Double Doodles are the new in-demand pets, with the Golden Mountain Doodle leading the way. Those who aren’t yet familiar with all the delights of darling Doods usually find out about them while questing to find a pet that won’t shed all over the house (because of allergies or simply a matter of convenience). If that’s you, you’ll be eager to know the best way to care for your pup’s coat and all the tools that will make your life easier. Read on to find out about our best brush for Golden Mountain Doodle tried and tested top picks.
Table of Contents
- Our Top 2 Brushes (and a Comb) Doodle Owners Love
- Golden Mountain Doodle Coat Types: A Quick Overview
- Popular Brush Types
- Dog Brushes: Buyer’s Guide
- Best Brush For Golden Mountain Doodle: Reviews
- Honorable Mentions: Other Highly Recommended Brushes
- Tips for Grooming Your Golden Mountain Doodle
- Grooming a Golden Mountain Doodle: Frequently Asked Questions
Our Top 2 Brushes (and a Comb) Doodle Owners Love
Our Top 2 Brushes (and a Comb) Doodle Owners Love
If you’re all clued up on the kind of coat your GMD has, the types of brushes available, and what they are best for, then, without further ado, here are our recommendations with links to where you can pick them up.
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Pick #1:
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. Designed for ultra tricky curly and dense wavy coats, the Big G Slicker (available in two other sizes) is much-loved by Doodle owners everywhere for just how well it does its job.
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Pick #2:
Chris Christensen Oval (or Oblong) Pin Brush. If you want to keep your easy-care pet’s coat looking like they just stepped out of the puppy beauty parlor, then the Chris Christensen Pin Brush is the one for you.
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Pick #3:
Andis Pet Steel Comb. For all those tricky-to-reach places, impossible knots, sensitive spots, and fluffing and finishing, too, Andis Pet Steel Comb is a great addition to your grooming arsenal.
However, if you’d like to learn more about Doodle coats, what makes these brushes/combs so great, and potential alternatives if the cost makes you feel a little queasy, then read on.
Golden Mountain Doodle Coat Types: A Quick Overview
As Golden Mountain Doodles are a combination of the friendly, playful Goldendoodle and the calm, gentle Bernedoodle, there’s a lot more to factor into the common ‘what kind of coat will my pup have?’ query than usual. There are a whole lot of genes in that Double Doodle mix! Let’s break it down:
The Poodle “hypoallergenic” coat is the one that made Doodles a thing in the first place. Obviously, you know that it’s curly, but you might not know that Poodles are low-shed because they have a single-layered hair coat as opposed to a double-layered fur one. Hair tends to grow for longer, so not only does it get much more lengthy than fur, but the extended growth cycle means it lasts longer too. While such coats are great for not shedding, they can be very tangly.
The Golden Retriever lies on the other side of the coat spectrum with their double-layered fur. This includes a long, smooth outer part and a short, dense, fuzzy lower one. These work in tandem to protect these dogs from the elements, including the sun, heat, cold, and moisture. So while convenient for canines, this type of coat is known to be heavy shedding making it a potential nightmare for all owners.
Likewise, Bernese Mountain Dogs are also massive shedders with their thick double coats. Especially as temperatures change with the turning of the seasons. With more shedders in the mix, it is a possibility that your Doodle could inherit a double, shed-prone coat, so this is something to think about. On the whole, though, even when Doodles inherit these coats, they in no way shed as much as their pedigree parents. So with regular grooming, you could, in theory, keep this in check.
Popular Brush Types
As dogs are big, small, and everything in between, with a variety of coat types to go along with that, there are many different kinds of brushes on the market today. The best brush for your Golden Mountain Doodle will depend on your hound’s hair issues. These are a couple of the more popular designs:
Slicker Brushes
Likely what comes to mind when you think of dog brushes, the slicker is rectangular shaped with a series of densely-packed pins. These have been specifically designed with shedding in mind with uniquely angled pins that pick up and retain loose coats for easy disposal and deal with knots too. Just like dogs, they come in various sizes, so you should easily be able to find the perfect one for your pup.
Pin Brushes
The more traditionally-constructed pin brushes resemble the ones that people might use on themselves with their long handles, oval-shaped bodies, and thicker, more spaced apart straight pins. That’s because pin brushes are perfect for dealing with long straight, or wavy hair coats. They remove dirt and dander while distributing natural oils throughout the hair keeping it in good condition.
Combs
Not strictly a brush and not to be used in place of one unless your pup has a minimal amount of hair all over, the comb is nevertheless a vital part of any dog owner’s grooming kit. They are excellent for sorting out furnishings (the long hair around the face, ears, legs, and tail), unpicking tricky tangles throughout your pet’s coat, and finishing a groom.
Dog Brushes: Buyer’s Guide
Visit any pet store, and you’ll find pet brushes in every conceivable size, shape, and color. They will vary in price from super cheap to deluxe – although this isn’t always a great indicator of how well they’ll do on the job. To know this, you’ll need to pay attention to two key aspects:
Design
Functionality should be your top priority. From the information above, you’ll have decided on the type of brush you need, but let’s dive a little deeper into the design. While bigger may seem better as a larger brush will cover more ground, what you get in size, you’ll lose in maneuverability. It’s important to remember that you won’t simply be brushing your pet’s back but under their tail, around their legs and face, and ears… Most of the better brushes will let you know what size of dog they are best suited to.
Beyond that, you’ll want to pay attention to the number, density, length, and shape of the pins or teeth of the brush or comb. This is vital for ensuring that each stroke will penetrate right to the base of your pup’s hair, where all the dirt, knots, and tangles like to hang out. Extra long pins are recommended for thick coats, especially if they are double-layered. Regarding the number of pins, too few, and they won’t pick up dead coat, but too many could painfully pull longer hair. As you can see, choosing the right brush is no easy task!
Construction
Once you have narrowed the choices, it’s time to pay attention to how well (or poorly) the brush is made. Cheaper ones may seem comparable to pricier brands at first glance, but inferior materials and construction won’t see them lasting long. In the end, you’ll wish you opted for a more established brand as you find yourself replacing brushes repeatedly and spending far more in the process than you otherwise would have. Pay attention to reviews – they will help you sort the good from the bad.
You’ll also want to factor in the safety features of the brush. That may seem odd, but when you’ve got something that will reach down through your Dood’s coat, you don’t want it to be painfully scratching across their skin. Filed pins or plastic protectors are a good shout for avoiding irritation and injury. It’s also good to pay attention to how the handle is made. You’ll need a brush that enables you to maintain a firm grip, and that will still be comfortable even when used for a long time.
Best Brush For Golden Mountain Doodle: Reviews
Best for Curly/Wavy Coats:
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Considered the gold standard of Doodle brushes, CC’s Big G Slicker Brush is a luxury item and no mistake. It’s not just the gasp-worthy price tag that makes that the case but the excellent features of this fab brush that are tailor-made to deal with all the hassles of the Poodle-Doodle coat, including matting and shedding. Long, densely packed, angled pins, a flexible cushion pad, and an ergonomic handle… trust us, this brush has it all and more besides.
Reviews for the Big G are as outstanding as the brush itself. Doodle owners dub it the “best brush ever” and gush that it’s worth every cent. Many didn’t even realize the difference a good brush could make until they decided to bite the bullet and order one. Now they wouldn’t be without it for the time and effort it saves them in caring for their pet’s coat. Moreover, it has convinced some reluctant pups that grooming can be a pleasant, even enjoyable experience.
Pros
- An excellent brush that does all you need it to do – removes dirt and dander and effortlessly deals with knots and tangles too. You can’t say better than that.
Cons
- The CC Big G is not wallet-friendly, and you may think that people are crazy for spending this amount on a pet brush – until you give it a go, that is.
Best for Straight/Wavy Coats:
Chris Christensen Oval (or Oblong) Pin Brush
For those wavy teddy-bear Doodle coats, we like the CC Oval Pin Brush. While it doesn’t have the same capacity for dealing with dead coat and knots as the slicker, it’s great for making a single-layered coat look stunning every time. With its high-quality stainless steel pins and easy-grip handle, this brush is designed to glide effortlessly through hair, leaving it shiny, tangle-free, and beautiful. Dogs will love the smoothest ever pin tips and cushioned designs that won’t scratch or pull.
Reviews for this product are equally as effusive. Popular review tags on Amazon include ‘highly recommend,’ ‘worth the money,’ and ‘game changer.’ One Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle owner comments that “Previously if the dogs saw me with a brush, they went the other way. When they see this brush, they line up and wait to be brushed.” They even go so far as to say that they are tempted to purchase one for themself!
Pros
- The CC Pin is solidly constructed from excellent materials, including lightweight beechwood and stainless steel. It’s designed for functionality and durability and will last a long time.
Cons
- If you are looking for a brush that deals with difficult knots, this is not the one for you. Negative reviews come from people expecting more from the brush than was advertised.
Best for All Coats: Andis Pet Steel Comb
Ideal for all sizes and coat types, Andis Pet Steel Comb is a top-quality item at an excellent price. Simple yet effective, the comb is lightweight, constructed from durable stainless steel, and features both wide and narrow-spaced teeth. The design makes it great for use on knots and sensitive areas and good for fluffing and finishing too. The longer-than-average teeth stimulate hair and skin follicles, keeping the coat nourished, healthy, and pristine.
Reviewers find the comb great for dealing with longer Doodle coats. One mentions that it “does a much better job [than other combs] on our Goldendoodle’s thick, curly hair and helps tremendously to get mats out.” The comb comes groomer recommended for how well it stands up to even heavy-duty coats and the amount of loose hair (that would otherwise turn to tangles) it can remove too. Andis comb is truly the gold standard.
Pros
- Simple, effective, cheap, versatile… what’s not to like about this excellent comb?
Cons
- To keep it light and functional, manufacturers omitted a handle that might create issues for some.
Honorable Mentions: Other Highly Recommended Brushes
For those looking for alternative best brushes for Golden Mountain Doodles that live up to many of the same standards as our fav products above but with lower price tags, we also like:
Artero Double Flexible Slicker
Double-sided to extend its effectiveness in dealing with a variety of coat issues, Artero’s Flexible Slicker works well with Doodle coats. It features densely and loosely packed pins that can be used for detangling, removing loose hair, and finishing. Plus, the compact design and easy-grip handle make it a breeze to use on the back, belly, and everywhere else.
Safari Wire Pin Brush for Dogs
Safari is a well-known brand for pet products, and its Wire Brush, similarly styled to the CC Pin, is another excellent example. The pins are long and well-spaced, sitting on a flexible cushion that gives with vigorous brushing to prevent painful skin contact and the body and handle are light-weight and wooden with rubber grips for improved control.
Tips for Grooming Your Golden Mountain Doodle
Care maintenance is often where most novice dog owners fall down—while arguably less important than diet and exercise, caring for your pup’s hair is vital for keeping them looking and feeling good. Here are a few helpful hints for getting it right from the get-go.
Begin Early
The sooner you start getting your newly adopted fur baby used to being under the brush, the better. They will quickly learn that it’s a fine (and can even be a fun) process. Make your grooming time a happy time for you and your pet with cuddles, praise, treats, and love, and you will both enjoy it all the more.
Pick The Right Time
Don’t make more work for yourself by trying to groom an over-excited dog. They will have you chasing them all about the place. Instead, take them out for a lovely long walk first, and then when they are nicely relaxed and sleepy, use the magic brush to send them happily to the land of nod.
Establish A Routine
More for you than your pooch (although dogs appreciate knowing what’s coming), having a grooming schedule ensures it gets done as often as needed. While some flexibility is required (see above for making sure it’s a good time), if you skip out on doing it too often when you sit down and see all those mats, you’ll kick yourself.
Keep Up With Other Tasks
Alongside brushing, caring for your dog involves many other jobs like nail trims, expressing anal glands, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and removing tear stains and coat cuts. If you’re unsure about any of these, check out our dedicated grooming section. This will help you deal with these at home, saving you $$$s on professional grooms.
Grooming a Golden Mountain Doodle: Frequently Asked Questions
There is no best brush for a GMD because, unlike pedigree dogs that have coat type standards, they can have quite different hair. If your GMD has those Poodle curls that are prone to knotting, a slicker brush such as the CC Big G will be the best bet. For long, single-layered wavy coats, you can likely make do with an often cheaper pin brush instead.
Brushing a puppy shouldn’t be too much of a chore as long as you give them a reason to be happy about it. Begin gradually, introducing them to the tools and letting them see what they feel like. Build it up, diving the coat into sections and doing more at a time, and you will find that your pet comes to love grooming time, especially if you give them plenty of fussing as you go.
Doodles don’t typically inherit an undercoat, that is the reason so many breeds lose their hair all over the place. However, with two dog types that do in the mix, the chance is slightly higher for the GMD. If you are looking for a low-shed dog for allergy reasons, these pups might not be the best ones for you. Otherwise, you can keep shedding under control with frequent brushing with top-quality tools.
Taking on a dog, especially one like the Golden Mountain Doodle, is no easy task. You will need to do plenty of prep to ensure you know just what you are in for. Dedicating plenty of time to caring for your pet is a must, but certain must-have items can make things easier. A good example of this is grooming equipment. Not every brush is created equal – or for the same purpose. You’ll want to ensure the one you buy is best suited for your pup’s coat and will last a good length of time. The brushes in this review are all top quality and come with excellent reviews. With one of these, you won’t go far wrong.
