Cockapoos are generally considered hypoallergenic.
They’re a mix between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel that have become increasingly popular over the past few decades.
These “designer dogs” have found their way into homes as much-loved family pets around the world.
Poodles are famous for being low-shedding dogs that have a lot of hypoallergenic qualities.
Cocker Spaniels, on the other hand, aren’t recognised as a hypoallergenic dog breed.
However, as with any mixed breed, there’s no guarantee whether a Cockapoo will inherit the traits of their Poodle or Cocker Spaniel parent.
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 Cockapoos, why they’re considered more hypoallergenic than other dogs and how much they shed.
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What does hypoallergenic mean?
You may or may not have encountered the word hypoallergenic before.
The term was first used by the cosmetic industry to describe beauty or skincare products that were less likely to cause an allergic reaction in the 1950s.
These products were aimed at people who had sensitive skin or were prone to allergies. Although they were called hypoallergenic, there was no guarantee that the product wouldn’t cause a reaction. These hypoallergenic products were just less likely.
Let’s take a look at how medical website WebMD.com define hypoallergenic:
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.
Over the past couple of decades, there’s been an increased use of the word hypoallergenic alongside dog breeds.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
Hopefully by this stage you’re starting to work out what being a so-called hypoallergenic dog breed entails. Some breeds, such as the Poodle, are called hypoallergenic because of their low-shedding coats.
Hypoallergenic dogs are in demand due to the number of people who suffer with allergies to dogs around the world. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology say that around 10 per cent of the US population are allergic to dogs. Given 90 million people own dogs in America, there’s a good chance a lot of people own dogs despite their allergies.
When you search the term “hypoallergenic dogs” on Google there are over 23.5 million results.
You may have read that some dog breeds like the Poodle are hypoallergenic. While this is mostly true, it’s important to note that no dog is 100 per cent hypoallergenic.
Here’s what the American Kennel Club write about hypoallergenic dogs on their website:
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.
So while no dog is completely hypoallergenic, the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club do recommend some breeds for their increased hypoallergenic qualities.
Before we take a look at the dog breeds, we need to understand what causes dog allergies and the symptoms to look out for.
What causes an allergy to dogs?
When you think of dog allergies, you’d be forgiven for thinking pet hair is the biggest culprit. It’s correct to say dog hair can be a trigger but it’s not the biggest contributor.
In fact, the chief cause of dog allergies is usually their dander.
Here’s the American Lung Association to explain exactly what dander is:
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 dogs, such as Poodles, have coats that managed to retain the dander so it isn’t as easily secreted and deposited in their air, the furniture or your clothes. These breeds will require a bath to wash out the dander, while hairless dogs can be wiped down the clean away the dander secreted.
What are the symptoms?
If you suspect you have an allergy to dogs, there are some symptoms to keep an eye out for.
This article doesn’t constitute medical advice. If you suspect you’ve got allergies to dogs, you should talk to your local doctor to learn more and seek advice.
Here are some of the symptoms that could be an indicator of dog allergies.
• Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose.
• Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
• Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
• Watery, red or itchy eyes.
• Skin rash or hives.
Are Cockapoos hypoallergenic?
Cockapoo plays in bluebells (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Cockapoos are considered a hypoallergenic dog. A Cockapoo is the result of breeding between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. The influence of the Poodle genes usually results in a hypoallergenic dog. However, a Cockapoo could be more or less hypoallergenic depending on their unique genetic makeup. If their coat more closely resembles their Poodle parent, they’re likely to be more hypoallergenic.
Let’s hear a little more from the Cockapoo Owners Club UK to learn more:
It is misleading for breeders to describe them as being totally hypoallergenic, as people can get allergic reactions to the dogs skin, saliva and dander and not just the fur. Due to the variations in the coats there is no 100% predictability and their coats can take on the appearance of either the poodle or cocker or a bit of both. Whilst Cockapoos can inherit the low moulting coats of the poodle, it is not a given, and whilst there are many people with allergies who do not react with Cockapoos it is advisable that if you are an allergy sufferer, time is spent with a Cockapoo to see if a reaction does occur, preferably over a period of time.
Do Cockapoos shed a lot?
Generally, Cockapoos are a low shedding cross breed. However, we must urge caution once again. If your Cockapoo has a coat that more closely mimics their Cocker Spaniel parent, they could shed more than another of these designer dogs who has more Poodle traits. You should expect a Cockapoo to shed to at least some degree, whether it’s minimal or low to moderate.
Here’s the Cockapoo Owners Club of UK with some more useful advice:
Cockapoos can shed hair although a lot are very low moulting especially if they take on more of a poodle coat. But as there is no 100% predictability with coats, then expect that some hair may be shed, especially those who are more cocker like in appearance and have a more cocker spaniel coat or have less curly coats.
Cockapoo care and grooming
Cockapoos will require a haircut from time to time to keep hair out of their eyes. This can help to minimise the risk of eye infections. Their trademark beards will need a trim from getting too long and carrying dirt and debris near their mouths.
It’s a good idea to give your Cockapoo a regular brush to remove any dead hair and debris. The American Kennel Club suggests a comb or a brush to give them a quick groom.
Cockapoo owners should pay regular attention to their ears and eyes for signs of infection.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in the UK are great resources for anyone looking to learn more about hypoallergenic dog breeds.
The AKC list 19 dog breeds on their website as hypoallergenic:
• 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
Kennel Club goes even further with 31 different hypoallergenic 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?
We recommend thorough research before you decide to buy any dog.
Remember, even dog breeds with a reputation for being hypoallergenic could shed to a certain degree, especially mixed dogs such as the Cockapoo.
For dog lovers who want to get a pup but suffer with allergies, you should speak to your vet before you go out and buy a pet. You should also talk to an experienced and respected breeder to learn more.
You could also speak to some Cockapoo owners on Instagram to learn more.
In conclusion
Cockapoo Masie (Photo: hellobark.com)
So there you have it, Cockapoos are generally considered hypoallergenic but remember the extent can depend on whether they mirror their Poodle or Cockapoo parent more closely.
