Grooming a Cockapoo-Like Spaniel

A cockapoo-like spaniel, referred to simply as a cockapoo, is a cross-breed between a miniature poodle and an English or American cocker spaniel. Sometimes this dog is bred with regular-sized poodles which will increase its size and weight. Despite their various color patterns and styles, cockapoo's have curly hair that must be brushed and groomed regularly.

  1. Brushing Techniques

    • While regular brushing is an essential part of properly grooming your Cockapoo, it is important that you use a technique that will not cause damage to your dog's coat. Brushing over the top coat is a common mistake made by dog owners. It can leave your dog's undercoat untouched for weeks or even months. As a result, mats and knots form in the undercoat, forcing you or a professional to cut and thin out these knots. Brushing the undercoat on a daily basis will help keep your cockapoo's coat healthy and tangle-free. In addition, after a regular brushing, combing out the hair with a steel comb will help further prevent tangels.

    Ear Maintenance

    • In addition to brushing, regular ear maintenance for your cockapoo will help prevent infections and keep your dog's ears clean. Stick cotton balls into the tops of the ear canals to help seal out any unwanted moisture during bathing. After a bath, use the cotton balls to clean out ear wax and additional dirt that has collected in the ears to help your dog avoid ear problems. In addition, fast-drying ear cleaner will help clean the region without locking in wetness.

    Staining

    • Due to natural food consumption and the long hair surrounding your cockapoo's mouth, staining will often result in a discoloration around the mouth of your dog. While the hair in this region can be trimmed to minimize the effect of the staining, certain stain removal products, such as Diamond, can be used to lighten up and reduce the effects of these stains. Simply apply the product after bathing or grooming your dog, to either the food stains or tear stains near your cockapoo's eyes. Let sit for several minutes before rinsing dry.

    Teeth-Cleaning

    • Teeth-cleaning is an essential, but often overlooked part of dog grooming. Cockapoos are especially prone to bad teeth as they age. Providing your cockapoo with an assortment of bones and teeth cleaning treats will help maintain the strength of your dog's teeth. In addition, using a tooth scaler on occasion will help you remove unwanted tarter and plaque from your dog's teeth. A yearly cleaning from a professional will also help maintain your dog's gum quality and overall health.