Oodles
Cavoodle Grooming Guide: How Often, Brushing and How to Stop Matting
That soft, fluffy Cavoodle coat is gorgeous, and it tangles faster than you'd think. Here's how often to groom, how to brush properly and where mats love to hide.
Cavoodles are one of Sydney's favourite family dogs, and it's easy to see why. But that soft, teddy-bear coat comes with a catch: it doesn't shed much, so the hair keeps growing and it tangles easily. A good routine keeps your Cavoodle comfortable, cute and mat-free.
Why Cavoodle coats need regular grooming
Cavoodle coats vary a lot, from loose waves to tight curls, depending on the mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle. Most are low-shedding. Instead of falling out, loose hair gets caught in the rest of the coat, and that's how tangles and mats form if the coat isn't brushed and trimmed regularly.
How often should a Cavoodle be groomed?
- Professional groom: every 4 to 8 weeks is typical. Curlier coats and longer styles usually need the shorter end of that range.
- Brushing at home: several times a week, and daily for curly coats or longer styles.
- Bathing: when needed, or at the groomer. Always brush out tangles before a bath, because water tightens mats.
How to brush a Cavoodle properly
The most common mistake is brushing the top of the coat only. It looks fluffy on the surface while mats build up underneath. Here's the right way:
- Use a slicker brush and work in small sections, lifting the hair and brushing from the skin outwards.
- Follow with a metal comb. If the comb glides through to the skin, that section is done. If it snags, go back with the brush.
- Be gentle. Brushing too hard in one spot can irritate the skin.
- Keep sessions short and positive, with treats. A few minutes a day beats a long battle once a week.
Matting hotspots to check
- Behind and under the ears
- The armpits and inside the legs
- Under the collar or harness
- The tail and around the bottom
- Between the toes and around the paws
The puppy coat change
Many oodles go through a coat change as their puppy coat is replaced by their adult coat, often somewhere between about 6 and 12 months of age. During this time the coat can mat much faster than usual. It's a great time to increase brushing and book regular grooms.
What if my Cavoodle is already matted?
Small tangles can often be brushed out. Tight mats close to the skin are a different story: brushing them out can hurt, and mats can trap moisture against the skin. In that case, a shorter clip is often the kindest option, and the coat can then be grown back and kept on top of. Let us know about any matting when you book, so we can assess it and talk you through the best option for your dog's comfort.
Choosing a style
Teddy bear cut? Puppy cut? Something longer? Our guide to Cavoodle and Groodle grooming styles explains the most popular options and how to ask for what you want.
We groom Cavoodles, Groodles, Spoodles, Maltese and other fluffy breeds at our salon in Brighton-Le-Sands. See our oodle grooming service to find out more.
Need a hand with your Cavoodle's coat?
We're at 287 Bay Street, Brighton-Le-Sands, open 7 days, 9am to 4pm.
Quick answers
How often should a Cavoodle be groomed?
Every 4 to 8 weeks is typical for a professional groom, with brushing at home several times a week, or daily for curly coats and longer styles.
What brush is best for a Cavoodle?
A slicker brush to work through the coat in small sections, followed by a metal comb to check you have reached the skin.
Why is my Cavoodle suddenly matting more?
Many oodles go through a coat change from puppy to adult coat, often between about 6 and 12 months, when the coat mats much more easily. Brushing more often and booking regular grooms helps.
