Chipoo are a cross between a Chihuahua and a Poodle.
The result is usually a small dog that can thrive as a companion pet for dog lovers around the world.
This petite member of the Doodle family will usually be affectionate, friendly and playful.
Of all their qualities, perhaps the most appealing is their potential to be hypoallergenic.
The influence of the Poodle parent’s genes means that Chipoodles can have a low-shedding coat.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. There's no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog in spite of claims that breeders might make. It’s always best to speak with your vet or your doctor before deciding to get a dog if you suspect you may have allergies to pets.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at whether Chipoo are hypoallergenic, Chipoo shedding and Chipoo grooming requirements.
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What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
The word hypoallergenic was first used by the cosmetic industry in the 1950s.
This industry would use the term hypoallergenic to denote a beauty or skincare product that was less likely to trigger a person’s allergies.
However, there was no guarantee that such a hypoallergenic cosmetic product wouldn’t still trigger some sort of allergic reaction.
Respected medical website WebMD provide a thorough definition of the word hypoallergenic on their website so we can a clear and concise understanding of the word.
If you see “hypoallergenic” on makeup or a skin care label, it means that that maker claims its product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or gentler for your skin. The U.S. government doesn’t have standards that products must meet in order to put “hypoallergenic” on the label.
What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs?
In the 21st century, you’ll probably know that some dogs are referred to as hypoallergenic breed. However, it’s important to refer back to the word’s definition.
In spite of claims made by breeders, hypoallergenic dog breeds could still cause a flare up in someone’s allergies depending on each individual dog and each individual person.
The American Kennel Club emphasise on their website that there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic breed, so you should be wary of big claims made by breeders.
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are a variety of breeds that do well with allergy sufferers. These dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat which produces less dander.
However, the AKC do list a number of breeds that have more hypoallergenic qualities than other types of dogs. For example, the Poodle is perhaps the most famous of all hypoallergenic dog breeds given they’ve got low-shedding coats.
The British Kennel Club have an even more exhaustive list of 31 varieties of dog that could be suited to a pet lover who is looking for a dog with hypoallergenic traits.
While the American Kennel Club and Kennel Club list a number of hypoallergenic breeds, the advent of designer breeds means that a lot of cross breeds are marketed as being low-shedding or hypoallergenic.
It’s important to do plenty of research about hybrid dogs, especially if they’re supposedly hypoallergenic. It’s a good idea to speak to a number of different breeders, current owners of the cross breed as well as your doctor and vet.
What Causes An Allergy To Dogs?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as three in ten people in the USA have an allergy to pet hair. Therefore, there must be a substantial number of Americans with allergies who own dogs when you consider there are 90 million pet parents in the States.
Even if you believe you’ve discovered a hypoallergenic breed or cross breed that won’t trigger your allergies, you may find that other allergens still prompt a reaction.
The AAFA reiterate the point made by the AKC about hypoallergenic breeds.
People with dog allergies may be more sensitive to some breeds of dogs than others. Some people may be allergic to all dogs. People may think certain breeds of dogs are “hypoallergenic,” but a truly non-allergic dog or cat does not exist.
Pet hair is usually seen as the biggest culprit where dog allergies are concerned. It is true that pet hair is one of the main allergens to be aware of.
However, pet dander can be a possible trigger for people who are allergic to pets. The American Lung Association offer a definition of pet dander on their website to help pet lovers who haven’t previously encountered this term.
Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.
Some breeds such as the Poodle have a coat that will trap dander secreted in their curls. Other dogs like the Mexican Hairless Dog can simply be washed to remove flakes of dead skin.
While pet dander and hair are two of the main allergens, you will also need to think about other factors such as dog saliva, dog urine and allergens carried on their coat such as pollen.
What Are The Symptoms?
If you suspect you may be allergies to Chipoo or dogs in general, you should contact your doctor to learn more about pet allergies.
Mayo Clinic outline on their website that dog allergies are usually triggered by dander or pet hair. Here are some of the symptoms to be aware of:
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Facial pressure and pain
• Frequent awakening
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
• In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose
Are Chipoos Hypoallergenic?
Presley the Chipoo (Photo: presleythechipoo / Instagram)
Chipoo are considered a hybrid dog that can have hypoallergenic qualities. The influence of the Poodle parent means that this particular cross can have a low shedding coat that doesn’t produce much dander. However, the Chihuahua isn’t considered hypoallergenic. So each Chipoo could be hypoallergenic to varying degrees depending on which parent they take after.
Here’s what Pippin (@pipnfriends) told hellobark.com.
Pippin is hypoallergenic and does not shed! He gets groomed twice a year and we do little trims in between.
Do Chipoos Shed A Lot?
Pippin the Chipoo (Photo: pipnfriends / Instagram)
Like we mentioned above, Chipoo are usually low-shedding dogs. They’ll usually shed less than their Chihuahua parent. Chihuahuas are moderate to high shedders but Poodles hardly shed. So provided your Chipoo inherits the necessary genes from the Poodle parent, there’s a good chance your Chipoo won’t shed excessively. However, there are no guarantees in spite of claims made by Chipoodle breders.
Chipoos Care And Grooming
Presley the Chipoo (Photo: presleythechipoo / Instagram)
Although Chipoodles aren’t big shedders so you won’t have to vacuum your home every day to get rid of pet hair, they do require a lot of grooming. It’s a good idea to brush your Chipoodle three or four times a week to make sure their hair doesn’t become matted or tangled. In following a grooming routine, you can promote a healthy coat and reduce the chances of skin infections. You may prefer to use the services of a professional groomer depending on the length and texture of your Chipoo’s coat.
Amy kindly gave us an insight into Presley (@presleythechipoo)‘s grooming routine.
As coat length can vary, Chipoodles can come with short, medium or long hair. It is advised at least once a year to be trimmed for the summer weather. This can be done with a local dog groomer, or at home with your own dog clippers. It also helps when it comes to bath time to ensure the coat is clean and conditioned.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
The American Kennel Club and the British Kennel Club offer a number of different breeds that have hypoallergenic qualities.
The AKC list 19 different varieties of dogs on their website.
• Affenpinchser
• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Barbet
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Giant Schnauzer
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Maltese
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Poodle
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Schnauzer
• Xoloitzcuintli
The Kennel Club list 31 hypoallergenic dog breeds:
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Spanish Water Dog
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Black Terrier
• Hungarian Puli
• Komondor
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Intermediate Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Mexican Hairless
• Standard Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Anything Else To Consider?
If you suspect you may suffer from allergies to dogs, you should contact your doctor and speak to a vet before you decide to adopt a puppy, even if they’re a so-called hypoallergenic breed.
We find that speaking to current Chipoo owners is a great way to learn more about a cross breed.
In Conclusion
Presley the Chipoo (Photo: presleythechipoo / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our feature on the Chipoo and whether they’re hypoallergenic.
As you’ll know, the Chipoodle is considered a cross breed with the potential to have hypoallergenic qualities.
However, the degree to which they’re hypoallergenic can vary from dog to dog.
They’ll require regularly grooming to maintain the condition and health of their coat, whether they’re smooth-coated or long-coated Chipoos.
