Keeping Your Doodle Darling: A Guide to Grooming Your Cockapoo & Cavapoo

A fluffy puppy relishes a grooming session, appearing freshly trimmed and content on the grooming table.

One of the first things that makes people fall in love with Cockapoos and Cavapoos is their irresistibly soft, fluffy, and teddy bear-like coat. That beautiful, low-shedding fur is a huge part of their charm! However, keeping that coat looking and feeling its best requires regular care and attention.

Grooming is more than just a beauty routine; it's essential for your puppy's health and comfort. The good news is that it’s a wonderful way to bond with your new family member. Here’s our guide to keeping your Dreamy Night Doodle looking and feeling fantastic.

The Golden Rule: Brushing is Non-Negotiable!

If you take only one thing away from this guide, let it be this: you must brush your doodle regularly. Their Poodle-cross hair is prone to tangles and mats. A small tangle can quickly turn into a large, tight mat that pulls at the skin, causing pain, irritation, and even skin infections.

• How Often: A thorough brushing session is needed at least every other day, though a quick daily brush is even better.

• The Right Tools: Forget basic bristle brushes. You need two key items:

  1. A Slicker Brush: This is a brush with fine, short wires packed closely together. It’s perfect for breaking up small tangles and removing loose undercoat.

  2. A Metal "Greyhound" Comb: This is your mat-detector. After you’ve gone over an area with the slicker brush, run the comb through the fur all the way to the skin. If it glides through smoothly, you're done! If it snags, there’s still a tangle to work out gently.

Pro-Tip: Use the "line brushing" method. Part the hair in a line so you can see the skin, and brush the hair down from the root. Work in small sections all over your puppy’s body.

Bath Time Best Practices

Doodles don't need frequent baths, which can strip the natural oils from their skin and coat.

• How Often: A bath is only needed every 4-6 weeks, or when they get particularly dirty.

• Before the Bath: ALWAYS brush out any tangles or mats before your puppy gets wet. Water will make mats tighten like concrete and become nearly impossible to remove.

• During the Bath: Use a high-quality, tear-free puppy shampoo. A conditioner can also help keep their coat soft and manageable. Use lukewarm water and be sure to rinse thoroughly, as leftover soap can irritate their skin.

• After the Bath: Gently towel-dry your puppy, then use a blow dryer on a low, cool setting. Brush their coat as you dry to prevent tangles from forming.

Professional Grooming: The Big Haircut

Because they don't shed much, the hair on Cockapoos and Cavapoos never stops growing. Regular professional grooming is a necessity.

• First Visit: Introduce your puppy to a professional groomer after they have completed all their puppy vaccinations (usually around 16 weeks). The first visit should be a simple and positive "puppy intro" experience, maybe just a bath, trim around the face, and nail clip.

• How Often: Plan for a professional groom every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat at a manageable length and prevent matting.

• What to Ask For: The "Teddy Bear Cut" or "Puppy Cut" are the most popular styles. The groomer will keep the fur at an even, fluffy length (usually 1-2 inches) all over the body. It’s adorable and easy to maintain. Always bring photos to show the groomer exactly what you want!

The "In-Between" Essentials

• Nail Trims: Long nails are uncomfortable and can affect your dog's posture. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, they're too long. This should be done every 3-4 weeks by you, your groomer, or your vet.

• Ear Care: Their adorable floppy ears can trap moisture, making them prone to infections. Check their ears weekly. They should be clean and free of odor. Use a gentle ear-cleaning solution from your vet when you see any dirt. A groomer will also help by plucking the hair from inside the ear canal to improve airflow.

• Eye Care: Gently wipe the corners of your puppy's eyes with a soft, damp cloth to prevent tear stains and clear away any "eye gunk."

By making grooming a regular and positive part of your puppy’s life from a young age, you’ll ensure they stay healthy, comfortable, and picture-perfect for all the cuddles to come.