Designer breeds like Goldendoodles, Maltipoos, Bernedoodles, and Cavapoos are adored for their teddy-bear faces and soft, luxurious coats. But behind that cuteness lies a grooming routine that can be… well, a handful. At The Funky Poodle, we see these challenges daily and help pet parents tackle them with confidence.
Below, we break down the top grooming struggles designer-breed owners face—and expert tips to keep your pup looking fabulous between appointments.
1. Matting: The #1 Challenge for Doodles and Poos
Designer breeds often inherit the dense, curly, or wavy coat of their Poodle parent. While gorgeous, these textures are matting magnets. Mats typically form behind ears, under collars, in armpits, around the tail, and on the belly.
Why it happens
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Curly coats trap loose hairs
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High friction areas (harnesses, cuddles, play)
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Infrequent brushing or incorrect tools
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Bathing without fully drying and brushing
How to manage it
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Brush 3–4 times per week using a slicker brush + metal comb.
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Keep hair shorter on high-friction areas
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Schedule grooming every 4–6 weeks
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Use detangler sprays like our Funky Pet Parent Detangler Spray - Fig & Vanilla.
If mats get too tight, a shave-down may be the only humane option—prevention is truly the key.
2. Coat Variation: No Two Designer Breeds Are Alike
Designer breeds don’t have predictable genetics. Even pups from the same litter can have drastically different grooming needs.
Common coat types
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Curly (Poodle-like): highest maintenance
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Wavy: moderate upkeep
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Straight/flat (retriever-influenced): sheds more but mats less
The challenge
Owners often expect a “non-shedding” coat but end up with a mix that still releases hair, leading to more frequent matting and brushing.
What helps
A professional coat evaluation every few months ensures your dog gets the right trim, frequency, and home-care guide.
3. High-Maintenance Faces: Tear Stains & Facial Hair
Designer breeds with fluffy faces look adorable—until tear staining and food debris build up.
Common issues
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Tearing around the eyes
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Food sticking to mustache/beard
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Stinky muzzle fur
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Overgrown facial hair blocking vision
Solutions
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Daily wipe-downs with a damp cloth
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Keep the hair around eyes short
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Regular “face, feet, and fanny” mini-grooms
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Use stainless-steel bowls to reduce bacteria
4. Sensitive Skin Requires Special Products
Designer breeds like Cavapoos, Cockapoos, and Maltipoos often have sensitive skin inherited from breeds like the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel.
Typical concerns
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Dry patches
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Redness or irritation
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Allergies to certain shampoos
What you can do
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Use hypoallergenic products like our Funky Pet Parent Shampoo.
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Avoid overbathing
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Ask your groomer to monitor skin each visit
At The Funky Poodle, we have formulated high quality shampoo and conditioner that is easy on the skin with all naturally derived ingredients.
5. Paw, Pad, and Nail Issues
With their fluffy coats, designer breeds grow lots of hair between their toes. This traps debris and moisture, creating discomfort.
Common problems
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Slippery walking from overgrown paw fur
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Snow/ice balling in winter
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Irritated paw pads
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Fast-growing nails
What helps
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Monthly nail trims
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Frequent paw pad checks
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Trimming foot fur to avoid matting and slipping
6. Grooming Anxiety
Many designer breed puppies are first-time dog owners’ choices—meaning they may not be introduced to grooming early enough.
Signs of grooming stress
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Shaking
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Whining
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Difficulty standing still
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Biting at tools
How to make grooming easier
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Start professional grooming by 12–16 weeks
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Keep sessions short and positive at first
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Practice brushing, blow-dryer noise, and touching paws at home
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Schedule consistent grooming to build comfort
Puppy “intro-to-grooming” sessions are highly recommended here at The Funky Poodle.
Final Thoughts
Designer breeds are lovable, smart, and adorable—but their coats require dedication. With the right grooming routine, products, and professional support, you can keep your doodle, poo-mix, or hybrid pup looking and feeling their best.
