Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, loveable demeanor and calm, easy-going temperament. The dogs were originally bred to retrieve shot waterfowl, such as ducks and upland game birds, and the name “retriever” refers to the breed’s ability to retrieve shot game undamaged due to their soft mouth.
These dogs are incredibly reliable and loyal and make the perfect companion or family dog. According to the American Kennel Club, Golden Retrievers are America’s third most popular breed. It’s pretty difficult to fault the Golden Retriever, they’re loveable, playful, and expressive, but there’s probably one slight drawback that most owners can agree on – their hair! Retriever hair gets everywhere and has a tendency to shed, especially in the Spring and Fall when Retrievers adapt their coats to suit the warmer or colder seasons.
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Golden Retrievers have a dense, water-repellent outer coat with a thick undercoat that requires regular grooming. It varies in color from a deep golden brown to a far lighter shade that many describe as “white.” Daily brushing is recommended to reduce shedding and matting, however, you should brush your Golden at least once a week to keep the coat shiny and tangle-free.
A good brush is key for keeping your dog’s hair in optimal condition, and Golden Retrievers are a breed that requires regular maintenance, making a good quality brush even more important.
While any old brush simply won’t do, we know that it’s time-consuming to browse through thousands of different grooming products online. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our top brushes for Golden Retrievers, complete with a buyer’s guide and frequently asked questions so you know what to look out for. Your furry friend’s mane will be healthy, tamed, and tangle-free in no time!
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Our PickHertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush for Pets with Long Or Short Hair, Dog Brush for Shedding Short Hair, Cat & Dog Grooming Brush, Cat Comb, Dog Comb, Deshedding Dog Brush - Purple
The Hertzko self-cleaning slicker brush is much-loved by many different pet owners, as it’s great for pretty much all types of dog and cat hair – whether long, short, thick, or curly. If your Golden Retriever isn’t a fan of being groomed, try the Hertzko on them, as the fine bristles penetrate deep into the coat, removing matted, loose, and tangled hair, without grazing or tugging.
Slicker brushes are usually difficult to clean due to the short pins which make it difficult to remove the hair. However Hertzko has taken this into account, and the brush has a simple self-cleaning button that retracts the bristles allowing you to remove the hair and throw it straight into the trash.
The design and bristles of this brush make grooming easy, fuss-free, and painless for your pup.
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FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Large Dogs – Long Hair
This model of the FURminator is specially designed for larger dogs with long hair, making it perfect for a Golden Retriever. This brush glides through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair and reduce shedding. It’s gentle enough to detangle the coat without cutting the skin or damaging the topcoat thanks to the skin guard which prevents the comb from digging into your dog.
This brush has a curved edge to adhere to your dog’s natural build, and it also features a handy “fur ejector” button for quick and easy release of the removed hair, making cleaning this brush a doddle. The FURminator also has an ergonomic handle to provide grip and comfort when grooming your pet.
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DakPets Stainless Steel Deshedding and Dematting Tool | Professional Pet Grooming Fur Brush for Cats and Dogs Hair Removal
The Furblaster by DakPets is perfect for dogs who shed heavily, making it ideal for Golden Retrievers. It promises to reduce shedding by up to 95%, meaning you’ll spend more time with your dog, and less time cleaning up hair!
The detachable, rust-resistant blade carefully reduces loose hair, promoting a healthier, shinier topcoat and suggests you’ll notice a difference after just a 10-minute grooming session. The Furblaster also boasts all of the features of more expensive grooming tools, such as an ergonomic handle and quick-release button so you can remove the blade and easily clean it.
It comes in a range of colors and also features a handy hole so you can hang it from your belt if you’re a professional groomer who uses lots of tools.
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Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Rake - Double-Sided Dematting Undercoat Brush for Dogs and Cats, Extra Wide, Reduces Shedding by 95%, Blue
This dual-sided brush from Maxpower Planet is super versatile; use the 9 teeth side for stubborn mats and tangles, and the 17-teeth side for deshedding and thinning. While the teeth are sharp enough to glide through the toughest of knots, they’re also fine and rounded, so they shouldn’t hurt your dog.
The rake-like shape gently works through and removes tangles, knots, dander, and trapped dirt and is perfect for pets with thick fur or a dense double coat. It’s also easy to hold thanks to the non-slip handle and is lightweight enough to be used for a long grooming session.
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UPSKY Dog Brush & Cat Brush Self Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush Easy to Clean Pet Grooming Brushes Shedding Grooming Tools for Dogs & Cats with Long or Short Hair
The Upsky slicker brush not only removes loose fur, dirt and reduces shedding, but it also massages your pet’s skin which stimulates blood flow and improves overall health. Fine and curved stainless steel bristles reach deep into your pet’s coat to groom the undercoat thoroughly and remove loose fur and tangles, without scratching your pet’s skin.
The one-click self-cleaning button makes it easy to remove residue hair, and the ergonomic handle provides comfort and grip while grooming. This brush also comes with a convenient protective cover to keep bristles in optimal condition and prevent small children from touching them.
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Coastal Pet Safari Dog Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush - Dog Deshedding Brush - Prevents Mats and Tangled Hair - For Dogs with Short or Long Hair - Large - 8" x 4.5"
The short stainless steel pins on this Slicker brush are perfect for gently detangling your Golden Retriever’s coat, and will remove dead hair, mats, and tangles with ease. The Safari is recommended for breeds such as Golden Retrievers and will help keep the topcoat smooth and shiny while removing loose hair from the undercoat.
The pins on this brush are quite sharp, making them perfect for removing tangles, however, there’s no need to press down hard on the Safari, as gentle motions are just as effective and will ensure a painless process for your pup. This Slicker brush also features a comfortable, ergonomic design and a convenient self-cleaning button on the back, so you can easily retract the pins and remove the hair.
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There are a variety of different brushes on the market and it’s important that you find one that is tailored to your Golden Retriever’s long, thick coat.
It’s important to get the right type of brush for your dog’s coat, as the bristles will vary in length. Generally, Golden Retrievers have longer coats with thick, wavy fur, however, it may differ in texture, and some dogs have smoother, shorter, or straighter fur.
If your dog has sensitive skin, allergies, or dry skin, then you need to be particularly careful when choosing a brush, as some bristles may be uncomfortable for them. If this is the case, make sure you choose a brush which has gentler, more flexible bristles, rather than one that is stainless steel and likely to cut or irritate the skin.
You may need different tools for your Golden Retriever depending on the time of year. While Golden Retrievers shed year-round, they tend to shed most in the Spring and Autumn as the weather changes, so you may find yourself needing more specific tools during these periods, and a slicker brush will come in especially handy during these seasons.
Cleaning your dog’s grooming brush can be just as time-consuming as the grooming itself, especially if the hair gets tangled and matted around the bristles. It’s important to clean the brush regularly to ensure it is clean and hygienic, but also to make sure you’re getting the most out of your tools. Slicker brushes are notoriously difficult to clean due to their shorter bristles, however, many brushes today feature a handy one-click self-cleaning button, made infamous by the FURminator’s handy “fur ejector” button which releases the residue hair in one swift movement, meaning you can throw it straight into the trash.
Some dogs are more sensitive to being groomed than others, meaning it can be particularly difficult to keep their coat in tip-top condition. If this is the case with your Golden Retriever, then try to opt for a brush that has softer and more flexible bristles that won’t cut into the skin. A bristle or slicker brush may be your best bet if your dog finds grooming irritable or stressful. Don’t forget to let them lie down and if they sniff the tools, let them do this to allow them to get used to their scent. Keep your first grooming session short and move the brush in gentle motions, taking care in knotted areas. If your dog has a lot of knots or matted areas, you will probably have to work on these over a few weeks, as it’s no good pinning your dog down and tearing through them. Take things slowly, ensure your dog is comfortable and relaxed, and reward them with treats so that they get used to the process.
Coats may vary slightly between Golden Retrievers, with some having longer or wavy coats, and others having shorter, smoother coats. However, overall, a slicker brush is particularly effective for breeds such as Golden Retrievers as these are the most effective at removing loose hair from the undercoat. They also tend to glide better over the hair, meaning they’re less likely to damage the topcoat and also limit the risk of hurting or cutting your dog while you brush them.
Golden Retrievers should be thoroughly groomed at least every one to two weeks, however, during shedding seasons you may want to groom your Golden Retriever as often as every day, to remove loose, dead hairs and minimize shedding (and the mess!).
With regular grooming, you shouldn’t really need to have your Golden Retriever’s hair cut, and you should certainly never shave their coat, even in warmer summer months. Golden Retrievers usually have their hair trimmed on their ears, feet, neck, and tail, but it’s always better to seek a professional grooming service for this unless you have the right tools and you are confident trimming your dog’s hair.
Golden Retrievers have a double coat, meaning they have a topcoat made up of a protective layer of long hairs, and an undercoat which is soft and fluffy. The topcoat is waterproof, keeps debris out, and even protects your dog from harmful UV rays, while the undercoat keeps your dog warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. During the Spring, Goldens shed their thick, winter coat to make way for a lighter summer coat, whereas in Fall they shed their summer coat to make way for a thicker, warmer one for the colder months.
Certain things may make your dog shed more though. A poor diet will reflect in your Golden’s coat, just like the amount of nutrients we get determines how healthy our hair looks. Allergies, stress, fleas or ticks, hormones, medication, or pregnancy may also affect your dog’s hair and make them shed excessively, and you should always seek advice from a vet if you think your Golden Retriever’s coat is being impacted by one of these factors.
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