Puppy Guide
Cavoodle Coat Types: Fleece, Wool & Hair
Feb
One of the most common questions we hear from new Cavoodle owners is: “What type of coat does my puppy have?”
It’s an important question. The answer determines your grooming routine, how often you’ll need professional grooming, and what maintenance products to buy. Get it wrong, and you’re set up for matting disasters and unexpected shave-downs.
🎯 Quick Answer
Cavoodles have three coat types: fleece (soft, wavy, most common), wool (tight curls, needs daily brushing), and hair (straight, some shedding). Fleece coats need brushing every 2-3 days. Wool coats mat quickly and need daily attention. Hair coats shed but mat less.
After grooming over 450 Cavoodles at WoofSpark, we’ve seen every coat variation possible. This guide explains the three main cavoodle coat types, how to identify yours, and what each one needs.
The Three Cavoodle Coat Types
Cavoodles can have one of three distinct coat types. These are inherited in varying degrees from their Cavalier and Poodle parents.
1. Fleece Coat
The most common Cavoodle coat type.
Appearance:
- Soft, silky texture
- Loose waves or gentle curls
- Flows and moves naturally
- Often described as “teddy bear” soft
Shedding: Very low. You might find the occasional hair but nothing significant.
Feel: Like stroking silk. Soft, smooth, with a slight wave.
Grooming requirements:
- Brush thoroughly every 2-3 days
- Professional groom every 6-8 weeks
- Mats can form but are manageable with regular brushing
- Easier to maintain longer styles
💡 Marine’s Pro Tip
In the salon, I see fleece coats hold the “teddy bear” look beautifully—that’s why it’s the most popular type. However, don’t let the soft texture fool you. Fleece still mats behind the ears and under the armpits. Check these spots every time you brush.
2. Wool Coat
The Poodle-like coat.
Appearance:
- Tight, springy curls
- Dense and thick texture
- Doesn’t flow or move much
- More “poodle” look than “cavoodle” look
Shedding: Almost none. This is the most “hypoallergenic” coat type.
Feel: Springy and dense. The curls bounce back when pressed.
Grooming requirements:
- Brush daily—this coat mats easily
- Professional groom every 4-6 weeks
- Requires the most maintenance of all coat types
- Difficult to keep in long styles
- Mats form quickly and hide under the surface
💡 Marine’s Pro Tip
After grooming hundreds of wool-coated Cavoodles, I can tell you honestly: we see more shave-downs with wool coats than any other type. The owners always underestimate the daily brushing commitment. If you can’t brush every single day, keep your wool-coated Cavoodle in a short clip. There’s no shame in a practical haircut.
3. Hair Coat
The Cavalier-like coat.
Appearance:
- Straighter, with minimal wave
- Softer and flatter than fleece
- More like traditional dog fur
- Often longer around ears and chest
Shedding: Some shedding, similar to a Cavalier. Not heavy, but you’ll notice hair on clothes and furniture.
Grooming requirements:
- Brush 2-3 times per week
- Professional groom every 8-10 weeks
- Less prone to matting than fleece or wool
- Easier to maintain but does shed
Quick Cavoodle Coat Type Comparison
| Feature | Fleece | Wool | Hair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, wavy | Tight curls | Straight/slight wave |
| Shedding | Very low | Almost none | Some |
| Matting risk | Moderate | High | Low |
| Brushing needed | Every 2-3 days | Daily | 2-3 times per week |
| Professional grooms | Every 6-8 weeks | Every 4-6 weeks | Every 8-10 weeks |
| Best for allergies | Good | Excellent | Not ideal |
How to Identify Your Cavoodle’s Coat Type
When Puppies Are Young
It’s difficult to identify coat type before 8-10 weeks. Puppy coats are often different from adult coats. Here’s what to look for as they grow:
Early signs of fleece coat:
- Soft, slightly wavy fur
- Some movement when they shake
- Not too dense or thick
Early signs of wool coat:
- Curls appearing early and tight
- Dense, thick coverage
- Fur stands up rather than lying flat
Early signs of hair coat:
- Straighter texture from early on
- Fur lies flat
- Less dense than other types
The Cavoodle Coat Change
Between 6-12 months, your Cavoodle will shed their puppy coat and grow their adult coat. This is a critical time because:
- The adult coat may be different from the puppy coat
- This transition period is when many mats form
- Grooming needs often increase during this time
What to expect:
- Coat may become curlier or wavier
- Texture might change
- Matting increases as old coat sheds underneath new growth
- This transition can take several weeks to complete
What to do:
- Increase brushing frequency during coat change
- Consider a shorter haircut to manage the transition
- Book a professional groom partway through to remove loose puppy coat
- Don’t panic if the coat looks different—it will settle
How Generation Affects Cavoodle Coat Types
The generation of your Cavoodle influences the likelihood of each coat type.
| Generation | Most Likely Coat | Expert Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| F1 (Cavalier x Poodle) | Wide variation—can be any type | Most unpredictable |
| F1B (F1 x Poodle) | Usually fleece or wool | ✅ Best for allergy sufferers |
| F1BB (F1B x Poodle) | Almost always wool | Highest maintenance |
| Multigen | More predictable, often fleece | ✅ Most balanced option |
Grooming Requirements by Cavoodle Coat Type
Fleece Coat Maintenance
Daily:
- Check for tangles behind ears and under armpits
- Wipe face if light-coloured (tear stains)
Every 2-3 days:
- Full brush using line brushing technique
- Comb through to check for hidden mats
- Pay attention to collar area, legs, and belly
Recommended tools: Slicker brush (flexible pins), metal comb (for checking), detangling spray
Wool Coat Maintenance
Daily:
- Full brush—no days off with wool coats
- Line brushing technique essential
- Check all the hiding spots (behind ears, armpits, groin)
Recommended tools: Firm slicker brush, metal comb (essential), detangling spray (use generously), dematting comb for small tangles
Hair Coat Maintenance
2-3 times per week:
- Full brush
- Less intensive than fleece or wool
- Focus on ears, chest, and leg feathering
Recommended tools: Pin brush or slicker brush, metal comb, deshedding tool during seasonal changes
The Truth About “Hypoallergenic” Cavoodle Coats
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. The term refers to dogs that produce fewer allergens or shed less, reducing allergic reactions for some people.
What actually causes allergies:
- Dander (dead skin cells)—the primary allergen
- Saliva
- Urine proteins
| Coat Type | Allergy-Friendliness | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wool | Best | Minimal shedding, minimal dander spread |
| Fleece | Very good | Low shedding |
| Hair | Not ideal | Sheds and spreads dander |
Important: If allergies are a concern, spend time with the specific puppy before committing. Individual reactions vary even within the same coat type.
💡 Marine’s Pro Tip
I always tell clients with allergies: spend at least an hour with the puppy before deciding. Some people react to wool coats but not fleece. Others are fine with all types. Your body’s reaction matters more than any coat label.
Common Cavoodle Coat Questions
“My puppy had a fleece coat but it’s getting curlier. What’s happening?”
Coat change. Between 6-12 months, the adult coat comes in and may be different from the puppy coat. Curlier adult coats are common, especially in F1B and F1BB Cavoodles.
“Can coat type change after they’re adults?”
Not significantly. Once the adult coat is established (around 12-18 months), it stays consistent. Minor seasonal variations are normal, but the fundamental type doesn’t change.
“My Cavoodle’s coat is patchy with different textures. Is this normal?”
Mixed coats happen, especially in F1 Cavoodles. Some dogs have fleece on their body and wool on their legs, or hair on their back and fleece on their chest. This just means varied grooming needs in different areas.
“Why does my wool-coated Cavoodle mat so easily?”
Wool coats are dense and curly. The curls interlock and trap loose hair, forming mats. Without daily brushing to separate the curls and remove loose hair, mats form at skin level and spread rapidly.
Choosing a Cavoodle Based on Coat Type
If you haven’t got your puppy yet and coat type matters to you:
If you want minimal grooming: Look for hair coats (rare) or be prepared to keep fleece/wool in short clips.
If you have allergies: Seek out wool-coated puppies from F1B or F1BB litters. Spend time with them first to test your reaction.
If you want the classic teddy bear look: Fleece coats hold this style best. Ask breeders about coat predictions.
If you can’t commit to daily brushing: Any coat type works if kept short. Be honest with yourself about maintenance commitment.
Final Thoughts on Cavoodle Coat Types
Coat type isn’t good or bad—it just determines your maintenance routine. We’ve groomed beautiful, healthy Cavoodles of all three types. The difference is whether the owner knows what they have and grooms accordingly.
The biggest mistake we see is underestimating wool coat requirements. These dogs end up matted and need shave-downs that their owners didn’t expect.
Not sure what you have? Book your Cavoodle in for a professional assessment. We’ll identify their coat type and show you exactly how to maintain it.
Written by Marine Ponchaut
Marine is the founder of WoofSpark, a professional dog grooming salon in Cessnock, NSW. Since founding WoofSpark in 2019, she has groomed thousands of dogs — including over 450 Cavoodles, making her one of Australia’s most experienced Cavoodle groomers.
Related Guides
- Cavoodle Puppy Checklist — Complete guide for new owners
- How Often to Groom a Cavoodle — Scheduling guide
- Preventing Cavoodle Matting — Keep that coat tangle-free
- Cavoodle Haircut Styles — Popular looks for each coat type
Need Help With Your Cavoodle’s Coat?
Not sure what coat type your Cavoodle has? We’ll assess it during your first groom and show you exactly how to maintain it at home. Book a grooming appointment or contact us with your questions.