Goldendoodles are a special breed that can have several different coat styles. Regardless of which one your pooch possesses, it’s important to keep their fur healthy. They want to look good enough to strut their stuff.
So, the tough question is, what’s the best brush for Goldendoodle dogs? We prefer a slicker brush like the Babyliss Pro Pet Brush, but we have six others below for you to review.
We also have a Doodle coat care guide that gives you all the details for maintaining their beautiful fur regardless of their style.
Best Dog Brushes for goldendoodle: Top picks
1. Best Brush For Goldendoodle Overall
Babyliss Pro Pet Long Pin Slicker Pet Brush
4.5 Out Of 5 Stars
- Removes shed
- Comfortable handle
- Reduces knots
- Creates a shiny coat
The Babyliss Pro Pet Long Pin Slicker Pet Brush is our overall favorite grooming tool for your Goldendoodle. It comes in three different sizes, so you can find one that is perfect for your pet. This brush has long stainless steel pins that are gentle. Yet, still tough enough to get out stubborn knots and mattes.
The rubberized handle is ergonomic, and you’ll find less excess shed around your home with this brush. Additionally, Babyliss will create a beautiful shiny coat regardless of your Doodle’s fur type.
2. Best Slicker Brush
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush:
4.5 Out Of 5 Stars
- Self-cleaning
- Comfortable Handle
- Removes knots
- Reduces shed
If you want a good self cleaning slicker brush, we suggest the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Brush. As the name suggests, this pet tool cleans itself after it removes tangles, knots, and loose fur from your Doodle’s coat. Not to mention, it cleans itself.
The anti-slip handle is comfortable and easy to hold. You also don’t need to worry about the pins scratching your dog’s skin. The unique bristles of slicker brushes create a smooth shine by penetrating all the layers of their coat. All this without making them uncomfortable.
3. Best Bristle Brush
Safari Bristle Dog Brush
4.0 Out Of 5 Stars
- Soft bristle
- Anti-slip handle
- Removes debris
- Shines coat
If you have a long clip Doodle, a bristle brush can help keep their coat healthy. It does so by distributing their skin’s natural oils throughout their fur. In this case, we like the Safari Bristle Dog Brush. This option removes debris, dirt, and excess oil. It can even cut down on loose fur.
You’ll also find this brush has an anti-slip handle, but it’s not as comfortable to hold as our first few favorites. What’s more, this is not a brush we recommend for exclusive use as it won’t remove tangles or extreme amounts of shed.
4. Best Brush For Loose and Shedding Fur
Perfect Coat Professional Dog Deshedder
4.0 Out Of 5 Stars
- Removes shed
- Stainless steel edge
- Ergonomic handle
- Won’t scratch the skin
It’s not easy to get rid of all their extra fur when your Doodle is in full shed mode. There is a grooming tool that can help, however. The Perfect Coat Professional Dog Deshedder is our favorite as it removes excess hair without making your pet uncomfortable.
This tool has a stainless steel edge that won’t rust. That said, you will need some practice before using this type of brush. We suggest asking your groomer to give you a tutorial first. Also, the handle is ergonomic and won’t slip out of your hand. It’s not the most comfortable over extended periods, though.
5. Best Ergonomic Brush
Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Dog Brush:
4.5 Out Of 5 Stars
- Comfortable handle
- Removes tangles and mattes
- Will remove dead hair
- Capped Pins
If you have a hard time holding a grooming brush, it doesn’t mean you have to let your Doodle’s coat suffer. Try finding an ergonomic handle that is soft and comfortable like the Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Dog Brush.
The foam handle and curved design will make life easy on your hands. Your dog will also love it for its gentle, capped pinheads that don’t irritate the skin. This brush will remove loose hair, knots, and mattes. It helps keep their coat looking healthy, as well.
6. Best Grooming Comb
Evolution Medium Rotating Teeth Dog Comb:
4.5 Out Of 5 Stars
- Rotating teeth
- Removes tangles and mattes
- Ergonomic handle
- Rounded pinheads
If you have a Goldendoodle, a comb is essential for their coat’s care. We love the Evolution Medium Rotating Teeth Dog Comb. It has rotating teeth so when you’re brushing out knots, there won’t be any damage to your dog’s fur. Plus, the rounded pin tips keep the comb from scratching their sensitive skin.
This comb is durable and has a comfortable handle that won’t slip out of your hand. While it will remove some loose shed, this comb is primarily for keeping their curly locks free of tangles and debris.
7. Best Undercoat Rake
FURminator Dog Grooming Rake
4.5 Out Of 5 Stars
- Rotating, capped pins
- Anti-microbial
- Removes tangles and mattes
- Ergonomic handle
We recommend the FURminator Dog Grooming Rake for your Goldendoodle. This comfortable to hold brush has capped pins that rotate so it won’t damage or hurt your pet. This brush effectively removes tangles, mattes, and debris.
As a bonus, this brush is also anti-microbial. It decreases the chances of bacteria building upon the tool. If you want your dog’s coat to shine, you’ll need to look elsewhere. As far as keeping it healthy and tangle-free, this is a great option.
Goldendoodle Coat Care
Now that we’ve shared some details on our favorite dog brushes, we want to talk about which ones are best for your Doodle.
The short answer; it depends on their coat type. For the long answer, we will share the details below.
What Brush Is Best For A Goldendoodle?
The type of brush that’s best for your Goldendoodle often depends on the type of coat they have and their cut. Regardless, your grooming experience will be pleasant for both of you with a variety of dog brushes on hand.
The two most important brushes to have in your canine grooming supplies are a slicker brush and a metal comb. The comb helps remove knots and mattes while the brush can get out easy tangles and shine their fur.
Other dog brushes that are useful are a bristle brush, a pin brush, an undercoat rake, and a deshedding tool.
Let’s look at the different fur types along with the recommended brush:
- Flat/Straight Coat: Looks more like a Golden Retriever. It’s a less common coat that requires the least amount of maintenance.
- Best Brush: Slicker and bristle brush
- Wavy Coat: Also called the “teddy bear” coat, it’s the most full and bushy. This fur type requires the most grooming, though there is not a lot of shed.
- Best Brush: Slicker, comb, undercoat rake, deshedder
- Curly Coat: Curly coats look more like poodles. It doesn’t need quite as much grooming, but it has the least amount of shed.
- Best Brush: Slicker brush, comb, undercoat rake, bristle brush
Besides coat type, your Doodle can also have long or short hair. Also referred to as a “short clip” or “long clip”, your pup’s cut is done in the best way for their coat type (but more on that later).
How To Properly Brush A Goldendoodle
One of the most important things about brushing your Goldendoodle is to get them into a routine. The more consistent you are, the more they will look forward to the one-on-one time with you.
Goldendoodles are also hopeless showoffs. They like nothing better than to show off their amazing coat. Naturally, they like when you take the time to make them the envy of the dog park.
Brushing can be a bit different depending on the type of fur and length, but a few things hold true for all Doodles. First, Goldendoodles all have double coats, so taking care of both layers is imperative.
Second, they all tend to get knots and tangles; especially if they have a long clip. If you don’t work them out, the knots will turn to mattes which is zero fun for everyone.
Determining your Goldendoodle’s coat type
Straight/Flat Coat
This is the easiest coat to take care of, yet it doesn’t mean you should neglect them. Most straight coats have a long clip which can get snarly quick.
Start by running a slicker brush through their fur gently moving from their head to tail. You also want to work from their neck down to their paws.
Get rid of any tangles and knots. Once you detangle their fur, you can go the extra step of using a bristle brush to make their fur really shine.
Wavy Coats
Wavy coats are the thickest, and they require the most care. Unlike the flat coat, you want to start with a comb to remove any tangles. Move in small sections ensuring all knots are gone before moving on.
Now you can use a slicker brush to remove any remaining debris and fluff up their fur. A slicker not only detangles but also moves skin oils through their fur giving it a healthy shine.
If your pooch is particularly snarly, you may want to consider using an undercoat rake, as well. This type of brush gets through all the layers of their fur, and it’s helpful with wavy long clips.
A deshedding tool is an option, but only during the high shedding season. Goldendoodles are not big shedders, and you never want to remove more fur than is necessary.
Curly Coats
Curly coats fall somewhere between flat and wavy as far as care. If they have a short clip, a slicker brush is typically sufficient. It removes knots from both the top and bottom coats. If they have long curls, start with the comb then move on to a slicker brush like the Babyliss Pro Long Pin Brush.
Like the two fur types we previously mentioned, start with small sections with a comb. Then, move from front to back and top to bottom with the brushes.
Long-haired curly Doodles with a thick coat can also benefit from an undercoat rake if they often have tangles and debris. You can also use a bristle brush on both lengths to give their ringlets extra shine and bounce.
Pro Tip: A comb typically works better on curly Goldendoodles while an undercoat rake is better for a wavy-haired Doodle.
How To Brush A Goldendoodle Face?
Goldendoodles have the cutes, fluffiest face of any other breed. With the fluff comes the stuff, however; and by stuff, we mean, debris, tangles, and even mattes.
You must brush your dog’s face when you do the rest of their coat. Thankfully, once your pup is used to the process, it’s a quick chore easily accomplished.
1. Use a comb-like the Evolution Rotating Teeth Comb of a fine-toothed flea comb.
2. Start on one check and slowly (gently) brush in the same direction as the hair is growing.
3. Move on to the next cheek following step number two.
4. Brush the area around the eyes carefully so as not to poke them. Always go in the same direction as the hair is growing.
5. Brush under their chin and down their neck in the same way you did the rest.
While grooming their face, you want to keep an eye on how long their fur has grown since their last cut. If the hair is in their eyes, ears, or growing across their mouth, it’s time to trim it up. This way, they’ll be comfortable and look their best.
Take a look at this video for more instruction on how to trim your Goldendoodles face fur:
Pro Tip: If you encounter mattes on their face, lift them gently away from their body. While holding the tangle, continue to brush from underneath going a bit higher with each brush. This will work small parts of the hair loose.
If your Doodle is showing too much discomfort, it’s better to cut the matte out. Or, you can see a professional groomer for assistance.
How To Keep Them Fluffy
The easiest way to keep your Doodle fluffy and adorable is with a slicker brush like our second pick Hertzko Self-Cleaning Brush. If you have ever brushed your dry hair into a fluffy, static halo of frizz, you get the basic idea. The more consistent you are with brushing, the fluffier they’ll be.
Another way to keep them looking poofy is by having their fur clipped regularly. Goldendoodle’s fur grows very fast, and they should have a trim every six weeks or so depending on their fur type.
Taking off the dead and scraggly ends will help keep your goldendoodle’s coat bouncy, healthy, and fluffy looking.
How To Keep A Goldendoodle dog From Matting?
Unfortunately, Doodles are prone to matting, and they are very painful for your pet. Even small ones that aren’t visible right away can pain them. The trick to keeping them from matting is by being consistent with their brushing schedule.
Mattes are more common on Doodles with a long clip, yet they can form anywhere on any type of fur. They are often due to moisture and movement. Even running from the car to the house during a rain shower can start a matte forming. Here are the most common areas your Goldendoodles may matte:
- The base of the tail
- On the sides of their stomach
- Behind their ears
- Upper legs
- Armpits
You can find them in other areas, as well. To decrease the likelihood of them forming, make sure you are brushing your pet.
Brush through to the undercoat, too. This is where mattes are more likely to form and get uncomfortable. Plus, they are not always visible right away.
How Often Should You Brush A Goldendoodle?
Goldendoodles need a normal grooming routine to keep their coat healthy, shiny, and matte-free. Regardless of whether they have flat, wavy, or curly fur, you need to brush them every day.
This goes for long and short clips, as well. While brushing, you should also be checking your dog’s skin for hot spots and irritation. Pay attention to whether they need a bath, too.
Beyond brushing, you should also be taking your fur baby to a groomer for a trim every six weeks or so.
Do Goldendoodles Need Daily Brushing?
Yes, Goldendoodles need brushing every day for several reasons. First, and foremost, they enjoy the routine and the quiet time where all of your attention is on them.
Daily brushing is also important because:
- Remove tangles and knots (especially from thick coats)
- Decrease likelihood of mattes
- Remove mattes
- Makes your dog’s coat fluffy
- Removes debris
- Helps keep a healthy coat
How Long Does It Take To Brush A Goldendoodle?
Once you get in the regular habit of brushing your pup, the session shouldn’t take you more than 15 minutes. The time can vary, however. If, for example, they have a lot of tangles, mattes, or they need a trim, it can take a bit longer.
Setting aside 15 minutes a day to brush their body and face is crucial for keeping your pet happy and healthy.
Goldendoodle Grooming Guide
Many pet parents prefer to groom their Goldendoodle at home. Although this is perfectly fine, there are a few things you need to be aware of before you start your at-home grooming routine.
First, you want to make sure you have the time and confidence to complete these chores at home. Remember, your fur baby feeds off of your emotions. If you’re feeling nervous, they are likely to pick up on it and become scared themselves.
You also want to ensure you will have the time to devote to your dog’s upkeep. Grooming appointments can be nerve-racking for your pooch; especially at first. Bouncing back and forth from doing it at home to bringing them elsewhere is not the best idea.
To recap, Goldendoodles need to be fully brushed daily. They also require a bath, hair cut, and nail trim every six weeks.
How To Groom A Goldendoodle At Home?
Before you get into the actual steps, take a look at the grooming supplies you will need:
Recommended Tools For Grooming Goldendoodle Coats
- Slicker brush– try Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Dog Brush if doing it from home
- Comb
- Various other brushes
- Shampoo/conditioner combo– we like Chi for Dogs
- Pre-brushing spray– we like Warren London Dematting Spray
- Pet grooming gloves-optional
- Old towel
- Blower dryer with low/cool setting
- Dog Scissors– we suggest a rounded edge pair like these from Conair Pro
- Dog Clipper– we like the PATPET Removable Blade Clippers
Step By Step Goldendoodle Grooming Guide
1. A Full Brushing
Brush your Doodle from face to tail first with a comb if they have long hair or a slicker brush if they have short fur. You can also use a pre-brushing spray to help loosen knots and tangles. Make sure you can run your comb/brush through both the top and bottom coat without snags.
2. Ensure All Mattes Are Gone
Use an undercoat rake if they have any stubborn mattes that need removing. If it is too painful, use safety scissors to gently cut the matte away. Important: Remove all mattes and tangle them before bathing your pup.
3. Do They Need A Bath?
Bath them if needed. Goldendoodles are not intense shedders, plus they are fairly hypoallergenic. If they have a “doggie” odor, have visible debris, or have more noticeable dander, a bath is a good idea.
4. Shampoo and Conditioner
Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner combination. Make sure you are lathering their fur down to the skin. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry as much as possible. If your Doodle is also in need of a trim, you will need to blow dry them on low/cool setting (so as not to frighten them).
5. Trim Their Face
Make sure your Goldendoodle is completely dry before cutting any of their furs. Once they are dry, start at the face. Make sure you are using the safety scissors to carefully trim their bangs, chin, and ears. The video above gives more details, yet if you are unsure, let a pro give you some pointers first.
6. Trim The Rest Of Their Body
Trim from the face down the neck to their tail. Leave the legs and feet for last. Additionally, you want to cut the fur on their feet shorter than the rest of their fur.
Take a look at this video with pointers on how to use clippers on your Goldendoodle.
It’s also important to note that there are several different cuts you can give your Doodle. Which one you pick is typically based on your preference, and what looks best on them.
We don’t suggest giving your pet a full trim without first getting some instruction from a professional, however.
How To Choose A Professional Groomer
Understandably, many goldendoodle owners don’t want to go through the process of giving their Doodle a full clipping at home. Typical trims and daily brushing often puts enough on you and your pet’s plate. After all, your time could be better spent scratching bellies or chasing balls.
Finding a reputable groomer is not always easy, however. You must find an experienced professional. Someone both you and your pet feel comfortable with. Let’s take a look at what else you should be looking for:
- Affordability: Undeniably, you want to check their pricing structure before bringing in your pet.
- Sanitation: Many canine ailments are very contagious. Be sure to check their sanitation procedures after each pet visit.
- References: Finding references is easy thanks to the internet. Most locations will have a website or be in pet directories. You can get a look at what others have to say about the establishment.
- Breed Experience: You not only want to check the overall experience of your groomer but whether they have experience with Doodles.
- Procedure: It’s a good idea to ask how the clipping is performed, as well. Are you allowed to stay? What happens if your pup gets too nervous?
- Other Services: Discover what other services they offer such as ear cleaning, nail clipping, eye discolor treatment, etc.
- Emergencies: You always want to ask what the emergency procedures are for all circumstances. Whether it be illness or a fire in the building, you should know what is going to happen.
- Insurance: Finally, make sure the location you choose has liability insurance.
There are many credible directories out there where you can find groomers in your local area. Try Facebook, as well as, other pet forums. Also, the AKC Marketplace lists dog groomers, too.
Best Brush for Goldendoodle: Final Thoughts
Grooming your Goldendoodle daily is important to keep your dog’s coat healthy, shiny, and matte free. There are various tools you can use to accomplish this depending on the type of fur coat your Doodle has. The best brush goldendoodle brush will vary between pet owners.
Our overall winner (for all fur types) is the Babyliss Pro Pet Slicker Brush. For long-clip Doodles, we like the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. Plus, you can’t beat a brush that cleans itself.
For a curly-haired pup, a bristle brush is always a good way to go. Our favorite is the Safari Bristle Brush. Still, nothing beats the standard comb for getting tangles and knots out of all fur types like the Evolution Rotating Teeth Comb.
All of these options will prevent mattes, and keep both you and your Goldendoodle happy!
