Best Brush for Golden Retrievers: Slicker, Pin, Rake and Comb Compared

Golden retrievers have a double coat: a water-resistant outer coat, soft dense undercoat and feathering on the chest, legs, belly and tail. The right tools make brushing quicker and gentler, and cut down on the fur that ends up on your floor. This guide explains each tool, what it is for and what to look for.

The short version

If you buy only two things, get a slicker brush and a metal comb. Add an undercoat rake for shedding season. The AKC’s golden retriever breeders recommend brushing several times a week and trimming around paws, ears and tail to reduce tangles.

Brush types compared

Tool	Best for	Watch out for
Slicker brush	Smoothing the coat, lifting loose hair and working through light tangles	Pressing hard can scratch skin. Use light strokes
Pin brush	Finishing and feathering, gentle on sensitive dogs	Doesn’t reach the undercoat
Metal comb	Checking for mats at the skin, working on feathering and “pants”	Can snag on mats, so be gentle
Undercoat rake	Removing loose undercoat during seasonal shedding	Don’t overuse. Rake in the direction of hair growth
Deshedding blade-style tool	Thinning the loose undercoat	Can irritate skin or cut topcoat if overused. See rake vs. slicker vs. deshedding tool
Grooming glove	Gentle touch-ups, sensitive puppies	Not enough for thick coats
Bristle brush	Adding shine at the end	Won’t remove undercoat

How to brush a golden step by step

1. Pick a calm time such as after a walk. Use treats.
2. Start with the slicker brush. Work in small sections, brushing in the direction of hair growth. Hold the skin flat with your other hand.
3. Use the comb on feathering. Check behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, on the “pants” and under the tail, where tangles form first.
4. Work out any tangles gently. Hold the hair near the skin so it doesn’t pull. A bit of detangling spray can help.
5. Use the undercoat rake in shedding season. Short, light strokes.
6. Finish with a bristle brush or glove for shine.
7. Look at the skin. Brushing is a chance to spot lumps, hot spots, ticks and sore spots. Our grooming guide explains what to check.

What to look for when buying

• Pin tips. Rounded or ball-tipped pins are gentler than bare wire.
• Pad flexibility. A cushioned pad lets the pins flex and reduces scratching.
• Handle comfort. You will use it a lot, so choose one that feels good in your hand.
• Size. A larger head covers a large dog’s body faster, while a smaller one reaches the face and legs.
• Easy cleaning. Hair will clog the brush.
• Build quality. Look for sturdy pins and handle.

Puppy versus adult tools

Puppies don’t need a full toolkit. A soft slicker or a grooming glove and a small comb are enough, and the aim is to make brushing a positive habit. The adult coat arrives around the end of the first year (see puppy coat change).

How often?

Season	Suggested routine
Normal weeks	A few times a week, 5 to 10 minutes
Shedding season	Daily, using the rake and slicker
Puppies	Short daily sessions

For more on managing shedding, read our golden retriever shedding guide.

Mistakes to avoid

• Brushing only the top layer. Mats form underneath.
• Pressing hard with a slicker brush on thin-coated areas.
• Brushing a mat without detangling.
• Shaving to stop shedding. The AKC’s golden breeders say never to shave a golden, and veterinary sources warn it can harm the coat’s ability to regulate temperature. See should you shave a golden.