Breed Guides

Cockapoo Grooming Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix Care

Posted on by Marine Ponchaut
11
Jan
Beautifully groomed Cockapoo with wavy golden coat

The Cockapoo was the original designer dog — people were crossing Cocker Spaniels with Poodles decades before “doodle” became a household word. There’s a reason the breed stuck around: they’re genuinely lovely dogs with that perfect blend of Cocker friendliness and Poodle intelligence.

But those ears. Those glorious, troublesome, high-maintenance ears.

If there’s one thing we want Cockapoo owners to understand, it’s this: your dog’s ear care matters as much as their coat care. Maybe more. We see more Cockapoo ear infections than almost any other breed-related problem in the salon.

This guide covers the full picture — coat types, grooming routines, the ear situation, and how to keep your Cockapoo looking and feeling their best.

The Cockapoo Coat Spectrum

What You’re Working With

Cockapoos inherit genes from two breeds with dramatically different coats:

  • Cocker Spaniel: Medium-length, silky-wavy coat with feathering on ears, legs, and belly
  • Poodle: Curly, dense, single coat that doesn’t shed

Coat Type Breakdown

Curly (Poodle-Dominant)
Tight curls throughout. Lowest shedding but highest mat risk.
Maintenance: Daily brushing required. Professional grooming every 4-5 weeks.

Wavy (Most Common)
Loose waves, soft texture. The “classic” Cockapoo look.
Maintenance: Daily brushing strongly recommended. Professional grooming every 5-6 weeks.

Straight/Flat (Cocker-Dominant)
Flatter, silkier coat with significant feathering. More shedding than curly or wavy types.
Maintenance: Regular brushing (every other day minimum). Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

The Feathering Factor

Regardless of curl pattern, most Cockapoos inherit some feathering — longer hair on the ears, legs, chest, and belly. This feathering:

  • Tangles easily
  • Collects debris
  • Mats where it meets shorter coat
  • Requires specific attention

The Ear Situation

Let’s address this first because it’s the biggest Cockapoo-specific issue we deal with.

Why Cockapoo Ears Are Problematic

Three factors combine:

  1. Drop ears: The ear flap covers the canal, trapping moisture and warmth.
  2. Hair in the canal: Many Cockapoos inherit hair growth inside the ear canal.
  3. Feathered ear flap: Long hair on the ear itself creates additional humidity.

This creates a warm, moist, poorly-ventilated environment — perfect for yeast and bacteria.

Signs of Ear Problems

Watch for:

  • Head shaking
  • Scratching at ears
  • Red or inflamed skin inside ear
  • Brown, yellow, or black discharge
  • Unpleasant odour
  • Sensitivity when ears are touched

Ear Care Routine

Weekly (minimum):

  • Lift the ear flap
  • Use vet-approved ear cleaning solution
  • Massage the base of the ear
  • Let dog shake
  • Wipe visible debris with cotton ball
  • Never insert anything into the ear canal

After swimming or bathing:

  • Dry ears thoroughly
  • Consider using an ear drying solution

Grooming Frequency

Daily Home Care: 10-15 Minutes

Your non-negotiables:

  • Ear check (look, smell, note any concerns)
  • Body brush with slicker brush
  • Comb through feathering (legs, ears, chest)
  • Sanitary area check

Professional Grooming Schedule

Coat Type Recommended Frequency
Curly Every 4-5 weeks
Wavy Every 5-6 weeks
Straight/Flat Every 6-8 weeks

Essential Grooming Tools

Must Have

  • Slicker brush: Your daily tool
  • Metal comb (greyhound style): If it doesn’t glide through, you’re not done brushing
  • Detangling spray: Never brush dry
  • Ear cleaning solution: Vet-approved, use weekly minimum
  • Cotton balls: For ear cleaning, never use Q-tips in the canal

Highly Recommended

  • Pin brush: Gentler than slicker
  • Undercoat rake: If your Cockapoo has a denser coat
  • Small scissors (round tip): For trimming paw pads and sanitary area

The Home Grooming Routine

Daily Maintenance (10-15 minutes)

  1. Start with ears: Look inside both ears. Sniff them. Note any concerns.
  2. Mist the coat: Light spray of detangling solution.
  3. Brush the body: Slicker brush, working in sections from back to front.
  4. Comb the feathering: Legs, ears, chest, belly.
  5. Check the paws: Hair between pads can mat.
  6. Sanitary glance: Trim if things are getting messy.

Weekly Deep Session (30-45 minutes)

Everything above, plus:

  • Sectioned brushing: Part the coat into horizontal sections, brush each from root to tip
  • Comb test everything: Your comb should glide through the entire body
  • Ear cleaning: Solution, massage, let shake, wipe clean
  • Nail check: Can you hear clicking on hard floors?
  • Paw pad trim: Hair grows between pads, carefully trim flush

Teddy Bear Cut: Even length on body and legs, rounded face, tidy ears. The most popular choice.

Cocker Cut: Shorter body, longer leg feathering maintained, domed head. More traditional but higher maintenance.

Puppy Cut: Similar to teddy bear but often slightly longer. Soft, fluffy overall.

Summer Cut: Short all over. Maximum ease during warm months.

Working Dog Style: Very short and practical. For active dogs or owners who can’t maintain longer coat.

Common Cockapoo Grooming Problems

Problem #1: Recurring Ear Infections

The most common Cockapoo complaint.

Management strategies:

  • Weekly ear cleaning (or more frequent)
  • Dry ears thoroughly after water exposure
  • Consider ear hair removal if vet recommends
  • Allergy testing if infections are constant

Problem #2: Matting Under the Ears

Where the ear meets the head is mat central for Cockapoos.

Prevention: Daily comb-through of this specific area. Lift the ear, brush the base.

Problem #3: Leg Feathering Disasters

Solutions:

  • Daily comb-through of all feathering
  • Trim shorter if maintenance isn’t happening
  • More frequent paw soaks if walking in mud

Problem #4: Stinky Coat Between Baths

Usually caused by: Ear issues, coat not drying completely, skin issues, natural oil production.

Solutions:

  • Address ear problems first
  • Complete drying after baths and rain
  • More frequent bathing (every 2-3 weeks)
  • Dry shampoo between baths

Cockapoo Sizes and Grooming Differences

Toy Cockapoo (under 5kg): Less coat overall, shorter grooming sessions.

Miniature Cockapoo (5-9kg): Most common size, standard grooming approach.

Standard/Maxi Cockapoo (9-15kg+): More coat, longer sessions, higher mat risk in leg feathering.

Quick Reference

Every Day:

  • Ear check
  • Body brush
  • Feathering comb
  • Paw check

Every Week:

  • Full sectioned brush
  • Ear cleaning
  • Comb test everywhere
  • Paw pad trim if needed

Every 4-8 Weeks (depending on coat type):

  • Professional groom
  • Full ear cleaning and assessment
  • Style maintenance

Signs to See the Vet:

  • Ear infection symptoms
  • Persistent scratching
  • Skin changes
  • Sudden coat changes

The Cockapoo has been a beloved breed for decades for good reason — they’re fantastic dogs. The ear maintenance is worth it.

Related Reading

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