Dog Groomer Berlin: Proper Care for Maltipoos and Cavapoos

Maltipoos and Cavapoos need a dog groomer every 6 to 8 weeks because their poodle heritage means their coats usually grow continuously. Here at GroomRoom in Berlin-Charlottenburg, a Full Groom for a Maltipoo costs 89 to 125 €. A Cavapoo weighing 10 to 15 kilos is 149 €. The exact grooming your dog needs depends heavily on their individual coat texture. We'll take a close look at this together before your first appointment.

Crossbreeds with varying coat textures

The Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, while the Cavapoo is a mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. Because the parents' coat traits are inherited differently, every dog's coat looks unique. Even siblings from the same litter can have completely different coats. We roughly distinguish between three coat types, each with its own grooming requirements.

• Curly coats are closest to the Poodle, grow continuously, and hardly shed.
• Wavy coats are a mix of curly and straight hair and are the quickest to mat.
• Straight coats are similar to the Maltese or Cavalier, feel silky, and can shed a little in Cavapoos.

Cavapoos often have feathering too, meaning longer hair on their ears, chest, and the back of their legs. Some dogs also have a bit of undercoat, the soft layer right next to the skin. It's exactly this mix of curls and undercoat that makes Maltipoo grooming and Cavapoo grooming more demanding than for many purebred dogs.

The coat change in the first year is the critical phase

Maltipoo and Cavapoo puppies initially have a soft, fluffy puppy coat. Between six and twelve months of age, this changes to their adult coat. During this time, the shedding puppy hairs get caught in the new coat and often mat within a few days. Many owners are caught off guard by this because the coat was so easy to care for before.

That's why we recommend a first puppy introduction groom after their second vaccination. This way, your dog gets used to the table, bath and dryer before the more extensive grooming begins. You can read more about starting a grooming routine in our article puppy grooming.

Which cuts suit Maltipoos and Cavapoos?

If you're getting your Maltipoo groomed, most owners choose a length between 1 and 5 centimetres. These are the cuts most frequently requested by owners at our dog grooming salon Berlin.

The Teddy-Cut is the classic choice for both crossbreeds and gives the face a round shape. For Cavapoos, we like to leave the ears longer to match their Cavalier heritage. For wavy coats with an undercoat, we recommend a maximum of 3 to 4 centimetres on the body. We explain exactly which lengths are realistic for poodle coats in our article Poodles and Doodles: Teddy-Cut.

How often should Maltipoos and Cavapoos visit the dog groomer?

For Maltipoos and Cavapoos, we recommend an appointment every 6 to 8 weeks. At this interval, the cut stays in shape and small knots won't turn into matted pads. Wavy coats and the coat change period usually require the shorter six-week interval. With a sporty cut and good grooming at home, you can usually manage well with eight weeks.

Grooming at home: comb, brush and patience

Between appointments, your comb decides whether the next cut can stay long. For both crossbreeds, you need these tools:

1. A slicker brush with fine, curved wire pins detangles knots in curls and waves.
2. A metal comb with coarse and fine teeth shows you if you're reaching the skin.
3. A light conditioning spray prevents dry hair from breaking while brushing.
4. A hairdryer is essential after every bath, as air-dried curls tighten up.

Comb through the coat down to the skin in small sections two to three times a week. During the coat change, it's best to comb every day. Start at the friction areas behind the ears, under the armpits, around the collar and on the back legs. For a Cavapoo, the long ears need special attention as knots form quickly there.

Mistakes we often see

• The coat is only brushed on the surface, while matting forms against the skin.
• The first salon appointment is booked right in the middle of the coat change, when the fur is already matted.
• After a bath or a swim, the coat is left to air-dry and tightens up.
• The chosen length is too long, even though there is little time for combing at home.

You can find more tips in our post Preventing matting.

Dog groomer Berlin: How much does a Maltipoo cost?

The Full Groom for a Maltipoo weighing 2.5 to 5 kg costs 89 to 125 € with us. Larger Maltipoos and small Cavapoos from 5 to 10 kg are 105 to 135 €. A Cavapoo from 10 to 15 kg costs 149 € for a Full Groom. If you just want a wash, blow-dry and comb without a cut, choose the Mini Groom for long hair.

Where your dog falls within this range depends on their coat texture, coat condition, and behaviour on the table. If the coat is matted, we charge an additional dematting fee starting at 15 € for every 15 minutes started. For very anxious or defensive dogs, we can schedule more time or a second person by arrangement. We'll give you a binding final price before the appointment after assessing your dog in person. You can get an initial estimate using our price calculator, and all starting prices are listed on our pricing page.

Nathalie and Nata know poodle coats inside out

Our Head Stylist Nathalie specialises in Poodles and Bichons, crafting Teddy-Cuts with perfectly shaped heads. She knows exactly how to handle the poodle heritage in Maltipoo and Cavapoo coats from her daily work. Nata, our top groomer with over ten years of experience, demats even tricky Doodle coats with a steady hand. For anxious dogs and first-time visits, Kristina takes her time with plenty of patience. You can watch us work through our shop window at Giesebrechtstraße 2. If you're looking for a Maltipoo dog groomer in Berlin, you can book an appointment online right now.