Are Cockapoos Hypoallergenic?

This is an excellent question that deserves attention because there are a whole lot of adverts out there suggesting that cockapoos are ‘perfect for people who suffer from allergies’ and that they are ‘100% hypoallergenic’. The fact is that people that want to own a dog should look for dog breeds that shed less than others. The key to the whole thing lies – in words, ‘shed less’. So, are cockapoos non-shedding? Are cockapoos suitable for allergy sufferers? The short answer to both these questions is no. But don’t worry; we are not closing the topic right there.

Are Cockapoos hypoallergenic? Although Cockapoos are hypoallergenic low-shedding dogs because of the poodle gene, it is the dander that people have allergic reactions to and still produce dander which is the dead skin cells.

It is very accurate that because Cockapoos are a mixture of poodles and cocker spaniels and poodles are known to shed less than most other dogs, they may be suitable for people with allergies. This is one of the main reasons poodles are bred with other dogs, along with the fact that they are known to have high levels of intelligence.

However, that does not mean there is any truth in the proclamation that Cockapoos are always suitable for anyone with allergies. Let’s have a closer look into why it can’t be said that a cockapoo is a hypoallergenic dog.

Reasons Why it’s Not True

Are cockapoo dogs hypoallergenic? There are various reasons why breeders should not advertise their cockapoos as hypoallergenic and that it is the best dog for people with allergies, including:

• As there are so many variations in a cockapoo’s coat, it can be challenging to predict the kind of coat a particular puppy will develop
• There are various and very considerable differences in the type of coat even litter mates have
• The coat type a puppy has will be dependent to some degree on whether it’s an F1, F2 or even F3 cross
• While it’s true that some cockapoos do not tend to shed as much (like their poodle parent), others do shed more (similarly to their cocker spaniel parent)
• It is not just dead skin cells that people are allergic to, as some can be allergic to a dog’s saliva or fur.

So, if you are wondering, do cockapoos shed? The answer is yes, but the amount they shed depends on the abovementioned factors.

You should also avoid being fooled by a cockapoo puppy. All little puppies don’t tend to shed and may not cause allergy sufferers to react. However, once their adult coat comes through, it could cause an allergic reaction.

Allergy Tests

Several different allergens (in addition to the coat) can provoke a reaction in an allergy sufferer, including dander (dead skin scales), urine and saliva.

If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies and still want to own a dog, these tips could help you.

• Choose a breed with a schnauzer or poodle parent, as they are known to be low-shedding dogs and are available in three different sizes. Meaning the smaller the dog, the less fur there is to shed.
• Get in contact with someone who owns a breed you are looking to invest in and ask if you could borrow the dog or visit them for a few hours to see how well you get on with them. To properly test your allergies, you need to ensure the only dog or indeed pet around is one of the breeds you are interested in owning. That way, you can be sure no other dogs or pets are setting off your allergies.
• It’s important to remember that carrying out allergy tests with puppies is more or less pointless as they don’t shed hair. It is more important to consider what will happen when a puppy becomes an adult dog and their coat changes.
• If you prefer a particular coat, such as a fleece, wavy or flat coat, find an owner with a similar coat and spend time with that dog. Generally speaking, flat and wavy-coat cockapoos tend to shed more fur than other types because they are genetically closer to cocker spaniels.

Can You Be Allergic to Cockapoos?

Is a cockapoo allergy friendly?

When you meet the dog, it will undoubtedly want to say hello, so don’t hold back from stroking him or her and letting them or lick your hands.

This is important because you want to check whether or not you are allergic to their saliva. Touch your face with your licked hands. After all, you will want to be able to cuddle your cockapoo, knowing you are safe from having a severe reaction.

Although it may not happen immediately, you should experience some reaction if you are indeed allergic.

Some Tips To Find a Hypoallergenic Cockapoo

Below we thought it might be helpful to include some tips, based on the experiences of other dog owners and experts, for you if you suffer from allergies and intend on giving it a go with a cockapoo anyway. After all, they are adorable, warm, loving and highly intelligent creatures, so we can’t blame you for wanting to make it a success despite allergies.

• Always look for a reputable breeder. Based on experience with previous litters, a good cockapoo breeder will know whether the dogs they produce are suitable for sufferers of allergies.
• If you suffer from allergies and continue to have a dog, it’s a good idea to have your cockapoo groomed at a different location to your home, as this will avoid spreading the allergens and fur.
• Cockapoos with a fleece-style coat need to be clipped short to stop them from carrying allergens in their coat that have been transferred there from licking
• When allergy season begins, wash your hypoallergenic cockapoo regularly to remove all pollen and any other allergens from their coat
• There are also wet wipes you can buy that are designed to remove any allergens from your dog’s coat between their bath times

Please take the time to check for allergies to cockapoos before investing in one. There’s nothing quite as bad as falling in love with a dog, taking him home and then having to give him or her up because your allergies flare up every time you try to cuddle him or her or, even worse, just from being around them. This is entirely avoidable.

Even if the sad reality is that you can’t take on a cockapoo, there are various other designer dog options out there. As it is a cocker spaniel/English cocker spaniel and poodle cross, you could consider other dogs with similar parents. For instance, other spaniel and poodle mix breeds include the Labradoodle, Cavachon, Cavapoo and Spoodle! Research them and find out if one may have the right coat type for you.

Are F1 Cockapoos Hypoallergenic?

An f1 cockapoo is a direct descendant of a cocker spaniel and a poodle. Therefore, there’s no guarantee that it will be hypoallergenic, it might shed less than some breeds, but that’s all.

Are F2 Cockapoos Hypoallergenic?

No, there is no more chance of an F2 being hypoallergenic compared to any other generation of a cockapoo. An F2 cockapoo’s outcome is likely more unpredictable than an F1 cockapoo’s.

Final Thoughts On Cockapoo Hypoallergenic

As we all love cockapoos here at Cockapoo HQ, we hope you can take home and enjoy an excellent relationship with one of these adorable dogs. We hope we have helped you answer the question is a cockapoo hypoallergenic and that you can’t believe that they all are.