The popularity of the Golden
Retriever in the show ring is in proportion to the number of queries
I get regarding coat care and presentation for this outstanding
breed.
I am never sure whether
the variety of questions is a result of the rather large number
of differences in the Australian/FCI standard and the American
Kennel Club standard - the AKC standard being rather more descriptive
and specific in it’s requirements.
Whatever the differences,
the common ground is the need to maintain a dense water resisting
texture to the coat as stated for a good water retrieving dog.
So many products alter
texture that it is a quest to find something that will maintain
the status quo. Many diehards just don’t bath their dogs
or resist doing it more than they feel they have to. Shampoos
tend to make hair fluffier and softer and when the coat is required
to lie close and be fairly firm and water resilient, so one needs
to understand the mechanics of selecting the proper cleanser.
Shampoos are vastly different
believe it or not, from brand to brand. A general rule of thumb
is that they are fairly high foaming and the larger the individual
size of the bubble, the more static and fly away the coat will
become. Quality non detergent based shampoos will still be high
foaming but have a smaller diameter bubble lessening the static
and flyaway problems.
The real quest therefore
is for a low foaming product to cleanse and remove dirt and grime
but not alter the texture or make the coat fluffy. For pure, straight
maintenance on a correctly textured coat, I recommend the Plush
Puppy Hydrobath and Bath Washwhich is extremely low
foaming to the point of almost no bubbles. Use at the ratio of
1 Tbspn to 1 gallon of water either in a bucket, bath or hydrobath
or surge bath and the coat will still be cleansed without the
high visibility of froth and bubbles.
Should deeper cleansing
be required then use the Plush
Puppy All Purpose Shampoo at a ratio of 10:1 or 10 parts
water to one part shampoo to minimise the foaming action. This
will give a good shine finish to the coat.
Shampoo for a desired requirement
is permissible then on the featherings and furnishings for either
fuller appearance or more conditioning action. Plush Puppy Silk Protein Conditioner at
a ratio of 5:1 is good for disentangling and preventing matting
under armpits etc.
A final rinse for that
good, water resistant texture is to add 1 Tbspn of Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil to a gallon of
water and applied throughout the coat and left in - I prefer surging
this through the coat in a hydrobath. This is truly the most wonderful
product for good shine, coat maintenance and longevity to the
strength of the coat. It is based on an old Ayervedic recipe and
is light, water soluble and won’t build up on the coat. Made
from Calendula Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and other goodies, you
can use this in greater or lesser concentrations on most coats
for maintaining good appearance of health, durability and elasticity.
The Golden coat traditionally
allows for the coat to be wavy or straight, without the outline
or natural appearance being altered by trimming or clipping. Gee
whiz! I do see some brutal attempts at removing stray hairs then!
Heavens above! Purchase a good set of thinning shears and if you
must play hairdresser, then do it judiciously. That way you only
get to make half a mistake at a time!
Featherings and furnishings
do look good if they behave and don’t clump or tangle. A
good thorough application of Plush
Puppy Swishy Coat at a dilution of 1 tspn to 3 -4 cups
of warm water and thoroughly worked in to the furnishings and
then blow dried gives a nice finish to the coat without compromising
the texture. Use a half bristle half plastic, oval cushion brush
for a straighter finish.
Colour - well! I can hear
the arguments for the pros and cons of the various shades and
hues of gold and will steer clear of stepping into the fray except
to say that for those who want to achieve a more golden highlighted
effect to the coat, then you might like to add a naturally derived
highlighter such as the boiled water of a good handful of dried
Marigold flowers at the required concentration and pour over the
coat, comb through and leave in. This will bring more gold reflects
to the coat. Use wisely. An artificially coloured coat is not
allowed!
Last but not least, finish
with a light application of Plush
Puppy Coat Balm on show day to furnishings and featherings
for easier brushing and to hold the coat in place in dry, hot
or windy weather and a light spritz of Plush Puppy Shine & Comb to the main
body of the coat. I do like a light sprinkle of Plush Puppy Pixie Dust onto the brush and
judiciously brushed throughout for subtle shimmer. Subtle being
the operative word.
The Golden is an easily
maintained and relatively quick to groom breed for the show ring
compared to a host of others. If you view and analyse carefully
what it is your dog’s coat requires, then it is the choice
of your decision making that determines just how well it is done.
I have endeavoured to make some of this decision making for you
and hope you get this stand out breed to look a real standout
in the ring.
CHERYL LE COURT
