Mine sometimes get an outdoorsy smell but a brushing gets rid of it. Golden Retriever Health, Anatomy & Breed Standard, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Temperament-wise, Golden Retrievers are more sensitive than the Labrador Retriever. Gum and teeth diseases may also cause increased drooling. While the Labrador and the Golden do share a lot of similarities, there are a few key differences between them. When I first adopted her she had constant ear infections but she has gone two years without one now! Although normal dog breath is a bit smelly, excessively smelly dog breath may be a sign of poor health. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The Labradors are easier to maintain. My son has 2 labs and I have 2 Golden's. Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs, and they can smell wonderful as well. Why Golden Retrievers (Seem To) Shed More Than Labradors. You can usually recognize an ear infection by seeing redness, debris and an odor in the ear. 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. 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. Watch for this in your Golden and make sure you keep their ears dry and clean. 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. They will shed twice a year heavily or slowly every day throughout the year. French Bulldog Lovers. If your dog starts smelling bad after a diet change, the diet could be the likely cause of the bad smell. So, like any creature, Golden Retrievers can smell bad. Bu they have a short but dense outer layer and a soft, insulating inner layer. Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Conclusion. The Labrador has the greater range of colours, from the most common cream, to black and chocolate. Brushing loose hair helps to stimulate the skin to secrete oils, which prevents bacterial infection and yeast growth. Below we list some of the most common ways you can get them back to smelling clean and fresh. Fortunately the smell can be greatly improved if you can determine the causes. Golden Retrievers can also secrete the smelly secretion onto their fur when scared or excited, which may cause them to smell. If you are looking for a more energetic dog, then a Lab might be your choice. Using our tips above is the first step to keeping your dog clean and smelling great! Wet dog coats may also cause infections. I dislike the smell of a Lab too. Although it is a subjective statement, note that both dogs shed heavily. Like the name suggests, golden retrievers were bred to retrieve small game. You have probably noticed the fine long golden hair and your Golden Retriever while the Labrador has shorter hairs on their coat. A poor diet may also cause your dog to smell. It's like their hair went under the baseboards, slipped back out and presented itself to me on a daily basis. The causes of the smell may include: It is essential to determine the cause of the smell before looking for a solution. Knowing when your Golden Retriever goes into heat can help an owner be prepared for what will happen during the cycle.... Best Shampoo for Golden Retrievers (2020). The Golden Retrievers are generally divided by region of origin rather than by color. Moist areas have the most concentration of bacteria and usually produce the most odor. This would be more likely if it starts sniffing things that it might be able to eat. It depends on the person, and the dog! My current lab mix is 75lb female. 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'm not sure they shed more, but the hair sticks in everything. Turned out they had a thyroid condition so might have this checked. However, avoid using a fabric softener when doing your dog’s laundry to prevent allergic reactions. She seems to be at a good balance as far as frequency of baths. Fortunately the smell can be greatly improved if you can determine the causes. Sadly, around 62% of these dogs die from cancer. It's not the same as lab smell. Obviously, a Golden Retriever in any other color would be silly, so all of them have more or less the same color. 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. Mine doesn’t. I’m not sure what she is mixed with but she looks like a taller black lab. They can be very mouthy/nippy. This condition is more common in dogs with double coats. I get compliments on mine quite often. However, in some situations this production of gas is increased and can become excessive. It just takes a little time, effort, and love! I keep him clean and brushed. Be sure to dry your dog’s ears and skin when they get wet. We try to answer this question below. There is the difference among Labradors, some Labs have more smell and some have less. Just like any other dog on the planet. Here it comes. I understand the smell... my labs could get a bath and 30 min. Corey spends every day with his Golden Retriever named Brady. But do you remember what you used to do when it got you thinking? ... Labrador and Golden Retriever Lovers. If you are on the fence about bringing a Labrador into your life, learning more about Labradors could help. Or a smooth collie? I get compliments on mine quite often. I also dislike their hair - Goldens shed more but Lab hair avoids removal! In addition, check your dog’s ears regularly for signs of infections. If your Golden has been playing in rain or pool water, its fur may produce a distinct, unpleasant smell. The answer to this question is “YES”, Labrador have a typical dog smell. Well, you may get an unpleasant odor that lingers around your dog. Corey is the Founder of Golden Retriever Society and loves working with the Veterinarian Advisors and other writers on the staff.