Golden Retrievers are known for their thick, shiny coats, which shed heavily throughout the year. To keep shedding under control, it is important to regularly groom the coat by brushing.
There are many benefits to regularly grooming your Golden Retriever, beyond simply controlling shedding. Brushing the coat helps to maintain healthy skin and distribute natural oils, and can also strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion.
To make grooming sessions enjoyable for your Golden Retriever, it is important to use the right tools. The best brushes for Golden’s have the ability to effectively remove dead hairs from their thick coat without causing any discomfort.
In this guide, we will discuss the different types of brushes that are suitable for use on a Golden Retriever’s coat. We will also provide recommendations for four of the best brushes for this breed, to help you choose the right one for your furry companion.
Golden Retrievers are a popular breed that belongs to the sporting group of dogs. These intelligent and hard-working dogs were originally bred to retrieve game and are often referred to as “flushing dogs,” as they were also used to scare birds out of underbrush and into flight.
The history of the Golden Retriever has played a significant role in shaping the breed’s coat. These dogs were originally bred to work in a variety of harsh weather conditions and were often required to retrieve objects from water, which called for a coat that could withstand the elements.
As you can imagine, diving into cold English rivers and streams requires a water-resistant and insulating coat. The Golden’s double coat is also relatively oily and quick-drying.
Maintaining the health of a Golden Retriever’s coat is important, but it is also important to ensure that grooming does not disrupt the beneficial properties of the coat.
Golden Retrievers have a double coat, which is made up of two layers: the outer coat and the undercoat.
The outer coat of a Golden Retriever is made up of strong, coarse hairs that are designed to protect the dog from injury and dirt. These hairs are also effective at repelling water, which is an important adaptation for a breed that was originally bred to work in wet and muddy conditions.
The soft and dense, and serves a number of important functions. In the winter, the undercoat provides insulation to help keep the dog warm, while in the summer, it traps air, which helps to keep the dog cooler.
While all Golden Retrievers have double coats, the density of the coat can vary depending on the type of Golden. “Show” type Goldens tend to have thicker coats, while “field” or “working” type Goldens generally have thinner, sleeker coats. Goldens with thicker “show” coats may also shed more.
Golden Retrievers are known for their high level of shedding, and their coat may undergo a “blow out” twice a year, during which they shed large amounts of hair. It is estimated that the average Golden sheds around 70 pounds of pet hair per year! While shedding is a natural process that helps to keep the coat healthy and maintain its natural balance, it can be a source of frustration for pet owners who have to deal with the accumulation of dead hairs on furniture and floors.
A regular grooming routine also has a host of other benefits, including:
In general, brushing a Golden twice a week should be sufficient to maintain the health and appearance of their coat. However, during the seasonal moult, when the dog is shedding more heavily, you may need to brush them more frequently, perhaps even daily, to keep shedding under control and remove dead hairs.
It is generally not recommended to shave a Golden Retriever, as their thick, insulating coat serves a number of important functions. Shaving the coat can alter its texture, potentially permanently, and make it harder for the dog to regulate their body temperature.
While it is generally not recommended to shave a Golden Retriever, there may be some situations where shaving is necessary. For example, if your Golden needs surgery or is dealing with a skin condition, your veterinarian may recommend shaving part or all of the coat to help facilitate treatment.
There are many different types of brushes available for grooming dogs, and it can be difficult to know which one is best for your Golden Retriever. Some common types of brushes include stainless steel combs, rubber curry brushes, slicker brushes, and pin brushes. Each type of brush has its own set of benefits and is suitable for use on different coat types.
Bristle brushes are a popular choice for grooming Golden Retrievers and other smooth-coated dogs. These brushes are typically gentle and effective at removing loose hairs and maintaining the health and appearance of the coat.
The densely packed bristles of a bristle brush can help to lift dirt and debris out of the coat, leaving it clean and healthy. Bristle brushes are also a good choice for puppies, who may have more sensitive skin and may benefit from the gentle grooming action of these brushes.
A bristle brush can also remove large amounts of loose hair from short coats, while stimulating the skin and spreading natural oils.
Bristle brushes are often available in a 2-in-1 format that includes a pin brush. Pin brushes are typically used on longer-haired dogs to remove tangles and mats, but they may also be useful for removing a small number of dead hairs from the coat of a Golden Retriever.
If you are looking for a way to minimize the amount of loose hair shed by your Golden Retriever, you may want to consider using a deshedding tool. Deshedding tools are designed to remove dead hairs from the coat, and can be particularly useful during the seasonal moult, when Goldens tend to shed more heavily – but they must be used with.
Deshedding tools typically have rake-like teeth that are designed to penetrate the coat and grab hold of dead hairs. These tools can be effective at removing large amounts of loose hairs in a single grooming session.
While deshedding tools can be effective at removing loose hairs from a Golden Retriever’s coat, it is important not to overuse them. Using a deshedding tool too frequently can cause damage to the hairs, leading to a dry and unhealthy coat. It is generally recommended to use a deshedding tool no more than once or twice a week.
When using a deshedding tool to groom your Golden Retriever, it is important to be aware of the pressure you are applying. Short, gentle strokes are generally all that is needed to effectively remove loose hairs from the coat. Applying too much pressure can cause discomfort or irritation to the skin, and may also risk cutting healthy hairs.
Note: Deshedding tools aren’t suitable for puppies or dogs with sensitive skin.
Rubber curry brushes are not an essential grooming tool for a Golden Retriever, but they can offer several benefits that other types of brushes do not.
These brushes have moulded rubber teeth that are effective at removing dead hairs from the coat without causing discomfort or irritation. While curry brushes are not as effective at removing loose hairs as slicker brushes or deshedding tools, they are a good choice for dogs who are nervous or have sensitive skin.
In addition to removing dead hairs from the coat, using a rubber curry brush can also help to spread natural oils throughout the coat, promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat. Some dogs may also enjoy the massaging effect of using a curry brush, which can make grooming sessions more pleasant and relaxing.
Rubber curry brushes can be a useful tool when bathing your Golden Retriever, as the rubber nubs can help to generate a good lather with your dog’s shampoo. These brushes can also be effective at removing ingrained dirt and gathering loose hairs during the bath.
Slicker brushes are commonly used to prevent tangles and mats in the coats of medium, long, or curly-haired breeds. While slicker brushes may not be an essential grooming tool for most Goldens, they can be useful for maintaining longer areas of hair, such as around the rump.
Slicker brushes have angled and flexible pins that are effective at penetrating a dog’s coat to remove dead hairs. These brushes are also good at stimulating the skin and distributing natural oils evenly throughout the coat, which can help to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
When using a slicker brush to groom your Golden Retriever, it is important to be aware of the pressure you are applying and to avoid focusing on any one area for too long. The metal pins on these brushes can cause discomfort or irritation if too much pressure is applied, so it is important to be gentle and patient when using this type of brush.
Listed below are my top four recommended brushes for Goldens. The type you should choose depends on your individual dog’s outdoor activities, their tolerance for being groomed, and their shedding levels.
One of my top recommendations for a brush for Golden Retrievers is the Hertzko Bristle Brush. This brush is excellent for removing loose hairs, and it is particularly effective for dogs that tend to get dirty or muddy.
Bristle brushes are perfect for brushing out loose hairs from short-haired breeds. They can’t penetrate the coat like a slicker, but this usually isn’t a problem for breeds with short, smooth coats. The densely packed bristles of the Hertzko can also remove dried-in dirt and debris from the topcoat and promote a healthy shine.
The Hertzko Bristle Brush is a decent size and has a non-slip rubber grip handle. Given that it can take a while to groom the full coat of a large breed like a Golden, this is a great benefit.
One drawback is that hairs caught in the bristles can be difficult to remove. This is a common issue with all bristle brushes though, so it’s not a complaint about the Hertzko specifically.
The Hertzko is well-made and provides excellent value for money. If you’re not sure which brush to buy, this is probably the best brush for Goldens.
Tip: If your Golden is nervous about being groomed, the Hertzko Bristle Brush might be a good starting point. Just be sure to combine it up with lots of yummy treats and positive associations.
If you want to remove as much dead hair from your Golden’s coat as possible, then the Furminator deShedding Tool is worth considering.
You’re unlikely to find any brush that can remove more dead hair – at least without spending hours on each grooming session. It’s particularly helpful when your Golden is experiencing their seasonal coat blow.
Outside of the moulting season, using it around once a week should be enough. When your Golden is having their coat blow out, you may find it helpful to use it 1-2 times a week.
The FURminator should be used in moderation though. If it’s used too frequently or with too much pressure, you risk irritating the skin or damaging healthy hair. The serrated teeth are also too harsh for puppies with their delicate hair and sensitive skin.
If you want a gentle brush that can still remove loose hairs, then the Kong ZoomGroom is worth trying out. The flexible rubber creates a massaging sensation, which is more comfortable for most dogs.
It’s not as effective as a slicker or deshedding tool, but the rubber nubs still gather dead hairs as you work the coat. The hairs are easy to remove too – just rinse the brush under the tap.
Using the ZoomGroom in circular motions also stimulates the skin, distributes oils and can be relaxing for your Golden.
The ZoomGroom is a handy tool for using when you’re bathing your Golden. It can help to generate a lather and ensures the shampoo penetrates deep into the coat, helping to lift out deeply ingrained dirt.
If your Golden has patches of longer hair, the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker could be a useful brush to add to your collection. This well-made brush is great for lifting out loose hair and leaves the topcoat with a healthy shine.
What makes the Hertzko stand out from other slicker brushes though?
Firstly, the durable brush pins have a degree of flexibility, so they are less likely to cause discomfort. It’s still important not to apply too much pressure, but the Hertzko provides a good balance between comfort and effectiveness.
The Hertzko slicker also has a retractable bristle function, making it much easier to remove gathered hairs. You just push a button to draw the pins into the body, so you don’t need to pluck them out by hand.
Additionally, the Hertzko grooming brush has a non-slip and ergonomic handle. This ensures you’ll have a firm and comfortable grip – even if your hands get a little sweaty.
A downside is that the rubber is less durable than a hardwood handle. It should still last a long time, however, and the brush provides great value.
Tip: If you have a field Golden, with a less dense coat, care should be taken not to apply too much pressure when grooming with a slicker brush. The pins could scratch or irritate the skin. For puppies, it may be better to opt for something a little gentler too.
Brushing frequency depends on the thickness of your Golden’s coat, whether they often get muddy, and if their coat is having a blow out.
For most of the year, brushing a couple of times a week should be enough to keep the coat and skin in good condition.
When a Golden is having their coat blow, daily brushing will help keep loose hairs at bay and promote healthy skin and hair regrowth. Remember, however, that deshedding tools (such as the FURminator) aren’t appropriate for daily use.
Goldens have a naturally oily and water-resistant coat, but too much bathing can strip these oils. This increases the chance of irritated or dry skin.
Ideally, you don’t want to bathe your Golden more than once every 3-4 weeks. If they aren’t a mud magnet, they may not even need bathing as frequently as that.
For Goldens that are drawn to muddy puddles, or who have particularly oily skin, you may find they start to pong after a while. Giving them a bath using an odor-control shampoo may be beneficial – but you should still avoid washing them too often.
Goldens are a breed that can be more genetically predisposed to skin allergies and dandruff. If your Golden is in this category, you may find it beneficial to use a dandruff shampoo to help manage this.
The three formally recognized colors that Goldens come in are black, yellow and chocolate. Black is the most common coloring, but there are plenty of each colour.
You may sometimes hear people refer to their Golden as being ‘Fox Red’. This is actually just a darker shade of the accepted yellow coloring.
The color of your Golden’s coat doesn’t impact the type of brush you should use.
Although Goldens don’t suffer as much with tangles or mats, they still need regular brushing to remove dead hair.
My favorite brush for Golden Retrievers is the Hertzko Bristle Brush. It’s suitable for daily use, has a durable design, and lifts out lots of dead hair.
If you’re looking for a deshedding tool, then the FURminator is the obvious choice. A rubber curry brush can also be great for brushing during bath time.