Labrador Retrievers are known for their gentle temperaments, playful personalities, and hardworking nature.
Although Labradors have short hair, their dense double-layer coat still requires regular care. Learning how to groom a Labrador plays a crucial role in keeping their skin and coat healthy, reducing shedding, and preventing the buildup of dirt or dander. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to groom a Labrador — and why you shouldn’t clip or shave their coat.
Labradors’Grooming Needs
Absolutely! Although Labradors are relatively low-maintenance compared to some breeds, regular grooming is essential to keeping their coat and skin in great condition. Brushing helps remove loose, dead hair, spreads natural oils, and keeps their coat healthy and shiny.
Grooming also gives you the opportunity to check your dog’s body for lumps, bumps, or skin irritations that might need a vet’s attention. While you can handle most of your Labrador’s grooming at home, an occasional trip to a professional groomer can offer a deep clean and a little extra pampering.
Can You Groom a Labrador at Home?
Yes, you can absolutely groom a Labrador at home — and many dog owners do!
However, from our experience, some owners unintentionally miss key steps. Improper bathing or drying can lead to issues like dandruff, dry skin, or even worsen shedding. For example, if the coat isn’t dried thoroughly, moisture can become trapped against the skin, causing irritation. Using the wrong shampoo, skipping a proper brushing, or relying only on towel drying can leave dead hair and dander stuck in the coat.
To groom your Labrador properly:
- Brush first to remove debris and loose hair.
- Bathe with a gentle, dog-safe shampoo suited for their skin.
- Rinse thoroughly to ensure no residue is left behind.
- Dry completely — ideally with a high-velocity pet dryer, which also helps blow out loose undercoat.
Regular brushing — especially during shedding seasons — is essential for keeping their coat healthy, minimizing shedding, and maintaining their natural double-coat protection.
If you’re ever unsure or want a deeper clean, professional grooming sessions with Barks in the Bay Mobile Grooming can be a great way to keep your Labrador’s skin and coat in top shape.
Should I clip my Labrador’s coat?
No — you should not clip or shave your Labrador’s fur.
It might seem like a good idea in hot weather or if their coat looks thick and heavy, but trimming or shaving a Labrador’s coat can cause serious problems.
Here’s why:
- Temperature Regulation:
Labradors have a double coat consisting of an outer layer of guard hairs and an insulating undercoat. This natural system keeps them cool in summer and warm in winter. Removing or trimming the undercoat disrupts this balance, making them more vulnerable to both overheating and cold weather. - Coat Damage:
Guard hairs and undercoat grow at different rates. Shaving them damages the natural growth cycle, often leading to a patchy, uneven coat that doesn’t insulate properly anymore. - Sun Protection:
The coat acts as a barrier against UV rays. Shaving exposes sensitive skin, greatly increasing the risk of painful sunburns. - Skin Health:
Labrador coats help distribute healthy oils and protect the skin from insects, irritants, and infections. Clipping the coat removes this defense, making the skin more vulnerable to problems. - Hair Follicle Damage:
Shaving can damage important structures like the erector pili muscles (tiny muscles that raise and lower hair to regulate temperature), impairing your Labrador’s natural ability to cool off or warm up. - Overheating Risk:
Surprisingly, shaving a Labrador in summer can make them hotter. The undercoat allows air to circulate and acts like natural climate control. Removing it can trap heat against their body instead of releasing it.
In short: Labradors don’t need trimming or shaving — just regular brushing and basic care!
The only trimming you should do is between their paw pads, using round-tip scissors, to prevent slipping and keep their feet clean and healthy.
Is a Labrador Short-Haired or Long-Haired?
Most Labradors are short-haired, with a smooth, dense, double coat. Very occasionally, you might encounter a long-haired Labrador, which is caused by a rare recessive gene. Regardless of length, their coat is specifically built for protection, water resistance, and temperature regulation.
How often should you groom a Labrador retriever?
You should brush your Labrador at least once a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition. During heavy shedding periods — usually spring and fall — it’s best to brush them three to four times a week to keep the shedding manageable.
Labrador shedding solution
Shedding is just part of the package, whether you have an English Lab, Chocolate Lab, Black Lab, or even a Yellow Lab. While some owners hope a specific coat color or type might shed less, the truth is: Labradors shed, and none are truly low-shedding.
The amount of shedding typically depends more on your dog’s individual genetics, overall health, diet, and even the season — not so much on whether they’re an English vs. American Lab or the color of their coat.
That said, maintaining a regular grooming routine and proper nutrition is the best way to manage shedding and keep your Labrador’s double coat in top shape.
Which Type of Labrador Sheds the Least?
There isn’t a particular type of Labrador that sheds significantly less than another. Shedding varies more by the dog’s genetics, diet, and environment than by coat type or color.
Final Thoughts
Your Labrador’s beautiful double coat is a marvel of natural engineering, designed to protect them year-round. Stick to brushing, bathing as needed, and trimming only the hair between their paws — and let their coat do what it’s meant to do!
With just a little regular care, your Labrador will stay healthy, happy, and looking their best — no clipping required.