Drying coats for cockapoos and other doodles
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For a cockapoo or other doodle, choose a drying coat that soaks up water without you rubbing the curls into knots, then brush once the coat is fully dry. Because cockapoos vary so much in size, pick by weight rather than breed: our robe runs from XS (4–7 kg) to XL (35–45 kg). Between sizes, go up.
Why do curly coats hold so much mud and water?
Cockapoos, cavapoos, labradoodles and other poodle crosses often have wavy or curly coats. Curls trap water between the hairs and close to the skin, and they catch mud, leaves and grit as they go. The outside of the coat can feel nearly dry while the fur underneath is still wet.
Rubbing a wet curly coat with a towel can tangle it, and tangles that are left in turn into mats. Blue Cross says grooming is vital to prevent a dog's coat getting matted, and the drying stage is a big part of that.
What size drying coat does a cockapoo need?
Cockapoos and other doodles are crossbreeds, so size depends a lot on the parents. Toy, miniature and standard types are very different dogs. Two cockapoos can easily need different robes, which is why weight is the place to start.
| Size | Dog's weight |
|---|---|
| XS | 4–7 kg |
| S | 7–14 kg |
| M | 14–24 kg |
| L | 24–35 kg |
| XL | 35–45 kg |
Toy, miniature and standard types
A toy-type cockapoo or cavapoo may suit one of our smaller sizes, and a standard labradoodle one of the larger ones, but types overlap and individual dogs vary. Dogs under 4 kg are below our smallest size. Weigh your dog, then measure the back (base of the neck to base of the tail) and the chest (round the widest part, just behind the front legs). With a fluffy coat, press the tape down through the fur so you measure the dog rather than the curls. Check both against our size guide, and if your dog is between sizes, go up.
Not sure? Email support@rainhound.com with your dog's breed mix, weight and measurements. Our drying robe size guide explains measuring step by step.
How to dry a curly coat without causing mats
- Squeeze, don't rub. Press the towel into the coat and squeeze, especially on the ears, legs and the long hair under the belly.
- Clear the worst of the mud from paws and legs at the car.
- Put on a drying robe for the journey or the first part of the evening, so the coat keeps drying without handling.
- Check down to the skin. Part the curls with your fingers. If it's still damp underneath, keep drying.
- Finish at home with a dry towel, or a hair dryer if your dog is relaxed about it. Blue Cross advises a low heat and low speed setting, held at least 15 to 20 cm away and kept moving.
Brushing once dry
Brush when the coat is fully dry, working through in small sections down to the skin. Blue Cross describes slicker brushes as suitable for removing knots from curly fur, and pin brushes as good for small tangles and dead fur. It also says long or rough coats need much more regular grooming than smooth ones, often daily maintenance brushing, with clipping every four to 12 weeks.
If you find a mat, Blue Cross advises detangling before any bath, as mats only get worse during shampooing. A professional groomer can help with mats that won't come out, and Blue Cross suggests asking your vet for advice on the right brush for your dog.
For more on the whole routine, read how to dry a wet dog after a walk.
Legs or no legs?
Doodles pick up a lot of mud on their legs, so it's a fair question. Robes with full legs cover more, but they take longer to put on a wet, wriggly dog, and the legs themselves get muddy. Robes without full legs are quicker at the car, and you towel the legs separately.
Our robe covers the back, chest, belly and the upper legs, and pulls over the head with no buckles. For the lower legs and paws, a towel at the car is still the best tool. Our comparison of drying robe vs towel explains how the two work together.
Questions owners ask
What size drying robe for a cockapoo?
It depends on your dog, not the breed name. Weigh your cockapoo, check back and chest against the size guide, and go up if between sizes. Email us your breed mix if you'd like a second opinion.
Should I brush my cockapoo wet or dry?
Dry. Squeeze water out after the walk, let the coat dry fully, then brush through to the skin to catch tangles before they become mats.
What's the best waterproof coat for a cockapoo?
A drying robe isn't a waterproof coat: it goes on after the walk. For walking in the rain, small cockapoos and cavapoos up to 7.5 kg could wear our full-coverage raincoat, which has legs. For bigger dogs, look for a coat described as waterproof, not just water-resistant.
Can I use a grooming glove on a curly coat?
Blue Cross says grooming mitts work on short coats but aren't recommended for medium to long-haired dogs, so use a slicker or pin brush on the curls.
What we make for this
The Rainhound Drying Robe (£39.99) slips over the head with no buckles and covers the back, chest, belly and upper legs. It has a waterproof backing for the car and a reflective inner layer designed to hold in your dog's own body heat. Sizes run from XS to XL for dogs from 4 kg to 45 kg. Wash at 30°C and hang dry, with no fabric softener.
For small doodles up to 7.5 kg, the full-coverage waterproof raincoat (£34.99) has legs with elastic cuffs, a snap-off hood brim, a snap-on tail cover and reflective strips. Check its sizes on the product page before ordering. Whatever the coat, some hair ends up on seats and sofas, and our hair removal glove (£14.99) is handy for lifting hair off fabric; see also getting dog hair off car seats.