Best Brush for Golden Retrievers: Top Picks for Shedding, Feathering, and Tangles

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Published: January 11, 2026 · By
Top Pick for Feathering
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush

Quickly lifts loose undercoat and light tangles without shredding hair, leaving feathering smooth and the coat looking freshly groomed.

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Best brush for Golden Retrievers

Your Golden’s coat can look perfect one day and explode into shedding and tangles the next. The right brush combo keeps the undercoat under control without turning grooming into a wrestling match.

Best Overall
This brush is the one you reach for when you want results fast without shredding your Golden’s coat.
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Best for Heavy Shedding
When your Golden is blowing coat and the vacuum is losing the battle, this tool can make a noticeable dent fast.
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Best Undercoat Rake
If you prefer an undercoat tool that feels less “blade-like” than a deshedding edge, a grooming rake is a great middle ground.
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In-depth Reviews

Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush

Tool type
Slicker brush
Pin style
Bent stainless steel pins
Pad feel
Firm cushion
Coat compatibility
Double coats with feathering
Real Talk: This brush is the one you reach for when you want results fast without shredding your Golden’s coat. It grabs loose hair and lifts light tangles in the feathering, especially around the chest, pants, and tail, with fewer passes than most slickers. It also does a nice job fluffing the topcoat so your dog looks freshly groomed. Use gentle, short strokes and let the pins do the work.
✅ Pros
  • Quickly lifts loose coat and light tangles with minimal snagging
  • Excellent control on feathering and hard-to-reach curves
  • Leaves the coat looking clean and “finished,” not just de-shedded
❌ Cons
  • Price is higher than typical pet-store slickers
  • Can irritate skin if you press hard or overwork one spot
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FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs (Long Hair)

Tool type
Undercoat deshedding tool
Edge material
Stainless steel
Coat compatibility
Long-haired double coats
Hair release
Push-button ejector
Real Talk: When your Golden is blowing coat and the vacuum is losing the battle, this tool can make a noticeable dent fast. It pulls undercoat from deep in the coat, especially over the back, hips, and shoulders, where Goldens tend to dump the most hair. The key is restraint: short sessions, light pressure, and stop when the loose undercoat slows down. Used carefully, it reduces shedding without turning grooming into an all-day project.
✅ Pros
  • Removes undercoat efficiently during seasonal blowouts
  • Works quickly on high-shed zones like back and hindquarters
  • Helps reduce loose hair around the house when used sparingly
❌ Cons
  • Overuse can lead to coat breakage or skin irritation
  • Not ideal for working through mats or tight tangles
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Andis Premium Pet Grooming Rake

Tool type
Undercoat rake
Tooth style
Rounded metal pins
Coat compatibility
Double coats
Use case
Shedding and undercoat loosening
Real Talk: If you prefer an undercoat tool that feels less “blade-like” than a deshedding edge, a grooming rake is a great middle ground. This one slides through a Golden’s dense coat, loosening packed undercoat and helping you find hidden clumps before they become mats. It’s especially useful after a lake day or a muddy romp when the coat dries puffy and grabby. Follow with a slicker to smooth the feathering and pick up what the rake loosened.
✅ Pros
  • Loosens dense undercoat without needing aggressive pressure
  • Great for finding hidden clumps before they tighten into mats
  • Pairs well with a slicker for a clean final finish
❌ Cons
  • Can snag if you rush through feathering or existing mats
  • Not the fastest tool for fine surface tangles
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Maxpower Planet Double-Sided Undercoat Rake

Tool type
Double-sided undercoat rake
Head design
Two tooth densities
Coat compatibility
Double coats
Use case
Routine undercoat maintenance
Real Talk: This rake is a smart pick if you want undercoat help without paying premium prices. The dual-sided head makes it easy to switch between a more open side for quicker pass-through and a finer side when you need more pull on loose undercoat. It’s a practical tool for weekly maintenance, especially on the body coat, and it can cut down the time you spend with a slicker afterward. Go slowly on feathering and avoid yanking through resistance.
✅ Pros
  • Good undercoat removal for the money
  • Two rake densities help you adjust to coat condition
  • Speeds up weekly maintenance on the body coat
❌ Cons
  • Less refined feel than premium rakes on sensitive dogs
  • Not a substitute for a slicker on feathering tangles
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KONG ZoomGroom (Dog Grooming Brush)

Tool type
Rubber grooming brush
Coat compatibility
Most coats, including double coats
Best use
Bathing and quick shed loosening
Cleaning
Rinses clean easily
Real Talk: This is the tool that earns its keep in the tub and right after. It helps loosen shedding hair while you shampoo, and it can also pull out dead coat from the surface without feeling sharp or scratchy. For Goldens who hate brushes, it’s often better tolerated and can be a useful “warm-up” before you bring in a slicker or rake. It will not replace your main brushing tools, but it makes coat maintenance easier and less dramatic.
✅ Pros
  • Gentle feel, often better tolerated by brush-shy dogs
  • Helps release loose coat during bathing and towel-drying
  • Easy to rinse clean and use quickly between full grooming sessions
❌ Cons
  • Does not reach deep undercoat like a rake or deshedding tool
  • Limited for tangles and feathering mats
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Buying Guide

If your Golden’s coat situation is…Look for…Top pick from this list
Mostly healthy coat, you want a reliable weekly routine A slicker that detangles feathering and picks up loose topcoat without lots of passes Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Seasonal shedding blowout, hair is everywhere An undercoat-focused tool that removes packed undercoat fast, used with a light hand FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs (Long Hair)
Dense undercoat and “cottony” clumps after swimming or hikes A grooming rake that loosens undercoat and finds clumps before they tighten into mats Andis Premium Pet Grooming Rake
You want a budget-friendly undercoat tool for ongoing maintenance A dual-sided rake so you can adjust how much it grabs as the coat changes Maxpower Planet Double-Sided Undercoat Rake

Quick Care Guide: A Golden Retriever Brushing Routine That Actually Works

Start with friction zones first. Before you do the “easy” back and sides, check behind the ears, armpits, collar area, and the pants and tail feathering. Those are the spots that turn into tight mats, and they also tell you which tool to grab. If you feel knots with your fingertips, slow down and work in small sections instead of trying to power through.

Use the right order of tools. On most Goldens, you’ll get the cleanest result by loosening undercoat on the body first (rake or deshedding tool), then switching to a slicker for feathering and surface tangles. If your dog is sensitive, reverse it: a few gentle slicker strokes first, then a very light undercoat pass where shedding is heaviest. Either way, keep strokes short and controlled to avoid scraping the skin.

Prevent “brush burn” with simple habits. Brush a dry coat only if the skin is calm, and don’t keep working the same patch once the loose hair stops coming out. If you bathe your Golden, use the ZoomGroom in the shampoo, then towel-dry and brush again when the coat is just slightly damp, not dripping. Finally, clean hair out of your tools after every session, because a clogged brush pulls harder and makes your dog dislike grooming faster.

💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts

Final verdict: The Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is our top pick because it tackles Golden feathering and everyday tangles quickly while staying gentle when you use light pressure. Pair it with an undercoat-focused tool like the Furminator or an undercoat rake during shedding season for the biggest reduction in tumbleweeds.

See also

If grooming is also when you notice rubbing or matting under straps, don’t miss our pick for the best harness for Golden Retrievers.

Frequently Asked Questions ▾

What type of brush is best for a Golden Retriever’s double coat?

Most Golden Retrievers do best with a two-tool routine: a slicker brush for the surface coat and feathering, plus an undercoat rake or deshedding tool for the dense undercoat. The slicker handles daily debris, light tangles, and that “fluffy finish.” The undercoat-focused tool is what actually reduces shedding during seasonal blowouts. Using the right tool for the right layer prevents you from over-brushing one spot.

How often should I brush my Golden Retriever?

For a typical house pet Golden, aim for 10 to 15 minutes, about 3 to 4 times per week, then increase during spring and fall shedding. If your dog swims often, hikes in burrs, or mats behind the ears, you may need quick touch-ups in between. Consistency matters more than marathon sessions because small tangles turn into tight mats quickly in the feathering. A short routine is also easier on sensitive skin.

Is a deshedding tool safe for Golden Retrievers?

Yes, when used lightly and correctly. The risk comes from pressing too hard, doing too many passes in the same area, or using it on dry, irritated skin, which can cause “brush burn” and coat breakage. Keep sessions short, use gentle pressure, and stop as soon as you see redness or your dog’s tolerance drops. Many owners get the best results using a slicker first, then a few careful passes with the deshedding tool where shedding is heaviest.

How do I brush a Golden Retriever without hurting them?

Work in small sections and use a “line brushing” approach: lift the top coat and brush outward from the skin a little at a time, rather than scraping across the surface. Hold the hair near the skin when you tackle feathering so you’re not pulling the skin along with the tangle. If you hit resistance, switch tools or back up and tease it apart rather than forcing the brush through. A light mist of dog-safe detangling spray can help the brush glide and reduce breakage.

What areas mat the fastest on Golden Retrievers?

The most common trouble zones are behind the ears, in the armpits, around the collar and harness area, and in the “pants” and tail feathering. These spots get friction from movement, straps, and lounging, plus they trap moisture after baths or swimming. Check them with your fingers first, then use a slicker and finish with a comb if you have one. Catching small knots early is the difference between easy grooming and a painful de-matting session.

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