Goldendoodles are an increasingly popular breed. It’s no surprise given how cute and friendly they are! Being a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, Goldendoodles typically have thick and often curly hair. This makes regular grooming, in particular brushing, very important. We’ll take a look at 5 of the best brushes for a Goldendoodle, comparing brush type, material quality, durability, and price
The Best Brushes for Goldendoodle2023 Review
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The Best Brushes for Goldendoodle
Editor's Choice
Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs- Best self-cleaning slicker brush
- Retractable pins for easy cleaning
- High-quality and sturdy
Runner Up
KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush- Best 2 in 1 brush
- Use in bath or dry
- Removes loose hair well
Also Good
FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool- Best de-shedding brush
- Great for undercoat
- Reduces shedding with regular use
More Detailed Goldendoodle Brush Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs review
Features
- Best self-cleaning slicker brush
- Retractable pins for easy cleaning
- High-quality and sturdy
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs is one of the best brushes for Goldendoodle dogs. High-quality, stainless-steel pins are designed to keep your dog’s coat tangle-free while also being gentle on their skin. I found the comfort-grip handle was easy to hold and allowed for a secure grip.
This slicker brush is designed to last and is even self-cleaning! With the push of a button, the pins retract so you can wipe the surface clean of hair and dirt. I found this mechanism very useful and discovered it saved a lot of time while grooming.
Available in 3 sizes with a large size available for your Goldendoodle, this brush should make grooming a breeze. It’s slightly more expensive than other options but given the ease of cleaning, I feel this brush is great value.
Pros
- Owners found the self-cleaning aspect of this brush very handy, especially owners of dogs with thick coats
- Owners generally found this brush was easy to use and comfortable to hold
- Many said this brush helped to detangle their dog’s coat and helped remove loose hair during shedding, even with dogs with double coats like Goldendoodles
- Some stated this brush was fairly durable, even standing up to some light chewing when their dog was feeling mischievous
- Many said their dogs enjoyed their grooming sessions when their owners used this brush, even dogs who usually aren’t a fan of being brushed
- Some stated this brush made grooming their dog easier and quicker
Cons
- Some owners experienced breakage after a period of use, in particular mentioning the retractable cleaning mechanism
- Some felt the pins weren’t strong enough for their thick-coated dog
- Some owners of dogs with thick or double coats felt this brush didn’t remove as much hair as they had hoped
- Some felt the pins were too sharp and worried it wasn’t comfortable for their dog
- Some owners found this brush wasn’t as high-quality as they expected
Ann-Marie Sharpe
KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush review
Features
- Best 2 in 1 brush
- Use in bath or dry
- Removes loose hair well
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush is 1 of the best grooming brushes for Goldendoodle pooches. This high-quality, plastic brush is designed to be durable and gentle on your dog’s coat. It massages your pup’s skin while you brush, increasing blood flow and stimulating natural oil production to keep your dog’s skin and coat super healthy.
I loved that this brush can be used in the bath with shampoo, or dry for daily brushing. I found its unique shape easy to hold and lightweight. It’s durable and helps to remove loose hair very effectively.
The large size of this brush is perfect for a Goldendoodle. Perhaps best of all for owners, it comes at a very affordable price.
Pros
- Most owners found this brush was highly effective at removing loose hair and dirt from their dog’s coat
- Owners of dogs who shed a lot or have thick coats, like the Goldendoodle, found this helped with reducing shedding around the home
- Many liked that this brush gently massaged their dog while they brushed, which lots of dogs seemed to enjoy
- Owners found using this brush with shampoo in the bath made bath time quicker and more effective
- Owners generally felt this brush kept their dog’s coat in great condition
- Many felt this brush was gentler for their dog than other brushes they’d tried, yet was still very effective
Cons
- Some owners found this brush didn’t remove as much hair as other brushes
- Some owners of short-haired dogs felt this brush was too stiff or simply wasn’t appropriate for their dog’s coat
- Not designed to stand up to chewing, with some owners finding their dog could chew through this brush when left unsupervised
- Hair doesn’t stick to the brush as much as with other types of brush, and instead removed hair falls to the floor, which some owners didn’t like
- Some owners found this brush hard to keep hold of and stated they wished it had a handle
Ann-Marie Sharpe
FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool review
Features
- Best de-shedding brush
- Great for undercoat
- Reduces shedding with regular use
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool is a fantastic choice for your Goldendoodle, designed specifically to remove loose hair and tackle your dog’s undercoat. Featuring a stainless-steel, curved edge, this de-shedding brush is high-quality and makes grooming easy. I found the shape of the handle easy to hold at the right angle to really reach my dog’s undercoat.
The brush is strong and practical, while also being gentle on your dog and ensuring they’re comfortable during grooming. With regular use, I found this brush can reduce shedding. This brush is available in a large size perfect for a Goldendoodle.
There’s even a ‘fur ejector’ button which you simply push to release the hair, making cleaning the brush easy. While this brush is pricier than other options, I feel it’s well worth the investment given it’s high-quality and practicality.
Pros
- Most owners found this brush was excellent at removing loose hair and reducing shedding around the home, especially for dogs with thick coats and undercoats
- Many found this brush was far gentler on their dog than they expected when used correctly, with some stating it didn’t drag or pull at their dog’s hair
- Many owners stated this made grooming their dog much easier and less time consuming
- Owners found the fur release button very convenient, with many saying it made the grooming process smoother and less stressful
- Many stated this brush was well worth the investment and they wouldn’t be without 1
- Some owners found their dog enjoyed being groomed with this brush and even said they found it relaxing
Cons
- Some owners experienced breakage after a period of use, in particular mentioning the handle
- Higher in price than other options, with some owners feeling it wasn’t worth the price
- Some owners felt this brush removed too much of their dog’s undercoat
- Some found this brush was too harsh for their dog’s skin and cause irritation
- Some felt this brush wasn’t as high-quality as they expected, with some owners mentioning they preferred the older model
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush review
Features
- Best steel-pin brush
- 2 brush types in 1
- Excellent value
Ann-Marie Sharpe
On your hunt for the best dog brush for Goldendoodle pups, you should keep the Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush in mind. This brush combines 2 brushes in 1: 1 side is a traditional pin brush made from high-quality, stainless-steel pins and the other is a bristle brush, made with nylon bristles. The pin brush side is great for tackling tangles and removing loose hair, while the bristle brush side is fantastic for adding shine to your Goldendoodle’s coat.
I found this brush durable, sturdy, and easy to use. The ergonomic handle was easy to hold and get a good grip. Best of all, this brush comes at a bargain price, and given its dual use, I feel it’s amazing value for money.
Pros
- Most owners found this brush removed loose hair and helped tackle tangles and mats
- Many said this brush left their dog’s coat looking in top condition
- Dual-sided brush is good value, and many owners found this feature convenient
- Owners of dogs with double coats, including Goldendoodle owners, found this brush got through their dog’s thick hair without pulling it
- Owners generally felt this brush was comfortable to hold and easy to use
- Some owners found their dog really enjoyed being brushed with this brush
Cons
- Some owners felt this brush wasn’t gentle enough for their dog, especially those with short-haired dogs
- Some found this brush didn’t move through their dog’s hair or tackle shedding and tangles as well as they’d hoped
- Some felt the bristles on the brush were too harsh for their dog
- Some owners experienced breakage after a period of use, leading them to feel the brush isn’t good quality
- Some found the brush hard to clean, especially when their dog was shedding
Ann-Marie Sharpe
FURminator Firm Slicker Brush For Dogs review
Features
- Best slicker brush
- Both straight and bent bristles
- Durable and high-quality
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you’re looking for the best slicker brush for Goldendoodles, the FURminator Firm Slicker Brush For Dogs is well worth your consideration. With straight bristles on 1 side and bent bristles on the other, this slicker brush is versatile. It’s specifically designed to remove mats and tangles from medium, long, and curly coats, making it perfect for the Goldendoodle.
I liked that this brush was made from high-quality, anti-microbial plastic which is great for hygiene. I found the ergonomic handle was easy to hold securely and was comfortable to use. Its large size means you can cover your Goldendoodle’s whole body easily and fairly quickly.
This brush is durable and designed to last. It even comes at a very affordable price!
Pros
- Many owners found this brush helped them remove loose hair from their dog’s undercoat and reduce shedding
- Owners generally found this brush helped to removed mats and tangles, even for dogs with thick coats
- 2 types of bristles make this brush versatile and very practical
- Owners of Goldendoodles generally stated this brush made grooming easy and kept their dog’s coat in top condition
- Owners of Doodles and other large dogs liked the large size of the brush head
- Many said this brush was gentle on their dog when used properly and didn’t pull at their hair
Cons
- Some found the bristles started to come loose after a period of use
- Some owners, particularly those with short-coated dogs, felt this brush was too harsh on their dog’s skin
- It can be hard to get all of the hair out of this brush as the pins are quite dense
- Some felt this brush didn’t remove as much hair from their dog as other brushes they’d tried
- Some felt this brush wasn’t as high-quality or durable as they expected
- Some owners of dogs with very thick coats found the wires became bent after a period of use
Things to Look for in a Brush for a Goldendoodle
Keeping the following in mind will help you make the best brush choice for your Goldendoodle:
Brush Type
You need to ensure you have the correct brush type for your Goldendoodle. The Goldendoodle has a double-layered coat that is often curly and thick. Brushes best suited to the coat of these adorable dogs include a slicker brush, a wire pin brush, a de-shedding or de-matting brush, and a bristle brush.
A slicker brush has fine, flexible wire pins which help to detangle your dog’s coat. A wire pin brush contains pins that help to separate the hairs in your dog’s coat, preventing matting and keeping their coat in a good condition. A metal comb can also be used to help you detangle stubborn mats.
A de-shedding or de-matting brush helps to reach the undercoat and gets out loose hair. When regularly used it also helps reduce shedding. A bristle brush is less popular for use on a Goldendoodle but can be helpful to stimulate the production of natural oils and keep your pup’s coat shiny and healthy.
High-Quality Materials
A brush made from high-quality materials is more likely to last longer and make grooming easier. Look for high-quality plastic or wooden backs. Ensure the bristles, pins, or wires are made from sturdy, durable material that will also be gentle on your dog’s skin and coat.
Easy to Hold
Grooming your Goldendoodle can take a while, so it’s important you’re comfortable. Choose a brush with an easy to hold handle. Many brushes have ergonomic handles that are easy to grip.
Correct Size of Brush
Brushes with larger heads will help you cover the surface area of your Goldendoodle easily and quickly.
Sturdy and Strong
Since you’ll be doing a lot of regular brushing and your Goldendoodle’s coat will be quite thick, you need to choose a brush that is sturdy, strong, and made to last. It’s always a good idea to check the reviews for guidance on this.
Easy to Clean
Brushes that are easy to clean make your life easier. Some brushes will be self-cleaning, meaning the pins retract to allow you to easily remove the hair.
Goldendoodle Coat Types
Since the Goldendoodle is a cross between 2 breeds: the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, their coat type can vary depending on their genes. Some Doodles will have a coat more like a Retriever, while others will have a coat similar to the Poodle.
Goldendoodles can have straight, wavy, or curly hair depending on which genes they inherit. Their coat will typically be quite long and will usually be double layered. A Goldendoodle puppy’s coat will change as they grow up, so you typically won’t know what type of coat they will have until they’re adults.
A lot of Goldendoodles don’t shed much, since the Poodle doesn’t shed. However, once again, how much they shed depends on their genes. It’s important to note here that regardless of how much they shed, they still need to be regularly brushed.
The Importance of Brushing Your Goldendoodle
Even though the Goldendoodle doesn’t shed as much as some other breeds, it’s still really important to brush them regularly.
Let’s take a look at why it’s so important:
- Regular brushing prevents mats and tangles, which can be uncomfortable for your dog
- By grooming your pooch regularly, each brushing session will take less time and be less stressful for you both
- Brushing increases the volume of your Goldendoodle’s coat and increases shine, helping it look in top condition
- Brushing removes loose hair and prevents your dog from shedding all over your house
- It helps to remove dirt from the coat and even pet dander (tiny, microscopic flecks of skin), which is often the cause of dog allergies
- Brushing stimulates and massages your dog’s skin and coat, stimulating natural oil production and improving circulation to keep them healthy
- During brushing, you have the opportunity to spot any skin irritations, ticks, fleas, rashes, or injured areas
- Brushing your dog can be a bonding experience, helping you to connect and enjoy spending time with one another
How to Groom Your Goldendoodle
How to Brush Your Goldendoodle
You should brush your Goldendoodle at least 3 times a week. If you can brush them daily, that’s even better. When you’re brushing, take your time and use gentle but even pressure.
It’s always a good idea to keep sessions as short as possible so your dog doesn’t get frustrated. Use lots of praise and treats to make the experience a positive one for your pup. It’s best to start grooming your doodle as soon as you get them so they can get used to it as a regular process.
If you come across a stubborn mat, don’t be afraid to just cut it out if it’s easier and in a less visible place. Although, with regular brushing, mats shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Other Grooming Tips
As well as brushing, there are other important things you need to do to keep your Goldendoodle in tip-top shape.
You should bathe your Doodle no more than once a month (unless they get very dirty), as bathing too much can dry out their coat and skin. Always brush them thoroughly before a bath to make sure there are no mats. Towel dry them gently (you can blow dry them too if you choose), and brush them again after their bath.
You should regularly clean their ears with an ear cleaning solution and a piece of cotton. It’s a good idea to clean their eye area regularly with an eye cleaner to prevent matting and build-up around the eyes. Usually once every few weeks (depending on your dog’s needs) is a good timeline for cleaning their eyes and ears.
As part of their at-home grooming routine, you should regularly brush your dog’s teeth to keep plaque and tartar at bay. Your dog’s nails should be trimmed once a month. If you aren’t confident, you could ask your vet to show you how.
You can trim your Doodle’s hair at home, but this depends on your comfort level. If you aren’t very experienced, you might choose to take your dog to a professional groomer, or there is lots of detailed guidance online to help you. Your Goldendoodle should have a full groom every 6 to 8 weeks.
Brush for a Goldendoodle FAQ
How often should you groom your Goldendoodle?
You should brush your doodle between 1 and 3 times a week. Daily is even better. A full groom (including nail trim, hair trim, ear cleaning, and bathing) should be done every 6 to 8 weeks.
Can you groom your own Goldendoodle?
If you feel confident or have experience, you can groom your Goldendoodle at home. Start slowly and ease into it until both you and your dog get the hang of it. If you’re unsure, you can take them to a professional groomer.
Conclusion
Grooming your Goldendoodle helps to keep them happy and healthy, and keeps them looking at their best! With the right brush, your Doodle’s coat will stay looking glorious no matter what they’re up to.
The Best Brushes for Goldendoodle
Editor's Choice
Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs- Best self-cleaning slicker brush
- Retractable pins for easy cleaning
- High-quality and sturdy
Runner Up
KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush- Best 2 in 1 brush
- Use in bath or dry
- Removes loose hair well
Also Good
FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool- Best de-shedding brush
- Great for undercoat
- Reduces shedding with regular use
