best brush for a goldendoodle

Best Brush for Goldendoodle: Our 10 Goldendoodle Brushes Picks

Goldendoodles are an increasingly popular designer breed that consists of a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodles. If you have a Goldendoodle, it’s likely no surprise to you that these intuitive, friendly dogs are fast becoming a favorite family pet.


35% Off at Chewy.com

+ Free Shipping

Save Now

While you couldn’t ask for a better dog in terms of temperament and trainability, properly grooming Goldendoodles can be a bit of a challenge. Depending on the amount of poodle in their lineage, your Goldendoodle may have a very wiry, curly coat that loves to grab onto things like dirt and burs.

Even if your dog is more Golden that Doodle, it will require regular brushing with a high-quality brush to control shedding and matting. If you aren’t sure where your pup falls on the spectrum, and are even less sure of what type of brush you should be using, not to worry! We have created this guide to help you through the process.

We will begin by discussing the kinds of brushes you might want to consider for your Goldendoodle, then go over some coat variations, and finally, list our top picks for Goldendoodle brushes!

Different Types of Brushes for Goldendoodles

Whatever type of coat your Goldendoodle has, it is bound to be long and at least a little course. Here are some of the common brush types that will work well for your pup’s fur!

  • Slicker brush — The most popular brush type for Goldendoodles, the slicker brush is made up of many fine, wire teeth on a broad brush head. These teeth can be stiff or flexible, and they gently work their way through coarse fur to reduce tangles and matting. Since Goldendoodles are especially prone to knots, it’s a huge plus that these brushes cause very little discomfort.
  • Comb — Dog combs used for Goldendoodles are generally made of metal or very durable plastic with wide, thick teeth. These are great for Goldendoodle coats which are prone to tangling and holding on to debris after outdoor adventures.
  • Undercoat rake — Though Goldendoodles are notoriously low shedders, they do have a double coat. An undercoat rake will help gather any loose fur in the undercoat that may eventually be shed with long, rounded teeth.
  • Shedding brush — These aren’t usually a big concern for Goldendoodle owners, as (like we stated above) they do not shed much. If your Goldendoodle is an unusually heavy shedder, a shedding brush will help trap loose fur in its fine, shallow teeth. Many of these brushes have easy systems for removing the hair they collect.
  • Pin brush — This type of brush most closely resembles a human hair brush, and it is great for minimizing the tangles that Goldendoodles are prone to experiencing. It will also do a good job of clearing out dirt that attaches to your dog’s fur.

Different brushes will be appropriate for different Goldendoodles depending on things like lifestyle and coat type, but these are the sorts of brushes most commonly used for the breed.

Different Types of Goldendoodle Coats

Since is it is a crossbreed, Goldendoodle pups can come in three distinct coat types, which usually give you some insight into their family history.

  • Wavy/shaggy — This is the most common type of Goldendoodle coat, and it denotes a pretty even mix of both Golden Retriever and Poodle in a dog’s lineage. These coats are dense, coarse, and fluffy with a variable amount of wave and bounce. These dogs also have the furnishings (long mustaches and eyebrows) that are common in curly coated dogs like poodles.
  • Curly — A Goldendoodle with an especially curly coat probably has a little extra poodle in their family history. Curly coats are extra wiry, and therefore more prone to collecting dirt and debris. These dogs will also display the furnishings of a poodle above their eyes and mouths, and will likely shed very little (if at all). Note that, although Goldendoodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, this is not technically true even for curly coated dogs.
  • Straight — An especially straight coat indicates a higher level of Golden Retriever DNA. Goldendoodles with straight coats are more prone to shedding and matting since their hair is finer than that of their more curly siblings, and they won’t have the same abundance of fur on their faces.
Though any of these coats can show up on a Goldendoodle, the most common type by far is the first (wavy or shaggy), which is why we will focus most of our discussion around this type. If your Goldendoodle has a curly or straight coat, bear that in mind when choosing a brush.

Our Top Picks for Goldendoodle Brushes

Hopefully, now you have gained a little insight into what type of brush you should be on the lookout for, and which coat variation your Goldendoodle has. Now we will begin discussing our favorite Goldendoodle brushes in several different categories!

Andis Premium Large Firm Pet Slicker Brush

Key Benefits:

  • Fine wire bristles ideal for working through Goldendoodle coats
  • Specifically made for dense, coarse coats
  • Broad head allows you to cover lots of area at once
  • Will help combat snags and mats

Overall Best Brush for a Goldendoodle — It’s a general consensus among those in the know: the slicker brush is hard to beat for battling a Goldendoodle coat. What’s more, this lightweight brush won’t poke at your pup’s skin beneath all that fur, and it will remove any dirt or debris that’s been accumulated while resolving tangles and mats.

Pros:

  • Ideal brush type for Goldendoodle coats
  • Helps reduce mats and tangles in coarse fur
  • Eliminates worry over burs or other uncomfortable items lingering on your dog

Cons:

  • The undercoat thinning aspect isn’t really necessary for this breed
  • Hair collected in the brush may be difficult to get out

FURminator deShedding Edge Dog Brush

Key Benefits:

  • Button allows for easy release of loose fur collected in the brush
  • Greatly reduces shedding when used regularly
  • Designed by a groomer for maximum effectiveness
  • Equipped with skin guards to keep your pup comfortable

Best Shedding Brush for Goldendoodles — If your Goldendoodle has an especially straight coat, this is a brush worth having as you probably experience a little bit of shedding. The brush’s fine teeth will trap loose fur from both layers of your dog’s coat, likely reducing shedding in this breed to practically nothing when used on a regular basis.

Pros:

  • Highly effective design for trapping fur
  • Can eliminate any shedding that may be occurring from your Goldendoodle
  • Incredibly high reviews from past buyers

Cons:

  • Most Goldendoodles hardly shed, so this brush won’t be necessary for many
  • Can pull at tangles in coarse hair

Dakpets FURblaster Deshedding and Light Trimming Tool

Key Benefits:

  • Lightly trims the undercoat
  • Comb tool can be removed from handle
  • Will take care of any dead or loose hair on your Goldendoodle
  • Does not require a lot of pressure to work

Best Deshedding Tool for Goldendoodles — If you have a Goldendoodle with a straight coat, this tool can help you cut down on the amount of fur you see around your house. It works by clearing out and lightly trimming the undercoat, and it does so gently enough that your dog won’t experience any discomfort.

Pros:

  • Combats shedding in two ways
  • Comfortable for your dog
  • Handle can be detached for convenience and easy cleaning

Cons:

  • Most Goldendoodles do not shed much in the first place
  • Fine teeth may snag on coarser fur

Pet Republique Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Key Benefits:

  • Retractable bristles for self-cleaning
  • Bristles are flexible to reduce any poking
  • Relatively short bristles focus on cleaning and detangling
  • Solid, sturdy construction

Best Slicker Brush for Goldendoodles — We’ve said before and we’ll say it again, a good slicker brush is a crucial tool for Goldendoodle grooming. This one will make the experience easier for both you and your dog by providing them with a high degree of comfort and providing you with a simple cleaning option.

Pros:

  • Easy self-cleaning feature
  • Focuses on mats and tangles rather than shedding prevention
  • Offers your Goldendoodle a comfortable brushing experience

Cons:

  • Flexible bristles may get caught in curly fur
  • Requires short strokes for maximum effectiveness

Safari De-Matting Dog Comb

Key Benefits:

  • Serrated edges cut through mats that get in the way of combing
  • Eliminates smaller tangles and knots without trimming
  • Rounded edges at the ends of the teeth ensure your Goldendoodle’s safety
  • Frequent use makes cutting mats unnecessary

Best Comb for Goldendoodles — This de-matting comb from Safari is practically made for Goldendoodles. It will effectively work through smaller tangles and knots, as well as trim mats rather than putting your pup through the pain of trying to brush them out. The long, wide teeth are ideal for thick, coarse coats.

Pros:

  • Works for tangles, knots, and mats
  • Ideal for coarse, curly coats
  • Long teeth can reach all the way through your Goldendoodle’s coat

Cons:

  • Blades may become dull over time
  • You can cut yourself on the teeth if not conscious of them

Andis Premium Large

best goldendoodle brush

Key Benefits:

  • Focused on removing dirt and tangles
  • Safety-tipped pins add comfort
  • Will not get caught in especially curly coats
  • Feels like a massage for your Goldendoodle

Best Pin Brush for Goldendoodles — It may come as a shock that a pin brush is actually an excellent choice for grooming Goldendoodles. It will not fully get the job done on its own, but adding it to the lineup is a great move by any owner. The flexible tipped pins gently eliminate tangles and dirt without uncomfortably snagging the dog’s coarse fur. Though not the best choice for large knots and mats, this brush is an excellent second line of defense.

Pros:

  • Gentle on a Goldendoodle’s difficult coat
  • Effectively works out small tangles and cleans dirt
  • Easier to use and clean than some other brushes

Cons:

  • Tips may break off of pins after extended use
  • Will not effectively break up mats

3 More Top Rated Goldendoodle Brushes

Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush

Key Benefits:

  • Dual-sides to detangle and smooth
  • Safety pins make it gentle enough for coarse and curly fur
  • Will help grab any loose hair
  • 95% rate of recommendation

Another great pin brush, this one has a function for each side of the head. On one side, pins work to detangle and clean your Goldendoodle’s coat. On the other side, nylon bristles aim to make your pup’s coat nice and shiny. Though bristle brushes aren’t a common choice for Goldendoodles’ coarse hair, they can help add a little smoothness if you have one on hand.

Pros:

  • Double-sided for versatility
  • Comfortable design for you and your Goldendoodle
  • Eliminates light tangles and dirt, which are big concerns for this breed

Cons:

  • Bristles aren’t really necessary for Goldendoodles
  • Won’t take care of larger knots

Andis Steel Pet Comb

Key Benefits:

  • Made entirely of steel so there’s no worry of teeth breaking off
  • Teeth are spaced medium width apart for thorough combing
  • Nicely rounds out a grooming routine by fluffing your Goldendoodle’s coat
  • Comes in two sizes

Don’t let yourself be fooled by the classic design, this comb is anything but underwhelming when it is put to use. The sturdy construction makes it perfect for coats that are prone to tangling like Goldendoodles’ because it’s strong enough to hold up against their thick fur. This comb is sure to reach every tangle and brush out any lingering dirt. Using it at the end of your routine will give your pup’s coat a bouncy, clean appearance.

Pros:

  • Very durably made
  • Clears out knots and tangles
  • Helps to clean fur as it goes

Cons:

  • Will not stand up to big mats
  • May get stuck in especially curly fur

BioSilk Slicker Dog Brush

Key Benefits:

  • Sturdy wire teeth to remove knots and mats
  • Also comes equipped with an attached comb
  • Will easily move through coarse Goldendoodle coats
  • Traps any loose hair that may be stuck in the undercoat

As a Goldendoodle owner, it’s great to have too many options for a slicker brush, because you’ll definitely run through more than one in your dog’s lifetime. This one’s sturdy wire teeth will blow through knots and mats without your dog even realizing what’s happening. The comb that tucks into the back of the brush will likely come in handy after you’ve run the coat over with the slicker.

Pros:

  • An effective style for clearing out Goldendoodle coat knots
  • An included comb is value added
  • Costs only $9

Cons:

  • Relatively small brush head
  • Comb is made of plastic, so it is not ideal for coarse fur

6 Tips for How to Brush your Goldendoodle

  • Start with the slicker — The slicker brush should be your first line of defense against unruly Goldendoodle fur. It will take care of some of the bigger tangles and mats that your dog may have hiding in all that shag, and will even clear out what little loose fur may be waiting to shed.
  • Don’t put off brushing — If you avoid brushing your Goldendoodle, you may wind up with a serious mess on your hands. Frequent brushing sessions will help prevent large tangles from forming and will keep your pup cleaner in general. Try to set aside time once a week for brushing, and make it part of your routine so it simply becomes second nature.
  • Make the experience fun for your dog — Though we know brushing your pup can be tiresome, your Goldendoodle probably dislikes the grooming process even more than you do. Offer some kind of incentive, like a special treat or a reward, to give your dog during or following your brushing sessions.
  • Praise your Goldendoodle while brushing — This breed is loving and intuitive; if you speak kindly and lovingly to your Goldendoodle while brushing them, it will make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for your highly sensitive dog. There’s hardly anything a Goldendoodle craves more than positive attention from the people they love. Be conscious of the way you speak to your Goldendoodle while grooming them, and see what a difference it makes.
  • Check for tangles — Take a few moments daily to feel around on your Goldendoodle’s coat for any knots that may be forming. This practice will help alert you to problem areas and will give you an idea of how soon you need to give your dog a thorough brushing. Small tangles can turn into mats shockingly quickly, so take care of them as early as possible.
  • Be gentle — Just like people with especially coarse or curly hair, Goldendoodles can experience discomfort during brushing. Take it slow to prevent inflicting any pain upon your pup. This will also help them warm up to the idea of grooming if they’re hesitant at first. Additionally, do not try to brush against your dog’s hair growth—it could hurt them. Instead, start at the back and work your way forward, brushing in short, slow strokes.

goldendoodle brush

FAQs Regarding Brushes for Goldendoodles

  • Do Goldendoodles shed? – Yes, but only some of them, and not nearly as much as most other breeds. Many Goldendoodles shed so little that it is hardly noticeable, though straight coated Goldendoodles are likely to shed more. Regular brushing to reduce tangles in your dog’s coat should eliminate loose fur as well, and combat any shedding that may occur. If it becomes a bigger problem, try using an undercoat rake or a shedding brush to combat the issue.
  • What kind of brush is best for a Goldendoodle? – Overall, a slicker brush is the best option for a Goldendoodle. Its design is perfect for coarse, dense coats, and it can combat even nasty mats that other brushes would not be able to stand up to. Combs and pin brushes are also good choices for Goldendoodle grooming.
  • How often should I brush my Goldendoodle? – It depends on their coat type. A good rule of thumb is to brush your Goldendoodle every week, though it may need to be more frequent for Goldendoodles with straight or curly coats as they will mat more quickly and become entangled with foreign objects more easily.
  • Do Goldendoodles have double coats? – Yes, but because of the Poodle in their lineage, Goldendoodles do not blow their undercoats like many other breeds. In fact, you would never even know that most Goldendoodles have double coats just by looking at them. Because of this, it isn’t necessary to take a lot of grooming measures to prevent shedding. Instead, brushing efforts should focus on detangling their abundant fur.

Conclusion

Goldendoodles are kind and affectionate; many owners feel that these dogs even understand and communicate with them in a way other animals can’t. Who wouldn’t make every possible effort to give such a loyal friend the best life imaginable?

Taking the time to find the right brush for your Goldendoodle is a small step you can take that will improve their lives more than you may realize. A properly brushed dog is a healthier dog. Hopefully, this guide has helped start your quest into purchasing the right brush for your Goldendoodle; we encourage you to shop our list and finish that journey!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *