Best Brush For Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are affectionate and adorable dogs. Since they were first bred in the 1990s, they’ve become immensely popular, especially for their distinctive coats, which range from curly to straight. Because they’re a low-dander, non-shedding breed, they’re great if you have allergies, but they also need to be groomed regularly. So which brush will help you groom your Goldendoodle quickly and efficiently?
To help you pick out the best brush for your Goldendoodle, we bought and tested quite a few dog brushes. Our favorite models made it onto this list of the 10 best brushes for Goldendoodles, and each model has a full review comparing price, size, bristles, handles, durability, and ease of cleaning. If you’re wondering what makes a great Goldendoodle brush, stick around for our handy buyer’s guide. You’ll be perfectly grooming your Goldendoodle in no time!
The 10 Best Brushes for Goldendoodles
Hertzko Slicker Dog Brush – Best Overall
Our top pick is the Hertzko FBA_881314705702 Self Cleaning Slicker Brush, which is easy to clean and well-designed for Goldendoodles.
This light 3.2-ounce brush has curved wire bristles that do a good job penetrating medium to long coats. For simple cleaning, you can retract the bristles using a button. The non-slip handle has a comfort grip design and a thumb rest.
When we tested this brush, we found that it was very effective on Goldendoodles, easily grooming the undercoat on thicker coats. If your dog has a thinner coat, this may not be the brush for you, as the bristles may be too hard. This brush won’t last forever, and you may need to hold the button down to keep the bristles out. The slicker brush is very well-priced given its effectiveness and quick cleaning.
Cons
- May need to hold down retracting button
- May be irritating on thinner coats
- Not entirely durable
Pros
- Curved wire bristles
- Designed for medium to long coats
- Bristles retract for simple cleaning
- Lightweight and fairly-priced
- Comfortable non-slip handle with thumb rest
- Effective on Goldendoodle coats
FURminator Slicker Dog Brush – Best Value
If your budget is smaller, you may be interested in the FURminator 104009 Firm Grooming Slicker Brush, which we believe to be the best brush for Goldendoodles for the money.
This very inexpensive brush comes in two sizes and has a dual flex head that better conforms to your dog’s body. It’s designed for medium and long curly coats. There are straight bristles on one side and bent bristles on the other, so you can adjust for different types of grooming. We also enjoyed the ergonomic handle.
We found this brush somewhat flimsy, with a handle that wasn’t very well-attached. It’s also more difficult to clean and weighs a slightly heavier 6.2 ounces. But given the low price and choice of bristles, it’s a great value.
Cons
- Handle may come off
- Somewhat less durable and heavier
- Harder to clean
Pros
- Dual flex head
- Designed for medium and long curly coats
- Very low price
- Choice of two sizes
- Straight and bent bristles
- Ergonomic handle
RUBOLD Dematting Dog Brush Tool – Premium Choice
If you’re looking for a premium option, you may prefer the RUBOLD RUB001 Dematting Tool, which is a bit pricier but has added features like an undercoat rake and a great warranty.
This light 3.68-ounce brush has nine sharp teeth on one side and a rounded 17-tip undercoat rake on the other. The brush is fully waterproof, and there’s a nice ergonomic handle. The sharp teeth actively thin the coat, so you’ll need to be careful using it.
With sharp teeth, this brush takes a bit more skill to use. It’s also not fully durable, with a plastic handle that’s not very solidly glued to the metal brush head. RUBOLD offers a great 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Cons
- Harder to use
- Poorly-attached handle
- More expensive
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sharp teeth and rounded undercoat rake
- Fully waterproof
- Ergonomic handle
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Oster Combo Dog Brush for Goldendoodles
Another good option is the Oster 078279-102-001 Combo Brush, which is inexpensive and lightweight but less effective on Goldendoodle hair.
This four-ounce brush, which is designed like a classic hairbrush, conveniently offers two grooming options. One side is equipped with dense nylon bristles and the other has metal round-tip pins. There’s also an ergonomic handle with a grooved grip.
We found the handle comfortable to hold, but the bristles fell out quite easily. This brush may not be strong enough to fully groom a Goldendoodle.
Cons
- May not be strong enough for Goldendoodle coats
- Bristles fall out easily
Pros
- Inexpensive and lightweight
- Designed like a classic hairbrush
- Comfortable, grooved handle
- Dense nylon bristles and metal round-tip pins
Miracle Care Slicker Dog Brush
The Miracle Care 3261 Pet Slicker Brush offers wire pins but no shine-inducing bristles and doesn’t feel particularly durable.
This heavier 6.1-ounce brush, sold at a moderate price, has a soft pad and angled, flexible wire pins so that you can groom thoroughly. There’s a cushioned handle, and the brush head is conveniently wide.
We found this brush to feel somewhat cheaper than its price. The pins, which may be too sharp for your dog, come out easily, and the brush head inconveniently detaches from the handle. With no soft bristles, there aren’t multiple grooming options.
Cons
- Feels somewhat cheap and heavy
- Pins may be too sharp
- Pins and brush head come off easily
- Just one grooming option
Pros
- Moderately priced
- Soft pad and angled, flexible wire pins
- Cushioned handle
- Wide brush head
Andis Dog Grooming Brush Tool
Another low-cost option is the Andis 80585 Premium Pet Grooming Tool, which is light and comfortable to hold but has sharp, less effective pins.
This compact 3.2-ounce brush has a square head and a soft, anti-slip handle. The metal pins are fairly sharp and don’t have protective rounded tips.
This brush has a cheaper feel and may fall apart fairly quickly. The pins are too sharp for sensitive skin and thinner coats, and the brush can be difficult to clean. There also aren’t multiple bristle types, with no smoothing synthetic bristles.
Cons
- May fall apart quickly
- Can be difficult to clean
- Sharp pins without rounded tips
- Cheaper feel
- No soft synthetic bristles
Pros
- Inexpensive and lightweight
- Comfortable anti-slip handle
- Metal pins and square head
GoPets Goldendoodle Pin & Bristle Brush
The GoPets Professional Double Sided Pin and Bristle Brush is a pricier, heavier model that offers both pins and bristles.
This heavy eight-ounce brush offers double-sided grooming, with metal pins and dense nylon bristles. The pins have rounded metal tips that have been molded on during casting for added durability. There’s also a comfortable gel-filled silicone handle.
When we tested this brush, we found it to be not very durable. The metal bristles fall out while grooming thicker coats, and the gel quickly begins to leak from the handle. The rubber pad may also break or split with use. GoPets does offer a great 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Cons
- Metal bristles fall out in thicker coats
- Gel may leak from handle
- Pricey and heavy
- Not very durable
- Rubber pad may break or split
Pros
- Comfortable gel-filled silicone handle
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Double-sided, with metal pins and nylon bristles
- Molded on rounded pin tips
Paw Brothers Slicker Brush for Dogs
The Paw Brothers TM31170 Hard Pin Slicker Brush offers extra-long metal pins that work fairly well on thick coats but aren’t especially durable.
This moderately-priced brush has a sturdy non-slip handle and a square head. There are one-inch stainless steel pins without rounded tips that do a fairly good job penetrating Goldendoodle coats.
These pins are too long to be sturdy, catching and falling off frequently. The brush can be difficult to clean, and the tips may be too sharp for your dog.
Cons
- Tips may be too sharp
- Pins aren’t very sturdy
- May be difficult to clean
Pros
- Long one-inch stainless steel pins
- Works fairly well on thicker coats
- Moderately-priced
- Sturdy non-slip handle
- Square head
Groomist DISCO205 Dog Brushes
The Groomist DISCO205 Dog Brush has combined metal pins and nylon bristles. Though it’s moderately-priced and has a sturdy handle, it’s not very effective on undercoats and may be too small for adult Goldendoodles.
This 5.6-ounce blue and silver plastic brush has plastic-tipped metal pins and nylon bristles on the same side. The handle is comfortable and feels durable.
When we tested this brush, we found that the nylon bristles made the coat look shiny and smooth but didn’t reach the undercoat or help with shedding. The bristles break easily, and the brush head is fairly small.
Cons
- Bristles break easily
- May be too small for adult Goldendoodles
- Somewhat heavy
- Doesn’t groom undercoat or help with shedding
Pros
- Combined plastic-tipped metal pins and nylon bristles
- Produces a shiny and smooth coat
- Reasonably-priced
- Sturdy, comfortable handle
Conair Dog Slicker Brushes
Our least favorite model is the Conair PGRDSSS Dog Slicker, which has a clunky design and doesn’t groom very effectively.
This lightweight 3.2-ounce brush is sold at a low price but has an unattractive design. There’s a comfortable gel handle, and the brush head has small plastic-tipped metal pins that won’t irritate your dog’s skin.
We found these pins not strong or long enough for thicker coats, and the brush may be too small for full-grown Goldendoodles. The brush doesn’t remove very much hair or groom particularly well.
Cons
- May be too small for adult Goldendoodles
- Doesn’t groom effectively
- Clunky design
- Not strong enough for thick coats
Pros
- Plastic-tipped metal pins
- Low-cost and lightweight
- Comfortable gel handle
- Soft and won’t irritate skin
What to consider before buying a dog brush for a Goldendoodle?
To start, while we all enjoy grooming our furry best friends and want to groom thoroughly, you’ll need to remember that without the correct grooming tools, the entire grooming experience may be a letdown.
The Goldendoodle has a top coat and an undercoat. Matting occurs when the topcoat gets tangled up with the undercoat and loose hairs. Matting can also occur along the neck area where there is moisture trapped beneath the collar. While matting can occur at any time, it tends to affect dogs that are active or outdoors more often. Many Goldendoodles enjoy the water and swimming, as well as lots of outdoor activities. If you’re the proud pet parent of a high-energy Doodle, it may be best to opt for a short clip.
With Doodles having long coats that can either be straight, curly, or wavy, it’s important to prevent tangles and the pain associated with untangling. Daily grooming with brushing is necessary to prevent tangles and matting. If you don’t brush regularly, you may need to clip the affected area.
Therapeutic massage to reduce stress
Goldendoodles are known for their soft coats and enjoy a gentle therapeutic massage while being brushed. This also reduces stress for anxious dogs, most especially if your Goldendoodle doesn’t like being groomed. Invest in dog brushes like the rubber ones that don’t pull, snag hair, or hurt his skin. Enjoy grooming him while bonding at the same time! He’ll be relishing it in no time at all, and you’ll have a far more pleasant experience.
Hydrating Shampoos & Conditioners with Oils
Opt for hydrating shampoos and conditioners that use oils like argan as carrier oils. Hydrating shampoos are beneficial for coat and skin health, and also help to hydrate and moisturize irritated, dry skin in dogs. Green tea leaf or rooibos tea extracts are also beneficial for skin and coat health in dogs.
Goldendoodle Coats
Goldendoodles come with different coats. You’ll need to give your dog’s coat a thorough look over to determine what kind of coat your dog has. Some Goldendoodles will have a “fleece coat” where the coat has loose apricot-colored curls and is super soft to touch. This designer breed’s coat will vary because most of these dogs are first-generation crosses.
Coats will vary by way of being straight or wavy. Pups that have “fleece” coats will need minimal grooming, but as they get older will benefit from regular grooming even though the coat will be as soft as regular adult hair. You can also opt to clip your Doodle’s coat to minimalize grooming time if you don’t have much time during the week. This also helps to keep your Doodle cool during the summer and prevents matting from occurring.
Regular Goldendoodle maintenance
If you tend to your dog’s ears, nails, teeth, and coat regularly you’ll save time and money. Additionally, if you groom your Goldendoodle each day, you won’t have to face mats, skin infections, or tangled and smelly coats.
Consider the Following When Choosing a Dog Brush:
- Coat condition depending on whether it’s shedding season, and whether your Goldendoodle’s fur is more prone to matting during this time.
- Skin Conditions in Goldendoodles need to be taken seriously. Skin allergies, lumps, bumps, warts, fatty lipomas, and even hot spots and rashes need a veterinary consult. Be sure to take your Goldendoodle’s skin condition into consideration before using certain grooming brushes. Some brushes may be too harsh on their gentle skin.
Choose the best grooming tools
Realizing that there’s a pain factor involved by using the wrong grooming tools is important. Even the most careful Goldendoodle parent can make a mistake and use the wrong grooming tool. Nowadays, thanks to all the reviews, we’re becoming increasingly savvy about all pet products. You’ve got to be wary of harsh dog brushes, some blades, and metal curry combs. Some of these can damage the coat, and even remove not ready-to shed hair, causing pain.
How to Groom a Goldendoodle Puppy?
Unless your Goldendoodle puppy or adolescent is used to being groomed and is comfortable with the entire process, it’s best to use a collar and leash when you first start. Your Goldendoodle puppy may be hyperactive or squirmy, and may not initially enjoy being groomed. He or she may have reactive spots when touched, and it’s up to you to encourage grooming by rewarding high-quality treats and lots of praise.
Visit a Professional Groomer a Few Times a Year
Be sure to also consider professional grooming for your Goldendoodle at least a few times a year. Alternatively, if your Goldendoodle dislikes being at the groomers, ask them to come to your home. As usual, make sure that they are certified dog groomers.
Always reward your Goldendoodle for good behavior when he allows you to groom him. Ensure that the entire grooming session is relaxed and pain-free so that your Goldendoodle relaxes and enjoys being brushed.
Tips for Using a Dog Brush
Regular brushing prevents mats and removes dead hair. With grooming being an extended period of being handled, your Goldendoodle should not find the contact difficult. Grooming should always be a positive and relaxing experience with plenty of praise and rewards for good behavior.
No matter what type of coat your Goldendoodle has, spend quality time every day brushing him or her with high-quality grooming tools. You can play some calming music or speak to your Goldendoodle to encourage him or her to stand still. Even though this breed will most likely have fewer mats than other breeds, you’ll need to avoid tugging or pulling on any tangles.
Choosing a good dog brush for your Goldendoodle
There are so many dog brushes and grooming products available today for all the many different dog breeds. Because the Goldendoodle can have different types of coats, you should understand which one is best for your dog’s coat.
Many Goldendoodle parents mistakenly believe that using one grooming brush will be enough, and they’ll do a great job grooming, when in reality, to properly groom your Goldendoodle, you’re going to need an assortment of grooming brushes to give you the best results.
Oil-based Conditioner Sprays for Grooming and Brushing
You’ll also need to consider using an oil-based conditioner spray for an easier grooming experience. Because the Doodle has a double coat, it may be easier to first comb through any mats with a grooming comb.
Before tackling any tangles, use a detangle or conditioner spray-in that might make it easier to work through. When the mat has been worked through with the steel comb, you can once again gently brush through with the slicker brush.
This is definitely worth the time and patience, instead of using scissors to cut out the tangles, resulting in a break in the coat. Slicker brushes also are used for removing dead fur and giving your Goldendoodle a great show dog appearance.
Always avoid using the slicker brush on your Goldendoodle’s head, ears, and face, and any body part that has a skin issue or sensitivity.
Conclusion Best Dog Brush for a Goldendoodle
No matter what type of coat your Goldendoodle has, spend time each day grooming with the right brushes and get your Goldendoodle used to the feel of all the brushes. Speak to your dog when grooming or play some music, and slowly increase the amount of time standing still. Keep in mind to use the best brush for your Goldendoodle’s particular coat.
Coats will change when Goldendoodle’s grow out of puppyhood and become adults. Adding grooming brushes to your dog grooming kit collection always makes sense. The bottom line is, choose a slicker brush carefully and limit your Goldendoodles exposure to any pain or anxiety during grooming.
