What is the best brush to leave your Golden Retriever’s coat shiny, healthy, and free from tangles? To find the best grooming tools for your dog’s needs, you need to consider several factors.
The best overall dog brush for a Golden Retriever is the FURminator Dual Dog Brush. But, your Golden Retriever may need another option for their unique grooming needs.
Here are 6 great dog brush choices for Golden Retrievers and why you should try them today!
Best Dog Brush for Golden Retriever
We recommend the FURminator Dual Dog Brush.
Our Rating
5 stars out of 5
Product Details
- Pin brush and bristle brush in a single tool
- Design follows the natural contours of dog’s head and boy
- Ergonomic non-slip handle
Who Should Buy this Brush
This combination pin and boar’s hair brush is a great all-in-one solution. This eliminates the need for many different grooming tools.
The pin brush removes any tangles, mats, and loose hair. On the other side, the boar’s hair brush smooths and shines for a perfect finish.
Best Slicker Brush for Golden Retrievers
We recommend the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush.
Our Rating
4 stars out of 5
Product Details
- Quick cleaning with bristle retraction button
- Bristles penetrate the coat without scratching the skin
- Ergonomic grip and thumb rest for better, more comfortable control
Who Should Buy this Brush
Created to be suitable for all coat types, this soft pin slicker brush will reach into your dog’s coat with ease. This allows it to remove any dead or loose fur and prevent excessive shedding.
The pins feature a smooth tip to prevent skin scratching or irritation. This allows you to make grooming a positive experience for your Golden Retriever.
Best Bristle Brush for Golden Retrievers
We recommend the Burt’s Bees Palm Bristle Brush.
Our Rating
4 stars out of 5
Product Details
- Palm-style brush helps reduce stress and anxiety
- Soft fabric strap for easy gripping
- Made from bamboo, recycled materials, and hemp bristles
Who Should Buy this Brush
If your dog is anxious or stressed by grooming, this brush is a great solution. The palm-style design mimics petting, making the situation more comfortable.
The hemp bristles are gentle on your dog’s skin and fur while removing loose hair and debris.
Best Brush for Deshedding and Loose Hair
We recommend the FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool.
Our Rating
5 stars out of 5
Product Details
- Patented technologies designed by a groomer
- Stainless-steel edge reaches beneath the topcoat to remove loose undercoat fur
- Curved design conforms to your dog’s body for comfort
Who Should Buy this Brush
FURminator deshedding tools are designed to effectively reach beneath the topcoat. This works to remove loose and dead hair trapped in the undercoat.
If used on a regular schedule, it will reduce shedding and help keep your house clean.
Best Undercoat Rake for Golden Retrievers
We recommend the ConairPRO Dog Undercoat Rake.
Our Rating
5 stars out of 5
Product Details
- Short stainless steel pins remove loose hair and debris from thicker dog coats with ease
- Non-slip gel grip handle for comfort and control
- Works on both wet and dry coats
Who Should Buy this Brush
Not only does this undercoat rake remove loose dog hair, but it also removes debris. This is great for outdoor lovers, removing small sticks and burrs from your dog’s fur.
Removing trapped hair from the undercoat helps reduce shedding over time.
Best Pin Brush for Golden Retrievers
We recommend the Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush.
Our Rating
4 stars out of 5
Product Details
- Two specialized sides for full grooming with a single tool
- Breather hole in the center of pins allows for smooth, gentle brushing
- Ergonomic handle for improved comfort
Who Should Buy this Brush
Another great all-in-one grooming tool, it includes both a pin brush and a bristle brush. But, it’s the pin brush that stands out on this tool.
The center of each pin features a breather hole reaching down to the base of the brush. This allows the brush to adjust to the contours of your dog’s body.
How to Care for Your Golden Retriever’s Coat
How Do You Brush a Golden Retriever?
Keeping a golden retriever groomed means addressing both the topcoat and undercoat. Some brushes will work for both coats while others target one.
To begin, take a moment to look all over your dog’s coat. Take note of any knots that need detangling.
For tangled fur, spray that area of the coat with a little water or conditioner. A wide-tooth comb will help to break up the knot without damaging your dog’s coat.
Once you know that the coat is free from large knots, you can move to the next step. Using a daily grooming brush like a pin brush, back brush their body.
This will work to not only loosen the dead hair in their undercoat but also to free up any debris in their coat. This includes natural debris from being outdoors like twigs.
Finally, brush the coat in the direction in which it naturally grows. This will remove everything you loosened.
During heavy shedding seasons, you may wish to use a deshedding tool. This is best used after detangling and removing larger debris.
Always brush your dog after spending an extended time outdoors, such as hiking or camping. This process will not only remove debris from their coat but it will help you to spot any ticks.
You should also brush your dog before any bathing. This will prevent matting that can result from a knotted undercoat getting wet.
What are the best brushes for golden retrievers?
There are several different types of dog brushes available. Choosing the best brush will depend on your dog, their needs, and your lifestyle.
Bristle Brush: Made with materials like boar’s hair or hemp, these are great for daily grooming. But, they may not keep up with the demands of heavy shedding season.
They remove dirt and excess hair while also stimulating the skin. This encourages the production of natural oils that are then spread through the fur. This helps to improve the health of your dog’s coat.
Deshedding Tools: These tools are specifically designed for heavy shedders. These are a newer style of grooming tool popularized by the company FURminator.
They reach through the topcoat and remove shed hair in the undercoat.
Deshedding tools are for occasional use during shedding season. They are not recommended for daily grooming needs.
Pin Brush: Made with larger metal pins spaced out on a paddle base, the pin brush is good at detangling. It separates the fur, removing knots in the topcoat.
But, this style of brush doesn’t do much for the dead hair in the undercoat. It also doesn’t work to break apart more stubborn mats.
Pin brushes are often used in combination with another brush type for a thorough groom.
Slicker Brush: Great for removing dirt and loose hair, a slicker brush uses small wire pins.
These are effective but can cause discomfort if used with too much pressure. The slicker brush is a popular choice among golden retriever owners.
Undercoat Rake: This tool has wide-spaced metal teeth in one or two rows on a straight or curved base.
The teeth reach down into the undercoat, removing loose and dead hair. They are also effective at detangling the fur in the undercoat.
Like the slicker brush, use an undercoat rake with caution. Too much pressure can scratch or damage your dog’s skin.
How Often Should You Brush Golden Retrievers?
Golden Retrievers are on the heavier end of the shedding spectrum. This means that they need to be groomed more frequently to prevent shedding.
To stay on top of your dog’s grooming needs, you should plan to groom them for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 5 times per week.
This frequency should increase during the peak shedding season. You will see a higher incidence of shedding as you head into spring and again heading into winter.
Can You Brush Golden Retrievers Too Much?
The actual act of brushing your Golden Retriever can’t be done too much. But, there are a few other factors to consider.
Pay careful attention to your dog’s skin in the area that you’re grooming. Watch for signs of irritation such as dryness, redness, or hair loss.
If you see any of these warning signs, reduce your grooming frequency. You may also want to reconsider your choice of brush.
When Should I Start Brushing My Golden Retriever?
The secret to making the grooming process comfortable for everyone is to start early. When you first bring your puppy home, introduce them to the grooming tools.
Start by allowing them to spend time with the brush, but without using it. This includes sniffing the brush, pawing at the brush, or even playing with it.
The more time that your puppy spends around the brush, the more comfortable they will become. Reward and praise your dog during this stage, creating a positive association.
When you notice that your puppy is comfortable around the brush, it’s time to start using the brush.
Begin with slow, small sessions. Brush out your dog’s neck or concentrate on one side of the body. In time, you can extend the grooming sessions until you work up to a full 10 to 15 minutes.
Do Golden Retrievers Have Undercoats?
Golden retrievers will go through several stages of coat growth during their lives.
As puppies, they will have a soft, fluffy coat. This is a downy coat that doesn’t offer the level of protection that they will develop later in life.
At the age of approximately 3 months old, your golden retriever puppy will start to develop some longer fur. This is the start of their protective topcoat. In time, the longer fur will cover the soft puppy coat, creating a water-resistant barrier.
Your puppy won’t completely lose their original, soft puppy coat. Instead, it will transform into an undercoat. This will insulate your dog and help to regulate their body temperature.
The thickness of this undercoat will change and vary from season to season. As your dog gets older, entering their golden years, their coat will become thicker and denser.
Do Golden Retrievers Need Deshedding?
Your golden retriever is a heavy shedder, meaning that you can expect to find golden hair all over your house. This isn’t something that most dog owners look forward to!
Twice a year, your dog will “blow” their coat. This means that they will shed the undercoat as their coat adjusts to the changing seasons.
This will happen as the winter gives way to spring and again when the fall transitions to winter.
During this time, your golden retriever will shed larger than normal amounts. Not only can it make a mess out of your house, but it can be uncomfortable for your dog as the hair mats and tangles.
Deshedding your golden retriever will ensure the best outcome for everyone involved.
Should You Use a Slicker Brush on Golden Retrievers?
A slicker brush is a paddle-style brush with a large number of short wire pins. They work by reaching down into the undercoat, removing loose or dead hair.
The brush also detangles knots and tangles by separating the fur.
With the long double coat of a Golden Retriever, a slicker brush is a great option. It allows you to smooth out the coat and remove reduce shedding all at once.
But, pay attention to your dog’s skin. Low-quality or discount slicker brushes can scratch your dog causing pain. This can turn your dog off the grooming process, creating a negative association.
If you plan on using a slicker brush, it is best to invest in a high-quality brush from a trusted brand.
How Do I Slow Down My Golden Retriever’s Shedding?
The most effective method for slowing any dog’s shedding is regular grooming. This allows you to remove loose and dead fur before it finds its way onto your furniture or floors.
Your dog’s diet can also have an impact on how much they shed.
Make sure that you are feeding your golden retriever a balanced diet. By meeting your dog’s nutritional needs, you can improve your dog’s coat health.
You can also add supplements, food toppers, or treats high in omega-3 fatty acids. This will nourish both your dog’s skin and coat.
Finally, always provide fresh water. Proper hydration is important for preventing dry skin which may lead to hair loss.
Are Shedding Blades Good for Golden Retrievers?
A traditional shedding blade features a long metal piece with small teeth in a U shape. This is held together with a leather or plastic handle.
First designed for use in horses, these grooming tools work by removing loose hair. This minimizes the development of mats and tangles.
Shedding blades are a great option for dogs with shorter coats. But, they aren’t as effective on longer-coated dogs like the golden retriever.
They can also cause pain or discomfort if used incorrectly due to their sharp blade.
A traditional shedding blade is not the best option for a golden retriever’s coat. You can use one, but there are better options available.
Conclusion: What is the Best Golden Retriever brush?
In this guide, you will find a wide variety of great brush options for Golden Retrievers. This includes dogs at all stages of their life.
The ConairPRO Dog Undercoat Rake is a great option for removing loose and dead fur. It’s simple and effective. The FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool is also a great choice to reduce shedding.
But, neither of these brushes can handle all the grooming needs of a growing golden retriever. The FURminator Dual Dog Brush is the best overall brush on the list.
With two distinct grooming options in a single tool, it can address every step of the process. This includes detangling, removing loose hair, and smoothing the coat out to finish.
This brush will meet all your Golden Retriever’s grooming needs.
