Is There a Grooming Standard for Cockapoos?

Cockapoos are a type of dog created by mixing a poodle with a cocker spaniel; the resulting puppies retain traits of both breeds. Each puppy may exhibit different combinations of traits; some cockapoos have a curly poodle coat, some have a longer coat. Due to this, there are no set breed standards for how a cockapoo's groomer should cut their coat. However, there are standards of grooming cockapoos require for their health.

  1. Coat

    • A cockapoo puppy may have long, wavy fur like a cocker spaniel, short curly fur like a poodle or a mix of the two. Many possible coat types and colors exist and puppies in a litter may look very different. Longer haired cockapoos require regular trimming to prevent their hair from becoming a nuisance. All cockapoos require regular brushing to clean their coats and rid their fur of dander. Monthly dog baths are also important.

    Ears

    • Cockapoo puppies inherit long, floppy ears from both sides of their families. Poodles and cocker spaniels have long ears, and cocker spaniels' ears are covered in thick fur. When grooming a cockapoo, its ears must be carefully groomed to ensure its health. Trimming the fur in a cockapoo's ears can prevent ear infections and ear mites. However, its ears are sensitive, so it should only be trimmed by a careful professional to prevent skin irritation.

    Eyes

    • Poodles have short fur that stays in tight curls; their fur does not block their eyes or impede their vision. However, cocker spaniels have medium length to long fur, which can hang in front of their eyes, effectively blinding them. Cockapoos usually have fur that blocks their vision to some extent due to their cocker spaniel lineage. Cockapoo groomers must trim the fur around their eyes carefully; this reveals a cockapoo's distinct, alert eyes.

    Mats

    • Cockapoos inherit a thick under coat beneath the top layer of their fur from their cocker spaniel parent. Poodle fur is curly and sometimes this blends with the cocker spaniel genes to create an extremely thick, easily tangled undercoat. To prevent a cockapoo's fur from matting, combing through the undercoat regularly is essential. Mats are created by tangled fur and can wear sores into a dog's skin. Combing after each brushing is important.