Best shampoo for a Cockapoo
A Cockapoo's coat sits somewhere between its Poodle and Cocker Spaniel parents, so it can come out anywhere from a loose wave to a tight curl, and almost all of it mats more readily than a short, straight coat if it dries out or tangles while wet. A moisturising, conditioning shampoo built for a longer or curlier coat is generally the safer starting point than a basic all-purpose one.
Why coat type changes the shampoo you need
Because a Cockapoo is a cross rather than a fixed breed, individual dogs can have very different coats — some closer to a Cocker's silkier wave, others closer to a Poodle's dense curl. A tightly curled coat traps loose hair and dirt against the skin rather than shedding it away, which is part of why Cockapoos are prone to matting behind the ears, under the collar and around the legs if brushing lapses.
A shampoo built to condition as it cleans, rather than strip the coat, helps keep the hair soft enough to brush through afterwards without pulling. A harsh, drying shampoo can leave a curly or wavy coat feeling rougher once dry, which makes the next brushing session harder rather than easier.
What to look for on the bottle
A shampoo described as moisturising or conditioning, rather than a basic 'all dog' formula, tends to suit a Cockapoo's coat better, and a tear-free or sensitive formula is worth choosing given how close to the eyes and ears a Cockapoo's face hair sits. A slightly slippery, rich lather that rinses out easily is generally a sign the shampoo is doing its job of coating rather than scouring the hair.
If your Cockapoo has known sensitive or itchy skin, a fragrance-free or oatmeal-based shampoo is a gentler option than a heavily scented one, and it's worth introducing any new shampoo gradually rather than switching everything at once so you can spot a reaction if one happens.
Bathing and brushing go together
Bathing alone doesn't solve matting on its own — a Cockapoo's coat needs brushing through before a bath as well as after, since washing a coat that's already tangled tends to tighten those tangles into proper mats as it dries. Working conditioner or shampoo through with your fingers from root to tip, rather than just lathering the surface, helps it actually reach the undercoat where mats start.
Drying thoroughly matters too: a curly or wavy coat left to air-dry slowly is more likely to mat than one dried and brushed through at the same time, particularly around the ears and legs where the coat is often longest.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Electric Pet Grooming Clipper
A quiet, rechargeable electric clipper for trimming dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets at home. Low-noise and low-vibration with an adjustable blade for tidy, stress-free grooming around the body and paws.
From£11.99
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Round-Tipped Deshedding Rake Comb
A double-sided undercoat rake with rounded stainless-steel blades that gently cut through mats and remove loose hair. The non-slip ergonomic handle makes deshedding dogs and cats quick and comfortable.
From£8.99
Pet Deshedding Grooming Mitt
A soft mesh grooming mitt you wear on one hand to lift loose fur while stroking your pet, turning shedding control into a soothing massage. Suits dogs and cats with any coat length.
From£7.99
Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
A skin-friendly slicker brush that gently lifts loose fur and undercoat from dogs, cats and rabbits. The angled pins glide through the coat while a one-click button releases the collected hair for easy cleaning. Soft non-slip handle.
£9.99
Double-Sided Deshedding & Flea Comb
A two-sided steel comb with coarse deshedding teeth on one side and fine flea-comb teeth on the other. Lifts loose fur and catches fleas to keep your cat or dog's coat clean and healthy.
£13.99
Steam Spray Detangling Grooming Brush
A rechargeable steam grooming brush with a fine mist that lifts loose fur and eases tangles while you brush. Gentle on the skin and cuts down flyaway hair, no bath needed. Chick design.
£12.99
Wahl Competition Series Clipper Blades
High-precision, chrome-plated clipper blades with a rust-resistant finish, available in 17 sizes for every coat type and clipping style.
From£37.99
Double-Sided Undercoat Rake
A twin-bladed rake that removes mats and tangles on one side and reduces shedding on the other. The non-slip ergonomic handle suits cats and dogs with thick or long coats.
£23.99
Silicone Pet Bath & Massage Brush
Soft silicone bristles work shampoo into a rich lather while gently massaging your pet and lifting loose hair at bath time. A handy strap keeps the brush secure across the back of your hand.
£7.99
Self-Cleaning Deshedding Slicker Brush
A deshedding grooming tool for dogs and cats that lifts loose undercoat and eases out tangles, with a self-cleaning button that releases the trapped fur in one press.
£25.99
Wooden Pet Deshedding Grooming Brush
An ergonomic wooden grooming brush with a fine-toothed edge that loosens and lifts away dead and shedding fur. The smooth contoured handle sits comfortably in the hand for quick, gentle daily de-shedding.
£14.99
Common questions
- Does a Cockapoo need a special shampoo?
- Not a specific brand, but a moisturising or conditioning shampoo generally suits a Cockapoo's wavy-to-curly coat better than a basic all-purpose one, since it helps keep the hair soft enough to brush through rather than drying it out. A tear-free formula is also worth choosing given how close a Cockapoo's face hair grows to the eyes.
- How often should I bathe my Cockapoo?
- Most Cockapoos do well with a bath every four to six weeks, with brushing in between to manage everyday tangles. Bathing too often can dry out the skin and coat, while too rarely lets dirt and loose hair build up in a coat that already mats easily.
- Why does my Cockapoo's coat feel rough after a bath?
- This usually means the shampoo used was too drying for a wavy or curly coat, or that conditioner wasn't used afterwards. Switching to a moisturising shampoo and working a conditioner through before rinsing tends to leave the coat noticeably softer and easier to brush once dry.
- Should I brush my Cockapoo before or after a bath?
- Both. Brushing out tangles before a bath stops them tightening into mats as the coat gets wet and washed, and brushing through again while drying helps the coat dry evenly and stay separated rather than clumping as it sets.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.