Cavapoos, a mix of Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, have surged in popularity over recent years, and one of them main reasons is the idea that their coats are hypoallergenic. While there is no doubt these are some of the cutest designer pups, whether or not they are really allergy friendly is a bit more complicated.
Let’s break it down simply and talk about their coats, how much they shed, and what makes them easier for people with allergies.
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Do Cavapoos Have Hair or Fur
Cavapoos can have different types of coats depending on their parents. If they’re an F1 Cavapoo (the first generation), their coat is usually a mix of Poodle and Spaniel. If they have more Poodle genes, their coat is likely to be curly or wavy, similar to a Poodle’s. If they take after the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, their coat might be silkier or straight.
Poodles have a single-layer coat that doesn’t shed much, so they’re often called hypoallergenic. Cavapoos with curly coats are more like Poodles, so they may shed less and release fewer allergens into your home. Those with straight coats shed more, which might bother people with allergies.
If you want to keep an eye on your Cavapoo and whether or not they are setting off allergies with a family member, the Petcube Cam 360 lets you watch and talk to them remotely.
Do Cavapoos Shed
Cavapoos can shed a little or a lot, depending on their coat type. Dogs with curly coats shed very little, which can help keep allergens in check. If their coat is straight, they will shed more, and you’ll likely notice more hair around the house. Wavy coats are somewhere in the middle—not as low-shedding as curly coats but not as high-shedding as straight coats.
Regardless of how much they shed, they do need a lot of grooming and coat maintenance for a healthy coat.
Are Cavapoos Hypoallergenic
Here’s the truth. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and Cavapoos are no exception. All dogs produce proteins in their saliva, skin, and dander that can trigger allergies. Poodles are often called hypoallergenic because they shed less, so fewer allergens spread around. Cavapoos with more Poodle traits can be better for people with allergies, but it’s not a guarantee.
As Bridget Hladky-Krage explains about doodles or poodle crosses like the Cavapoo, “Other common misconceptions about designer dogs include that they are non-shedding, hypoallergenic, and good family dogs. Though this is certainly true for some individual designer dogs, it is impossible to generalize about a type of designer dog as a whole. In fact, there is considerable variability even among puppies from the same litter.”
One study found that no breed is completely hypoallergenic. All dogs produce Can f 1, the main protein that causes dog allergies. This includes Cavapoos, no matter how much Poodle they have in them.
However, whether a dog triggers a person’s allergies or not generally depends on the person and the dog. Many mildly allergic people are able to live happily with a Cavapoo. It really depends on how sensitive a person may be to the allergen, and how much that specific dog sheds.
Here’s what a Reddit user said about their experience with a Cavapoo and allergies: “I have moderate dog allergies I’d say, asthma, pretty bad seasonal allergies, and abysmal cat allergies. I’ve found that Poodles and Doodles tend not to set me off as much. We have an F1 Cavapoo. I take a Claritin daily and have an air purifier in the main living space.”
Remember, emergencies don't just happen to us humans thought. For extra peace of mind for your dog, consider a service like the Petcube Emergency Fund to help with unexpected vet costs.
Conclusion
Cavapoos can be a good choice for people with mild allergies, especially if they have a Poodle-like coat. But no dog is completely free of allergens, so it’s important to spend time with a Cavapoo before bringing one home to see how your body reacts.
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