Cockapoos are one of the most popular mixed breeds in Brooklyn. A cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, they are friendly, sized for apartment life, and usually low-shedding. That soft, wavy or curly coat is a big part of their appeal, but it also mats quickly if it is not brushed and trimmed on a regular schedule. At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a full Cockapoo groom starts at $88. This guide covers Cockapoo coat types, how to prevent matting, popular haircuts like the teddy bear cut, ear care, and what to expect at the groomer.
Understanding the Cockapoo Coat
Because the Cockapoo is a mix, there is no single coat type. Most fall into one of three groups:
- Straight or flat coat: Closer to the Cocker Spaniel side. Silky, may shed a little more, and tends to tangle around the ears and legs.
- Wavy or loose-curl coat: The most common Cockapoo coat. Soft, fluffy, and low-shedding, with a “shaggy” look when it grows out.
- Tight curly coat: Closer to the Poodle side. Very low shedding, but loose hair gets trapped in the curls, so it mats the fastest of the three.
Puppy coats also change. Many Cockapoos go through a coat transition somewhere between about 6 and 12 months, when the soft puppy fluff is replaced by the adult coat. This is often when owners first notice mats appearing almost overnight.
Do Cockapoos Shed?
Most Cockapoos shed very little, which is why they are popular with people who do not want hair on the sofa. But “low shedding” does not mean “low maintenance.” The hair that does fall out often stays caught in the coat instead of landing on the floor. If it is not brushed out, that trapped hair twists together with the living coat and forms mats.
Quick answer: Cockapoos are generally low shedding, but their coats need regular brushing and a professional haircut every four to eight weeks to prevent mats.
How to Brush a Cockapoo and Prevent Mats
For most Cockapoos, brushing three to four times a week is the minimum. Curly coats, and dogs going through the puppy-to-adult coat change, often need daily brushing.
- Use the right tools. A slicker brush for the body and a metal comb to check your work. If the comb glides through to the skin, you are done. If it catches, keep brushing.
- Line brush. Hold the coat up with one hand and brush small sections down from the skin outward. Brushing only the top layer leaves mats hidden underneath.
- Check the friction spots. Behind and under the ears, armpits, collar and harness area, belly, inner thighs, and tail are where mats start first.
- Brush before bathing. Water tightens tangles, so always brush out the coat before it gets wet.
- Dry completely. A damp, curly coat mats faster than a dry one. After rainy walks or baths, dry and brush the coat fully.
If you find a mat, do not try to cut it out with scissors. Mats sit very close to the skin, and it is easy to cut your dog by accident. Gently work small tangles apart with your fingers and a comb, and leave larger mats to a groomer. Our article on when pets need dematting help fast explains what to do when the coat gets out of hand.
Popular Cockapoo Haircuts
The right cut depends on how much brushing you can realistically do each week.
Teddy Bear Cut
The most requested Cockapoo cut. The body is trimmed to an even, medium length, and the face is scissored round and soft so your dog looks like a stuffed animal. It is cute and manageable for owners who brush a few times a week.
Puppy Cut (Short All Over)
The coat is cut short and even over the whole body, usually around one inch or less. This is the easiest option for busy households, active dogs, or summer, and it is a good “reset” after matting.
Lamb Cut
Shorter on the body, a little fuller on the legs. It looks tidy and keeps some of the fluffy Cockapoo character on the legs and head.
Longer Natural Shag
A light trim that keeps the coat long and shaggy. It looks great but needs the most brushing, often daily, to stay mat-free.
Many Cockapoo owners also follow grooming advice written for doodles, because the coat care is similar. Our doodle grooming tips cover cuts and tools that also work for Cockapoos.
Cockapoo Ear Care
Cockapoos inherit long, floppy, hairy ears from the Cocker Spaniel side. That shape traps moisture and warmth, which makes ear infections a common problem. Build ear checks into your weekly routine:
- Look inside for redness, dark wax, or discharge, and sniff for a sour or yeasty smell.
- Clean only the visible part of the ear with a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton pad. Never push anything deep into the canal.
- Dry the ears after baths, swimming, or rainy walks.
- Keep the hair on the underside of the ear flap trimmed to improve airflow.
Head shaking, scratching at the ears, or a strong odor are signs to see your vet.
Eyes, Nails, and Paws
Hair around the eyes can poke into them and cause tear staining. Ask your groomer to keep the area between the eyes trimmed clear, and wipe the corners of the eyes daily with a damp cloth.
Trim nails every three to four weeks, or whenever you hear them clicking on the floor. Keep the hair between the paw pads short. In Brooklyn winters, long paw hair collects ice balls and road salt. In fall, it picks up leaves and burrs from Prospect Park.
How Often Does a Cockapoo Need a Groomer?
Most Cockapoos need a full professional groom every four to eight weeks. Curly coats and longer styles should be on the shorter end of that range. Shorter puppy cuts can stretch closer to eight weeks.
Start grooming visits early. A short, positive first visit helps a Cockapoo puppy get used to the dryer, the table, and having its feet and face handled. See what happens at your puppy’s first grooming appointment for how to prepare.
When to See a Professional Groomer
Book a professional appointment when:
- You find mats you cannot comb out, especially behind the ears or in the armpits.
- The coat feels tight or felted close to the skin.
- Hair is covering your dog’s eyes.
- The ears smell or the hair around them is tangled.
- Your Cockapoo is going through the puppy coat change and matting faster than you can keep up.
- It has been more than eight weeks since the last haircut.
A professional groom at Brooklyn Pet Spa includes shampoo and conditioning, a blow dry, nail clipping and filing, ear cleaning, a dental inspection, and a haircut in the style you choose. When a coat is heavily matted, the safest and kindest option is often a shorter cut so the coat can grow back healthy. Our groomers will talk you through it before starting.
Cockapoo Grooming Cost in Brooklyn
These are Brooklyn Pet Spa starting prices from our dog grooming breed rates page. Final pricing depends on size, coat condition, matting, and temperament.
| Service | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Grooming haircut + bath package | $88+ |
| Groomer’s bath | $58+ |
| Wash N Go | $43+ |
Regular appointments are the best way to keep costs predictable. A matted coat takes longer and may cost more than a well-kept one. A grooming visit typically takes 2 to 4 hours.
At-Home Cockapoo Grooming Checklist
- Brush three to four times a week, or daily for curly coats.
- Line brush down to the skin and check with a metal comb.
- Check behind the ears, armpits, and harness area for mats.
- Clean and dry the ears weekly.
- Wipe the eyes daily and trim nails every three to four weeks.
- Book a professional groom every four to eight weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a Cockapoo be groomed?
Every four to eight weeks for a full professional groom, with brushing at home several times a week.
What is the best haircut for a Cockapoo?
The teddy bear cut is the most popular. A shorter puppy cut is easier to maintain for busy owners or active dogs.
Why does my Cockapoo mat so much?
Loose hair gets trapped in the wavy or curly coat instead of falling out. Friction from collars, harnesses, and lying down adds to it. Line brushing down to the skin is the best prevention.
When should a Cockapoo puppy have its first groom?
Many owners start with a short, gentle introduction visit once the puppy has had its vaccinations, then build up to a full haircut as the coat grows.
Do Cockapoos need their ears cleaned?
Yes. Their floppy, hairy ears trap moisture, so weekly checks and gentle cleaning help prevent infections.
How much does Cockapoo grooming cost in Brooklyn?
At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a full Cockapoo groom starts at $88, a groomer’s bath at $58, and a Wash N Go at $43. Matted coats may cost more.
Ready for a fresh, fluffy, mat-free Cockapoo? 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.
