The cockapoo coat care guide: brushing, bathing and styles

Cockapoos are one of the most popular breeds I groom, and for good reason. They're fun, affectionate and that teddy bear look is hard to beat. But a cockapoo coat is a big commitment. It keeps growing, it tangles easily and it needs regular care at home as well as at the salon.

Know your cockapoo's coat type

Because cockapoos are a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle, their coats can vary a lot, even within the same litter.

• Curly coats take after the poodle. They shed less but tangle and mat the most easily.
• Wavy or fleece coats are the classic cockapoo look. Soft and loose, but still prone to knots.
• Straighter coats are closer to the spaniel. They can be easier to brush but usually shed a little more.

Whichever coat your cockapoo has, they all need regular brushing to stay healthy.

The puppy coat change

As cockapoos grow up, their soft puppy coat changes into their adult coat, usually somewhere between 6 and 12 months old. During this time the coat can mat very quickly, sometimes almost overnight. Keep on top of brushing during this stage and don't leave long gaps between grooms. If you have a cockapoo puppy, my puppy grooming page explains how I introduce them to the salon gently.

The brushes you need

• A slicker brush to work through the coat and lift out loose hair and small tangles
• A metal comb to check you've brushed right down to the skin

That's really all you need. If the comb glides through from the skin to the tips of the hair, the coat is properly brushed.

How to brush a cockapoo

Brush every couple of days, or every day if your cockapoo has a long or curly coat. Work in small sections and lift the coat with one hand so you can brush the hair underneath it. This is called line brushing and it's the best way to stop tangles hiding near the skin.

For more on this, have a read of my guide on how to prevent mats between grooms.

Bathing at home

If your cockapoo gets muddy, use a gentle dog shampoo and conditioner, rinse really thoroughly, and most importantly, dry them completely. A cockapoo coat left damp will tangle and mat very quickly. Brush them once they're fully dry. In between full grooms, a Bath & Dry at the salon is a great way to keep their coat fresh without the mess at home.

Don't forget their ears

Cockapoos have floppy, hairy ears that can trap moisture and dirt. Check them regularly and keep them clean and dry, especially after swimming or baths. An ear clean is included in every full groom. If you notice redness, a smell or your dog scratching at their ears, it's worth a trip to the vet.

Popular cockapoo styles

There's no single "right" cockapoo cut. The best style is one that suits your dog's coat and your lifestyle.

• Teddy trim: the classic rounded face and fluffy body. Gorgeous, but needs the most brushing at home.
• Shorter all over clip: easy to look after, great for active dogs and muddy months.
• A mix of both: a shorter body with a fuller, fluffy face and ears.

Not sure what to choose? Bring a photo of a look you like and I'll talk you through what will work best for your dog's coat.

How often should a cockapoo be groomed?

Every 6 to 8 weeks. Regular grooms keep the coat at a manageable length and catch tangles before they become a problem. You can see what's included on my cockapoo grooming page.

And if your cockapoo does become matted, don't worry. Their coat will have to be clipped short, but we can grow it back and get the look you'd like, and I'll show you how to care for it at home.