The short answer
Brush a Cavapoo several times a week down to the skin with a slicker brush and metal comb; curly coats may need daily attention. Book a groomer every several weeks for a trim, often a short teddy bear cut. Check ears weekly and keep them dry, especially after baths and swimming. Never bathe a matted coat, and trim nails regularly.
Why Cavapoo coats vary
A Cavapoo is a cross between two very different coats. The Canadian Kennel Club describes the Cavalier’s coat as long, silky and possibly slightly wavy, with feathering on the ears, legs, feet and tail, needing only brushing. The CKC describes the Miniature Poodle coat as curly, harsh and dense, with grooming it calls an acquired art.
Your Cavapoo may land anywhere between the two. Wavy and curly coats tangle easily because loose hair gets caught instead of falling out.
Brushing to prevent mats
Line brushing reaches the skin, where mats start:
- Part the coat and brush small sections outwards from the skin.
- Follow with a metal comb; if it catches, you have found a tangle.
- Check behind the ears, the armpits, harness and collar lines, belly and back legs.
- Brush before any bath, because water tightens mats.
- Keep sessions short and rewarding so grooming stays easy for life.
Browse adoptable Cavapoos
Ask the rescue what the dog’s coat is like and how it handles brushing, nail trims and the groomer.
See Available Cavapoos →Trims and the groomer
Most Cavapoo owners book a professional trim every several weeks. A short, even teddy bear cut is easy to maintain at home and handles snow, salt and burrs well. If a coat is heavily matted, shaving down and starting again is kinder than a painful dematting session.
Floppy ears
Long, hairy ears trap moisture. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that ear shape can make some dogs more prone to outer ear infections, and advises keeping canals dry, avoiding water in the ears during baths, and asking your vet before removing hair near the canal.
Check ears weekly for redness, smell, discharge or head shaking, and see a vet promptly if you find any. If your vet recommends routine cleaning, follow a method like VCA’s ear-cleaning steps, and never use cotton swabs in the canal.
Eyes, nails and teeth
Wipe the eye area with a damp cloth to manage tear staining, trim nails every few weeks, keep the hair between the paw pads short, and brush teeth often. Small dogs are prone to dental disease; see our Cavapoo health guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do Cavapoos shed?
It depends on the coat. Curlier coats shed less visibly but mat more; silkier Cavalier-type coats shed more and tangle less.
How often should I brush a Cavapoo?
Several times a week down to the skin, and daily for curly or fleece coats.
How often does a Cavapoo need a groomer?
Most need a professional trim every several weeks.
What haircut is best for a Cavapoo?
A short, even teddy bear cut is the easiest to maintain at home.
Why does my Cavapoo get ear infections?
Floppy, hairy ears trap moisture, and ear shape is a known risk factor. Keep ears dry and see a vet for redness, smell or scratching.
Can I shave a matted Cavapoo?
Let a groomer do it. Shaving down is often kinder than brushing out heavy mats.
Sources
- Canadian Kennel Club: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: long silky coat with feathering; brushing only
- Canadian Kennel Club: Poodle (Miniature): curly, harsh, dense coat; demanding grooming
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Ear Infections and Otitis Externa in Dogs: ear shape as risk factor; keep ears dry; consult vet before removing hair
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Ear Cleaning in Dogs: cleaning steps; no cotton swabs
General information, not veterinary advice. Red, sore or smelly skin or ears need a vet, not just a groom.
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