6 Best Brushes For Golden Retrievers You Should Buy Now!

Updated: March 9th, 2023

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Choosing the best dog brushes for golden retrievers is not so much for your own benefit (though it can mean less hair shedding on sofas and carpets), but to keep your dog happy, healthy and comfortable.

Because golden retrievers typically have dense, medium-to-long coats, grooming them is extremely important, and it comes with its own set of challenges.

One of the main issues with grooming any dog is knowing which brushes you actually need to use, as there are all sorts out there and it can be overwhelming to the uninitiated.

This article will cover why regular grooming is necessary as well as which kinds of brushes are on the market before revealing which brushes you’ll need for your golden retriever.

Finally, we’ll share a few of our favorites.

An Overview Of The Best Dog Brushes For Golden Retrievers

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product.

*Some of the above links lead to current prices and customer reviews on Chewy.

Carry on reading to discover why we made these choices and lots of tips and buying advice to ensure you get the right product.

Top 6 Best Brushes For Golden Retrievers: Reviews

Now that you know what types of brushes you might need, we’re going to offer you our top picks for each category.

1. The Best Slicker Brush: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker

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Pros

• Easily gets rid of stubborn tangles, knots, and mats from your dog’s coat.
• Great for removing dirt and dander.
• The pins are long enough to penetrate the coat of a golden retriever without being so long they’ll scratch the skin.
• It has an easy-clean function where the pins retract at the press of a button so you can easily remove the collected fur.
• This brush is the number-one bestseller on Amazon with very good ratings and overall feedback.
• It has a comfortable handle to help prevent wrist strain when brushing.
• It comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, which is reassuring.

Cons

• The brush head is only 12.7 x 6.9cms, which is smaller than some might like for brushing a dog as big as a golden retriever.

2. The Best Undercoat Rake: Conair PRO Dog Undercoat Rake

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Pros

• Digs deep into a golden retriever’s coat, getting right through the undercoat, as well as the topcoat.
• The large pins are smooth and somewhat rounded, so they don’t pull the fur and cause discomfort the way some undercoat rakes do.
• Removes tangles and mats in the undercoat and helps to remove the undercoat during shedding.
• Helps get out burs and other debris that might get tangled in the undercoat during walks.
• The four-inch brush bar is a good size for a golden retriever.
• This brush has glowing reviews on Amazon, with a 4.9 rating out of 5.

Cons

• Can still be uncomfortable if too much pressure is used, but this isn’t a fault of the brush itself. It just means caution should be exercised when using it.

3. Best Bristle Brush: AtEase Accents Double Sided Dog Brush

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Pros

• The soft pins will stimulate your dog’s blood flow and encourage the release of natural oils that will give your dog a smooth and brighter coat
• Has both wider-spaced pins and stiff bristles, making it a versatile option
• Gentler on the coat than most brushes, so it’s a suitable option for desensitizing your pet to dog brushes
• A friendlier option for environmentally conscious pet parents because it is made of all-natural two-toned bamboo
• Can withstand dents from your dog’s claws

Cons

• Lacks an anti-slip handle, but this won’t be a challenge, since it’s designed for gentler grooming

4. Best Budget: Glendan Dog Grooming Brush

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Pros

• Designed to get rid of trapped dirt, mats, and dander
• The rotatable handle gives you greater brushing angles and better access to more places
• Glendan’s Bristles have massage particles that help to protect your dog’s skin
• The brushes increase blood flow and bring out natural oils for a glossy, healthier coat
• The anti-slip handle and comfortable grip minimize wrist and hand strain
• It has an eyelet for easy storage

Cons

• The handle is a bit short and can be uncomfortable to use if you have bigger hands

 5. Best Value: Furminator Firm Brush For Dogs 

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Pros

• Has both bent and straight bristles to cater to different brushing preferences
• Bendable dual design for better grooming angles and improved access to difficult areas
• Designed to collect lots of loose hair so you won’t have to clean it often
• Its handle and dual head are both made out of antimicrobial plastic to prevent the spread of germs
• Ergonomic handle and comfortable grip for a stress-free grooming experience

Cons

• Can be difficult to clean when it’s filled with loose hair and dirt

6. Most Durable: PawsPamper Undercoat Rake For Dogs 

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Pros

• Blade tips are rounded to make the brush safe and less irritating
• Beautifully designed, complete with a wooden handle that will comfortably fit in your hands
• Effectively removes dead undercoat in minutes without pulling or damaging your dog’s skin
• Prevents tangles and mats from forming in your dog’s undercoat
• Designed to be specifically used on dogs with a double coat, such as golden retrievers
• A great option for environmentally conscious dog owners because it is made of biodegradable materials

Cons

• Somewhat expensive compared to other similar brushes

Why Do You Need To Brush Your Dog?

Brushing any dog is important, as it helps to keep their skin and coat healthy by removing and preventing mats, circulating natural oils, and getting rid of dirt and debris.

Regular brushing can also help you detect and get rid of fleas and other non-welcome visitors on your dog’s fur and skin.

However, regular grooming of a golden retriever is even more important than it is for dogs with shorter coats, and pet parents should ideally aim to brush their dog for at least a few minutes every day with the best dog brush for a golden retriever.

Goldens Have Medium-Length Double Coats Prone To Matting

Not only do goldens have medium-long hair, but they’re also double-coated, with a wavy, water-resistant topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat that sheds in spring and autumn.

This means they need special attention both to prevent mats and tangles and to help remove their undercoat while they’re shedding.

Goldens Tend To Get Dirty

Golden retrievers were bred as working dogs, so they’re energetic and need plenty of exercise.

This can result in their coats getting tangled and muddy after walks, as well as occasionally seeming to bring back half the outside foliage embedded in their coats.

Therefore, a regular grooming routine is essential to keep them clean and comfy.

Regular Handling Helps To Socialize Your Dog

Getting into a good routine of grooming can also make your life much easier when taking your pup to the vet or even to a professional groomer, as they will be used to staying still to be handled.

It also gives you the opportunity to notice any changes in your dog’s skin, such as lumps or bumps, which you can then get checked out by the vet.

What Types Of Dog Brushes Are Available?

Pin Brush

• These brushes have long, wide-spaced wire pins.
• They’re useful for brushing through topcoats and removing some tangles but don’t remove much hair or get rid of stubborn mats.
• They’re perfect for longer-coated dogs such as golden retrievers.
• They can come with rubber-tipped pins for added comfort.

Bristle Brush

• Bristle brushes do a similar job to pin brushes, but they are more multipurpose, suiting short-coated dogs as well as longer-coated breeds.
• They come with different bristle lengths and spacings for different types of coats – longer, wider spaced varieties are best for goldens.
• They also help to stimulate the skin and remove stubborn dirt.
• These can be a good everyday kind of tool for a quick brush in between more thorough grooming sessions.

Slicker Brush

• Slicker brushes are great for removing loose hair and dirt.
• They consist of rows of fine wire pins, which are perfect for detangling longer hair.
• Each pin has a slightly angled end which helps to remove any loose fur.
• They come in a range of different sizes, so you can pick one that suits your dog.
• They should be used with caution, as they can cause discomfort if too much pressure is used.

Undercoat Rake

• The purpose of an undercoat rake is to help remove the undercoat during shedding and also generally detangle the undercoat.
• They’re made up of wide-spaced metal teeth long enough to penetrate right through to the undercoat.
• They come in different lengths, so be sure to pick one suitable for a golden retriever.
• Again, they shouldn’t be used with too much pressure; just a light brush-through is fine.

Rubber Brush

• These can come in brush or mitt form, both with short rubber “bristles.”
• They’re good for massaging the skin and removing dead hair.
• Due to the length of the bristles, they’re more suited to short-coated dogs.

A Guide To Buying The Best Brush For Golden Retrievers

By now, you already know which brush type to go for, but there are still lots of factors you do not want to ignore when shopping for the best dog brush for your golden retriever.

Let’s have a look at these tips:

Handle And Brush Size

There’s no standard handle for dog brushes. Some come with shorter handles, and others have bigger handles.

A handle that does not fit well in your hands will strain your wrist and arm and generally be uncomfortable to use.

It’s therefore wise to go for a brush with an ergonomic handle that fits well into your hands.

What Coat Type Is The Brush Designed For?

Coats come in many forms, from smooth and double to long and curly/wavy. For golden retrievers specifically, the ideal brush has to be suitable for double-coated breeds.

You will also run into some that are versatile enough to cater to different coats.

Whichever option you choose, just make sure the brush can groom and/or remove dirt, loose fur, mats, and tangles from your golden.

Pin Design

Top-grade dog brushes mostly feature either flexible, soft, rounded, or bendable pins. Such pins are less likely to irritate your dog’s skin.

Check the specifications of your target brush to ensure the pins are designed to be gentler to your dog’s skin.

Stay away from extremely cheap brushes, as most of them have stiff, sharp pins that are more likely to harm your dog than properly groom them.

What Types Of Brushes Do You Need For A Golden Retriever?

As a rule, most golden retriever owners will find they need the following brushes to various degrees: a wire pin brush, a bristle brush, a slicker brush, and an undercoat rake.

1. Wire pin brush
2. Bristle brush
3. Slicker brush
4. Undercoat rake

The wire pin brush and the bristle brush are both useful for regular brushing of the coat when it’s already in fairly good shape and not too tangled.

You don’t necessarily need both a wire pin and a bristle brush, as they do a similar job to one another.

So, really it’s just down to personal preference or a bit of trial and error to determine which one you and your dog prefer.

A slicker brush is a must-have, as it will help you get rid of mats and tangles, especially in your dog’s topcoat.

It’s also good for removing loose fur, but it may not fully penetrate the thick undercoat of a retriever.

Finally, you’ll need an undercoat rake, which will help to remove your dog’s undercoat when they are shedding in spring and autumn.

This is vital, as an undercoat that doesn’t come out fully can get severely matted and cause your dog discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Retriever Grooming

What’s the best brush to use on a golden retriever?

Most golden retriever owners will use at least one of the following brushes to various degrees: a wire pin brush, a bristle brush, a slicker brush, and an undercoat rake.

All of the brushes on our list are ideal to use on a golden retriever. You only have to figure out the purpose for which you need the brush for.

This will help you narrow your selection to the best brush for your golden retriever in the four categories we looked at above.

How much brushing does a golden retriever need?

Golden retrievers should be groomed once to twice a week to avoid instances such as painful matting and excess shedding.

It’s even better to groom your dog daily whenever possible, because this will not only prevent shedding but also save you the pain of cleaning or vacuuming your fur-ridden floor as often.

Remember to use either a pin or bristle brush for regular shedding for regular brushing.

But when their hair is too tangled, it would be better to first spray it with water or an appropriate conditioner before brushing it.

A slicker brush is the perfect option for this purpose.

How do you use a slicker brush on a golden retriever?

Earlier on, I briefly mentioned that slicker brushes should be used with caution because they tend to cause a bit of discomfort, especially when you use excess pressure. Instead, use short, gentle strokes to avoid causing irritation.

Also, while using a slicker brush, pay extra attention to every part of your dog’s body, especially the areas that are more prone to tangles, such as the butt, neck, and mane.

When should I start brushing my golden retriever?

Most vets recommend that you start brushing golden retrievers while they are still puppies (or around 4-6 months old).

Take it slow at first to allow your pup to become familiar with the grooming process. Remember to use the appropriate brush for the appropriate purpose.

Most manufacturers have various options designed for grooming puppies and adult dogs.

Last Word On The Best Brushes For Golden Retrievers

For first-time owners of golden retrievers, it can seem like a minefield picking out the best brush for your golden retriever.

But even long-time lovers of goldens can find themselves confused, too!

Having read through this post, you should now have a better idea of what brushes are necessary for keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy, clean, and tangle-free.

It’s a bit of a chore, especially with a dog who has fur that’s long and double-coated, but a regular grooming routine with the correct tools is worthwhile for both you and your dog.