Does a Golden Retriever have a strong body odor?

Golden Retrievers usually have a slight odor, but their body smell is not strong. If the odor is abnormally strong, it is usually caused by the following. First, the owner’s daily care may be lacking — failing to clean the easily forgotten ears, paw pads and mouth, so bacteria grow there and produce smell. So regularly trim the paw-pad fur, brush teeth often, and trim and clean the ear fur and ears.

Second, a blocked, inflamed anal gland also produces a very pungent smell; this happens more in older Goldens because lack of exercise stops the gland fluid draining, so it inflames and smells. The owner should express the dog’s anal glands promptly.