Many people assume that Cockapoos, being a low shedding crossbreed, require little grooming. The truth is that their coat, which can range from wavy to tightly curled, needs regular attention to prevent mats and tangles.

Our editorial team recommends a grooming routine that balances coat type, activity level, and lifestyle. Most Cockapoos benefit from brushing several times a week and professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks.

Understanding Your Cockapoo's Coat Type

Cockapoos inherit a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle genetics, resulting in coats that vary from straight and wavy to tightly curled. The curlier the coat, the more prone it is to matting and the more frequent grooming it requires.

Most Cockapoos have a double coat that sheds minimally but traps loose hair and debris. Regular brushing, at least three to four times a week, helps distribute natural oils and prevents painful tangles. Daily brushing may be needed during seasonal shedding or if the coat is particularly dense.

For owners who prefer a lower maintenance routine, keeping the coat clipped short (around 1 to 2 inches) reduces brushing frequency to a few times per week. Longer coats require daily attention and more frequent professional grooming.

Professional Grooming Schedule for Cockapoos

Most Cockapoos need a professional grooming session every 6 to 8 weeks. This includes a bath, blow dry, haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and often a sanitary trim. The exact interval depends on your dog’s coat growth rate and your personal preference for coat length.

If you keep your Cockapoo in a short ‘puppy cut’ or ‘teddy bear trim’, you may stretch to 8 weeks between grooms. For longer coats, every 4 to 6 weeks is more appropriate to prevent matting and maintain a neat appearance.

Between professional visits, home maintenance is crucial. Check and clean your Cockapoo’s floppy ears weekly to prevent infections, and trim nails every 2 to 3 weeks if they don’t wear down naturally.

Essential At Home Grooming Practices

Brushing is the cornerstone of Cockapoo grooming. Use a slicker brush followed by a metal comb to work through the coat to the skin. Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar.

Bathing should be done every 3 to 4 weeks or as needed, using a mild dog shampoo. Over bathing can strip natural oils and dry the skin. Always blow dry on a low setting or air dry completely to prevent moisture trapped next to the skin.

Other routine tasks include:

  • Brushing teeth several times a week to prevent dental disease.
  • Checking and cleaning ears weekly with a vet-informed solution.
  • Trimming nails regularly to avoid overgrowth and splitting.