Labrador Retriever: bathing, clipping and coat care

The Labrador Retriever has a short coat. See how we care for it in the salon, how often to visit and what to do at home.

SizeLarge
Weight25–36 kg
Height54–62 cm
CoatShort
SheddingHigh
Labrador Retriever
Photo: www.Pixel.la Free Stock Photos · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Breed facts

FCI groupGroup 8: Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
OriginUnited Kingdom
Weight25–36 kg
Height54–62 cm
Life expectancy10–12 years

Temperament

Friendly, gentle and playful, good with children. It loves food and water; it needs exercise and weight control.

History

From Newfoundland, Canada, where it helped fishermen haul nets; it was later refined in England.

Fun facts

It has long been one of the most popular breeds in the world and is widely used as a guide dog.

The Labrador Retriever coat

A short, close coat that is simple to maintain but sheds throughout the year.

A short, dense, water-resistant coat with an undercoat; it sheds all year round.

What we do in the salon

A full bath with dead-hair removal, nail trimming, ear cleaning and conditioning.

Recommended services

  • Bathabout 1 h

How often?

Bathevery 6 to 8 weeks
Cut / upkeepUsually no cut needed.

Care at home between visits

  1. Brush once a week with a rubber glove or soft-bristle brush.
  2. Dry the skin and folds well after a bath or rain.
  3. Check the skin: a short coat shows any irritation early.
  4. Look after the nails and ears.

Frequently asked questions about the Labrador Retriever

Does the Labrador Retriever shed a lot?

It sheds a lot, especially during the moult (spring and autumn). Regular brushing and a bath with dead-hair removal help a great deal.

How often should I bring my Labrador Retriever to the salon?

In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. Usually no cut needed. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.

How long do a bath and a clip take?

When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.

Does it need clipping?

Usually not: a regular bath with dead-hair removal and weekly brushing is enough.

Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.