Best Brush for Golden Retriever 2026
Golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the United States, with families won over by their endearing looks, playful personalities, and endlessly wagging tails. Golden retrievers aren’t just famous for having all the traits of a perfect family companion though — they’re also known for their gorgeously thick, flowing double coats.
While their coats are soft and comforting, they do shed moderately and require a fair bit of upkeep. The right brush can help make the grooming process go as smoothly as possible, and even transform the experience into an enjoyable bonding session.
From slicker brushes and undercoat rakes to grooming mitts, there are a range of brush styles available on the market. Each brush is better suited to different needs. Slicker brushes, for example, can be great at tackling tangles, while rakes can help with deshedding.
In this article, we delve further into the golden retriever’s coat type and grooming needs. We’ll also provide an overview of the best brushes for golden retrievers in 2025.
What to Think About When Buying a Dog Brush for Golden Retrievers
Tackling your golden retriever’s thick fluff starts with buying the right grooming tool for the job. There are a few factors to think about when choosing a dog brush, including the brush quality, your pup’s coat type, and your skill level. You also need to consider if your golden retriever has skin sensitivities or any other health concerns.
Coat Type
The golden retriever has a double coat that consists of a thick outer coat and an undercoat. The outer coat is long, lies close to the body, and can be wavy or straight in texture, while the undercoat layer is soft and dense. Most golden retrievers also have prominent feathering on the back of their forelegs, chests, and tails.
The golden retriever’s coat serves a crucial purpose in protecting them from the elements. The outer coat helps to repel water, dirt, and debris, and shields them from the sun’s rays. The undercoat, on the other hand, acts as insulation and keeps them snug during the cooler months.
That’s why it’s so important you maintain your golden retriever’s fur. Improper grooming or the wrong tools can damage their coat and hinder its protective qualities, exposing them to potential health concerns like sun damage.
Golden retrievers shed moderately throughout the year, with periods of heavy shedding when they blow their coats. You’ll need to brush them regularly throughout the week — and daily during times of heavy shedding — to keep their fur in good condition and free of mats.
Due to the double-coated nature of the breed, you’ll need to invest in a few different brush types:
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- Slicker brush: Fine wire pins that are densely packed on a flat or curved brush base. Slicker brushes can tackle stubborn knots, mats, and tangles without causing discomfort — a golden retriever’s feathered areas are particularly prone to matting.
- Rake brush: Wide metal pins that are long enough to penetrate through thick fur. Rake brushes assist with deshedding, and can easily remove excess hair and dirt trapped in the undercoat.
- Pin brush: Long, rounded metal bristles that usually have rubber or plastic caps. Pin brushes are gentler on the skin and good for general coat maintenance. Use regularly to keep the fur in healthy condition.
Brush Quality and Material
The golden retriever’s thick, dense coat can feel like a battleground at times, so it’s vital you invest in a durable brush made from high-quality materials. A cheap, flimsy brush won’t last in the long run and it may cause irritation, especially if the pins are sharp and scratch against your pup’s delicate skin.
Stainless steel pins are particularly effective at dislodging trapped undercoat hairs as they can easily penetrate through your dog’s outer coat. They’re also easy to clean and won’t corrode if they come in contact with moisture.
Skin or Other Sensitivities
Golden retrievers are particularly susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which can manifest as excessive itching and lead to irritation, skin damage, and even infections. If your pup is experiencing any skin issues, avoid using harsh, sharp pins and consult a veterinarian for further guidance.
Another consideration is whether your golden retriever is comfortable with grooming. While reward-based training and counter-conditioning can help them become accustomed to the process, some dogs will still find the experience overwhelming and be wary around grooming brushes. You can help ease their distress by opting for gentler, more subtle tools, like grooming mitts.
Your Comfort and Grooming Skill Level
Grooming the golden retriever’s thick double coat can seem daunting, especially if you’re a first-time owner. However, the process is relatively straightforward once you master the basic brushing techniques. You can also invest in a grooming brush with a slip-resistant, ergonomic handle to reduce the strain on your wrist and give you better control.
Price
You don’t need to splurge on the most expensive brush model, but you should be willing to invest in a brush made from high-quality materials. A cheap brush won’t be able to effectively tackle your golden retriever’s undercoat, nor will it withstand regular use.
The Best Brush for Golden Retrievers
Choosing the right brush for your golden retriever will keep their coat in healthy, glossy condition and make the grooming experience as stress-free as possible. Below, we'll share some of the best brush choices for golden retrievers in 2025 and provide a detailed overview of each product covering their features, pros, and cons. From slicker brushes to grooming mitts, we’ve made sure to include a range of types to accommodate various needs and preferences. Investing in a few different types will allow you to properly tackle your golden retriever’s double coat.
FURminator Grooming Rake
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
A no-frills, durable grooming rake that can easily penetrate through the golden retriever’s thick double coat and help with deshedding.Key Notes
Durable, ergonomic non-slip handle, and perfect for deshedding.
FURminator is a household name among dog owners and professional groomers alike, and for good reason. Their products are exceptionally durable, easy to use, and come with a generous money-back satisfaction guarantee. The FURminator grooming rake in particular works wonders on the golden retriever’s thick double coat. The metal teeth are lengthy enough to penetrate through to the undercoat, and they feature a unique rotating design that allows them to remove excess hairs without causing discomfort. The handle is also slip-resistant to provide maximum control. While the FURminator rake is a great all-around brush, its wide design can make it difficult to use in tight spots. If your pup is prone to tangles in these areas, you’ll need to also invest in a small, more compact model.Pros
- Durable with a money-back satisfaction guarantee
- Innovative rotating metal teeth design is ideal for deshedding sessions
- Non-slip handle for ease of use
Cons
- Can be difficult to use in tight spots
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
Ideal for general coat maintenance with convenient features like a self-cleaning button to make the grooming process go smoothly.Key Notes
Suitable for general coat maintenance, self-cleaning, and angled bristles.
The Hertzko slicker brush is a great grooming tool that’ll keep your goldie’s coat looking glossy and smooth. The brush is compact enough to reach tight spots, and its angled, gentle bristles can easily tackle stubborn mats. Plus, the brush is also equipped with a fur release mechanism for ease of cleaning (and to stop your pup’s fluff from getting all over your clothes). Many users particularly appreciated how comfortable the slicker brush’s handle was to hold. However, just be mindful that the handle is made of plastic, so it may not withstand as much wear and tear as a metal-handled grooming tool.Pros
- Angled bristles effectively tackle tangles and reach tight spots
- Comfortable, ergonomic handle
- Convenient self-cleaning fur release button
Cons
- Handle isn’t the most durable
Hartz Groomer Combo Brush
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.5 out of 5
Why we like it
This 2-in-1 brush design is compact enough for travel and is great for everyday coat maintenance.Key Notes
2-in-1 design, portable, and gentle on sensitive skin.
This 2-in-1 brush combo gives you the best of both worlds: A steel pin side to remove loose hairs, and a soft, bristled side that you can use to smoothen up your golden retriever’s coat. While this brush won’t be able to tackle stubborn tangles, it’s great for everyday coat maintenance and is compact enough to easily pack with you on your travels.The stainless steel pins also come with rubber safety tips, making the brush suitable for dogs with sensitive skin.Pros
- Convenient 2-in-1 brush design
- Compact enough for travel
- Gentle on sensitive skin
Cons
- Not suitable for tackling the undercoat and stubborn matting
H HandsOn Pet Grooming Gloves
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
These gentle gloves are ideal for dogs nervous around traditional brushes, and they can be used to groom wet coats too.Key Notes
Suitable for nervous dogs, waterproof, and available in a range of sizes and colors.
If your golden retriever isn’t entirely comfortable with a brush yet, then grooming gloves can be a great tool to start with. The H HandsOn Pet grooming mitts are our personal favorite on the market. They come in a range of colors and sizes — so you’ll have no problem finding a size that fits like a glove (literally) — and their bristle-like rubber nodules are durable, easy to clean, and will brush your dog’s coat without causing discomfort. The rubber nodules can also help to massage the skin, which can ease your pup’s stress and build positive associations with the grooming process. The H Handson Pet grooming mitts are waterproof, meaning you can use them to brush your dog’s coat when wet too. However, they aren’t effective at tackling the golden retriever’s undercoat. You should only use the gloves as a temporary measure until your dog becomes accustomed to the grooming experience.Pros
- Suitable for dogs wary around grooming tools
- Waterproof; can be used on wet coats
- Available in a range of sizes and colors
Cons
- Doesn’t help with the undercoat or stubborn mats
Your Guide to Buying a Dog Brush for Golden Retrievers
Purchasing a dog brush for your golden retriever can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially if you’re still becoming familiar with all the different brush types and your pup’s individual grooming needs.
Below, we’ll help ease your concerns by addressing some common questions owners have about brushing their golden retriever.
How Often Do I Need to Brush Golden Retrievers?
The golden retriever should be brushed thoroughly at least once or twice a week during regular shedding periods. When they’re blowing their coats, you’ll need to brush them daily to remove excess hair and prevent their fluff from getting all around the house. You should also make sure to brush your golden retriever before and after washing them to help remove the old, excess hair.
Begin brushing your golden retriever as a puppy to help them become accustomed to the grooming experience.
Do Golden Retrievers Require Professional Grooming?
Golden retrievers have thick double coats, but their fur is relatively easy to manage at home once you get accustomed to the tools and process. That said, taking your golden retriever to a professional groomer every four to eight weeks for a trim will ensure their fur stays at a manageable length.
A professional groomer can also help with nail clipping, ear cleaning, and general washing — all tasks that first-time dog owners may struggle with.
What Brush Should I Use for a Golden Retriever Coat?
The best brush for a golden retriever’s coat is a slicker brush as this type has fine wire pins that can effectively tackle matting. However, you should also invest in a rake brush and a standard pin brush. A rake brush can easily reach the undercoat and is ideal for de-shedding, while a pin brush is suitable for general coat maintenance.
You can use a soft-bristled brush as a final measure to smooth over your golden retriever’s outer coat. However, don’t use a soft-bristled brush as your sole grooming tool. Soft-bristled brushes aren’t designed to penetrate through thick double coats, meaning they won’t be able to properly remove dirt, mats, and excess fur.
How Do I Get My Golden Retriever to Enjoy Grooming?
While some golden retrievers take to grooming immediately and enjoy the process, other pups may find the experience daunting. You can make the grooming experience more enjoyable by breaking the process down into small, brief sessions and giving them plenty of high-value rewards and praise.
Make sure to introduce new grooming tools gradually. If your golden retriever is nervous around traditional tools, consider starting with grooming mitts, and then working your way up to brushes.
You can also prepare your pup and help build their confidence through desensitization and counterconditioning. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of a professional trainer for this process. They’ll be able to guide you step-by-step and make sure you’re going at a pace that isn’t overwhelming for your pup.
Will I Need to Replace My Golden Retriever’s Brushes?
You won’t need to replace your golden retriever’s brushes regularly, provided you invest in high-quality, durable products. In general, you should aim to replace your pup’s brushes every few years, or whenever there are noticeable signs of wear and tear.
You can help extend the lifespan of your brushes by cleaning them regularly and following the manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions. Never use brushes with bent or snapped pins — damaged pins can scratch against your dog’s skin and cause serious irritation.
Finding the Pawfect Brushes for Your Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are affectionate, even-tempered dogs who have plenty of love (and fluff!) to give to families who can meet their needs.
Finding the right brushes for your golden retriever does take time, but it’s important not to rush the process. Take into consideration what we’ve touched on above, such as the brush quality, your budget, and your experience level, as well as if your dog suffers from any skin sensitivities. You can then review our list of the best brushes and choose the ones that align with both your needs and your pup’s needs.