Grooming Styles for Cockapoos

This style is a very common choice for cockapoos that have a coat with tightly curled hair that resembles a poodle’s coat. To give these dogs the unmistakable cockapoo look, cut the coat moderately short, about an inch or two long, and fluff it out with a blow dryer so that the hair stands out from the body. Round the topknot and shape the hair on the ears so that they are well covered but the hair follows the natural curve of the ear flap. This style is sometimes referred to as the teddy bear clip, because the dog ends up looking like a soft, cuddly plush toy.

Cockapoos with either tightly curled coats or wavy coats can look very elegant if you let their coats grow out and hang naturally. Stray hairs that stick out around the face and ears are often trimmed, but for the most part this style is strictly hands-off as far as clipping goes. Such coats require a great deal of care, and you will need to spend a lot of time with a rake or wide-toothed comb if you choose this look for your dog.

Straight-coated cockapoos take after the cocker spaniel side of the family as far as their coats go, and these dogs typically don’t need fancy clips to make them look good. Most of the time this style calls for a trim above the eyes to keep their hair from hanging down too far, and some trimming around the mouth, especially underneath, so that they don’t always have dirty or wet faces. They need to be brushed several times a week, and if their hair grows too long it should be trimmed, but this is usually not a problem. You will need to pay attention to the feathers on the back of their legs, since this is a common place for mats, and trimming the feathers will minimize this problem and gives the dogs a neat appearance.

Some cockapoo owners like to have their dogs groomed to look like poodles, something that is easily done with dogs that have a tightly curled coat. For this look, trim the dog’s body fairly short and shave the hair on the face so that the muzzle is smooth. Leave the hair on the ears full, but round them at the bottom. To complete the poodle look, clip the hair short on the base of the dog’s tail and scissor the hair on the end of the tail into a pompom. While some people like this look, others claim that it makes their cockapoos look like something they are not, and so these owners prefer one of the other grooming styles.

Your Cockapoo's Health Concerns

The Cockapoo is a cross breed dog. It’s a mixture of an American or English Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. They are regarded as healthy, well-tempered dogs without many serious health problems. As with many dog breeds, however, they can develop luxating patella, a problem of the knee joint. In addition, the Cockapoo is prone to several eye disorders, including progressive retinal atrophy. The breed is a long lived one, with typical life spans of 15 to 18 years.

Primary Health Conditions of the Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is not subject to the many of the genetic or acquired health problems associated with many purebred dogs. Luxating patella, a disease in which the knee becomes loose and wobbling is one of the few common ailments that troubles this breed. This can be treated with surgery, although choosing a breeder that screens for the inheritable condition is the best prevention. The Cockapoo can also be prone to progressive retinal atrophy, in which the retina deteriorates over several years. The disease can lead to vision difficulties and blindness. Again, proper breeding is key to prevention.

Secondary Health Conditions of the Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is known for its soft, floppy ears, a characteristic that makes it a favorite lapdog. However, as with many dog breeds with ears of this type, the Cockapoo can develop ear problems including ear mites, bacterial infections, and yeast infections. The ears should be cleaned weekly, with greater attention given if problems develop. Simple treatments for ear infections are available from the veterinarian. Some dogs of  this breed also develop hyperthyroidism, or underproduction of the thyroid hormone. Be alert to lethargy and extensive hair loss. Treatment is by oral hormone administration, via daily pills.

Cockapoo Exercise and Walking Needs

The Cockapoo needs a moderate level of activity, both to maintain proper weight and keep it from becoming restless. Long walks are usually not necessary; the exercise the Cockapoo gets from playing in the house or yard is often sufficient. The Cockapoo is a social dog, and will enjoy playing with other dogs in the park. When the Cockapoo is left alone without attention from its owners it can develop separation anxiety, leading to destructiveness and excessive barking.

Cockapoo Nutritional Needs

The easy going Cockapoo will accept many types of dog food, although, as with any dog, a high quality food will help to maintain health and increase lifespan. This small dog needs only ¼ to ¾ a cup of food a day, depending on its age and activity level. Twice daily feedings are the ideal.

More on Grooming Your Cockapoo

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Cat And Dog Grooming Supplies
Skin And Coat Care: A Pet Parent's Guide