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Golden Retrievers are gorgeous, lovable, and serious shedders. If you share your home with one, you already know their fluffy double coat has a way of drifting onto couches, clothes, and carpets year-round. The right brush isn’t just about keeping your house cleaner; it’s about keeping your Golden’s coat healthy, shiny, and tangle-free.
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Daily brushing may sound like a chore, but it’s also bonding time. A few minutes each day with the right grooming tool can prevent mats, reduce shedding, and keep your pup looking like the golden star of the dog park.
So, whether you’re welcoming your first Golden or upgrading your grooming kit, here are the best brushes for Golden Retrievers, tested, reviewed, and Golden-approved.
| Best Slicker | Best De-shedder | Best De-matter |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Hertzko | FURminator | GoPets |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Types Of Brushes For Golden Retrievers (What You Actually Need)
Golden Retrievers have a thick double coat with long, feathery areas that tangle and an undercoat that sheds a lot. These are the tools that actually help.
Slicker Brush
Think of the slicker as your everyday go-to brush for keeping tangles from turning into mats.
- What it does: Fine, slightly bent pins glide through the coat to remove tangles and surface shed.
- Best for: Everyday brushing, feathering on legs, chest, tail, and behind ears.
- Why it matters: Keeps mats from forming in the first place and leaves a smooth, fluffy finish.
Undercoat Rake/De-Shedding Tool
When shedding season hits, this is the brush that saves your vacuum and your sanity.
- What it does: Gets past the topcoat to pull loose undercoat hair, dirt, and dander.
- Best for: Shedding season (spring/fall) and weekly deep-grooming year-round.
- Why it matters: Dramatically reduces tumbleweeds around your home.
De-Matting Comb
Every Golden grows mats eventually, and this tool makes them quick and painless to fix.
- What it does: Curved, bladed teeth slice through mats instead of yanking them.
- Best for: Feathered areas prone to knotting (armpits, behind ears, pants, tail).
- Why it matters: Makes tough tangles painless and prevents breakage.
Pin Brush
This is your lightweight brush for quick tidy-ups or adding shine after a full groom.
- What it does: Flexible pins with or without tips help smooth and fluff.
- Best for: Quick once-overs between slicker sessions; finishing after a de-shed.
- Why it matters: Adds shine and helps distribute natural oils.
Bristle Brush
Pretty but not practical, bristle brushes are more for looks than heavy-duty grooming.
- What it does: Polishes the outer coat for show-day shine.
- Best for: Occasional finishing on clean coats.
- Why it matters: Looks nice, but won’t touch undercoat or serious tangles.
Rubber Brush
This brush is best seen as a bonus tool for bath time, not an everyday option.
- What it does: Massages skin and lifts surface hair during baths.
- Best for: Short-coated breeds; on Goldens, use lightly on large, flat areas.
- Why it matters: Nice massage, but not a primary grooming tool for double coats.
Quick Takeaway: If you buy just two tools, get a slicker brush (daily) and an undercoat rake (weekly and during blow-coat). Add a de-matting comb for those inevitable knots in the feathering.
Best Brushes For Golden Retrievers
Because Golden Retrievers have longer and sometimes even shaggy coats, brushing them can be a hassle! However, if you stick to slicker brushes, de-shedders, or pin brushes that have longer pins, you’ll have a much easier time keeping your Golden Retriever’s coat in good health and keeping unwanted fur out of your home. You don’t have to break the bank to do it either.
Best Slicker: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush Review
This pup owner-favorite slicker brush hits the sweet spot of budget-friendly, effective, and comfortable. The fine, bent wire bristles reach down into your Golden’s dense undercoat to remove dirt, tangles, and loose hair without scratching their skin.
The self-cleaning feature is a lifesaver: press the button, the bristles retract, and the fur wipes right off. Plus, the ergonomic handle keeps your wrist from aching during long grooming sessions. As a bonus, the fine wire pins gently massage the skin, boosting circulation for a healthier, shinier coat.
Key Features
- Self-cleaning button for quick cleanup
- Fine bent bristles glide through tangles
- Massages skin & stimulates circulation
- Non-slip ergonomic grip
Price
Best For Heavy Shedding: FURminator Long Hair Deshedding Tool Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
The FURminator is practically legendary in the grooming world — and for good reason. This tool dives past the topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat hair, dirt, and dander. It’s designed for large, long-haired breeds like the Golden, and can reduce shedding by up to 90%.
The FURejector button makes cleanup easy, and built-in skin guards prevent the edges from scratching. With a money-back guarantee and a long-standing reputation among pet owners, it’s one of the most reliable de-shedding tools you can buy.
Key Features
- Specially designed for long-haired large breeds
- Skin guards to protect your pup
- Reduces shedding by up to 90%
- Easy-release button clears trapped fur
- Sturdy ergonomic handle
Price
Best Dematting: GoPets 2-Sided Dematting & Deshedding Comb Review
Goldens are famous for their feathery legs, chest, and tail — and those are the exact spots that love to mat. This two-in-one comb slices through tangles without painful pulling. One side has fewer, wider teeth for tough mats, while the other side works like a de-shedding rake.
The rounded ends keep it safe against your dog’s skin, while the stainless steel teeth stay sharp through heavy use. The non-slip gel handle makes grooming sessions easier on your hands, and because it cuts through mats rather than yanking them out, it saves you from having to trim or shave stubborn tangles.
Key Features
- 2-in-1 tool: de-matting & de-shedding
- Rounded safety tips protect skin
- Sharp stainless steel teeth for tough mats
- Comfortable gel grip handle
Price
Best Professional-Grade Slicker: Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Review
Well-known among professional groomers, the Chris Christensen Big G slicker is built to power through the thickest double coats. Its extra-long pins reach deep into a Golden’s fur to fluff, detangle, and smooth without extra tools.
Available in three sizes, it’s pricey but designed to last for years. The cushioned pad and ergonomic handle make it comfortable for long sessions, and it’s excellent for “fluffing” a coat after de-shedding to leave your Golden looking freshly groomed.
Key Features
- Professional-grade slicker used by groomers
- Extra-long pins glide through thick coats
- Cushioned pad for comfort
- Ergonomic, easy-hold handle
Price
Best Budget Pick: Chirpy Pets Pet Grooming Brush Review
Need an affordable tool that still gets the job done? The Chirpy Pets brush is a wallet-friendly de-shedding comb that removes up to 90% of loose hair. It’s smaller than the FURminator, but great for multi-pet households since you can use it on both dogs and cats.
Because it’s a comb rather than a full rake, it’s easier to clean and less bulky to store. It’s not as heavy-duty as professional tools, but during seasonal “blow coat” times, it can still make a big difference and keep fur from covering your home.
Key Features
- Removes up to 90% of loose hair
- 4-inch stainless steel blade
- Works on single and double coats
- Easy-grip handle
- Budget-friendly option
Price
The Golden Retriever Coat
Golden Retrievers weren’t just bred for companionship — their roots trace back to the chilly, damp Scottish Highlands, where hunters needed dogs who could swim through icy waters and work in rough terrain.
Their double coat is what made that possible, keeping them warm, waterproof, and ready for long days in the field.
- Undercoat: This is the soft, woolly layer closest to the skin. It acts like insulation, keeping your Golden warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The trade-off? It’s also the layer that sheds the most.
- Topcoat (guard hairs): These are the longer, coarser hairs you see on the surface. They protect your pup from dirt, debris, and the elements while giving Goldens their trademark feathery look on the chest, legs, and tail.
That beautiful coat comes with a reality check: Goldens are moderate-to-heavy shedders year-round. Twice a year, usually in spring and fall, they go through what’s known as “blowing coat” — a seasonal shed where they lose huge amounts of undercoat to prepare for the weather ahead. During those weeks, you’ll wonder how one dog can possibly have that much fur.
Regular brushing is the only way to stay ahead of it. Think of it less as a chore and more as an investment in keeping your home cleaner and your dog’s coat healthier.
Shedding Season
Golden Retrievers shed enough throughout the year to leave a golden shimmer on your clothes and furniture. But shedding season takes things to a whole new level.
- Spring: Out goes the heavy winter coat to prepare for summer heat.
- Fall: The lightweight summer coat sheds to make way for a thick winter layer.
During these transitions, it can feel like you’re brushing out enough fur to make a second dog. Regular grooming helps channel all that loose hair straight into the trash can instead of into your home. Using the right tools (slicker brushes, undercoat rakes, and de-shedding shampoos) will make a huge difference.
Shedding can also vary depending on the climate. Dogs in places with dramatic seasonal changes tend to shed more noticeably than those in milder climates. No matter where you live, though, Golden Retrievers will always need consistent coat care to keep shedding manageable.
Grooming Schedule
Staying on top of a Golden’s coat doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you stick to a routine. Here’s a schedule most owners find manageable:
- Daily: Give your Golden a quick once-over with a slicker or pin brush. This only takes a few minutes but prevents tangles and mats from setting in, especially in feathered areas like behind the ears, under the legs, and along the tail.
- Weekly: Do a deep grooming session with an undercoat rake or de-matting comb. This is especially important during shedding season when the undercoat loosens in clumps. Always follow up with a slicker or pin brush to smooth things out.
- Monthly: Plan for a bath every 4–6 weeks using a gentle, dog-safe shampoo. If your Golden struggles with excess shedding or itchy skin, look for anti-shedding or sensitive-skin formulas. Always brush thoroughly before and after the bath to prevent tangles.
Some Goldens may also benefit from a professional grooming session every few months, especially if you fall behind during shedding season. A pro can tidy up feathering, trim excess fur between paw pads, and give your dog that fresh-from-the-salon look without the
Managing Shedding Triggers
Golden Retrievers are always going to shed, but certain environmental and health triggers can make it worse. Managing these triggers can help reduce the extra “fluff storm” around your house.
Goldens often shed more when they’re anxious, itchy, or dealing with an underlying issue. Common culprits include fleas, skin infections, or allergies. If your pup is suddenly dropping more hair than usual, it’s worth checking with your vet to rule out health problems.
Nutrition
A Golden’s coat health starts in the bowl. Feeding a high-quality diet rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats will keep their skin and coat in top shape. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially important for reducing inflammation, calming itchy skin, and supporting a shiny coat.
Stick with foods made from fresh, whole ingredients rather than ones packed with fillers and artificial additives. You can also give their meals a boost with safe, coat-friendly foods like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. And don’t forget hydration — adding water or broth can help keep skin supple and less prone to dryness.
Check out our reviews of the best dog food for Golden Retrievers for top-quality options, as well as our guide to the best dog food to reduce shedding.
Brushing & Bathing Products
Goldens have sensitive skin, so harsh shampoos, detanglers, or sprays can backfire and actually cause more shedding. Always choose hypoallergenic, dog-safe products made for sensitive skin.
Never use human shampoos — they can disrupt your dog’s skin pH and lead to irritation or even infections. Instead, look for anti-shedding formulas and calming blends made with natural ingredients to keep their coat healthy and reduce itch-related shedding.
Grooming Tips For Goldens
Keeping up with a Golden’s coat can feel like a full-time job, but knowing the basics makes it manageable.
Golden Grooming Do’s: Keep That Coat Glorious
- Brush daily or at least every 2–3 days to prevent mats and manage shedding
- Bathe every 4–6 weeks with a gentle, dog-safe shampoo
- Use an undercoat rake during shedding season
- Always brush in the direction of hair growth
- Schedule a professional groom every 2–3 months
Golden Grooming Don’ts: Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t brush against the coat’s natural flow
- Don’t yank out mats — gently work them out or use a de-matting comb
- Don’t over-bathe (too much can strip natural oils and dry out the skin)
Beyond The Coat: More Grooming Tips For Goldens
Grooming isn’t just about the fur — it’s about overall health. Goldens also need:
- Nail trims every few weeks to protect paws and joints
- Ear cleaning (Goldens are prone to ear infections thanks to their floppy ears)
- Dental care, like regular tooth brushing and dental chews, to support oral health
With the right brush, the right products, and a consistent routine, your Golden Retriever will stay comfortable, healthy, and always ready for snuggles.
What’s your favorite brush or tip for managing Golden fur? Tell us in the comments!
