Cockapoo Tail Styles

Like any other dog’s, your cockapoo’s tail can tell you so much about your animal. It may be a part of your dog you have not given much thought to. Still, in the following guide, we are going to discuss why tails are so important and unique, how you can tell that your cockapoo’s tail is typical or if there is a problem if they have a limber tail or not and what can be done about it and the best ways to style and groom their tail.

What Do Normal Cockapoo Tails Look Like?

Normally, cockapoos will have very fluffy and long tails, which tend to point straight out when feeling relaxed. As is the case with their coats, cockapoo’s tails can vary in style and look depending on whether your cockapoo has more of a cocker spaniel or poodle tail.

For example, some cockapoos’ tails similarly extend behind them to a cocker spaniel’s, while others may have a more curly tail. There are a few cockapoos also that have tails that stand vertically straight.

How Long Are Their Tails?

On average, the length of a cockapoo’s tail can be anything from 8 to 10 inches, though there have been many instances where cockapoos have had tails that are between 3.5 and 16 inches.

Do Their Tails Curl?

It is not normal for cockapoo tails to curl. Some consider this a genetic flaw if a cockapoo has a curled tail; however, as there are no strict standards for how tails should look, it is not something to be worried about.

We have already covered the subject of cockapoo tail docking here, so we will now spend some time discussing the different cockapoo tail styles and the grooming involved.

Tail Styles for Cockapoos and Grooming

If you were to do a quick image search on Google about different cockapoo tail styles, you would see a huge variety of attractive and fun options. The best way to choose the right style for your cockapoo’s tail is to consider how the tail sits and how much grooming you want. You should also consider the different activities you and your cockapoo do and determine which tail style would be easiest for those situations.

Lion Style or Pom Tail

Achieving the Look – To get the lion style or pom tail, two-thirds of their tail from the base upwards is closely trimmed, leaving a long plume at the tail’s end. Arch your cockapoo’s tail over and onto its back; the part of its tail where it starts to bend is roughly where the tail plume should start.

Who Does This Tail Style Suit? – Generally, this is best suited to the more conventional poodle-looking cockapoo. Cockapoo owners like this style because it makes the tail much easier to groom as less hair could get tangled, stepped on or stuck somewhere.

Flag Tail

Achieving the Look – As you may have guessed from the name, this look gives your cockapoo a tail that has a similar outline to a flag. This look is achieved by cutting short the first 2 to 3 inches of fur around the anus and at the base of the tail. The remaining tail section is then trimmed into a striking rectangular shape.

Who Does This Tail Style Suit? – Many owners find this tail style appealing. Despite the trimming involved, you will still need to groom your cockapoo once a week at the very least to stop mats from forming.

Plume Tail

Achieving the Look – This is more or less a natural-looking tail because the only trimming is down around the anus and even then, it is only done to straighten up those edges.

Who Does This Tail Style Suit? – Many owners looking for a natural look but like it to be trimmed up a little to make everything tidy would suit getting this cut for their cockapoo. Another important note is that this style must be brushed at least 2 to 3 times weekly.

All Natural Fluffy and Long

Achieving the Look – For this style, you need to do nothing about cutting and trimming. This style showcases the natural beauty of your cockapoo. However, as you are not trimming or cutting, you will need to spend a lot of time brushing out the tail every week to ensure it is tangle and mat-free.

Who Does This Tail Style Suit? – Owners like this style if they are fans of the natural look. It’s also particularly great, as we highlighted above, because it does not need to be dealt with at the groomers. Again, you will need to brush it out 2 to 3 times a week, if not every day, to keep the tail free from mats and tangles.

Bottle Brush

Achieving the Look – Trimmed neatly and short to the same style as the rest of your cockapoo’s body fur, which can measure anything from 2 to 3 inches.

Who Does This Tail Style Suit? – This tail style is perfect if you are active and are not wanting to get your hair caught again or pulled by anything. It is also ideal if you don’t want to spend a lot of time grooming.

How Do You Groom A Cockapoo’s Tail?

It depends on the cut and style you choose for your cockapoo’s tail and how much grooming you need. If you are planning to groom or trim your cockapoo by yourself, you must ensure you have first-class tools and equipment.

What is a Limber or Swimmers Tail and What Can You Do?

If you ever notice that your cockapoo’s tail is hanging down and looking limp and unnatural, it could signify a limber tail, also known as a swimmer’s tail.

A Limber tail is a condition that affects dogs and cockapoos that causes them to hold their tail limp and down rather than their usual vertical position. The scientific name for this condition is Acute Caudal Myopathy.

A swimmer’s tail will usually happen if your cockapoo has been very active or had a lot of strenuous exercises or play or has been waggling its tail too much. As the name suggests, swimming is also an activity that could be causing your cockapoo’s limber tail.

Swimmer’s tail can eventually cause your cockapoo a lot of pain, and inflammation will develop around their tail, which often makes it harder for them to sit down. The condition will normally disappear after a few days of proper rest. With that in mind, be sure to reduce the amount of physical activity you do and if your cockapoo seems to be in a lot of pain and distress, take them to your vet. While a swimmer’s tail is not a chronic condition, it is helpful to determine why your dog has a swimmer’s tail. If you can figure out the activity that triggered limber tail, you may be able to reverse it.

Understanding Your Cockapoo’s Tail a Little Better

We noted at the outset of this post that cockapoo tails are important. This is because it is one of their forms of communication. Be aware that a waggling tail is not always a sign your cockapoo is happy. There are several emotions they could be trying to convey, such as fear or nervousness.  To understand their tail movements best, you must put those together with any other contextual clues your cockapoo may be giving you. Look at their eyes, posture and ears. Are they sitting and moving in a specific way?

Different Kinds of Communication Using Their Tail

If you are new to dog ownership or are trying to improve your knowledge about owning and looking after dogs, you’ve come to the right place, as this next section has been devised especially for you. In it, you will learn what your cockapoo could be trying to tell you when they waggle and move their tail.

• Chilled out and Calm – when your cockapoo has its tail in the original resting position. Their tail will often be like this when resting or even sleeping.
• I Love You or Another Greeting – this will generally involve a big and carefree waggle, backed up by coming towards you and trying to jump or get your attention and children.
• Unsure or curious – gentle, backwards waggling with some sniffing around the general area and curious staring.
• Scared or Nervous – placing their tail between their legs and only moving it slightly, with ears laid back, eyes down and a tense body. This may also be your cockapoo’s way of showing their submissiveness.
• Aggression – when your cockapoo’s tail is high and rigid with eye contact. This may also be accompanied by growling or barking.
• Excited and Happy – a very fast-free kind of tail waggling, with big happy facial expressions and a delightfully wiggling body. These are all signs that your dog is probably happy or excited.

Conclusion

We hope you have found this post about cockapoo tails and the different styles you can have yours trimmed with. We recommend you use this as a guide to help understand what is going on with your cockapoo and grooming reasonably well.