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Best Brush for a Golden Retriever: A Guide to a Flowing, Feathery Coat
How We Found the Best Brush for Golden Retriever
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Anyone who has ever had or has a Golden Retriever will tell you that they drop enough hair to stuff a small pillow every week. They are great dogs, loyal companions, and possess almost human-level intelligence.
Lots of fun to be around. But they shed a lot. One way to reduce shedding is to get the best brush for Golden Retrievers. And brush your puppy.
Please remember that healthy dogs do not experience hair loss. Dogs grow hair, and then they shed it. It is a life cycle. Golden Retrievers grow more hair than the average dog.
Therefore, look for the best brushes for Goldens, one of which is Andis Firm Slicker Brush. The brush has a wider head, resulting in more brushing and de-shedding. But let’s take a look at all the options.
Our Reviews
Best Overall
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1. Andis Premium Firm Slicker Brush
Anyone who has ever had or has a Golden Retriever will tell you that they drop enough hair to stuff a small pillow every week. They are great dogs, loyal companions, and possess almost human-level intelligence. Lots of fun to be around. But they shed a lot. One way to reduce shedding is to get the best brush for Golden Retrievers. And brush your puppy.
Please remember that healthy dogs do not experience hair loss. Dogs grow hair, and then they shed it. It is a life cycle. Golden Retrievers grow more hair than the average dog. Therefore, look for the best brushes for Goldens, one of which is Andis Firm Slicker Brush. The brush has a wider head, resulting in more brushing and de-shedding. But let’s take a look at all the options.
Why do we like it?
- Wide head cuts brushing time
- Anti-slip handle
- Reduces shedding by up to 90%
- Stimulates the growth of healthier hair
Best Premium
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2. Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
You have to love a self-cleaning brush. Now, that doesn’t mean the brush will do everything. The trick is you don’t have to remove hairs from the brush. The brush cleans itself.
Hertzko provides a powerful brushing action for your dog. The brush is easy to use, and it’s perfect for gentle and effective treatment. The unique brush bristles will penetrate even thick fur. It removes even the most stubborn of tangles and knots without any irritation, pain, or discomfort.
It is comfortable to use with its anti-slip handle grip. You can use it for long grooming sessions without straining your hands. Given how big Golden Retrievers are, you will need a lot of time for grooming.
Why do we like it?
- Automatic retraction button leaves the brush fur-free
- Easy to use
- Provides gentle and effective treatment
Best Budget
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3. Hartz Groomer’s Best Grooming Tools
This brush was designed with groomers in mind. It is a professional grooming tool that comes with a low price tag. Use it for everyday de-shedding and detangling.
With sturdy stainless-steel bristles, the brush is effective in removing loose hair. It works on all coat types, and features safety tips for gentle treatment.
The brush is effective in distributing natural oils, and promotes a healthy, shiny coat for your Goldie.
Why do we like it?
- Professional grooming tool
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
- Features safety tips
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4. Li’l Pals Dog Slicker Brush With Coated Pins
The manufacturer recommends the brush for toy breeds and puppies. But what makes this brush great for Golden Retrievers is its effectiveness as it gently removes tangles and loose hair.
With flexible pins and plastic tips, this brush will be comfortable for your dog because it contours to the dog’s body for more efficient grooming.
During brushing, the tool distributes natural oils evenly, and the comfortable, tipped pins don’t irritate your dog’s skin.
Why do we like it?
- Comfortable tipped pins
- Gentle and effective
- Contours to the dog’s body
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5. Furminator Grooming Rake
The Furminator for Golden Retrievers works differently than a slicker brush. The Furminator is an all-purpose tool that separates and untangles fur. With it, you can achieve professional-grade results. In addition, the company has a wide range of products for de-shedding.
The rake loosens knots and matting. It removes some undercoat, but not fully. It is best to use it in combination with the de-shedding tool.
Works on medium-short to long fur. While it doesn’t feature a release button, you can clean the brush easily.
Why do we like it?
- Removes the undercoat without disturbing the topcoat
- Rounded pins fully rotate to prevent irritation
- Minimizes tugging
- Removes matting from the undercoat
- Shaped to follow the contour of the petyour pet
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6. Safari Soft Slicker Brush for Dogs
Designed for general grooming, this brush removes mats and tangles. But it can also remove loose hair. Regular use will reduce shedding and keep your pet’s coat healthy and clean.
It works for dogs of all breeds, whether long-haired or short-haired. It features stainless-steel pins that remove tangles in an effortless way. If you want to keep the home fur-free and cleaner, this brush will help you.
Why do we like it?
- Works on long and short hair
- Features stainless-steel pins
- Removes loose hair
No products found.
7. Wahl Large Dog Slicker Brush
This brush was made for large dog breeds. Like our top overall pick, the brush features a wide head, which helps you remove more hair at once. Firm pins remove loose hair and dirt from the undercoat without damaging the top coat.
Use it daily, and your pet will have a luxurious, tangle-free coat. It significantly removes shedding and keeps your home cleaner.
You can also use the brush between grooming sessions to remove dirt and debris.
Why do we like it?
- Large head covers a large section
- Soft-grip handle for a comfortable use
- Great for everyday general use
How Often Do Golden Retrievers Shed?
Generally speaking, Golden Retrievers shed two times per year. They shed at the start and the end of winter. Around November, your Goldie will shed his fur to grow a winter coat. And by the time April hits, your puppy grows a lighter spring coat.
What happens during the shedding season is dogs shed off their old hair to make room for a new coat. During these seasons, you will see a lot of hair around your home. Things will go back to normal once the season finishes.
During the rest of the year, Golden Retrievers do not shed as much. If your puppy is shedding heavily through the year, consult a vet. Your dog might need some protein supplements to improve the quality of his coat.
Brushing daily with the best brush for your puppy helps cut `shedding.
How to Keep Your Golden Retriever’s Coat Healthy
Shedding and hair around the house is part of the package when you get a Golden Retriever. But while we love our dogs, we would also love to reduce shedding. How can you do that? There are a couple of things to make sure your Goldie’s coat is healthy.
Start by feeding your pet good quality food. Look for the best food for Golden Retrievers that doesn’t contain corn or animal by-products. Premium food keeps your dog’s coat healthy.
Follow that up with regular brushing. Brushing is part of the proper grooming package. Clean your dog, brush him, and ensure proper hygiene so that shedding is minimized. Brushing removes dead skin cells, dirt, debris, and loose hair.
Last, but not least, bathe him using de-shedding shampoo and conditioner. These products help with future shedding.
Coat Growing Process of a Golden Retriever
It is important that you fully understand your dog’s hair growing process. They are recognizable for their flowing, sunny coat. When your Golden Retriever is a puppy, his coat is more fluff than flow. It takes time for Golden Retrievers to grow their feather-like coat.
Golden retrievers begin growing their fluffy coat at three months of age, but it depends on the dog’s heritage and bloodlines. If your puppy’s parents grew their adult coat later, your puppy will take some time as well.
At around three months of age, you will notice the first signs of flowing hair. It starts as long hair grows on his tail, which is the beginning of the feathering process. Golden Retrievers have feathers on the legs, under the stomach, and on the tail.
The adult coat begins growing on the tail and then continues gradually on the rest of his body. New hair is usually darker than the light puppy fur. He doesn’t shed his puppy fur. Instead, it is pushed aside by the longer adult hair. Eventually, the puppy fur becomes the dog’s undercoat. As the longer outer coat grows in, the undercoat will thicken.
The whole transition from puppy fur to adult hair can continue until he is 18 months of age.
How Often Should You Brush Your Golden Retriever?
First off, start brushing and grooming your dog as a puppy. When he is a puppy, begin with a soft brush over his body. Try to get him used to the brush. Always brush in the direction in which the hair grows. As your dog grows, you can add a pin brush and a slicker brush. These two fall in the best brush for Golden Retriever category.
We recommend brushing your Goldie at least once per week. Daily is good, but once per week is mandatory. Brush him from head to toe once per week, and a light brush every day. This will prevent matting and reduce the amount of fur around the home.
You can use a steel comb for finishing touches. For regular brushing, you can choose between a slicker and a pin brush. During the shedding season, increase the frequency of brushing.
Buying Guide for the Best Brush for Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers have a double coat, so they need a brush that can get deep into the fur and cut loose hair. There are four types of brushes you can use, and you can invest in all four. But if you cannot buy them all, a slicker brush for Golden Retrievers is enough. Here are the four brushes your Goldie needs.
- Undercoat de-matting tool: For your Goldie, an undercoat rake will brush out and cut mats and tangles. De-matting is an important part of the grooming process, especially for a double-coated dog.
- De-shedding tool: The de-shedding tool helps save time vacuuming. The tool catches hair that your regular brush cannot. Groomers and veterinarians always use a de-shedding tool. For an adult Golden Retriever, a 4-inch comb is best for this purpose. Use the tool once per week.
- Slicker brush: If you can only get one brush, get a slicker brush. It is the best brush for a Golden Retriever. These brushes keep the hair neat, spread natural oils through the coat, and cut loose hair. It removes tangles and mats from the outer coat. Slicker brushes go deeper than pin brushes, which is why you need one for your Goldie.
- Combination brush: A combination brush is a wire brush, and it’s great for daily brushing. These brushes are double-sided. Brush gently, and pay special attention to the legs and underarms.
How to Brush Your Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers have a long coat. Their coat can be either wavy or straight. Long-haired dogs need regular brushing.
Start at the neck, and move down the body from there. Brush the sides, and then the bottom. Because the Golden Retriever is a large dog, you can bend down to reach the bottom of his coat. While brushing, watch for scratches, lumps, bumps, redness, and other signs. If you spot something unusual, keep an eye on it for a few days. Check with a vet if it doesn’t go away.
Spend extra time on areas where your dog’s fur is thick or matted. Use a comb to remove tangled hair. When you encounter a mat, hold the fur above the mat close to the skin. Brush it out gently, starting at the tip of the mat and working towards the skin.
If your dog doesn’t enjoy brushing, bring him out. Get a frozen puppy ice cream, and let him lick the ice cream while you brush. Use other distractions to keep him calm and quiet while you work.
Conclusion
Golden Retrievers are best known for their flowing, golden coat. Regular brushing helps keep his coat shiny and beautiful. While there are different brushes you can use, a slicker brush is the best one. We recommend brushing your dog with a slicker brush every day. And then, once per week, use a de-matting and de-shedding tool.
But if you get only one brush, get a slicker brush. It is the hands-down best option. We like Andis because of the wide head that catches most hair, but there are other options as well.
Aleksandar
My name is Aleksandar, and I am a storyteller by professional. I’ve got a BA in journalism in 2009. I write ever since. Now, I am here to help you find the best grooming products for your furry friend.
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