When it comes to choosing the best brush for Cockapoo, we have to admit, it can get a bit overwhelming. With so many options available on the market, where do you begin? In this article, we’ve lined up the absolute best dog brushes that are essential for your at-home Cockapoo grooming kit. We’ll also be sharing with you our best kept Cockapoo grooming secrets, tips, and tricks. Let’s get started!
Types Of Popular Cockapoo Brushes
Diving head first to the endless selection of dog brushes can, understandably, leave us quite overwhelmed. It seems that there’s a different brush for everything and anything. For Doodles, the best brushes are typically slicker or pin brushes. And let’s not forget, a high-quality comb. Let’s have a closer look at the most popular Cockapoo brushes and what each of them does.
Slicker brushes are hugely popular for a good reason. These brushes have a wide rectangular paddle with densely packed bristles or pins, and a comfortable handle so you can cover all of those large areas on your Doodle. It’s such a multifunctional tool, as it can help with deshedding, and removing knots, tangles, and dirt.
Another great choice for Cockapoos is the pin brush. Similar to the most standard hair brushes that we use, pin brushes are usually oval-shaped and with wider-set pins. For an extra layer of protection, the pins come with either polished ends or soft rubber tips so you won’t hurt your pup as easily. Although pin brushes are great for removing loose hair and dirt from the fur, they’re usually not as effective on tightly-curled hair.
Last, but not least, every Cockapoo grooming kit should include a high-quality metal comb. This is yet another basic-looking tool that’s very similar to the ones that people use. Metal combs are great for targeting those hard-to-reach areas like paws, around the face, ears, or armpits. You can also use a metal comb to get rid of any stubborn knots and tangles in your Cockapoo’s coat.
What Is The Best Cockapoo Brush Type To Use?
When choosing the best brush for Cockapoo, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, we need to understand the different types of Cockapoo coats. A dog’s coat type can tell us a lot about its maintenance requirements. Some brushes work great on most coat types, some brushes target more specific needs. Likewise, not all brushes work the same on all hair lengths. If your Doodle has very thick, long hair, you’re going to need a brush that can reach the hair throughout all of its length.
Additionally, for baby Cockapoos we recommend you use dog brushes specially designed for puppies. These brushes usually have smaller, softer bristles, and overall a smaller size for comfortable grooming. Keep in mind that a puppy’s skin is even more delicate, so using the correct tools is crucial. Also, a puppy’s hair won’t stay the same in adulthood, so you will most likely have to replace the brush once your Cockapoo has grown up.
Different Types Of Cockapoo Coats & The Best Brushes For Each Type
Being a hybrid cross of the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, Cockapoos can come in a spectrum of hair types and coats. What’s fun about Doodles is that we never know what we might get! A Cockapoo can either take after the Poodle parent with curly, thick hair, or resemble more of the Cocker Spaniel with soft, flat, and straight hair. Or they can fall somewhere in between with a wavy coat that’s not quite straight, but not curly either. Generally, Cockapoos can come in three main coat types – straight coat, wavy coat, and curly coat.
The straight coat, as you might guess, is mostly inherited from the Cocker Spaniel parent. This type of coat has a flat appearance and fine texture that’s soft to the touch. However, as the Cocker Spaniel genes are prominent in this coat type, we can expect there to be an undercoat. As Cockapoos with double coats tend to shed more, it’s important you help remove all the dead hair from your dog’s fur. For the straight coat, both pin brushes and slicker brushes are great for removing loose hair and keeping it looking silky and beautiful.
The wavy coat is a beautiful combination of the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel coats. As this type of coat is a mixture of both of the parent breeds, it might come with the Cocker Spaniel’s undercoat. For the wavy coat type, slicker brushes are amazing for reaching the loose hair underneath. However, the pin brush might be a better choice if your Cockapoo has longer and finer hair.
The curly coat most resembles the Poodle parent. It’s typically very low to non-shedding, as there’s no undercoat. However, curly hair tends to knot very easily, especially if your Cockapoo sports long curls. The hair texture is tougher, almost wiry. As a result, this coat type is more prone to matting. For curly-haired Cockapoos, slicker brushes are amazing for an all round grooming process. They’re great for gently detangling any knots, and can easily remove any dirt that’s stuck in the fur. For extra persistent tangles, reach for a metal comb.
The Best Brush For Cockapoo: Reviews
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
An absolute superstar in the dog brush world, the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is the new staple in your Cockapoo grooming kit. The brand is known for their high-quality, professional dog grooming tools, and Doodle owners cannot get enough of them.
Although not the cheapest option available on the market, the Big G Slicker Brush is well worth the price tag. Thanks to its sturdy and durable design, you’ll be using this brush on your Cockapoo for years to come.
If your Cockapoo has wiry, Poodle-like hair, you’ll find that the Big G Slicker Brush is amazing for taming those wild curls that tend to knot easily. You can also use this brush to fluff up the curls as the last step of the grooming routine. Even though it’s the most popular choice for curly-haired pups with single coats, it can also effectively de-shed loose hair from the bottom layers of the fur.
What’s especially great about this brush is that you won’t be spending hours and hours brushing your dog’s hair. With its densely-packed, long pins, it glides through all layers of the fur with ease. And thanks to the big paddle, covering large areas is a total breeze.
In addition, the Big G Slicker Brush is not only great for your pup’s coat and skin, it’s super easy and comfortable to use. The long handle provides the perfect support for your hand while you brush, and with the curved back you have more control over movement and direction. Indeed, we have to agree with what they say… This brush sure does the job in half the time.
Pros
- Covers large areas of fur
- Great for knots, tangles, and mats
- Comfortable to use
Cons
- Although more on the pricier side, this brush is a great investment that’s going to last you for a long time
Chris Christensen Oval (Or Oblong) Pin Brush
Another brush by Chris Christensen, the Oval Pin Brush (also available in oblong shape) has earned a reputation in the Cockapoo circles. With long steel pins and rounded tips, this brush is perfect for everyday grooming. Without any effort, this pin brush removes loose hair, dirt, and smaller knots from your Cockapoos hair. Meanwhile, it provides your pup the much needed massage therapy. Perfect for Doodles who otherwise would not sit still!
What we love about this pin brush is how comfortable it is to use thanks to the sturdy wooden handle. In fact, many Doodle owners prefer this type of handle placement over the slicker brushes. On the other hand, although this pin brush is great for preventing knots and tangles, it might not be as effective in dealing with already matted hair.
Cockapoo owners have reported that this brush is especially great for straight and wavy coat types that tend to have double coats. The long pins can reach your dog’s hair from the root and easily remove all the dead hair that might be stuck underneath all the layers. Similarly, it’s not the cheapest available option. However, as a one time investment, this brush has proven to be worth it.
Pros
- Super gentle on your dog’s skin
- Great for long, fine hair with an undercoat
Cons
- Might not be the best choice for Cockapoos with very knotted hair
Andis Steel Greyhound Comb
Lastly, an essential tool in your Cockapoo’s grooming kit is a high-quality metal comb. The Andis Steel Greyhound metal comb is amazing for all types of Cockapoo coats. Before moving in with a larger pin or slicker brush, this metal comb gets rid of all the stubborn knots and tangles hiding in your dog’s coat.
With its long stainless steel pins, it can even reach the bottom layers of the fur, making it an extremely versatile tool in your grooming kit. Whether you need to cover sensitive areas like the face and paws, or remove loose hair, dirt, and knots, this comb will get the job done. And for the finishing touch, you can use it to give your Cockapoo the ultimate fluffed-up look.
We have to admit, the design of this metal comb can look a bit intimidating at first. However, the pins come with rounded tips, which won’t cause your Doodle any harm. The metal comb has two sides – one with wider-set teeth, and another that’s narrower. Providing you even more versatility in just one grooming tool.
Pros
- High-quality, durable stainless steel comb
- The most versatile tool that’s suitable for all Cockapoo coat types
Cons
- Not as comfortable to use as the pin of slicker brushes
Other Brushes As Suggestions
Of course, when choosing the best brush for Cockapoo, it all comes down to your dog’s unique needs. For example, if your Cockapoo is not warming up to the idea of regular brushing, you might want to try a grooming glove. Grooming gloves tend to look less intimidating to dogs so this could be very helpful when your dog is still getting used to process. Grooming gloves are not as effective as slicker brushes, and they definitely cannot replace a stainless steel comb. However, they can still get the job done while giving your dog a relaxing massage.
Additionally, for Cockapoos with straight to wavy hair, a bristle brush can be a great everyday tool to keep that coat looking silky and luscious. But for curly-coated pups, bristle brushes are usually not the best choice.
How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Cockapoo Can Help Prevent Matting?
One of the best kept Cockapoo grooming secrets is to brush them daily. This will help prevent matting, as your pup won’t have to go through the whole ordeal of uncomfortable knots in their coat (or ultimately, shaving). Dealing with tangles and knots early on is the best way to prevent matting.
Of course, not all brushes work the same on all Cockapoo coat types. Keep in mind your dog’s coat type, and choose a brush that will get the job done. And as you will (ideally) be using it daily, it only makes sense to invest in a quality tool that will last you for a while.
How Often Do You Have To Groom A Cockapoo?
We cannot stress enough how daily brushing can drastically improve your dog’s hair and skin health. Daily brushing would be best, but if that’s not possible, aim for at least 4-5 times a week.
Generally, Cockapoos with very curly hair are most prone to knots and matting, especially if their hair is at full length. On the other hand, Cockapoos with wavy or straight coat types tend to get less tangles so you might get away with 3-4 brushing sessions a week. However, brushing is the easiest way to prevent any knots and mats from forming in the first place. And you’ll most likely find it easier to brush your Doodle daily than to deal with full-body shaving every once in a while.
See Also:
(Click the image)
How To Brush A Cockapoo Properly?
Besides using the correct tools, it’s crucial that your technique is on point. Fortunately, we have a few tips and tricks up our sleeve when it comes to grooming a Doodle.
Firstly, never use too much pressure when brushing your dog’s coat. Excess pressure can very easily cause irritation and pain so make sure you’re gentle on your Doodle’s skin and coat. The easiest way to ensure that you’re not accidentally hurting your dog is to first test the brush on your own skin and scalp. If you feel too much pressure or even pain, your dog most certainly will too.
Secondly, before you jump in with a large pin brush or slicker brush, gently go through your dog’s hair with your hands and feel if you can find any knots and tangles. If necessary, go in with a steel comb to gently work through the knots. After you’ve gotten rid of the tangles, you can start brushing through larger areas of your dog’s coat. Just like you don’t want to hurt your Cockapoo’s skin, you shouldn’t yank or pull their hair at any moment.
As for the order of brushing, we recommend you start from bottom to up, not the other way around. Starting from the top can cause the tangles to get even worse. Instead, start from your dog’s feet, moving up on your dog’s body as you brush. Here’s a useful guide that you can use:
Line brushing is another great technique that keeps knots and mats at bay. Although more time consuming, line brushing is extremely effective in preventing tangles in your Cockapoo’s hair. In fact, we’ve created a line brushing guide along with a video tutorial, so make sure to check it out.
Can You Over-Brush A Cockapoo?
Technically, you can’t really over-brush a Cockapoo. The process of brushing actually distributes your dog’s natural skin oils throughout its coat. As a result, your dog’s hair is nourished, strong, and looks shiny. On the other hand, putting too much pressure on your Doodle’s skin, or yanking on their hair can cause damage and pain.
Best Brush For Cockapoo FAQs
Should You Brush A Cockapoo?
Drumroll please… Yes! With regular brushing, you’ll nip any knots and tangles in the bud. Leave the tangles on their own and you’ll very soon find yourself dealing with matted dog hair. This, in turn, can cause skin allergies and irritation. The easiest way to prevent it is by brushing your Cockapoo as often as possible.
How Often Should I Brush My Cockapoo Puppy?
We recommend that you brush your Cockapoo every single day, or at least 3-5 times a week. Usually, curly coats should be brushed daily, as they are more prone to matting. For Cockapoos with straight or wavy coats, every two to three days might be enough.
Moreover, even puppies require regular brushing and grooming to keep that coat looking healthy and beautiful. What’s more, brushing your puppy from day 1 helps them to get accustomed to the process so you don’t have to worry about it once they’re all grown up.
What Is The Best Brush For A Cockapoo?
When choosing the best brush for Cockapoo, the most important factors to keep in mind are your dog’s coat type and hair length. The best dog brushes for Cockapoo are slicker brushes and pin brushes. We also recommend you invest in a quality metal comb that’s super helpful for removing knots and tangles.
Does A Cockapoo Dog Shed?
Although Cockapoos are praised as very low or non-shedding, some pups come with a double coat that’s inherited from the Cocker Spaniel parent. As double coats tend to shed, you can jump in with a pin or slicker brush to remove any loose hair from your dog’s coat.
To conclude, it’s no secret that Cockapoo coats are high-maintenance. Whether your pup has super curly hair that tends to mat easily, or if their double coat needs some special attention, brushing is the easiest way to prevent matting for all types of Cockapoos. We hope this article has provided you all the vital information you might need when choosing the best brush for Cockapoo.
What’s your favorite type of dog brush to use on a Cockapoo? Let us know in the comments below!
Learn How to Stop Shavedowns For Good & Keep Matting At Bay!
Discover the PROPER Doodle coat care routine that gets your pup to cooperate…helps you nip tangles in the bud…and gets groomers to do exactly what you want.
Plus, get $520 worth of Bonus Materials for FREE, including:- Doodle Parenthood Community and Support Group ($190 value)
- Custom Doodle Coat Care Plan Lifetime Access ($75 value)
- Easy to Use Doodle Grooming Tracker ($20 value)
- And MORE!
The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional groomer advice. Always seek the advice of your groomer, veterinarian, or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have.
