During one of our last summer holidays, we visited a nearby town with Snow, our golden retriever.
In the town, the locals had more golden retrievers, poodles, and goldendoodles than any other dog breed as pets.
Our visit was an adventure, especially for Snow to interact with other golden retrievers.
Everyone in the town admired Snow.
Snow was admired for her playful character, energy, and versatility. Still, one question stood out because of the coat of snow and Max, a visiting tourist golden retriever: “Why are Some Golden Retrievers More Fluffy?”.
Snow and Max were more fluffy than the other golden retrievers, and the reasons were not far-fetched.
Why are Some Golden Retrievers More Fluffy?
Snow and Max had a common ancestry that was different from the other golden retrievers in the town.
Other factors influence their coats, and these factors can explain why some golden retrievers are more fluffy.
1. Ancestry and Genetics:
Ancestry and genetics are very important factors in the physical characteristics of all living things.
In golden retrievers, those that originated from Scotland or England and other areas of Britain are more fluffy.
Snow and Max were of English ancestry; they inherited genes most especially from their mothers, which made them more fluffy than the other golden retrievals in the town.
Their ancestors were bred for specific traits and were mostly used as show dogs.
Their intended use made breeders prioritise a more fluffy coat than a thinner coat.
2. Age:
Snow and Max were the youngest among other golden retrievers.
They were only two months apart in age, unlike other golden retrievals that were older at least 5 years.
The age differences also contributed to a more fluffy coat, giving credence to the saying that age plays a role in the texture and appearance of coats in dogs.
Irrespective of the ancestry, puppies have a more fluffy coat, which is more pronounced in golden retrievers of English ancestry.
As they grow older, at about 6 months of age, they begin to shed their soft furs.
At adult age, their fluffinescence is a reflection of their lineage and genetics.
3. Seasonal Changes:
All golden retriever’s coats are influenced by changes in temperatures and seasons, irrespective of ancestry and age.
During high temperatures in spring and summer, they shed more of their coat, especially during spring.
Their coats appear to be less fluffy and thinner in those seasons but during fall and most especially winter, they grow more undercoat.
- Summer: The coats of a golden retriever are thinner and less fluffy than any other season.
- Spring: Thinner and less fluffy coats, but not as such as the summer season.
- Fall: Fluffy coat.
- Winter: In the winter season, they have the fullest and fluffiest coat.
4. Health and Nutrition:
It is not a secret that a healthy animal will have a better physical appearance, and in golden retrievers, that also translates to a more fluffy coat.
A well-balanced diet comprising adequate proteins, vitamins, water, fats, and oil is essential for a healthy coat that is shining, soft, and fluffy.
Snow and Max were healthier and had a better diet than the other golden retrievers.
Snow had chickens, fish, and whole grains in her diet, contributing to a more fluffy coat.
We ensured she received the best possible medical care from a veterinary doctor, as well as adequate water, and we were extremely cautious about her diet to avoid allergies such as skin reactions and irritations, which can lead to scratching and subsequent hair loss, affecting her fluffy coat.
We also made sure we groomed her regularly to keep her coat clean, and healthy, and her skin well-stimulated.
Types of Golden Retrievers:
- English cream golden retriever
- American golden retriever
- Canadian golden retriever
English Cream Golden Retriever:
The English cream golden retrievers are more fluffy than the other types of golden retrievers.
They originated from England and usually have a golden color.
Snow and Max, are both English cream golden retrievers.
American Golden Retriever:
They originated from the United States, and their coats are usually thinner and more straight than others.
Their colors are either dark gold to light gold, and their heights are between 21.5 to 24 inches.
The American golden retrievers are more energetic than the English cream golden retrievers.
Canadian Golden Retriever:
They originated from Canada, and their coats are thicker and more balanced than the others.
They have a golden to black gold colour, and their sizes vary usually from 21.5 to 24 inches, just like the American golden retrievers.
How to Groom a Golden Retriever:
Grooming and how a golden retriever is groomed is important to prevent
- Prevent matting
- Reduce shedding
- Distribute skin oils
- Reduce dirt
- Reduce stress
- Remove tangles
- Routine checks for health issues
Golden retrieves should be groomed at least twice weekly and daily for heavy shedders, especially during summer.
Regular bathing at least once weekly or twice monthly is advised and their nails, ears, and teeth should be cleaned regularly.