Labradors require minimal grooming compared to many other breeds, but they do shed moderately. Some people may look at a Lab and assume that they don't shed much; WRONG!! They do have a close short coat, that doesn't mat or tangle. But, it is a double coat. They have a harsh outer coat that repels weather and a thick under coat that keeps them warm. When they shed both coats, (usually in the spring), it is sometimes hard to believe all that hair came off one dog! A normal grooming routine for a Lab would be brushing 10-15 minutes once or twice a week with a rubber curry comb and clipping nails every week to ten days. It is also important to check their ears every week to make sure that they aren't dirty or infected. All drop eared dogs are more prone to ear infections than prick eared dogs. You can obtain ear cleaning products from your veterinarian. Some people use a vinegar and water solution (4 to 1 vinegar to water) to routinely clean the ears. This also gives the ears a PH balance unfavorable for yeast infections, which are all too common. Check with your breeder and/or veterinarian about what products they suggest. Labradors require only infrequent bathing as adults, maybe every 3-4 months. When they are puppies, they may require more baths during housetraining if they have an accident. Be sure to use a good shampoo, made especially for dogs. Do not use any flea prevention products without first speaking with your veterinarian. Many of these products are highly toxic and some can even kill puppies. Also do not use dish washing soap or any other type of detergent. These products can be lethal to both puppies and dogs. When Labs are doing a major shedding (usually in the spring) you may want to bathe them in warm water, and also use either a slicker brush or a shedding blade to get the old dead coat out quicker.