Dog Groomer Berlin: Grooming Golden Retrievers, Samoyeds and Double Coats

Golden Retrievers and Samoyeds have a double coat that needs thorough brushing at the dog groomer, but should never be shaved down. Here at GroomRoom in Berlin-Charlottenburg, we remove the loose undercoat during the bath and blow-dry, and only trim the paws, ears and contours. A full groom costs 209 € for a Samoyed and also 209 € for a Golden Retriever weighing 18 to 25 kg. Our Senior Groomer Alina takes care of the large breeds.

Both breeds have a double coat with a dense undercoat

A double coat consists of two layers of hair with different functions. On the outside is the topcoat, meaning long, firm hairs that repel moisture and protect the skin from the sun. Underneath sits the undercoat, a soft, dense cushion of fine hairs close to the skin. Twice a year, both breeds shed their coats and lose large amounts of undercoat.

The Golden Retriever has a straight or slightly wavy topcoat and feathering. This refers to the longer hairs on the ears, chest, belly, back of the legs and tail. With the Samoyed, the undercoat is even denser, and the long white topcoat stands away from the body. Experts call this a stand-off coat, because the undercoat supports and lifts the topcoat. That is exactly why a Samoyed needs a lot of drying time in the salon.

Why we don't shave Golden Retrievers and Samoyeds

The undercoat insulates in both directions, protecting your dog from the cold in winter and the heat in summer. If the coat is clipped short with clippers, both the topcoat and undercoat lose their protective effect. The undercoat then often grows back faster than the topcoat, eventually crowding it out. The result is a woolly, dull coat that mats more easily and loses its shape. In some dogs, the coat grows back permanently thin in patches, which is known as post-clipping alopecia.

That is why a Golden Retriever or Samoyed benefits much more in summer when their loose undercoat is thoroughly removed. A well-brushed coat lets air reach the skin while still keeping the sun off.

How we do deshedding in our dog grooming salon

Deshedding means we carefully remove the loose undercoat without cutting the topcoat. If you want to book dog deshedding in Berlin, here is how our process works:

1. We pre-brush the dry coat using a slicker brush and an undercoat rake, a comb with long teeth for the deeper layers.
2. Next, we bathe your dog using pH-neutral natural products and thoroughly rinse the thick coat right down to the skin.
3. While blow-drying, we blast the loosened undercoat out of the fur, layer by layer.
4. We brush through again until a metal comb glides smoothly down to the skin all over.
5. Using scissors, we round off the paws, trim the hair between the pads, and tidy up the trousers, ears, and tail.
6. Finally, we clip the nails and clean the eyes, ears, and sanitary area.

A Samoyed must be completely dry before scissoring, because damp undercoat close to the skin mats quickly. That is why we schedule about 150 to 180 minutes for a Full Groom for large breeds. If your dog doesn't need a styling clip, a Mini Groom with washing, drying, and brushing out is often enough.

Which cuts are best for a Golden Retriever?

For Golden Retrievers and Samoyeds, the natural silhouette is preserved. We only trim the areas where long hair gets in the way or mats in everyday life.

When thinning the hair behind the ears, we use thinning scissors, which are toothed shears that remove hair without leaving harsh lines. For Samoyeds, we hardly take off any length, as their stand-off coat gives them their signature look.

How often should both breeds visit the dog groomer?

For Golden Retrievers, we recommend an appointment every 8 to 12 weeks. Samoyeds belong to the Spitz family and, like Pomeranians and other Spitz breeds, should come in every 6 to 10 weeks. During the shedding seasons in spring and autumn, an extra deshedding appointment is well worth it. We remove the dead undercoat that would otherwise end up in thick clumps on your floor at home. Puppies can come in for their first puppy introduction groom after their second vaccination, so they get used to the bath and dryer early on.

Golden Retriever grooming at home

The most important grooming for a double coat happens at home with a brush. You will need these tools:

• A slicker brush with fine, curved wire pins for the topcoat and feathering.
• An undercoat rake for the thick layers on the neck, back and breeches.
• A wide-toothed metal comb to check if you are really getting down to the skin.
• A large towel to dry the coat thoroughly after rain or swimming.

Brush a Golden two to three times a week, and a Samoyed several times a week. During shedding season, it is best to brush both breeds every day. Part the coat into layers and work your way from the bottom up, right down to the skin.

Common mistakes with Golden Retrievers and Samoyeds

1. Shaving the dog short in summer to try and keep them cool.
2. Only brushing the surface, while the undercoat gets matted against the skin.
3. Using bladed tools too often, which cuts the topcoat.
4. Leaving the undercoat damp after swimming, which can irritate the skin and lead to matting.

If mats have already formed behind the ears or on the back legs, read our article Matted dog: what to do?.

How much does a Golden Retriever cost at a dog groomer in Berlin?

A Full Groom for a Golden Retriever weighing 18 to 25 kilos costs 209 € at our salon. For Samoyeds, we have a specific full package that also costs 209 €. Younger or petite Goldens from 15 to 18 kilos are 169 € for a Full Groom. For a Golden over 25 kilos, we'll give you a price after an assessment.

If the coat is matted, we charge extra for dematting, starting at 15 € per 15 minutes started. Very anxious or defensive dogs may need more time or a second person, which we will discuss with you. A very anxious Golden Retriever usually comes to 209 to 240 € after about three hours. We'll give you the binding final price before the appointment following a personal assessment. You can get an initial estimate from our price calculator, and all starting prices are listed on the pricing page.

Alina grooms the large breeds at our salon

Our Senior Groomer Alina grooms Standard Poodles and large breeds at GroomRoom. As a Pomeranian specialist, she also knows exactly how to handle a thick double coat and the correct brushing techniques while blow-drying. Nata, our top groomer with over ten years of experience, demats even difficult coats with a steady hand. For anxious dogs, Kristina takes her time with plenty of patience, and we never overbook. You'll find us at Giesebrechtstraße 2, a five-minute walk from the Adenauerplatz underground station. If you're looking for a Golden Retriever dog groomer in Berlin, you can book an appointment online right now.