As large dogs, it’s not easy to groom a Golden Retriever. Drying their fur after a bath is a chore, especially if you don’t have the right equipment. While you can always let the outdoor breeze do its wonders, it won’t dry up all the moisture in your pet’s coat. This can lead to bad odor, matting, and stuck dirt. Instead of letting your wet doggo roam around, you can use the best dog dryer for Golden Retrievers instead.
DOG DRYER | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick! shernbao SHD-2600P High-Velocity Pet Dryer | |||
AIIYME 4.3 HP Dog Dryer | |||
Free Paws 4HP Vari-Air Speed Dog Dryer | |||
B-Air Fido Max 1 Pet Hair Dryer | |||
shernbao DHD-2400F 6HP Dog Dryer | |||
PETNF Pet Force Dog Hair Dryer | |||
Flying PigStand Pet Grooming Dryer | |||
New Metro Vac Air MB-3 Dog Dryer | |||
XPOWER B-24 Thermal Ace Pet Grooming Dryer | |||
K-9 III Variable Speed Pet Grooming Dryer |
Why can’t I use my human hairdryer?
Sure thing, it’s cheaper and more convenient to use the hairdryer you have in your own grooming kit. However, these hair dryers aren’t made for dogs.
First of all, a human hairdryer is too small to dry up a Golden Retriever fast. While it will work, it will take you twice or even thrice the time it will take when using an actual pet dryer.
Second, many human dryers have higher temperature settings. This dries wet fur fast, but it can also burn the skin and cause more problems later on.
Another thing you should consider is the noise level. Pet dryers often have long hoses, so you can dry your dog while keeping the noisy motor at a distance. This isn’t the case with human hair dryers where you’re going to hold the humming equipment close to your dog’s body. While some Goldies can tolerate it, some will run out of fear.
Investing in the best dog dryer for Golden Retrievers is a matter of safety and hygiene. You wouldn’t want your hairdryer to be filled with dog fur, do you? Also, a pet hair dryer will prevent accidents and injuries at home.
If you’re scouting for the best hair dryers for your pet, I reviewed below 10 of the top picks in the market. See which one suits your budget and your dog’s needs.
Best Dog Dryer For Golden Retrievers – My Top 10 Picks
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: shernbao SHD-2600P 5HP High-Velocity Pet Dryer
Product Name: shernbao SHD-2600P 5HP High-Velocity Pet Dryer
Product Description: If you’re looking for the best dog dryer for Golden Retrievers, you’ll never go wrong with the shernbao SHD-2600P Pet Dryer. This has two temperature settings that you can adjust from 55F to 131F. It also has a stable airflow that prevents injuries on your dog. Moreover, you can also adjust this hair dryer's airspeed from 515 to 6,400 feet per minute (FPM). This lets you dry different parts of your dog’s body without hurting or irritating them. The shernbao SHD-2600P has an insulated molding casing that prevents it from overheating. It also sports a motor circuit isolation, so it’s less likely to fail or trip during long drying sessions with your Goldie. This is aside from its heat-resisting copper wire motor with micro-spark technology that makes it more durable.
Currency: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Aside from that, this comes with a 4-feet hose that you can pull up to 8 feet. It’s also bundled with three different air nozzles: flattened nozzle, circular nozzle, and a diffuse nozzle. Each of these nozzles suits the different body parts of your dog.
I also like the ergonomic handle and the switches located close to each other. It’s also fitted with stable feet so that you can use it just about anywhere.
Also, this hairdryer is considerably quiet for just 50dB to 72dB. Just remember that the higher the speed, the noisier the equipment gets.
Overall, this pet hairdryer is trusted by professional groomers and pet owners alike. It’s covered by a 12-month warranty should any glitch occur during use.
Pros
New heat insulation materials
Motor circuit isolation to prevent tripping
12-month warranty
Cons
Not the quietest option in the market
RUNNERS-UP
AIIYME 4.3 HP Dog Dryer
Another pet hairdryer that I recommend is the one from AIIYME. This high-velocity pet dryer has adjustable air temperatures that you can set from 86F to 158F. It also has a stepless adjustable airflow speed that can be set from 25m/s to 75 m/s.
The AIIYME Dog Dryer has a motor circuit isolation technology that reduces the likelihood of damages. It also sports a metal casing that muffles the noise very well. Overall, this pet dryer has a tolerable noise level of around 50dB. It’s quieter than the first dryer I’ve listed above!
We have to thank its copper core motor for the quiet operation. It has an isolation net and high-temperature resistance that reduces friction while in use.
Moreover, this has a thickened filter to trap dander and loose dog hair. I also like the 78” thickened compound hose that doesn’t crack easily. Aside from that, you’ll get four nozzles: narrow nozzle, round nozzle, flexible nozzle, and brush nozzle. So aside from drying your Golden Retriever’s coat, this will also let you work out tangles simultaneously.
With a large dog like Golden Retriever, the AIIYME dog dryer will only take less than 30 minutes to get all the moisture out.
Like the one from shernbao, this pet dryer is covered by a 12-month warranty. AIIYME has excellent customer service, and you’ll receive a response within 24 hours.
Free Paws 4HP Vari-Air Speed Dog Dryer
The Free Paws Vari-Air Speed Dog Dryer boasts a maximum of 3,000-watt output power. It also has a variable temperature setting that you can adjust from 96F to 167F. You’ll also enjoy adjustable stepless speeds of 25 m/s to 56 m/s.
Aside from that, this pet dryer is bundled with five nozzles, including a 7-finger brush nozzle, a wide slot nozzle, a standard slot nozzle, and a round nozzle. To complete the set, this is paired with Free Paws’ patented 21-hole comb nozzle. This way, you can brush your Golden Retriever while drying it at the same time.
In addition, the Free Paws dog dryer has a 7.9-feet spring hose with an insulated cover. This will prevent burns even if you’re drying your dog in a high-temperature setting.
Moreover, this pet dryer works at 62dB, which is tolerably quiet for most Goldies. It also has rubberized feet that will prevent the dryer from sliding around during operation.
I really love how this works on a Golden Retriever, a breed that’s both double-coated and heavy shedding. The loose fur flies off its coat during drying, which saves me time from brushing and deshedding my pet.
The only niggle I have for this pet dryer is it’s not easy to find replacement parts. Overall, this is still a great buy, considering the decent price range.
B-Air Fido Max 1 Pet Hair Dryer
For Golden Retriever owners on a budget, I highly recommend the B-Air Fido Max 1. This 2.4 HP pet hairdryer is a compact choice but not short of functionality. This dryer produces up to 165 CFM of airflow to dry and deshed your Golden Retriever in every bath.
Aside from that, this has a two-speed, hi-low operation so that you can select the right airflow for your pet. It’s also ETL certified and doesn’t use any heat to dry up your dog. So if your Fido has sensitive skin, this might be the perfect dryer to get.
Moreover, this is bundled with four nozzles. You’ll get a brush nozzle, slot nozzle, cone nozzle, and airflow nozzle. It also has one of the longest hoses that stretches for up to 10 feet. This allows you to put the motor as far away as possible to prevent scaring your dog.
The B-Air Fido Max 1 also works well in removing dirt from your dog’s body without giving it a bath. The high-speed airflow will help lift dust, dirt, and grimes off your Goldie’s fur.
Overall, this dryer is just 12” x 7.5” x 10” in size and only weighs 7.8 lbs. I can literally place this on a backpack while traveling with my Golden Retriever. It’s convenient and affordable, too.
shernbao DHD-2400F 6HP Dog Dryer
If you’re looking for a more powerful pet dryer, you’ll never go wrong with the shernbao DHD-2400F. This is a 6 HP dryer with adjustable speeds ranging from 4,921 FPM to 68,000 FPM. It’s a workhorse when it comes to drying just about any dog.
Aside from that, this has a maximum airflow of 320 CFM and a noise level of 50 to 85dB. Sure, it’s not the quietest pet dryer, but this is reasonable for the power it can produce.
The DHD-2400F has a dual typhoon motor that will dry and deshed a dog. It also has a double clamshell housing that dampens the vibration and noise. This translates to a longer lifespan and less agitation on the part of your dog.
Moreover, this has a control circuit that isolates the motor, so it has a very low failure rate. While this doesn’t have a heat setting, the motor coil warms up the air enough for fast drying.
This pet hairdryer also comes with a 4-feet spring hose that stretches up to 8 feet. You’ll also receive two air filters and three grooming nozzles. This includes flattened, circular, and diffuse nozzles.
Overall, I like the construction of this pet hairdryer. It has an ergonomic handle, stable feet, and an 18.4-pound design that’s reasonable enough for its performance. It may not be the cheapest option, but I’m more than willing to splurge.
PETNF Pet Force Dog Hair Dryer
If you’re looking for adjustability, the PETNF Pet Force Dog Hair Dryer won’t disappoint. This has 8 levels of adjustable temperature and speed. It also sports an all-copper motor with a motor suspension technology that extends the equipment’s life.
Aside from that, this has a metal body that dampens the noise, so it will only emit 60dB of sound. It’s quiet enough for most Golden Retrievers.
Also, this has a built-in thermostat that protects your dog from excessive temperature. It will shut the dryer once it detects an abnormally high temperature. This is aside from the insulated handle and hose that will protect your hands from burns.
The PETNF Pet Force Dryer can be adjusted from 38 m/s to 50 m/s of airspeed and 104F to 140F of temperature. I like the upgraded air duct of this dryer, which makes the airflow more consistent and steadier than previous models. And if you have a cat at home, the lowest setting will be perfect for grooming felines.
Another thing that really stands out from this dryer is its LED display. You can easily select the speed and temperature on the go.
You’ll also receive a spring hose that stretches from 2.9 feet to 9.8 feet. That’s aside from the flat, round, and wide-flat nozzles included in the package.
Lastly, this has a thickened filter that prevents debris inhalation. This filter is easy to remove and clean for your convenience.
Flying Pig FOSD-PR Stand Pet Grooming Dryer
If you have back problems, I suggest that you get the Flying Pig FOSD-PR Stand Pet Grooming Dryer. This way, you can place your Goldie on a table and dry it while you’re standing. It comes with a steel frame mount with an adjustable height and four wheel casters. You can adjust the stand from 33 to 51” tall, whichever suits you.
When it comes to the drying power, this produces a maximum volume of 240 CFM with a 28,000 FPM airspeed. It’s a champ in drying your dog without getting too hot.
Also, this has a 12.72-amp motor with a 60-cycle operation. It delivers enough power to dry a Golden Retriever.
Aside from that, this dryer has 360-degree rotating nozzles and a tiltable head. It also comes with a 10-feet flexible hose paired with two different nozzles and a filter. Overall, the dryer and accessories are covered by a one-year warranty.
I also love how quiet it runs. One of my Goldies is more sensitive to sound, and this is the only dryer that he doesn’t run away from. However, I think this only works for home use and not professional grooming. The stand can make use of improvements to make it more stable. Other than that, I still think that this is worth the money.
New Metro Vac Air Force Master Blaster MB-3 Dog Dryer
If you don’t mind splurging a little, you should consider getting the New Metro Vac Air Dog Dryer. This promises to cut your dog’s drying time by as much as 75%.
It has a flip switch to adjust the two-speed settings of this dryer. Also, it doesn’t have any heating element, but it compensates with airflow to dry your dog. This 8 HP equipment sports a 2-stage dual fan motor that can produce up to 58,500 FPM of airflow.
Aside from that, this dryer comes with a 10-feet commercial-quality hose, a neoprene blower nozzle, and a 12-feet power cord. It’s also bundled with a foam filter and a pet-drying towel.
Moreover, many professional groomers trust this dog dryer, but pet owners also love using it at home. With its all-steel construction, you’ll get a dog dryer that your Golden Retriever will grow with.
The New Metro Vac MB-3 Dog Dryer is covered by a 5-year limited warranty on the motor and one year for parts and labor. They also recommend that you use a 20-amp breaker to operate this dryer.
Overall, this is a powerful dog dryer that can dry the fluffiest Golden Retriever. However, you should know that it’s also quite cumbersome at 25.6 lbs. Still, the weight is proportional to the drying power it can produce.
XPOWER B-24 Thermal Ace Pet Grooming Dryer
The XPOWER B-24 Thermal Ace Pet Dryer is a common sighting among pet grooming salons. And why not? It produces up to 31,000 RPM on a reasonably quiet operation. You’ll also enjoy a variable speed control, so you can adjust the airflow based on how you want to dry your Golden Retriever.
Moreover, this has a heating function, though it’s only available on two levels. Still, it delivers consistent airflow and temperature without being too hot. You’ll get a stable 150 CFM of airflow with dual thermal protection for your dog’s safety.
Aside from that, this has three washable filters, a flat nozzle, and a cone nozzle. It’s also bundled with an 8-feet non-slip hose to complete the ensemble.
This has an ABS housing that makes the dryer lightweight and easy to move around. Just be careful not to drop this as the casing will sustain cracks.
Overall, this 3 HP pet dryer is more than enough to dry adult Golden Retrievers fast. And with its 17.7” x 9.8” x 9.6” size, this is very compact and easy to carry during travels.
Whether you own a pet grooming shop or just drying your Goldie at home, this dryer is an excellent investment.
K-9 III Variable Speed Pet Grooming Dryer
My last pick for this list is the K-9 III Variable Speed Pet Grooming Dryer. I highly recommend this to pet groomers who are always dealing with double-coated and heavy shedders.
This dryer sports a two-motor operation to produce a whopping 60,921 FPM of airspeed and 245 CPM of air volume. It’s one of the most powerful dog dryers I’ve ever seen, and it dried my Golden Retriever faster than any other dryers I’ve bought.
Moreover, this comes with a 10-feet hose and a 120-volt outlet where you can plug clippers. It’s commercial-grade and heavy-duty, guaranteed to provide maximum airflow on every second.
Aside from that, the K-9 III Dog Dryer has two outside filters and one internal filter for every motor. You’ll also receive round and flat nozzles in the package.
Another thing I like about this dryer is its 18-gauge steel body that can put up with the roughest grooming environment. It also has variable speed adjustments, which makes every dollar worth the splurge.
Overall, this dog dryer is 33 lbs. heavy and 22” x 33” x 17” big. It’s quite bulky, but for very good reasons.
How to choose a dog dryer
There’s plenty of choices when it comes to dog dryers. However, you have to get one that gives the best bang for the buck. Here are some of the things you should consider:
✔️CFM rate
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It measures the amount of air the dog dryer can propel consistently. The higher the CFM, the faster it will be in drying your Golden Retriever’s fur.
However, going big isn’t always the goal here. Always look for a dog dryer with a variable or adjustable airflow. This will let you set a lower airflow when drying your dog’s face and other sensitive body parts. Also, it will let you use the dryer on smaller dogs or cats.
✔️Airflow/FPM rate
Another thing that you should check is the FPM or feet per minute. This refers to the air velocity, which shouldn’t be confused with CFM or the volume flow. In short, FPM is how fast the air moves while CFM represents the amount of air moved.
A high FPM makes a powerful dog dryer. However, it also comes at a higher cost and louder noise level.
✔️Heat settings
Next, you should check the heat settings of the dog dryer. Take note that not all pet dryers use heat, which is something you should check before purchasing. Your choice depends on how sensitive your Goldie’s skin is. If your pet easily gets burns or has an ongoing skin problem, you may want to skip the heating function for now.
Most dog dryers in the market have a hi-low heat switch. This lets you warm the air when needed or turn it off if you just have to deshed or clean your dog. Just make sure that it has a thermal protection feature that will prevent overheating.
✔️Noise level
We all know that dogs aren’t big fans of loud sounds. As much as possible, look for a dog dryer with the least noise level during operation. About 65 dB is already loud, but it can still be tolerable among well-trained Golden Retrievers.
However, you should remember that a powerful dog dryer will be proportionally loud. It’s about the right balance between the equipment’s drying power and the noise level your dog can tolerate.
The key here is desensitizing your dog to the sound of the dog dryer. Below, I added some tips on how to do this.
✔️Accessories and attachments
Aside from the dog dryer itself, you should also look for accessories and attachments. Hose nozzles are very important since it lets you diffuse or concentrate the airflow. Flat and round nozzles are usually enough, but you can also find dryers bundled with brush attachments. This lets you dry your Golden Retriever while untangling its coat.
✔️Price and warranty
Lastly, always check how much you’re willing to spend on a dog dryer. You don’t really have to splurge too much if you’re just using it at home. The 10 options I reviewed above will give you the best bang for the buck without digging a hole through your pocket.
How to get your Golden Retriever used to a dog dryer
If your Goldie is scared of the dog dryer, you should do the following steps first:
- Let the dog sniff it. Whether it’s a dog dryer, a brush, or a crate, you should always let your pet sniff and lick it. This way, the pooch will become familiar with the equipment and realize that it’s harmless.
- Turn it on, but don’t use it just yet. Once your dog is comfortable in the presence of the dog dryer, turn it on using the lowest setting. Let the dog acclimate to it again as part of desensitization. Over time, you can increase the setting as your dog adjusts.
- Mind the distance. You should always point the tip of the nozzle at least 6 inches away from your dog’s body. For high-velocity drying, you can take it as far as 8 to 10 inches. Remember that bringing the nozzle too close may hurt your dog.
- Start early. Getting your Golden Retriever desensitized to the dog dryer as early as possible will make the process easier. You can turn the dryer on regularly, even if you don’t have to use it, just so the dog will get used to the sound.
- Rewards, rewards, rewards. One way to associate the dog dryer with something positive is to give treats while using it. This will make your dog cooperative, and it will teach him that drying is a rewarded experience.
- Watch out for the heat. As much as you want to dry your dog fast, you should never push the heat setting to the limits. Your dog can sustain burns and coat damages if you use a very hot airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you dry a Golden Retriever?
A: A blow dryer made for dogs is the best way to dry a Golden Retriever. This will let you dry your dog faster and safer as opposed to using human hair dryers. Just make sure that you point the nozzle at least six inches away from you’re your dog’s coat.
Q: Can I let my dog air-dry?
A: Air drying isn’t recommended, especially for double-coated canines like Golden Retrievers. While the air can dry the external layer of the coat, moisture will remain within the fur. This will give way to fungal growth, bad odor, and skin irritation.
Q: What is fluff drying a dog?
A: Fluff drying is done by using a blow dryer to add volume to your dog’s fur. It’s done by groomers, so it will be easier for them to cut the dog’s hair. It will also make the doggo look fluffier and cute.
Q: Why are dogs scared of hairdryers?
A: Like vacuum cleaners, hairdryers produce a humming sound. And since dogs have a more sensitive sense of hearing, they perceive the sound much louder than humans do. Also, the sudden gush of wind can startle or scare a dog, especially if it’s the first time that you’re using the equipment.
Q: How can I get my dog to like his pet hairdryer?
A: If your dog is scared of its hairdryer, you can shower the pooch with treats during the drying session. You should also let the dog sniff and lick the equipment before you use it. Desensitization will go a long way here, especially if you have a nervous pet.
Final words
Are you tired of towel-drying your dog? If so, the best dryer for Golden Retrievers will be a heaven-sent solution. It dries up your dog after every bath while working as a deshedder and cleaner on the side. It’s a versatile piece of grooming equipment that both professional groomers and pet owners find useful. Just make sure that you get one with the right airflow, adjustability, and accessories.
What do you think of these dog dryers? Share your thoughts below!