it useable to wildlife in the area that may need nesting materials.
Frequent brushings can improve your bond with your dog and give you designated quality time during the day.
Ensure the brush is gentle enough to be used frequently without irritating the skin.
You should also regularly bathe your Labrador or Golden Retriever to help with parasites, pests, and excessive shedding.
Massaging shampoo down into the very roots of the hair prompts the skin to release dead strands rather than litter them around the home.
Your dog’s diet, exercise level, and overall health also determine how frequently they shed along with their genetics.
If your pet companion begins shedding more hair more quickly, develops bald spots or any other unusual health signs, take them to a veterinarian immediately for a check-up.
How do I get rid of the dog hair in my home?
Taking care of the hair at the source will minimize how much is spread around your home.
Owning dogs already comes with an extra degree of necessary cleaning to keep the home looking and smelling nice.
Regularly vacuum carpeted areas and especially the stairs every couple of days.
Shake out your rugs outside before also cleaning them with a vacuum.
Investing in microfiber fabrics for your curtains, couches, and blankets can minimize how much hair sticks to the surface.
Regularly mop the floors and wash your sheets at least once a week if not more based on your allergy needs.
While a preliminary floor and surface wipe-down can take care of some of the dirt and hair, you’ll likely have to thoroughly sweep and mop to completely clean rooms.
Finally, change your furnace’s filters every one to two months depending on how many animals you have in the home.
This will keep your air quality manageable and stop hair and dander from piling up in the ductwork or outside vents.
Related Questions
Do brown or yellow Labs shed more?
Shedding can vary based on your dog’s size, diet, and health.
The color of the dog’s coat likely won’t affect its average shed rate, but you’ll be more likely to spot the hair if it stands out against your carpet or furniture.
Many dog lovers believe that black and brown Labs typically shed less but this is likely a fallacy.
Don’t let fear of an increased shed rate stop you from adopting the pet companion you’ve always wanted.
Understand how your new dog’s hair will show up against your carpets and rugs and be prepared for the moderate to heavy shed rate that comes with Labradors.
What’s the best dog food for shedding?
If you’re dealing with over-excessive shedding, contact your veterinarian for a check-up and for diet and health recommendations.
Dogs benefit from more fatty acids in their diet like Omega 3 and Omega 6.
The right nutrients support your dog’s coat as well as the health of their skin, bones and joints.
Salmon is a great option that can be added to their regular diet for an extra boost of health support.
Many grain-free brands cater to dogs that shed heavily.
Always confirm the quality and credibility of your food brand before feeding it to your dog.
Improper diet can actually lead to heavier shedding as the dog loses vital nutrients and develops health issues.
Can professional dog grooming help with shedding?
Your family may be like many others that struggle to find the time and resources to regularly bathe a dog at home.
A professional groomer has the experience and certification to thoroughly bathe and clean your animal.
They often have blow dryers and tools to remove the hair in a controlled environment away from your home.
Taking your Labrador or Golden Retriever to a groomer on a regular basis can help with their overall shedding rate.
However, a grooming appointment shouldn’t affect how often you brush out your dog during an average week.
Dogs that shed heavily will still need constant care to minimize hair build-up and how often they trigger your allergies.
