The Cavapoo (sometimes called a Cavoodle) is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, and it is a popular small dog for city life in Brooklyn. Cavapoos are gentle, people-focused, and sized for apartment living, and most have a soft, low-shedding coat that owners love. That coat is also the reason Cavapoo grooming matters so much. It grows continuously, tangles easily, and pairs with long, floppy spaniel ears that need regular attention. This guide walks through Cavapoo coat types, at-home brushing, ear cleaning, popular haircuts, and what affects the cost of grooming at Brooklyn Pet Spa.
Understanding the Cavapoo Coat
Every Cavapoo coat is a mix of its parents, so texture can vary a lot. Most fall into one of three types:
- Flat or straight coat: Closer to the Cavalier side. Silky and smooth, with a bit more shedding and feathering on the ears, chest, and legs.
- Wavy or fleece coat: The most common Cavapoo coat. Soft, loose waves that shed very little and give the classic “shaggy teddy” look.
- Curly coat: Closer to the Poodle side. Tight, springy curls that shed the least but trap loose hair, so they mat the fastest.
Most Cavapoos have a single coat, without the dense undercoat of breeds like the Sheltie or Husky. Loose hair does not fall out much. Instead it stays tangled in the coat, which is why regular brushing is so important.
Puppies also go through a coat change. Somewhere between about 6 and 12 months, the soft puppy coat gives way to the adult texture. During this stage, the two coats tangle together and mats can form quickly, even on a dog that was easy to brush a month earlier.
Do Cavapoos Shed?
Quick answer: Most Cavapoos are low shedding, especially those with wavy or curly coats. Flat-coated Cavapoos may shed a little more. Low shedding does not mean low maintenance, though. Plan on brushing several times a week and a professional groom every four to eight weeks.
Many families choose Cavapoos because of allergies. No breed is completely allergen-free, but keeping the coat clean and brushed helps reduce loose hair and dander at home. Our hypoallergenic dog grooming service is built for exactly these low-shedding coats.
Curly Coat Care: How to Brush a Cavapoo
Aim to brush at least three to four times a week. Curly coats, longer styles, and puppies in coat change usually need daily attention. Short sessions are fine. Ten minutes of careful brushing does more than an hour once a week.
- Use the right tools. A slicker brush for the body, a metal comb with wide and narrow teeth to check your work, and a light detangling spray. Brush on a slightly damp or sprayed coat, never a bone-dry one, to reduce breakage.
- Line brush. Part the coat with one hand and brush small sections from the skin outward. Surface brushing makes the coat look fluffy while mats keep building underneath.
- Comb test. Run the metal comb through every section. If it reaches the skin without snagging, that section is done.
- Know the trouble spots. Ears and ear feathering, armpits, chest, collar and harness lines, belly, back of the legs, and the tail are where mats form first.
- Brush before bathing, dry after. Water tightens existing tangles, and a damp curly coat mats faster than a dry one. Brush out first, then dry fully after baths and rainy walks.
If you find a mat, do not cut it out with scissors. Mats sit tight against the skin and it is very easy to cause an injury. Work small tangles apart gently and leave the bigger ones to a groomer. See when pets need dematting help fast for next steps.
Cavapoo Ear Cleaning
Cavapoos inherit long, heavy, feathered ears from the Cavalier side, and many also grow hair inside the ear canal from the Poodle side. That combination traps warmth and moisture, so ear care is a big part of Cavapoo grooming.
Weekly Ear Check
- Lift each ear flap and look inside for redness, swelling, dark wax, or discharge.
- Sniff the ear. A sour, yeasty, or strong smell is a warning sign.
- Check the ear feathering for mats, especially where the ear rubs against the collar.
How to Clean
- Use a vet-approved dog ear cleaner, not water, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide.
- Apply the cleaner as directed, gently massage the base of the ear, and let your dog shake.
- Wipe only the visible parts of the ear with a cotton pad. Never push cotton swabs into the canal.
- Dry the ears after baths, swimming, and wet walks.
Our step-by-step guide on how to clean dog ears covers the process in more detail. Frequent head shaking, scratching, a strong odor, or any pain when the ear is touched means it is time to see your veterinarian.
At the salon, ear cleaning is included in every full groom, and we keep the hair on the underside of the ear flap tidy to improve airflow. Many Cavapoo owners also ask about plucking hair from inside the ear canal. Whether that is right for your dog depends on its ear health, so it is worth asking your vet.
Popular Cavapoo Haircuts: Teddy Bear Cut, Puppy Cut & More
Choose a cut that matches your lifestyle and how much brushing you can keep up with.
Cavapoo Teddy Bear Cut
An even, medium-length body with a round, soft face. It is the signature Cavapoo look and stays manageable with brushing a few times a week.
Cavapoo Puppy Cut (Short All Over)
Short and even all over, usually about an inch or less. It is the lowest-maintenance option, great for active city dogs, and a good fresh start after matting.
Cavalier-Style Ears
Many owners keep the body shorter but leave the ears longer and feathered, which shows off the Cavalier side. Long ears need extra brushing, so this works best for owners who will check them every day or two.
Natural Shaggy Look
A light tidy-up that keeps the coat long. It looks wonderful but needs daily brushing to stay mat-free.
Cavapoo coats behave a lot like other poodle mixes, so our doodle grooming tips and Cockapoo grooming guide are helpful too. If your dog takes more after the Cavalier, our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel grooming guide covers feathering and ear care in depth.
Eyes, Teeth, Nails, and Paws
Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed so it does not poke into them, and wipe the corners daily with a damp cloth. Lighter-colored Cavapoos may show tear stains, and a clean, dry face helps.
Small dogs are prone to tartar buildup, so brush teeth a few times a week with a dog toothpaste. Trim nails every three to four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Keep the hair between the paw pads short so it does not collect snow, road salt, or burrs. After walks around Prospect Park or along the Brooklyn waterfront, a quick paw wipe keeps dirt and de-icing salt out of the coat.
How Often Does a Cavapoo Need a Groomer?
Most Cavapoos need a full professional groom every four to eight weeks. Curly coats and longer styles do best on a four to six week schedule. Short puppy cuts can stretch a little longer. Booking your next appointment before you leave the salon is the easiest way to stay on track.
Start grooming visits early with short, positive introductions. Our article on your puppy’s first grooming appointment explains how to prepare.
Cavapoo Grooming at Home vs. a Professional Cavapoo Groomer
Most owners do the daily work at home: brushing, wiping the face, checking ears, and a quick paw wipe. A professional Cavapoo groomer handles the parts that are hard to do well on your own, such as a full bath and blow dry, scissoring the face and ears, trimming the sanitary area, and safely removing mats. Looking for a Cavapoo groomer in Brooklyn? Our team works with Cavapoos and other poodle mixes from Park Slope, Gowanus, Prospect Heights, and nearby neighborhoods.
When to See a Professional Groomer
It is time to book when:
- You find mats you cannot comb out, especially in the ears, armpits, or harness area.
- The coat feels thick, tight, or felted near the skin.
- The ears smell, look dirty, or the feathering is tangled.
- Hair is covering the eyes.
- Your puppy is in coat change and matting faster than you can keep up.
- It has been more than eight weeks since the last haircut.
A full groom at Brooklyn Pet Spa includes a shampoo and conditioning, a blow dry, nail clipping and filing, ear cleaning, a dental inspection, and a haircut in your chosen style. If the coat is heavily matted, a shorter cut is often the safest and kindest option so the coat can grow back healthy. We are a cage-free salon and take our time with nervous dogs, including keeping the dryer at a comfortable distance.
Cavapoo Grooming Cost in Brooklyn
Cavapoos are not listed as a separate breed on our dog grooming breed rates page, because coat type and size vary so much from dog to dog. We quote each Cavapoo based on:
- Size and weight. Listed rates start with the smallest dogs and go up as size increases.
- Coat type and style. Curly coats and longer cuts take more time to wash, dry, and scissor.
- Matting. A matted coat takes longer and can change the price, which is one more reason to stay on a regular schedule.
- Service. A full haircut and bath package, a groomer’s bath, and a Wash N Go are priced differently.
- Temperament. Dogs who need a slower pace or extra breaks may need more time.
Most grooming visits take 2 to 4 hours depending on size and coat condition. For an exact quote, call us or book online.
At-Home Cavapoo Grooming Checklist
- Brush three to four times a week, daily for curly coats and puppies in coat change.
- Line brush to the skin and finish with a metal comb.
- Check ears weekly and clean with a vet-approved cleaner.
- Wipe eyes daily and keep the face dry.
- Brush teeth a few times a week.
- Trim nails every three to four weeks and wipe paws after walks.
- Book a professional groom every four to eight weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a Cavapoo be groomed?
Every four to eight weeks for a full groom, with brushing at home several times a week. Curly coats do best closer to every four to six weeks.
How often should I clean my Cavapoo’s ears?
Check them weekly and clean when you see wax or dirt, plus after baths or swimming. Always use a vet-approved cleaner and never push anything into the ear canal.
What is the best haircut for a Cavapoo?
The teddy bear cut is the most popular. A short puppy cut is the easiest to maintain, and many owners keep the ears longer for a Cavalier-style look.
Do Cavapoos shed?
Most shed very little, especially wavy and curly coats. Flat-coated Cavapoos may shed a bit more. All coat types need regular brushing to prevent mats.
When should a Cavapoo puppy get its first groom?
Many owners start with a short, gentle introduction visit once the puppy’s vaccinations are complete, then build up to a full haircut as the coat grows.
What is the difference between a Cavapoo teddy bear cut and a puppy cut?
A teddy bear cut keeps the body at an even medium length with a round, fluffy face. A puppy cut is shorter all over, usually about an inch or less, and is easier to maintain.
Can I groom my Cavapoo at home?
You can handle brushing, ear checks, face wiping, and paw care at home. A professional groom every four to eight weeks takes care of the haircut, bath, drying, and mats.
How much does Cavapoo grooming cost in Brooklyn?
Cost depends on size, coat type, condition, and the service you choose. Cavapoos are quoted individually at Brooklyn Pet Spa, so call us or request a quote when you book.
Ready for a soft, tangle-free Cavapoo with clean, healthy ears? Book a grooming appointment at Brooklyn Pet Spa or call us at +1 (718) 768-0293. We are a cage-free salon serving Brooklyn since 2008.
