They need bathing and brushing to avoid a lot of shedding. There are many different causes that could lead to a bad smelling dog. I have heard more than one Golden Retriever owner brag about how their dog lets children pull their tails and ears without flinching. I think that collars can be a source of smell if they aren't washed frequently, also. A bad diet can cause your dog to smell. Mine doesn’t. Due to longer hairs, Golden Retrievers require more grooming than Labradors. I do think that certain dogs have more odor than others, just like people. When your Golden Retriever gets wet, it can become smelly. I understand the smell... my labs could get a bath and 30 min. Consult your vet for your dog’s diet recommendations. A forum community dedicated to Golden Retriever owners and enthusiasts. English (US) Español; Consult a vet if you cannot determine the exact cause of the bad smell. Even a seemingly healthy golden retriever that is active, eats well and has no health problems can smell, and this can be very puzzling to the dog owner. Interest. She had a proper bath in September after a skunk incindent (4–5 months ago) but she gets brushed daily. Golden Retrievers and Labradors have the reputation of being loving and gentle under any situation. Golden Retriever has a straight shaggy tail, collapsed ears, and webbed feet. Golden Retrievers are susceptible to ear infections due to the overgrowth of yeast. An infection of the anal sacs may also cause bad odor in Golden Retrievers. Goldens do have a smell. But do you remember what you used to do when it got you thinking? The anal sacs are some form of marking glands located in the anal area. Cleaning your Golden gives your dog’s coat a fresh smell. Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Golden Retriever to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy. I do not notice a difference in the smell of a Golden vs. a Lab. Golden Retrievers are vulnerable to pyoderma, a form of skin infection. Some of the saliva in a drooling dog may get to its fur, which may cause it to smell even more. This condition is more common in dogs with double coats. Bacterial and yeast infections may cause itching, which prompts the dog to scratch the itchy part. She is a indoor dog. The second difference is among their grooming. Why Golden Retrievers (Seem To) Shed More Than Labradors. Signs of yeast infection in the ears include: Ear infections may also be a sign of hypothyroidism, a more serious health complication. Labradors shed a lot … Buy a dog toothbrush and use it to brush your dog’s teeth at regularly. However, avoid using a fabric softener when doing your dog’s laundry to prevent allergic reactions. As far as size I was just stating I don’t want a dog smaller than 30lbs. I've never let my Goldens go without a bath long enough for them to get to the point where you feel like you need to go wash your hands after you pet them, and I don't think a clean (or even "clean-ish") Golden coat feels oily/greasy. So why do golden retrievers smell? Common signs of yeast infection include smelly paws and ears. Dogs squeeze the anal sacs during pooping, which causes the sacs to release a smelly secretion. Like the name suggests, golden retrievers were bred to retrieve small game. More traits and characteristics of Golden Retrievers. Labrador has a straight wide tail, collapsed ears, and webbed feet. Be sure to clean all your dog’s beddings regularly. Persistent flatulence may be caused by infection of the intestines or other areas of the gut. Golden Retrievers are beautiful and friendly dogs. Signs of skin infection include regularly scratching, thinning of hair, and flaking of skin. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, check out our article on Golden Retriever Ear Infections for more information. Well, it is true that Golden Retrievers do smell for the most part with a large part due to their most attractive feature – their beautiful, long-flowing coat. Mine are primarily house dogs. Excess wax in your dog’s ears can also cause a build-up of germs. Consider taking steps to ensure your dog does not roll on smelly objects, including grass and dirt. She has a kind of sweet smell, not “doggy” at all, more like fresh grass scent. So, like any creature, Golden Retrievers can smell bad. Wash and groom your dog regularly. Our team of Veterinarians assist us in bringing you trusted and valuable information. Yeast is one of the most common health complications in Golden Retrievers. Have you ever been asked this question in childhood that went something like ‘Do you love your mom most or dad?’ Yeah, I know how hard it was to answer that! Both golden retrievers and Labradors make excellent family pets, and will both be friendly and loving pets. Their long hairs also show up more when they do shed than the black or chocolate Lab , due to their light color. Both require an active lifestyle and are happy to go swimming and play fetch with you. Here it comes. Using our tips above is the first step to keeping your dog clean and smelling great! If your dog has been playing on dirty water, consider washing it before the water sticks to its coat. Various factors cause Golden Retrievers to smell. A poor diet may also cause your dog to smell. Golden Retriever Wire. What about a Standard poodle? Labrador Retriever. Read our article about Golden Retriever Teeth Care for more information. Fortunately the smell can be greatly improved if you can determine the causes. This probably means that the Lab wins out on this issue of the Golden vs Lab debate. I keep him clean and brushed. Ask your vet for a dental check up and cleaning to insure that your dog’s mouth remains healthy. Otherwise, none of my dogs have been particularly smelly unless it's been awhile since they last had a bath. Goldens DO shed... a lot. I occasionally have them all. I’m a stay at home mom so she is inside all day with us when not going potty or walks/hikes. In terms of lifespan both breeds typically live past 10 years, with the Labrador more likely to pass 12 years of age than the Golden. Your vet should also help you treat gum and teeth infections, if any are found. Fortunately the smell can be greatly improved if you can determine the causes. They typically weigh between 55-75 pounds, and grow to around 20-24 inches tall. The only time I tell people about the hours and hours of training I put is when they ask how I got them to behave so well. Both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and are popular companion dogs. Treating the infection may eliminate bad odors. Your golden retriever might even know you’re pregnant before you do! This is one of the most common health complications among Golden Retrievers. I understand Goldens typically get larger than 65lbs. It’s normal. Bad diet may cause flatulence and bad breath, both of which can cause your Golden to smell. It doesn’t mean that the Lab sheds less than Golden. If you would like to learn more about us, and our team, click the button below! Temperament-wise, Golden Retrievers are more sensitive than the Labrador Retriever. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ... Their long hairs also show up more when they do shed than the black or chocolate Lab, due to their light color. Sadly, around 62% of these dogs die from cancer. I get compliments on mine quite often. I also dislike their hair - Goldens shed more but Lab hair avoids removal! Your dog’s beddings may harbor fleas, bacteria, and parasites. Take some time to groom your dog regularly through bathing, drying, and brushing. They are all on the same diet, same exercise, same care. Corey spends every day with his Golden Retriever named Brady. Goldens have medium-length hair, and since the canines are on the bigger side, they have a lot of dense hair to care for. Their long flowing coat is actually a double-coat, … Interest. It can start to feel waxy when its time for a bath, but if you keep your dogs clean and well taken care of they shouldn't get that stinky dog smell. Quite often one ear will look much worse than the other. Golden Retrievers can also secrete the smelly secretion onto their fur when scared or excited, which may cause them to smell. Several health problems may cause Golden Retrievers to smell. Some owners bath their dogs regularly with shampoos and check dogs for any abnormality which can give rise to bad smell. - Quora. The Labrador’s coat is also water repellant has two layers. You can usually recognize an ear infection by seeing redness, debris and an odor in the ear. Copyright © 2021 Golden Retriever Society. Nothing that a routine bath schedule will not cure. Gum and teeth diseases may also cause increased drooling. Golden Retrievers can often be prone to ear infections. That’s because the ear flaps create a warm, moist environment where germs can thrive. However, they do not rank the same in intelligence. She gets a bath every two weeks. In fact, one research study suggests that nearly 40% of Golden Retriever deaths are caused by different cancerous tumors. Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs, and they can smell wonderful as well. So Golden Retriever vs Labrador shedding is similar, but Goldens usually require more day to day grooming. Regular cleaning of your dog also removes loose fur on its coat, which may increase bad odor. Well, Golden Retrievers require a bit more grooming than Labradors. They do swim, wallow in mud, splash in puddles, roll in the grass (whether it is wet or not! Flatulence can also cause bad smell in dogs. if you pet a dog and feel residue on your hands, the dog is probably very dirty!!! Both breeds shed, but golden retrievers require a lot more grooming because their coat is longer. Shorter hairs do not mean they will shed less than Golden Retrievers. Many owners blame themselves most of the time for having smelly Golden Retrievers. She seems to be at a good balance as far as frequency of baths. It’s no surprise that this breed sheds. The only time I tell people about the hours and hours of training I put is when they ask how I got them to behave so well. ... Do some dog breeds “smell” better than others? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Turned out they had a thyroid condition so might have this checked. However, in some situations this production of gas is increased and can become excessive. Here are our picks of the canine best smellers. ... Labrador and Golden Retriever Lovers. Golden puppies with young children can take a huge amount of management. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. This will prevent your dog from playing or rolling on the smelly objects. In addition, check your dog’s ears regularly for signs of infections. Golden Retrievers are very prone to cancer. If you are on the fence about bringing a Labrador into your life, learning more about Labradors could help. A … If your dog starts smelling bad after a diet change, the diet could be the likely cause of the bad smell. Mine usually smell like my lotions (I have dry skin and typically lather up my hands and arms and rub the remainder on the nearest dog head). I am one who does not want a doggy smell when I walk in my house and it has not been a problem with my .Goldens, Thanks all! Keep smelly objects and substances away from your dog’s play area. They get along well with adults, kids, and other pets, including cats. We hope you enjoy your visit and find us useful. Labradors tend to be an oily breed, but they should not have a distinct odor. Once you have determined the cause, you can use various techniques to prevent and eliminate the odor. Metabolic reactions, including skin oils, can cause Golden Retrievers to smell. Bummer! Be sure to check out our article for The Best Dog Brushes for Golden Retrievers. I wouldn't describe their coat as oily either. Ear infections can be caused by yeast, bacteria or a combination of the two. Go straight to the source and find the area of your dog … That’s right, compare! This is a great option, especially if your dog has had the smell for a long time. Final Thoughts On Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever. JavaScript is disabled. The most likely reason is that it has a much stronger sense of smell than we do and that it does it to naturally get information about the things it is smelling. Welcome to Golden Retriever Society! My current lab mix is 75lb female. The differences between the purpose of the Golden Retriever vs … So you have more variation in the Lab vs Golden Retriever. Still highly considering one. Skin infections can also cause your dog to smell. Using our tips above is the first step to keeping your dog clean and smelling great! When comparing the labrador retriever vs golden retriever, despite a difference in appearance, these dogs are incredibly similar on paper. They will shed twice a year heavily or slowly every day throughout the year. In addition, avoid letting it inside your house after washing it. I kept a pal's two Labs about 4 years ago and I found that hair 6 months later even though I vacuum daily and mop at least every other day. They were both born and bred for similar working conditions, but they have evolved into great family pets. An essential part of grooming is dental care. Log In. Consult a vet to determine the best diet for your Golden Retriever. The causes of the smell may include: It is essential to determine the cause of the smell before looking for a solution. They Shed. ), dig in the dirt if you aren't watching, and can smell. I dislike the smell of a Lab too. Since they were black I could tell whose hair was whose (and I have plenty of yellow hair here from my own dogs but it's a different consistency. It helps to get an accurate diagnosis. Because of their thick water-resistant coats and oils on their fur. A golden retriever is a Calm, energetic to it would be ideal if you well disposed of, understanding. Golden Retrievers with yeast infection usually scratch their ears and paws regularly. Of course, a lot depends on the life they lead. Our website is designed to help Golden Retriever owners raise their dogs to be healthy and happy. They write many of our articles, and advise on the rest, to ensure we bring you the highest quality content. We answer that question, and give you ways to keep your Golden smelling clean and fresh. I'm not sure they shed more, but the hair sticks in everything. The Labrador has the greater range of colours, from the most common cream, to black and chocolate. I may still get a Golden if I can’t find another breed that fits the personality I want. Why does my Golden Retriever smell so bad? She does have allergies which the vet and I are constantly working on. The vet should provide you with expert advice tailored to your Golden Retriever. 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