What that coat actually needs, what it costs locally, and which groomers know it.
Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Labradoodles and the rest of the doodle family have become some of Birmingham's most popular dogs, and some of the most demanding grooming customers in the city. That soft, low-shedding coat everyone loves is a cross between a poodle's curl and a spaniel's or retriever's straighter coat, and it mats faster than either parent's.
A doodle's coat doesn't shed out the way a Labrador's does. Loose hair stays trapped in the curl and tangles into mats, especially behind the ears, in the armpits, and anywhere a harness rubs. Left too long, matting gets close to the skin and the only humane option is a short clip-off. This is why groomers consistently ask doodle owners for two things: regular brushing at home, down to the skin with a comb rather than just over the top, and a professional groom on a regular cycle rather than when he starts looking scruffy.
Every 4 to 6 weeks for a full groom is the standard advice for doodle coats, with brushing at home every day or two in between. Several Birmingham salons price on exactly that assumption, All About Grooming in Rubery, which specialises in poodles and poodle crosses, notes its estimates are based on 4 to 6 weekly appointments. Stretch to 10 or 12 weeks and you should expect de-matting charges on top, or a shorter cut than you asked for. The danger window is the coat change at around 8 to 12 months, when the soft puppy coat gives way to the thicker adult coat and matting problems usually start.
| Service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Cockapoo full groom (small) | £30–£51+ |
| Cockapoo full groom (large) | £45–£70 |
| Labradoodle / Goldendoodle full groom | £40–£70 |
| De-matting (if coat is neglected) | £5–£20+ extra |
| Puppy intro groom | £20–£30 |
Summers & Vine in Sutton Coldfield publishes per-breed prices for the whole doodle family, Cockerpoo, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Colliedoodle, Jackadoodle and Pomapoo at £30 to £45. Dog Grooming By Julia in Rubery charges £50 for a small Cockerpoo and £65 for a large one. Clipperz in Northfield prices Cockapoos alongside spaniels and Toy Poodles from £51. The Pet Palace in Shard End includes Cockapoos in its medium band at £30 to £70. Full context for every size and service is in our Birmingham price guide.
These directory-listed salons mention doodles, poodle crosses or curly coats on their own websites: All About Grooming (Rubery), Scooby's Grooming Salon (Sutton Coldfield, staff bios name doodles and Cavapoos), Summers & Vine (Sutton Coldfield), Dog Grooming By Julia (Rubery), Stacey's Pampered Pooches (Sutton Coldfield, one-to-one appointments), Snazzy Pawz By Yazzy (Acocks Green) and Clipperz (Northfield). Or browse all Birmingham groomers and search by area.
Most doodle owners ask for the teddy bear, a rounded face and an even, plush body length. It photographs beautifully, but it only works on a mat-free coat. Plush Puppy Spa in Sutton Coldfield offers it alongside breed-standard cuts. If your dog's coat has matted since the last visit, expect the groomer to talk you into going shorter, that's coat welfare, not upselling.
Use a slicker brush to work through the coat, then follow with a metal comb right down to the skin. If the comb snags, there's a knot forming that the brush skimmed over. Pay extra attention to friction points: behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, and around the back end. Little and often beats one long battle once a week, and it's the difference between a £45 groom and a £65 one.
Getting a puppy used to the dryer, clippers and handling before the adult coat change makes every groom afterwards easier. Puppy intro grooms run £20 to £30 at most Birmingham salons, and Barnabys recommends 2 to 3 gentle puppy sessions from 12 weeks before a first full groom. See our puppy's first groom guide for the full run-through.
Prices from each salon's own published price list, checked July 2026. Confirm current pricing with the salon.