5 Things Every Cockapoo Owner in London Should Know Before Their First Groom

September 12, 2025 2:28 pm

City life brings unique grooming needs, here’s what London owners need to know.

If you’ve recently welcomed a Cockapoo into your London life, you already know how charming and full of personality these curly-coated companions can be. But living in the capital comes with its own set of grooming challenges, unpredictable weather, muddy parks, busy streets, and an overwhelming choice of groomers.

To help you (and your Cockapoo) feel more confident before that first trip to the groomer, we’ve rounded up five things every London-based owner should know.

1. London’s Wet Weather = Matting Magnet

The Cockapoo’s soft, curly coat is adorable, but it’s also prone to tangling and matting, especially in damp conditions. And in London, those damp conditions happen almost year-round.

When moisture meets fur, it weakens the hair structure, making it easier for tangles to form, especially under collars, behind ears, and around the legs. Add a bit of London grime from daily walks, and suddenly your Cockapoo’s coat becomes a matting magnet.

Matted fur isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Severe matting can cause skin irritation, discomfort, and even restrict movement. It may even mean your groomer has no choice but to clip the coat much shorter than you’d like.

Your Grooming Tip:
Brush your Cockapoo every couple of days, especially after wet walks. Focus on common trouble spots like underarms, behind the ears, and around the neck. Regular brushing between grooms can make a huge difference and save you and your groomer a lot of hassle.

2. London Park Life = More Frequent Grooms

Living in London means easy access to some of the UK’s most beautiful parks. From the rolling meadows of Hampstead Heath to the woodlands of Richmond Park, these spaces are a dog’s dream and a grooming challenge for owners.

Cockapoos love an off-lead run, but long walks in London’s parks often mean mud, twigs, burrs, and grass seeds sticking to their coat. Debris works its way deep into curls and quickly becomes difficult to remove. If left too long, it can lead to matting, skin irritation, or even infection.

Your Grooming Tip:
If your Cockapoo is a regular in London’s parks, aim for professional grooming every 4–6 weeks. This will help keep their coat manageable and healthy. You can also ask your groomer for a “puppy cut” a slightly shorter style that’s easier to maintain for active city dogs.

3. Understanding Cockapoo Coats

London may have lots of dog groomers, but not all of them are experienced with Cockapoos. This breed’s coat varies greatly, some have loose waves, others tight curls, and many sit somewhere in between.

An inexperienced groomer might not know how to work with mixed coats, potentially leading to uneven cuts or unnecessary shaving. Worse still, if a groomer isn’t familiar with Cockapoo coat care, they may miss early signs of matting or skin issues.

Your Grooming Tip:
Look for a groomer who specifically mentions Cockapoos in their services or reviews. The Tuft app is a great way to search for London-based groomers with verified feedback from other Cockapoo owners. A quick browse through their portfolio can give you confidence they know their way around those curls.

4. Extra Attention to Paws and Hygiene

Urban life means exposure to things that countryside dogs rarely encounter. Like pavement grime, city pollution, and in winter, road salt and grit. These can irritate sensitive paw pads, get trapped between toes, and stick to fur around the legs and belly.

If not cleaned regularly, this buildup can lead to dry, cracked paws or skin irritation. Road salt, in particular, can be harmful if licked off during grooming.

Your Grooming Tip:
Make paw cleaning part of your daily routine. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after walks is often enough. Some London groomers offer paw balm treatments, which protect against cracks and dryness. It’s also worth checking if your groomer offers hygiene trims to keep fur around sensitive areas clean and manageable.

5. Seasonal Grooming Matters, Especially in London

While many owners stick to a set grooming schedule, adapting your Cockapoo’s care to the London seasons can make life easier for both of you.

In autumn and winter, wetter conditions mean more mud and dampness, both of which can increase the risk of matting and skin problems. In contrast, summer can leave your Cockapoo struggling in the heat if their coat is too thick, especially during London’s occasional heatwaves.

💡 Your Grooming Tip:
Work with your groomer to create a seasonal plan. You might opt for lighter, cooler cuts in summer and regular trims in wetter months to prevent mud and tangles. If you’re unsure what works best, ask your London groomer for advice — they’ll know what’s most practical for urban living.

Ready to Book Your London Groomer?

Whether you’re after a quick tidy-up or a full grooming session, finding the right groomer makes all the difference. Tuft app makes it simple.

✔️ Search for trusted London groomers
✔️ Read verified reviews from local pet owners
✔️ Book directly through the app

Your Cockapoo deserves expert care, and with Tuft, it’s always just a few taps away.

📱 Download Tuft today and find your perfect groomer.