🐾 Cavapoo & Cavachon Coat Care

How to Care for Your Cavapoo or Cavachon’s Coat: Expert Tips for a Happy, Mat-Free Puppy

If you’ve ever run your fingers through a Cavapoo or Cavachon’s silky coat, you already know—it’s one of their most irresistible features. But with that fluffy perfection comes a little responsibility. And if you’re not prepared, that adorable puppy coat can quickly turn into a tangled mess.

Don’t worry—I’ve helped hundreds of new puppy parents learn to groom with confidence, and I’ll walk you through exactly what your puppy needs to stay clean, soft, and mat-free.

Whether you’re team Cavachon or Cavapoo, this guide will help you understand how to care for that sweet, snuggly coat from the day you bring your puppy home.

Understanding the Coat Types

Both Cavapoos and Cavachons are low- to non-shedding breeds, which is great news for your furniture—and for allergy-prone family members. But not all coats are the same.

• Cavapoos often have curlier, more Poodle-like coats. These are beautiful but require more frequent brushing to avoid mats, especially behind the ears and under the legs.

• Cavachons usually have a wavier, silkier texture thanks to their Bichon heritage, but I have seen an extra curly coat here and there. My Hastings started out nearly stick straight in his coat style, even I never dreamed he would have such curls as an adult but he is gorgeous and doesn’t shed a bit. The Cavachon coat is a touch easier to brush through, but still benefits from regular upkeep.

Like my Hastings, who is a tricolor Cavachon, your puppy’s coat will continue to change over the first year, becoming denser and more prone to tangles as the adult coat grows in.

The Golden Rule: Brush Often, Gently, and Early

One of the best things you can do for your puppy is to make brushing a positive, regular experience from day one. Even if your pup doesn’t need a full brushing yet, building the habit is key.

Start with:

• A soft slicker brush

• A stainless steel comb (for deeper areas)

• Gentle, short sessions (2–5 minutes)

Always brush down to the skin, especially in the "tangle zones": underarms, neck, ears, and hind legs.

Bathing Tips for Fluffy Friends

Puppies don’t need frequent baths—every 4 to 6 weeks is typically enough unless they get into mischief.

Use:

• A gentle puppy shampoo

• Lukewarm water

• A thorough rinse (any residue can cause itching)

Blow drying on low heat and brushing while drying helps prevent mats from forming as the coat dries.

When to See a Groomer

Plan to schedule your puppy’s first professional groom around 16 weeks—after vaccines but while your puppy is still impressionable and open to new experiences. A skilled groomer will:

• Trim the face, feet, and sanitary areas

• Gently introduce clippers and dryers

• Offer feedback on coat condition

After that, every 6–8 weeks is a good grooming schedule to maintain that sweet teddy bear look.

Thoughts from Terry

A well-groomed Cavapoo or Cavachon isn’t just beautiful—it’s more comfortable, healthier, and easier to live with.

And trust me—your future self will thank you when brushing time is a sweet bonding ritual instead of a wrestling match.

Need help picking brushes, combs, or shampoo? I’ve put together a list of my favorite coat care tools in the Puppy Thrive Essentials Guide.