Best Brush for Goldendoodle Based on Coat Type
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The best brush for a Goldendoodle depends on coat type. Curly coats usually need a slicker brush; wavy coats do well with a slicker or pin brush, and straight coats often benefit from a bristle or dematting/deshedding brush. In this guide, I’ll break down the best brush for each coat type, plus the exact tools I use at home.
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Best Brush for a Goldendoodle at a Glance
Best overall: Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Best for curly coats: Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush
Best for wavy coats: Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush and Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush
Best for straight coats: Chris Christensen Boar Bristle Brush and Coastal Pet Safari Dematting Comb
Best detangling spray: Chris Christensen Just Divine
Different types of brushes work best, depending on the type of coat.
There are three different types of Goldendoodle coats: curly like a Poodle, wavy, or straight like a Golden Retriever. Each type of Goldendoodle coat has varying levels of shedding. They all need regular brushing. If you neglect regularly brushing a Goldendoodle, your dog will become tangled and matted, which is uncomfortable and unhealthy for your dog.
For this reason, you’ll want to choose a high-quality brush that works best for Goldendoodles. No matter the kind of brush or grooming tool you choose, make sure it’s a durable, high-quality product that is comfortable for both you and your dog.
Goldendoodle Coat Types: Straight, Wavy Curly
best brushES By Coat Type
Curly coat
For curly coated Goldendoodles, a slicker brush is the best option for dog owners. Slicker brushes have flexible wire pins attached to a cushion. There are a variety of types of slicker brushes that come with varying lengths of pins. Slicker brushes work at separating the hairs and are useful for removing tangles and mats, which are a common problem for Doodles with dense coats. The pins can be harsh on the skin, so it’s important to be careful to avoid scratching the skin when using a slicker brush.
Wire pin brushes work well for separating the hair on Doodles with curly or woolly coats. The pins should be smooth and durable and should be attached to a high-quality cushion. Some pin brushes have protective ends on the pins which can be helpful in protecting the skin. Pin brushes are available in different densities and lengths.
Wavy coat
A slicker brush is also a great choice for wavy-coated Goldendoodles because it helps remove tangles, loose hair, and small mats before they turn into bigger grooming problems. Wavy coats often look soft and low-maintenance, but they can still knot easily, especially around the ears, legs, collar area, and tail. The fine, flexible pins on a slicker brush are able to reach through the coat without flattening its texture, making it easier to keep the fur fluffy, clean, and comfortable. With regular use, a slicker brush can help maintain that signature teddy bear look while also preventing painful matting and reducing the chances of needing a full shave down.
A pin brush is a good option for wavy-coated Goldendoodles because it gently works through the coat without being too harsh on the hair or skin. Wavy coats tend to be softer and looser than curly coats, so a pin brush can help smooth the fur, lift out loose hair, and catch light tangles while keeping the coat looking fluffy and natural. It is especially useful for regular maintenance between deeper brushing sessions, since it helps freshen up the coat without pulling too much. For Goldendoodles with a looser, more manageable wave pattern, a pin brush can be a simple and gentle way to keep the coat neat, soft, and well cared for.
Straight coat
For Goldendoodles with long coats that resemble a Golden Retriever, a firm bristle brush is a great choice. The best quality bristle brushes are crafted from boar bristle or a mixture of nylon and boar bristles. A Goldendoodle with soft hair needs soft bristles, while a dog with coarse hair requires stiffer bristles. Keep in mind, bristle brushes do not work well on curly or wavy-coated dogs.
For straight coats, a dematting/deshedding tool removes loose hair from the top coat so it doesn’t accumulate on your furniture or clothes.
Do you need more than one brush?
If you want one brush only, get the Big G (linked below).
If you want the best setup by coat type, pair your main brush with a detangling spray. Possibly add a comb or dematting tool depending on your dog’s coat texture.
Best Slicker Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Recommended by my dog's professional groomer, this miracle brush is absolutely the best slicker brush for a Goldendoodle. What makes it so different is the pins are longer than you’ll find on other slicker brushes. It has a cushioned pad that retracts and large, angled, scratch-free pins that grasp tangles and knots. It comes in both medium and large sizes. If your Goldendoodle has a thick coat or curly coat hair, the Chris Christensen slicker brush will save you time and energy when working through the coat. This slicker dog brush works well because of its long, angled bristles that get through to the hair root. It’s definitely more expensive than other brushes out there, but it’s worth the investment.
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Best for: owners dealing with thick coats, tangles, or mat-prone doodle fur
Pros: large head covers more area, long pins reach deep into dense coats, excellent for detangling and fluffing
Cons: more expensive, may be too large for detailed work around the face and legs
Best for: wavy and curly coats, especially thicker or longer coats
Price tier: premium
Best Budget-Friendly Version
Tuffer Than Tangles Slicker Brush
This is a great dupe if you’re not looking to pay the higher price of the Chris Christensen brush. It’s a very good affordable alternative.
Tuffer Than Tangles Slicker Brush
Best for: budget-conscious doodle owners
Pros: affordable, long pins, good starter option
Cons: may not last as long as Chris Christensen
Best for: wavy and curly coats
Price tier: budget
Best Pin Brush
Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush
For a professional quality dog brush, Chris Christensen is again my top choice. This pin brush is lightweight and made of durable beech wood. The stainless steel pins have the smoothest tips, and it has more pins than other pin brushes.
Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush
Best for: doodle owners who want a gentle everyday brush for lighter tangles and coat maintenance
Pros: gentle on the coat, smooth pins help reduce pulling, great for fluffing and finishing
Cons: not strong enough for heavy mats or deep tangles, higher price point
Best for: wavy and straight coats, or looser doodle coats that do not mat as easily
Price tier: premium
Best Pin Brush Runner-Up
Chris Christensen T Pin Brush
I like the slicker brush shape of the pin T-Brush because it helps provide more efficient brushing. The long, angled pins help you get to the root of the hair more effortlessly. I don’t know of any other brand that makes this unique style brush.
Chris Christensen T Pin Brush
Best for: owners who want a durable everyday brush for maintaining longer doodle coats
Pros: sturdy design, long pins reach through the coat well, great for daily brushing and fluffing
Cons: not ideal for heavy mats, premium price point
Best for: wavy, straight, and longer doodle coats that need regular maintenance
Price tier: premium
Best Budget-Friendly Dupe
Mars Professional Pin Grooming Brush
This lower-cost version of a pin brush has a Birchwood handle and stainless steel pins on a soft rubber pad.
Mars Professional Pin Grooming Brush
Best for: owners looking for a sturdy everyday pin brush at a more mid-range price
Pros: durable build, gentle on the coat, good for smoothing and light detangling
Cons: not the best choice for heavy mats or dense curly coats, fewer premium finishing features than higher-end brushes
Best for: wavy and straighter doodle coats, or regular maintenance between deeper grooming sessions
Price tier: mid-range
Best Bristle Brush
Chris Christensen Boar Bristle Dog Brush
This professional-quality dog brush has solid brass inner bristles with an outer row of Boar bristles to bring out the natural oils of the dog hair and enhance shine.
Chris Christensen Boar Bristle Dog Brush
Best for: owners who want to smooth, polish, and finish the coat after brushing
Pros: adds shine, helps distribute natural oils, gentle on the coat and skin
Cons: not effective for detangling or removing mats, premium price point
Best for: straight and wavy coats, or as a finishing brush after a pin or slicker brush
Price tier: premium
Best Budget-Friendly Dupe
Burts Bees Double Sided Pin & Hemp Bristle Dog Brush
When it comes to quality bristle dog brushes, this is a very affordable option. It’s a durable bamboo wood brush that has pins on one side and natural bristles on the other side. The soft bristles gently remove shedding hair and help bring out the shine in your dog’s coat.
Burt’s Bees Double Sided Pin & Hemp Bristle Dog Brush
Best for: owners who want a simple two-in-one brush for light grooming and finishing
Pros: dual-sided design, gentle for everyday use, affordable option for smoothing and light detangling
Cons: not strong enough for mats or dense curly coats, may be too basic for heavy grooming needs
Best for: straight and wavy coats, or light maintenance between deeper brushing sessions
Price tier: budget
Best Dematting Tool
Coastal Pet Safari Dog Dematting Comb
This dematting tool is designed for long or medium-haired dogs which makes it suitable for Goldendoodles.
Coastal Pet Safari Dog Dematting Comb
Best for: owners dealing with stubborn tangles or small mats that a regular brush cannot work through
Pros: helps break up mats, reaches tricky tangles, useful for targeted problem areas
Cons: not meant for everyday full-body brushing, can pull if used too aggressively
Best for: longer coats prone to tangles or matting
Price tier: budget
Common Brushing Mistakes to Avoid
Brushing a Goldendoodle seems simple, but a few common mistakes can make tangles worse, cause discomfort, or lead to mats forming close to the skin.
One of the biggest mistakes is only brushing the top layer of the coat. Even if the fur looks fluffy on the surface, hidden mats can build up underneath, especially behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, and around the legs.
Another common mistake is using the wrong brush for your dog’s coat type. Curly and wavy coats usually need a slicker brush or pin brush that can reach through the coat properly, while softer finishing brushes are not enough on their own.
Ask any Goldendoodle owner, and they will agree: Waiting too long between brushing sessions leads to the shave-down. Small tangles can quickly turn into tight mats, especially on Goldendoodles with curlier coats.
Trying to brush through severe mats without a detangling spray or dematting tool can be painful and ineffective. The best approach is to brush regularly, work in sections, be gentle, and deal with tangles early before they become a bigger grooming problem.
Brushing too harshly is another issue, particularly with slicker brushes, since pressing too hard can scratch or irritate the skin.
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The best brush for a Goldendoodle depends on coat type, but in most cases a slicker brush is the top choice. Curly coats usually need a slicker brush to work through dense fur and prevent mats, while wavy coats often do well with either a slicker brush or a pin brush. Straighter coats may benefit from a bristle brush for smoothing and shine, though many owners still like to keep a slicker brush on hand for tangles.
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Many Goldendoodles do benefit from a slicker brush, especially those with curly or wavy coats. A slicker brush helps remove loose hair, work through tangles, and prevent small knots from turning into painful mats. Since Goldendoodle coats are often prone to matting, a slicker brush is one of the most useful grooming tools to have at home.
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How often you should brush a Goldendoodle depends on the coat, but most need brushing at least several times a week. Curly coats usually need daily brushing because they mat more easily, while wavy and straighter coats can often be brushed two to three times a week. Regular brushing is important for preventing mats, keeping the coat comfortable, and making grooming appointments easier.
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A Furminator is usually not the best choice for most Goldendoodles, especially those with curly or wavy coats. These coats are more likely to mat than shed heavily, so they need detangling/dematting and line brushing more than aggressive deshedding. In some cases, it may be helpful on straighter-coated Goldendoodles with more shedding, but it should be used carefully and not as a replacement for the right brush for the coat type.
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For a wavy Goldendoodle coat, a slicker brush or a pin brush is usually the best option. A slicker brush is great for removing tangles, loose hair, and early mats, while a pin brush offers a gentler option for regular maintenance and fluffing the coat. Many owners find that a slicker brush works best as the main grooming tool, with a pin brush as a nice extra for lighter touch-ups and finishing.
Understanding the Different Types of Goldendoodle Coats
Just as Goldendoodles can vary in personality types, they also vary in their coat type. Some types of Goldendoodle coats do not shed at all, while others may shed in varying amounts. It can be difficult to predict which of the three types of coats your adult Goldendoodle may have. I talk more about the different types of Goldendoodles here.
Curly Coated Goldendoodles
Type of brush: Slicker Brush
Brushing Schedule: Everyday
Goldendoodles with more Poodle-like coats may have thick, curly hair that doesn’t shed at all. As a result, they are the most hypoallergenic. The length and tightness of the curls vary depending on the parents. They can be kinky locks or ringlets. It’s often easier to keep a curly coated Goldendoodle trimmed short for low maintenance. Slicker brushes are the best choice to separate the dense hair of curly coats and prevent matting. To prevent mats, a curly coat Goldendoodle should be trimmed short and brushed every day.
Wavy Coated Goldendoodles
Type of brush: Slicker Brush or Wire Pin Brush
Brushing Schedule: Minimum Twice a Week
Wavy-coated Goldendoodles are known as the teddy bear coat. They usually have soft, loose curls and may shed minimally. It is a combination of the qualities of both the Poodle and Golden Retriever coats. Depending on the thickness of your dog’s coat, choose a slicker or wire pin brush to prevent tangles in a wavy coat. Wavy-coated Goldendoodles should be brushed at least twice a week.
Straight Coated Goldendoodles
Type of brush: Bristle Brush or Deshedding Brush
Brushing Schedule: Minimum Twice a Week
Goldendoodles who inherit coats similar to the Golden Retriever parent have longer, straighter coats and may shed a lot. It is the easiest to maintain since it doesn’t need constant brushing. Goldendoodles with straight coats moderately shed, but they don’t require as much grooming as the other two types of coats. A bristle brush is less harsh on the skin of a straight-haired Goldendoodle. A deshedding brush may also be helpful. Straight-coated Goldendoodles should be brushed a minimum of twice a week.
Brushing is Essential for Goldendoodles
Regular brushing is one of the most common surprises about owning a Goldendoodle. Some people make the mistake of thinking they can take their Goldendoodle to the groomer instead of brushing. Matting can happen quickly, especially with curly or dense coats. If you don't brush your doodle enough, the groomer will need to shave your dog. I’ve made this mistake myself.
How to prevent matting
Here is Kai when I made the mistake of not brushing him regularly. If there are too many mats, it’s too painful for the groomer to de-mat the coat, which leaves no choice but to shave it down. I highly suggest you brush your doodle every day and maintain your dog at home between appointments to prevent matting and avoid the shave down.
Fortunately, Kai's hair has now grown out again, but it's taking a long time to get his teddy bear shaped face back!
I talk more about how to take care of your Doodle's coat in between grooming appointments here.
What to Look for in Dog Brushes for Goldendoodles
Type of Handle
The best Goldendoodle brushes have wooden handles. Wood absorbs oils from the dog’s skin, distributing it through the coat while brushing. While less expensive, plastic handles are usually inferior in quality. Depending on how the brush is made, a plastic-handled brush may still work well and will be comfortable to use. Brushes with rubber handles are often ergonomically comfortable to use and fit well in your hand.
Durability
The best brushes for Goldendoodles should be durable and constructed to last. Make sure to read the product reviews from groomers and owners before purchasing. If several reviews report that a brush only lasted a few months, then it’s not worth buying.
Comfortable for Your Dog
In addition to being comfortable for you to use, a good quality brush should be comfortable for your dog’s skin and coat. When used correctly, the brush you use on a regular basis should never irritate your dog’s skin.
Appropriate Size
Before deciding on a specific brush, make sure you choose the right size for your dog. While a small dog brush won’t work for a large Goldendoodle, it might be the perfect size for a mini Goldendoodle.
Value
Price compared to the value is important to consider choosing any dog brush. Make sure you choose a brush that has all the features you need. If you only shop for the cheapest price, you could end up with a brush that does not serve your purposes. That doesn’t mean that the most expensive brushes are always the best. You also need to choose the proper bristle type for your dog’s particular coat.
Should You Use a Dematting Tool on Goldendoodle?
Brushing and grooming your dog often is the best way to prevent mats. However, if your dog becomes matted or heavily tangled, it may be necessary to use a dematting tool, an undercoat rake, or dematting comb. While your first line of defense against matting is regular brushing, a dematting tool is a secondary option. Dematting tools are sharp and involve cutting the mats in some way, so exercise caution when using them. Detangling conditioners may also help prevent your dog’s coat from becoming severely tangled or matted.
No matter what type of coat your Goldendoodle has, grooming is essential. Remember, consistent brushing and grooming is the best way to prevent mats and keep your dog’s coat looking healthy. Establish a routine grooming schedule for your dog, choose the best dog brush for Goldendoodle, and preferably brush them once a day.
Technique for Properly Brushing a Goldendoodle
Brushing your dog requires specific techniques to make sure you are doing it correctly. If you brush your dog nicely, then grooming will be a pleasant experience for both of you.
Brush Downward and Out
Make sure to brush in a downward direction and then out. Brush out one straight line of fur at a time. Take your time and make sure that you can see down to the skin as you go. This ensures that you are completely brushing the entire length of the hair. It’s not comfortable for dogs to be brushed in a backward motion, against the direction of their hair.
Be Gentle
Remember to be gentle when brushing, especially if your dog is matted or tangled. It can be painful to brush through tangled hair.
Use A Detangling Spray
For difficult tangles and mats, a detangling spray is extremely helpful. Always brush and use a detangling spray before bathing your dog because water can make matting worse.
Best Detangling Spray
Chris Christensen’s Just Divine Dog Brushing Spray
This conditioning spray can be used on a wet or dry coat and for comfortable and smooth brushing.
Not All Dog Brushes For Goldendoodles Are The Same
While there are many dog brushes to choose from, not all are created equal. If you’re committed to taking care of your Goldendoodle’s coat on a regular basis, you can prevent matting and tangling from becoming a larger problem. Use a slicker brush to remove minor tangles or mats before they grow into large mats. Always remember to use gently brush out your Doodle after a bath. Use a slicker brush on wet dogs and curly-coated Goldendoodles.
Use a pin brush or slicker on loose curls or wavier hair. If your dog has long hair or a straighter coat, a bristle brush can be useful. Try out several brushes to determine what works best on your dog’s particular coat. It may take some trial and error to find out what is the best choice for your dog.
Remember, your Goldendoodle’s coat will change from the puppy coat to your dog’s adult dog coat. As your dog’s coat changes, you may need to add a different type of brush to your puppy supply list.
Conclusion
If your Goldendoodle has a curly or wavy coat, start with a slicker brush. If you only want to buy one grooming tool, the Chris Christensen Big G is my top pick. If your dog has a straighter coat, add a bristle brush and a dematting tool.
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