There are various different cockapoo coat types.
How do I know? Well, let’s just say I have put in the research.
I have a cockapoo (Bailey), and I’ve learned firsthand how coat type impacts everything from appearance to grooming needs.
If you are considering getting a cockapoo yourself naturally, you probably want to know for yourself.
What coat types are possible; what this will mean for you and your prospective new dog.
So today, I’d like to walk you through the unique properties, care needs, and styling considerations for the different cockapoo coat types.
My goal is to provide the information I wish I had before I began researching and preparing for Bailey.
Here is all my research pulled together in one place, so you can find the perfect cockapoo coat type to suit your preferences and needs.
What Are The Cockapoo Coat Types?
There are three cockapoo coat types; curly, wavy and straight. Each coat looks distinctively different and has different grooming needs and requirements.
Curly Coat
Curly Coat Characteristics
Curly-coated Cockapoos typically inherit their coat type from the Poodle parent.
This coat type is dense and has tight curls.
The texture of the coat is usually soft but can vary.
Curly coats are less prone to shedding, making them a suitable option for allergy sufferers.
Curly Coat Grooming And Care Needs
Curly coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Brushing every other day and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is advisable.
Owners should also pay attention to keeping the coat clean and dry, particularly in humid weather, to avoid skin infections.
Regular ear checks and cleaning are essential due to the curly hair around the ears, which can trap moisture.
Wavy Coat
Wavy Coat Characteristics
The wavy or ‘shaggy’ coat is a common type among Cockapoos and is a mix between the curly coat of the Poodle and the straighter coat of the Cocker Spaniel.
This coat type is usually low to non-shedding and has a plush, textured appearance.
Wavy Coat Care And Grooming Needs
Wavy coats necessitate regular brushing, at least twice a week, to prevent tangling and matting.
Trimming every couple of months can help maintain a manageable coat length.
Like the curly coat, wavy-coated Cockapoos also benefit from regular ear cleaning and checks.
The application of a quality canine conditioner can maintain the coat’s plush texture.
Straight Coat
Straight Coat Characteristics
Straight-coated Cockapoos usually inherit more traits from the Cocker Spaniel parent.
This coat type is silkier and can be prone to shedding.
It’s less dense compared to curly and wavy coats, giving it a sleeker appearance.
Straight Coat Care And Grooming Needs
Straight coats require regular brushing, preferably daily, to avoid knots and to remove loose hairs.
This coat type may benefit from frequent grooming sessions to avoid the accumulation of dirt and to maintain a healthy shine.
Regular baths with a suitable dog shampoo are necessary to keep the coat clean and healthy.
Regular check-ups for ear infections or parasites are also essential, especially for those with longer hair around the ears.
Puppy Coat to Adult Coat Transition
Cockapoo owners often marvel at the silky softness of their puppy’s coat, but it’s crucial to understand that a Cockapoo’s coat can undergo significant changes as it transitions from puppyhood to adulthood.
This transition usually occurs between the ages of 6 to 12 months but can vary depending on the individual dog.
Initial Puppy Coat
Cockapoo puppies are generally born with a soft, fluffy coat that is fairly manageable.
This coat is usually uniform in texture, but the curl pattern may not be as defined.
Puppy coats are more prone to matting due to their fine texture.
Transition Phase
As Cockapoos mature, their soft puppy coat starts to be replaced by a more textured adult coat.
During this time, owners may notice increased matting, and shedding, as the denser adult coat pushes through.
The transition phase requires diligent grooming to manage the changing coat and to avoid severe matting and discomfort.
Adult Coat
Once the adult coat comes in, it can be curly, wavy, or straight, with variations in density and texture.
It will typically be more coarse and resilient than the puppy coat.
The final characteristics of an adult Cockapoo’s coat will depend largely on the genetic influence of the parent breeds, as Poodle genes often contribute to a curlier coat, while Cocker Spaniel genes may lead to a wavier or straighter coat.
Do Cockapoos Have a Double Coat?
Cockapoos can have a double coat, but not always. This is more common when the Cockapoo has inherited more traits from the Cocker Spaniel parent. A double coat consists of a denser undercoat beneath a longer topcoat.
Cockapoos with a double coat have a layer of shorter, softer, and denser fur underneath their outer coat.
This undercoat serves as insulation, providing protection against extreme weather conditions, both hot and cold.
The outer coat is typically longer, coarser, and serves as a shield against dirt, moisture, and UV rays. T
he presence of a double coat can be determined at an early age, and it usually requires more grooming compared to a single coat due to the increased likelihood of matting and tangling.
It’s essential for owners to regularly groom Cockapoos with a double coat to prevent matting, remove loose hairs, and ensure the undercoat is properly maintained.
During the shedding season, more frequent grooming sessions may be needed to manage the increased shedding of the undercoat.
What Factors Determine a Cockapoo’s Coat Type?
Genetics
The primary factor that determines a Cockapoo’s coat type is genetics.
A Cockapoo inherits genes from both its Cocker Spaniel and Poodle parents, which influence the texture, length, curl pattern, and color of the coat.
For instance, if a Cockapoo inherits more genes related to the Poodle’s coat, it’s more likely to have a curly or wavy coat.
Conversely, the influence of Cocker Spaniel genes may lead to a straighter, silkier coat.
In terms of colors, Cockapoos can range from golden to black to merle!
Generation
The generation of the Cockapoo also plays a role in determining coat type.
F1 Cockapoos are first-generation dogs, a direct mix of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, and they often exhibit a wide range of coat types due to the equal contribution of genes from each parent.
F1b Cockapoos, a backcross between an F1 Cockapoo and a Poodle, tend to have more predictable, predominantly curly or wavy coats due to the higher Poodle gene contribution.
Similarly, further generations (F2, F2b, etc.) will have varying coat types based on their specific genetic makeup.
Finally
When it comes to Cockapoos, you must take coat type into consideration.
A Cockapoo’s fur can range from tight Poodle-esque curls to sleek Cocker Spaniel straightness, with many landing somewhere in between.
Each variety comes with its own styling needs – from regular brushing for waves to occasional trimming for straight coats.
Those with allergies should also be aware that curly coats tend to be the lowest shedding.
Think about your grooming commitments and preferences before deciding between a spiraled, shaggy, or silky coated Cockapoo.
The unique coat you end up with will not only impact maintenance needs, but also the overall look and feel of your Cockapoo’s adorable appearance.
So weigh your choices, then be willing to embrace the wonderful curliness, waviness, or straightness of your dogs coat!
FAQs
Do cockapoos shed?
Cockapoos can shed, but typically to a lesser extent, thanks to Poodle genetics. The degree of shedding varies with the coat type; curly coats shed the least, straight coats may shed more, and wavy coats are in between. Regular grooming helps in managing shedding effectively.
When Does a Cockapoo’s Adult Coat Come In?
A Cockapoo’s adult coat typically starts coming in between 6 to 12 months of age. This period can vary, and during this time, the puppy’s softer coat transitions to a coarser, denser adult coat, which can be curly, wavy, or straight.
At what age do Cockapoo coats change?
Cockapoo coats start changing around the age of 6 to 12 months. This transition period sees the puppy’s soft, fluffy coat change to its adult texture, which could be curly, wavy, or straight, and it often requires increased grooming attention.
How Often Should You Bathe and Brush a Cockapoo?
Cockapoos should be brushed every other day to prevent matting and tangling, especially those with curly or wavy coats. Bathing is typically recommended every 4-6 weeks, but it can vary based on the dog’s lifestyle, activity level, and individual grooming needs.
Related guides you may want to read:
- Best Brush For Cockapoo [I Sourced This Brush For My Dog]
- Do Cockapoos Shed? [What To Expect & Tips When Grooming]
I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.