Consult a vet to determine the best diet for your Golden Retriever. I've owned 6 Goldens in my lifetime. Often, bad odor can lead to disease, not to mention, it is a nuisance to the dog owner. But do you remember what you used to do when it got you thinking? Both golden retrievers and Labradors make excellent family pets, and will both be friendly and loving pets. Corey is the Founder of Golden Retriever Society and loves working with the Veterinarian Advisors and other writers on the staff. This is a great option, especially if your dog has had the smell for a long time. The answer to this question is “YES”, Labrador have a typical dog smell. She is NOT overweight. They can be very mouthy/nippy. They have some risk of genetic health issues like hip dysplasia. Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Conclusion. I always encourage obedience class for any breed. Our website is designed to help Golden Retriever owners raise their dogs to be healthy and happy. He enjoys training him, but most of all, playing with him. Interest. 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. They do swim, wallow in mud, splash in puddles, roll in the grass (whether it is wet or not! They will shed twice a year heavily or slowly every day throughout the year. They need bathing and brushing to avoid a lot of shedding. 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. Golden puppies with young children can take a huge amount of management. Mine are primarily house dogs. Brushing loose hair helps to stimulate the skin to secrete oils, which prevents bacterial infection and yeast growth. Be sure to check out our article for The Best Dog Brushes for Golden Retrievers. - Quora. Any suggestions? It's not the same as lab smell. It's not the same as lab smell. It doesn’t mean that the Lab sheds less than Golden. Obviously, a Golden Retriever in any other color would be silly, so all of them have more or less the same color. I’m a stay at home mom so she is inside all day with us when not going potty or walks/hikes. The short answer to that question is yes, of course, golden retrievers smell. Golden Retrievers. That’s because the ear flaps create a warm, moist environment where germs can thrive. As far as size I was just stating I don’t want a dog smaller than 30lbs. They Shed. Buy a dog toothbrush and use it to brush your dog’s teeth at regularly. Keep smelly objects and substances away from your dog’s play area. link to Best Shampoo for Golden Retrievers (2020), How to Improve the Smell of Your Golden Retriever, The Best Dog Brushes for Golden Retrievers. Turned out they had a thyroid condition so might have this checked. They Were Bred For Different Jobs. link to When Do Golden Retrievers Go Into Heat? So you have more variation in the Lab vs Golden Retriever. Flatulence can also cause bad smell in dogs. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Common signs of yeast infection include smelly paws and ears. 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). The Labradors are easier to maintain. While the Labrador and the Golden do share a lot of similarities, there are a few key differences between them. 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. Metabolic reactions, including skin oils, can cause Golden Retrievers to smell. Oh, but you just got a golden pup and you have heard all sorts of stories, and they are not necessarily pleasant stories! Ask your vet for a dental check up and cleaning to insure that your dog’s mouth remains healthy. Take some time to groom your dog regularly through bathing, drying, and brushing. The main difference between them is the length of their coats, and this might be enough of a deciding factor for some prospective owners. My golden doesn't really smell. Golden Retrievers are very prone to cancer. I get compliments on mine quite often. She seems to be at a good balance as far as frequency of baths. Some may have bad breath caused by diabetes or kidney failure. I occasionally have them all. Also, one time I actually got a Lab hair in the bottom of my foot no joke like a splinter. Symptoms of canine atopic dermatitis include: Causes of canine atopic dermatitis include: Your dog may become smelly if it rolls on smelly substances. Experts are in agreement that a Golden Retriever’s health is more of a concern for its owners than a Lab’s. English (US) Español; We answer that question, and give you ways to keep your Golden smelling clean and fresh. Golden Retrievers and Labradors have the reputation of being loving and gentle under any situation. Interest. Labradors tend to be an oily breed, but they should not have a distinct odor. Of course, a lot depends on the life they lead. Excess wax in your dog’s ears can also cause a build-up of germs. An essential part of grooming is dental care. An important event in a female Golden Retriever’s life is their heat cycle. Mine sometimes get an outdoorsy smell but a brushing gets rid of it. Once this was under control the order wasn't an issue for me. If you are on the fence about bringing a Labrador into your life, learning more about Labradors could help. That’s right, compare! If you would like to learn more about us, and our team, click the button below! When I first adopted her she had constant ear infections but she has gone two years without one now! Just like any other dog on the planet. French Bulldog Lovers. I may still get a Golden if I can’t find another breed that fits the personality I want. I do not notice a difference in the smell of a Golden vs. a Lab. We hope you enjoy your visit and find us useful. There are many different causes that could lead to a bad smelling dog. Golden Retrievers can also secrete the smelly secretion onto their fur when scared or excited, which may cause them to smell. My current lab mix is 75lb female. Quite often one ear will look much worse than the other. Fortunately, you can use some tips to improve the smell of your dog. If yours will be spending a lot of its time wet and muddy, then all bets are off! I understand Goldens typically get larger than 65lbs. In addition, check your dog’s ears regularly for signs of infections. Sadly, around 62% of these dogs die from cancer. Your vet should also help you treat gum and teeth infections, if any are found. This condition is more common in dogs with double coats. An infection of the anal sacs may also cause bad odor in Golden Retrievers. The anal sacs are some form of marking glands located in the anal area. The bad odor may also be caused by bacterial infections in the ears, which may cause the dog to shake its head excessively. So, like any creature, Golden Retrievers can smell bad. A forum community dedicated to Golden Retriever owners and enthusiasts. Several health problems may cause Golden Retrievers to smell. With so many options for dog shampoos available, it can be hard to decide what type of shampoo to purchase for your Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs, and they can smell wonderful as well. When comparing the labrador retriever vs golden retriever, despite a difference in appearance, these dogs are incredibly similar on paper. It just takes a little time, effort, and love! Labrador Retriever. Any more and she itches more and any less she has worse skin as well. Golden retrievers have longer hairs than the Labradors in general. Various factors cause Golden Retrievers to smell. It just takes a little time, effort, and love! Once you have determined the cause, you can use various techniques to prevent and eliminate the odor. It helps to get an accurate diagnosis. Although normal dog breath is a bit smelly, excessively smelly dog breath may be a sign of poor health. I wouldn't describe their coat as oily either. Ear infections can be caused by yeast, bacteria or a combination of the two. Be sure to dry your dog’s ears and skin when they get wet. They were both born and bred for similar working conditions, but they have evolved into great family pets. Their long flowing coat is actually a double-coat, … Apart from metabolic secretions, there are many other causes of bad odor in Golden Retrievers. While not all golden retrievers are as talented as Air Bud, they are known for their intelligence. Common infections that may cause your Golden to smell include yeast and skin infections. I will say that I find the labs shedding to be more annoying. Yeast is one of the most common health complications in Golden Retrievers. Teeth and gum diseases may also cause bad breath in Golden Retrievers. If your Golden has been playing in rain or pool water, its fur may produce a distinct, unpleasant smell. Come join the discussion about breeds, training, puppies, food reviews, service animals, and more. Just like any other dog breed, Golden Retrievers can smell bad. Scratching may cause inflammation, which may worsen the infection. I keep him clean and brushed. You can usually recognize an ear infection by seeing redness, debris and an odor in the ear. Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases among Golden Retrievers. However, there might be more than the smell. Many pet owners who had both dogs, admitted that Lab sheds more than the Golden. Do goldadors (golden labrador mix) have the labrador smell? I'd think a very 'smelly' golden would have a yeast imbalance? Well, you may get an unpleasant odor that lingers around your dog. if you pet a dog and feel residue on your hands, the dog is probably very dirty!!! You have probably noticed the fine long golden hair and your Golden Retriever while the Labrador has shorter hairs on their coat. Regular cleaning of your dog also removes loose fur on its coat, which may increase bad odor. Do Labradors smell? I dislike the smell of a Lab too. This will prevent your dog from playing or rolling on the smelly objects. Although they are still fairly similar in terms of intelligence, Golden Retrievers are ranked fourth in Dr. Stanley Coren’s list of smartest dogs while Labradors are ranked seventh. Some of the saliva in a drooling dog may get to its fur, which may cause it to smell even more. However, in some situations this production of gas is increased and can become excessive. Pyoderma; Golden Retrievers have double coats that makes them more prone to Pyoderma or bacterial skin infections. The Labrador’s coat is also water repellant has two layers. 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. When your Golden Retriever gets wet, it can become smelly. If you are looking for a more energetic dog, then a Lab might be your choice. Goldens do have a smell. Why does my Golden Retriever smell so bad? 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. Their personality is just so perfect for our family and lifestyle. 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. If you keep the dogs inside, don't neuter/spay, bathe frequently, blow dry, etc.... dogs will smell just fine. If my dogs have missed a bath for about 2-3 weeks they start getting the doggy smell, usually they smell rather nice!! Many owners blame themselves most of the time for having smelly Golden Retrievers. And the Golden’s feathered tail is as recognizable as its perpetual smile. It’s normal. But do they smell? The Labrador has the greater range of colours, from the most common cream, to black and chocolate. She gets a bath every two weeks. Signs of skin infection include regularly scratching, thinning of hair, and flaking of skin. Consult a vet if you cannot determine the exact cause of the bad smell. Log In. To my nose (which is pretty particular as noses go) given a Golden and a Lab, both freshly bathed and dried w the same products the Lab is still going to offend me. Wash and groom your dog regularly. Their long hairs also show up more when they do shed than the black or chocolate Lab , due to their light color. or. Wet dog coats may also cause infections. While they are similar in size within an inch or two, the Golden Retriever has longer fur and a looser stance than the sturdy Lab. Wash your dog’s bedding with hot water and vinegar or baking soda to eliminate odors. She has a kind of sweet smell, not “doggy” at all, more like fresh grass scent. Golden Retrievers can often be prone to ear infections. Despite looking similar these guys have very different histories and come from opposite sides of the world. 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! She had a proper bath in September after a skunk incindent (4–5 months ago) but she gets brushed daily. Both require an active lifestyle and are happy to go swimming and play fetch with you. Temperament-wise, Golden Retrievers are more sensitive than the Labrador Retriever. Targeting the source of the problem first. More traits and characteristics of Golden Retrievers. I think that collars can be a source of smell if they aren't washed frequently, also. Our team of Veterinarians assist us in bringing you trusted and valuable information. I also dislike their hair - Goldens shed more but Lab hair avoids removal! Below we list some of the most common ways you can get them back to smelling clean and fresh. I do think that certain dogs have more odor than others, just like people. Bad diet may cause flatulence and bad breath, both of which can cause your Golden to smell. Otherwise, none of my dogs have been particularly smelly unless it's been awhile since they last had a bath. Read our article about Golden Retriever Teeth Care for more information. Like the name suggests, golden retrievers were bred to retrieve small game. In addition, avoid letting it inside your house after washing it. Here are our picks of the canine best smellers. I’m not sure what she is mixed with but she looks like a taller black lab. This would be more likely if it starts sniffing things that it might be able to eat. I get compliments on mine quite often. Treating the infection may eliminate bad odors. They typically weigh between 55-75 pounds, and grow to around 20-24 inches tall. Labrador has a straight wide tail, collapsed ears, and webbed feet. Remember those statistics – dogs have 60 times as many smell receptors as humans and 40 times more brainpower devoted to the sense of smell. Well, Golden Retrievers require a bit more grooming than Labradors. She is a indoor dog. However, they do not rank the same in intelligence. Welcome to Golden Retriever Society! A bad smell usually accompanies yeast infection. We try to answer this question below. So Golden Retriever vs Labrador shedding is similar, but Goldens usually require more day to day grooming. A bad diet can cause your dog to smell. Despite grooming, some bad smell still persists. The Golden Retriever has longer hair than the Labrador. My son has 2 labs and I have 2 Golden's. The breed originated in Scotland in the mid 19th century. This probably means that the Lab wins out on this issue of the Golden vs Lab debate. See more of Golden Retriever Lovers on Facebook. If your dog starts smelling bad after a diet change, the diet could be the likely cause of the bad smell. Golden Retriever Wire. ), dig in the dirt if you aren't watching, and can smell. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, check out our article on Golden Retriever Ear Infections for more information. The Golden comes in cream and obviously golden. Cleaning your Golden gives your dog’s coat a fresh smell. Shorter hairs do not mean they will shed less than Golden Retrievers. The causes of the smell may include: It is essential to determine the cause of the smell before looking for a solution. Here it comes. Golden Retriever Health, Anatomy & Breed Standard, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. I'm not sure they shed more, but the hair sticks in everything. Regular grooming prevents infection-causing bacteria from accumulating on the coat of your dog. Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever coat. It's like their hair went under the baseboards, slipped back out and presented itself to me on a daily basis. In fact, one research study suggests that nearly 40% of Golden Retriever deaths are caused by different cancerous tumors. later it smelled like a locker room. They get along well with adults, kids, and other pets, including cats. Crazy! We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. They are all on the same diet, same exercise, same care. Your vet might ask you a few questions to help with the diagnosis, including: Just remember to bring as much information as you can to the appointment. Golden Retrievers are beautiful and friendly dogs. Watch for this in your Golden and make sure you keep their ears dry and clean. What home is the Labrador and Golden Retriever suited for? This also means that the amount of hair will take up more space when you pile it up. Making yourself available to be around Labradors before taking them in as pets is even more … What about a Standard poodle? Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs, and they can smell wonderful as well. Consult your vet for your dog’s diet recommendations. Be sure to clean all your dog’s beddings regularly. The Golden’s coat is water repellant with a thick, wavy outer coat and a soft, insulating under-coat. Goldens do have a smell. The only one I remember being a bit smelly was the one I had as a kid, who only got a bath about once a year! These infections tend to occur in moist areas of the dog’s body. Your golden retriever might even know you’re pregnant before you do! So, that is exactly what we’re going to be doing here to help you make a sensible and satisfying decision that you won’t regret later. If your dog has been playing on dirty water, consider washing it before the water sticks to its coat. I always encourage obedience class for any breed. Remember, Golden Retrievers may be a bit smelly after cleaning, but the smell should go away once the coat dries. Your dog’s beddings may harbor fleas, bacteria, and parasites. Skin infections can also cause your dog to smell. So, like any creature, Golden Retrievers can smell bad. Mine doesn’t. Copyright © 2021 Golden Retriever Society. I find I can go about 6-8 weeks with my spayed female before she starts smelling really doggy, and about 4 weeks with my intact male. Golden Retrievers with yeast infection usually scratch their ears and paws regularly. Due to longer hairs, Golden Retrievers require more grooming than Labradors. Using our tips above is the first step to keeping your dog clean and smelling great! 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. Read through some threads on the puppy section here. 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. 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Lab debate of Golden Retriever Society and loves working with the Veterinarian Advisors and other linked... Veterinarian Advisors and other companies linked to on this site ” better than others, you may to... Are many different causes that could lead to disease, not “ ”! Their hair - Goldens shed more but Lab hair avoids removal from accumulating on the coat dries remember, Retrievers... Different cancerous tumors us when not going potty or walks/hikes will both be friendly and loving.... Has had the smell may include: ear infections may also cause bad odor in Golden Retrievers more! Smell should go away once the coat dries them to smell include yeast and skin they! Gone two years without one now skunk incindent ( 4–5 months ago but. Fabric softener when doing your dog regularly through bathing, drying, and our team of Veterinarians assist in. The Labradors in general all bets are off one ear will look much worse than the black or Lab. 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And dirt family and lifestyle bu they have a yeast infection in the include! To do when it got you thinking do golden retrievers smell more than labradors inches tall fetch with you, any!