Breed · Double-coated shedders
Labrador Retriever grooming: short double coat, tools, no shaving
The Lab's short double coat sheds a lot. AKC's coat facts, a weekly brushing routine, the tools that fit and why shaving for summer is a bad idea.
Also listed as Lab
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Short answer
The Lab has a thick, water-repellent double coat, short and dense, that AKC rates 4 of 5 for shedding. AKC's double-coat guide names the Lab as a short double coat: it typically doesn't need trimming, and weekly brushing helps remove loose undercoat. Brush more often while the undercoat sheds. Core tools: slicker brush, undercoat rake, nail grinder or clippers. Don't shave: AKC calls shaving double-coated breeds such as Labs a bad idea.
Key facts
- Coat type (AKC)
- Double[1]Breed standard: short, straight, very dense coat over a soft, weather-resistant undercoat.
- Coat length (AKC)
- Short[1]
- Shedding (AKC, 1-5)
- 4 of 5[1]
- Brushing (AKC guidance)
- Weekly, per AKC's double-coat guide[2][1]The Lab's own AKC page gives no interval.
- Seasonal shedding
- Spring and fall in colder places; more often where it's warmer[3][1]AKC's general double-coat pattern, from a guide that names the Lab; the Lab's own page names no season.
- Clipping and shaving
- Don't shave; AKC calls it a bad idea for Labs[4][2]AKC also says short double coats typically don't need trimming.
- Professional grooming
- Not called for in AKC's breed advice[1]AKC suggests occasional baths.
Watch out for
- Don't shave for summer: AKC's spring checklist says losing the coat's protection can make dogs hotter, and to leave at least an inch of hair.
- Short doesn't mean low-shedding: AKC rates the Lab 4 of 5 for shedding.
- Rakes and deshedding tools can pull out a lot of undercoat at once. AKC says to draw them in the direction of hair growth, and FURminator says to brush out mats first and to avoid its tool on pets with sensitive skin.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Slicker brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush (PS1140)Choose the single brush; any color.
For the weekly brush-out; AKC calls slicker brushes excellent for double-coated breeds.
Sold by Stone's Store
Nail grinder
Two-speed rechargeable pet nail grinderChoose the white grinder.
Keep each touch to a second or two; VCA's behavior authors say longer contact heats the nail.
Sold by Pawsh Living Store
Grooming vacuum
INSE P30 grooming vacuum (4.5 L dust box)Choose the US-plug variant.
For a 4-of-5 shedder. 4.5 L dust box and US plug variant, per the seller; noise is not measured, so introduce it gradually.
Sold by INSE Global Store
Most of the year: a slicker brush over the whole coat once a week. In shedding season: brush a few times a week to daily, adding an undercoat rake or deshedding tool pulled in the direction of hair growth (AKC); a grooming vacuum catches the loosened hair.
AKC says to give Labs occasional baths, and AAHA adds that regular brushing controls shedding better than bathing over the long term.
No catalog pick yet for an undercoat rake or a dog dryer; see undercoat rake vs deshedding tool and how to manage seasonal shedding.
Questions
How often should you brush a Labrador Retriever?
AKC's Lab page gives no interval, but AKC's double-coat guide names the Lab as a short double coat and says weekly brushing helps remove loose undercoat and manage shedding. Brush more often while the coat is shedding heavily.[1][2]
Can I shave my Lab to reduce shedding?
AKC advises against it. Its spring checklist calls shaving double-coated breeds such as Labs a bad idea, because losing the coat's protection can make dogs hotter, and AKC's double-coat guide says shaving doesn't eliminate shedding.[4][3]
Is a grooming vacuum worth it for a Lab?
It can help contain hair from a heavy shedder: AKC rates the Lab 4 of 5. Any vacuum adds noise, so introduce it gradually. See home grooming vacuum kits and are dog grooming vacuums worth it?[1]