The Best Brush for Goldendoodle Dogs 2024

Goldendoodles are low-shedding dogs and great for people with mild pet allergies, but their thick and luxurious coat of fur will need a lot of grooming. Otherwise, your beloved pup will look raggedy and more rat than teddy bear!

As a Doodle dog grooming expert, I have developed strong preferences for the type and quality of brushes I use for Goldendoodles. There are clear winners that remain my favorites after hundreds of hours of coat grooming.

Summary of the best picks… (Hands on review further down)

Best Overall
High End
Budget Back Up
The Perfect Comb
Primary Rating:
4.9
Primary Rating:
4.9
Primary Rating:
4.0
Primary Rating:
4.9
Pros:
  • Professional quality
  • Perfect for Doodle coats
  • High density Slicker
Pros:
  • Professional groomer quality
  • German made steel
  • Perfect for coat maintenance
Pros:
  • Decent build quality
  • Slicker density high
  • Good for thick coats
Pros:
  • Perfect for detangling
  • Helps with every brush
  • Quality Lifetime steel
Best Overall
Primary Rating:
4.9
Pros:
  • Professional quality
  • Perfect for Doodle coats
  • High density Slicker
High End
Primary Rating:
4.9
Pros:
  • Professional groomer quality
  • German made steel
  • Perfect for coat maintenance
Budget Back Up
Primary Rating:
4.0
Pros:
  • Decent build quality
  • Slicker density high
  • Good for thick coats
The Perfect Comb
Primary Rating:
4.9
Pros:
  • Perfect for detangling
  • Helps with every brush
  • Quality Lifetime steel

Daily brushing will help protect your dog’s coat from matting. But you’ve got to use the right tools too. I’ve mistakenly picked up just any old brush for my Goldendoodles before and lived to regret it.

I’ve also tried highly recommended brushes and outrageously expensive ones. Let me tell you this, just because it’s expensive or luxurious, doesn’t always mean it’s the best.

Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Brush For Your Goldendoodle

Just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s any better than the cheap ones. Here are a few things that you should consider when picking out your brush:

Handles and Backs

These are the part of a brush that you place your fingers in when you use a brush. Ensure your dog’s brush is made with sturdy wood to reduce the chances of it breaking. Furthermore, the wood will also help absorb oils from your dog’s body and redistribute it throughout their fur.

This will give your dog a cleaner and sleeker look after every brushing session. You should also look for brushes with rubber handles. You may be surprised that something so small can make a big difference.

The rubber will help you get a firm and comfortable grip, especially if your dog is larger and stronger than you.

combing dog's hair
Groomer is combing a dog’s hair.

Build

It’s important to look for a brush that’s built durably. If it’s cheaply built, there is a chance that some of the bristles could fall out, and your dog could choke on them. You also want to make sure that the handle is attached to the brush properly as well, as it can be a safety hazard if it falls off.

Functional Design

It should be easy for you to brush your Goldendoodle. This is why looking for something with a functional design is important. This will help you to reach all the spots on your pup’s body that require attention.

Ensure the brush is well built but not too heavy that you have difficulty maneuvering it. The two things that you will want to look for are a nonslip grip and a nonslip rubber handle. These two features will help you brush your Goldendoodle more easily.

dog owner combs pet
A dog owner gently brushes a dog’s hair.

Gentle But Effective

You want a brush that gently removes the excess hair and oil from your Goldendoodles. However, you don’t want it to be so gentle that you have to go over the same spot once again. This can lead to irritations and skin infections if you’re not cautious enough.

You should also pick a safe brush for your dog’s skin so they won’t get irritated or have an allergic reaction. Also, make sure that they do not hurt your dog.

Lastly, look for a brush with flexible bristles. These types of bristles are gentle on your dog’s skin as the flexible design helps reach those hard-to-reach areas like their paws and underneath their paws.

Look at these bristles on the Chriss Christensen, you can see me felxing them with my fingers and although very thin and sharp, they do not damage my human skin.

chris demonstrating the bristles of the slicker brush on his own skin
Chris demonstrating the bristles of the slicker brush on his own skin

Price

mini goldendoodle wearing hoodie
This Mini Goldendoodle is rocking a sweatshirt and hoodie, channelling some serious Eminem vibes.

Affordability is the name of the game. I’ve spent hundreds on a brush for my dogs before, only to be disappointed. Make sure you look for a good deal and a well-priced brush with all the above qualities.

wavy coat goldendoodle coat photo
Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. The Coat does require grooming to prevent deep knots from forming.

The Four Best Brushes for Goldendoodles

Now that you know what to look for in a brush, it’s time to find the right one for your Goldendoodle. I’ve searched the internet and found four of the best brushes out there. Below are my top four recommendations that are great for Goldendoodles:

1. Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush – Best Overall

I’ve had this brush for a couple of months now and am beyond impressed. Its broad, non-slip rubber surface not only grips well but also provides a very comfortable experience for my dog. Its superior design, durable construction, and quality materials ensure that it won’t break easily or cause harm to your dog.

Chris Allen from OodleLife explains why the Chris Christensen Big G is his favorite slicker.

The rubber handle is padded with an extra cushion to give you a good grip and distribute the weight evenly throughout your hand. The brush may not have a wooden handle and back, but its cushioned pad helps effectively distribute natural oils to your dog’s coat.

Not to mention, it’s great for naturally detangling and smoothing out your dog’s undercoat. This is helpful if you want to get rid of excess hair quickly without hurting your dog. It works especially well on long and medium coats.

Lastly, it’s super gentle on your dog’s skin so you don’t have to worry about any irritation or allergies. The cushioned pad helps retract the bristles so you don’t have to worry about adjusting your pressure while brushing your dog.

Here are some of its main features:

Designed for professional groomers – This slicker brush features larger-than-most pins to go along with its handy cushioned pad. This brush’s pin size is an important quality as it helps grasp hair while covering as much surface area as possible. Meaning you won’t spend hours brushing your dog.

Special non-slip coating – Instead of a rubber grip, the brush is coated in a patented GroomGrip rubber coating. This specialized non-slip grip makes it easier to brush your dog’s coat even in the bath!

Now, let’s take a look at its pros and cons.

Pros

  • There are multiple brush sizes to choose from.
  • The pins are soft and scratch-free, which is ideal for sensitive skin.
  • It is extremely durable and easy to grasp.
  • It is ideal for most dog hair types.

Cons

  • It is priced to match the quality.
relaxed Goldendoodle at the park
Do you think I need good brushing after this? (Image: Instagram/@callie.the.goldendoodle)

2. Andis Premium Pet Grooming Slicker Brush – Best Budget

This brush is designed for dogs that have thick, stubborn coats. It’s also great for giving dogs that extra shine after they’ve been groomed.

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08/25/2024 07:43 am GMT

The pins and metal parts are made of stainless steel, which means they will last a long time while providing you with high-quality results. You don’t have to worry about falling quality and performance since the entire brush is crafted to last.

The brush removes dead hair from your dog’s undercoat and topcoat while reducing shedding by up to 90%. Furthermore, it’s designed to stimulate your dog’s hair follicles to support hair growth and healthier hair! Best of all, it’s more affordable than the Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush.

Here are some of its main features:

Anti-slip handle – This slicker brush is designed with a durable, non-slip handle that provides both a secure and comfortable grip. You won’t have to worry about it slipping from your hands when brushing your dog in the bath!

Affordable – Unlike the Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush, Andi’s is much more affordable. It’s a good option for you if you want a budget-friendly yet effective brush.

Take a look at its pros and cons below.

Pros

  • Well-priced and affordable.
  • Durable—made with long-lasting materials.
  • The rubber handle gives you a good grip.
  • Effectively removes dead hair.

Cons

  • The bristles can be very harsh on your dog’s skin, so you need to be careful when using it.
  • It’s not as well-made as other brushes on this list.
sleepy Goldendoodle needs quick brush
I need a quick brush just like my human before going to sleep. (Image: Instagram/@duncan_goldendoodle)

3. Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush – Travel

The Hartz Combo Dog Brush is among the best nylon brushes for long-haired dogs. It combines two tools to help you get rid of dead hair and remove mats from your dog’s coat. At the same time, you can use it to massage your dog’s skin.

Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush
  • Developed with pawfessional groomers for everyday de-shedding, detangling and removing small mats
  • Features two brushes and grooming actions in one! One side contains stainless steel tips with a protective coating to remove lose hair and detangle coat; the other side has dense nylon bristles to redistribute natural oils for a healthy, shiny coat
  • Ergonomically designed handle allows for maximum comfort and control
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The Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush has a soft rubber handle with a comfortable grip so you can brush your dog more easily and comfortably. The bristles are made of high-quality nylon that’s safe and gentle on your dog. It’s also very easy to clean since the bristles don’t come out and snap off when cleaning.

Here are some of its main features:

Dual function – This brush features a pin brush ideal for detangling and a nylon side that helps redistribute oils to your dog’s mat. It’s perfect for everyday grooming and keeping your Goldendoodle’s hair soft and shiny.

Ergonomic handle – The soft rubber handle is strategically designed to help owners handle it without fatigue. You can enjoy brushing your dog’s coat without fear of hurting your wrists and hands.

Now, let’s take a look at its pros and cons.

Pros

  • Its dual function is convenient and efficient.
  • Great for removing small mats and massaging your dog’s skin.
  • The pins are coated with rubber tips so they don’t hurt your dog.
  • Easy to handle and control.

Cons

  • Not ideal for dogs with thicker-than-usual hair.
  • The surface of the brush is on the smaller side so it might take longer to brush out your dog’s hair.
hair blowing Goldendoodle at the park
Did you bring my brush? (Image: Instagram/@hamilton.the.dood)

4. Andi’s Pet Steel Comb – Best Comb

This quality-made steel brush is versatile and useful whether you’re grooming a short or long-haired dog. It helps remove mats and dead hair while massaging your dog’s skin simultaneously.

Andis (Pet) 7-1/2-Inch Steel Comb ,Silver
$14.26
  • Eliminates tangled, dirty and loose hair
  • Stimulates the skin and hair follicles
  • Perfect way to end and provide volume
  • Lightweight for fatigue
  • Ideal for cats and for dogs of all sizes
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09/08/2024 11:45 pm GMT

The comb is made of stainless steel, so it’s heavy duty and durable. It has smooth, rounded teeth that help penetrate through your dog’s coat to groom it evenly without causing any injuries or discomfort.

It’s typically used for fluffing and finishing your dog’s coat, so it would be better used in conjunction with a slicker brush.

Here are some of its main features:

Designed for long-haired dogs – The brush is specifically made to remove mats while keeping your dog’s fur soft and shiny. You can feel confident when using it on your dog’s coat since it won’t irritate their skin as other brushes might.

Removes dead hair and mats – The teeth of this brush help remove dead hair from your dog’s coat with minimal trauma. When used together with a slicker brush, you can get rid of mats from your dog’s coat as well.

Lightweight and durable – For no-stress brushing, this comb is lightweight and durable. The comfortable handle is also made of stainless steel so you won’t have to worry about it breaking when brushing your dog’s hair.

Below, I’ve listed some of its pros and cons.

Pros

  • Designed for cats and dogs of all life stages.
  • Effective in loosening tangles and mats.
  • Easy to hold and control.

Cons

  • It’s quite slippery when wet.
  • Not quite as easy to use with a dog that has a thicker and longer coat.

The Takeaway

When it comes to choosing the best slicker brush for Goldendoodles, I highly recommend you get the Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush. It’s packed with features that would make grooming your dog’s coat easier and more enjoyable. The soft rubber handle can fit in your hand well, and the reinforced steel construction is both durable and rust-proof.

Most importantly, this grooming tool is capable of removing mats and tangles from your dog’s coat. The pins are gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive areas such as the butt and belly.

While it’s a bit expensive, you won’t have to worry about its quality. You can use this slicker brush for a long time without experiencing performance issues like its bristles falling or the pins breaking out.

best brush for goldendoodle