Yorkipoo are a hybrid breed that have become increasingly common over the past 20 years or so.
They’re a mix between two popular pedigree dogs – Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle – that first started in the early 1990s.
Yorkipoo go by a variety of different names: Yoodle, Yorkapoo, Yorkerpoo, Yorkiepoopoo and Yorkiedoodle.
They’ve established themselves as a popular choice for dog owners who are looking for companionship with a four-legged friend.
Yorkipoo are also in demand because of their low shedding coats, although this can vary depending on each individual dog.
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 Yorkipoo are hypoallergenic for potential owners who are considering these designer dogs as pets.
We’ll hear from Jaxson (@actionjaxson_yorkiepoo) and Fred (@yorkiepoofred) to learn more about this cross breed from current owners.
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.
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What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
If you’ve ever bought cosmetic products, there’s a good chance that you’ve encountered the word hypoallergenic.
It was a term first coined by the cosmetic industry in the early 1950s to describe products that are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
A hypoallergenic product would be less likely than other cosmetic products to aggravate a person’s allergies.
However, by it’s very definition, hypoallergenic doesn’t 100 per cent guarantee that it won’t cause an allergic reaction, just lessen the chances.
Medical website WebMD provide a thorough definition of the word hypoallergenic on their website.
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 is a hypoallergenic dog?
While hypoallergenic was first coined by companies who manufacture cosmetic products, it’s regularly used to describe certain dog breeds that are thought to be a good fit for those with allergy problems.
The American Kennel Club make it clear on their website that there’s no such thing as a completely 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog breed despite what you might read elsewhere online.
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.
While some types of dogs are less likely to cause an allergic reaction, there’s no guarantee that a pup won’t set off your allergies if canines tend to be a trigger for sufferers.
The AKC do suggest a number of breeds that they consider a good potential fit for people looking to adopt a four-legged pooch with allergies to dogs.
Considering almost 10 per cent of the population of the United States is allergic to dogs, it’s little wonder hypoallergenic dogs have become so popular and sought after.
Given nearly 80 million Americans own a dog, there’s a lot of people who have researched pups that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 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.
The American Lung Association state on their website that people with allergies may experience upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms including congestion, sneezing, runny nose, chest tightness and wheezing.
What Causes Dog Allergies?
Before we take a look at the Yorkipoo and hypoallergenic breeds, it’s important to understand the factors involved in dog allergies.
Unsurprisingly, dog hair can be a big part of the problem. So would-be pet parents who get the sniffles around dogs are eager to find breeds that don’t shed a lot.
While a pup’s fur can be problematic, the most common cause is the dander caught in a dog’s hair.
Dander are microscopic pieces of dead skin that are omitted from a dog. These little flakes go undetected by the naked eye and enter a human’s body through the mucous membranes (nose and lungs).
The American Lung Association explain on their website why dander can be such a troublesome trigger for those with allergies to dogs:
Pet allergens are very light weight and small. They remain suspended in the air for a long time, much longer than allergens from cockroaches or dust mites. Because of their microscopic size and jagged shape, pet allergens easily stick to furniture, bedding, fabrics and many items carried into and out of the home.
While dander is an allergen, there are other dog allergens such as saliva, urine and feces that can trigger a reaction.
Furthermore, dogs with long coats could pick up pollen and allergens in their hair from outside the home.
What Is A Yorkipoo?
Yorkipoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)
As we mentioned above, a Yorkipoo is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle.
There’s a good chance you’ve encountered a Poodle mix such as a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle.
Given the Poodle is known for being a low-shedding dog with hypoallergenic qualities, they were crossed with other breeds to create versatile designer dogs.’
They don’t shed a lot while their tight curls manage to retain dander secreted until they’re groomed or washed.
The Goldendoodle was created to work as service or therapy dogs for those with an allergy to canines, incorporating the Golden Retriever’s intelligence and the Poodle’s coat.
Yorkipoos are 50 per cent Poodle so should have a low shedding coat with some of the personality traits of a Yorkshire Terrier.
In theory, they could make a great pet for a senior person who wants a companion dog but is allergic to canines.
However, there’s no guarantee that a Yorkipoo (or any mix breed) will inherit certain desired traits of one of the parents.
While a Yorkipoo will be low shedding if their coat takes after the Poodle parents, there’s every chance they could be moderate shedders like the Yorkie.
Are Yorkipoos Hypoallergenic?
Yorkipoo are considered hypoallergenic dogs for the most part, although there’s no guarantee they won’t aggravate your allergies. The Kennel Club in the UK suggest the Poodle and the Yorkie as hypoallergenic breeds.
Just how much these designer dogs are hypoallergenic will depend on each individual pup.
We asked Sarah whether her Yorkipoo Fred is hypoallergenic.
They’re a mix of two hypoallergenic dogs so no dog hair everywhere and no itchy eyes or sneezing.
Does Yorkipoo shed?
Jaxson the Yorkie Poo (Photo: @actionjaxson_yorkiepoo / Instagram)
Yorkipoo usually don’t shed a lot so don’t expect to find a lot of hair around the house.
However, they’ll require regular trips to the groomer to keep their coat looking in top shape.
Emily hasn’t experienced any shedding with her Yorkipoo Jaxson.
Because they are bred with the Poodle, they are hypoallergenic and do not shed.
Why is my Yorkipoo shedding?
Like we mentioned already, there’s no guarantee that a Yorkipoo won’t shed given one of their parents – the Yorkshire Terrier – can be a moderate shedder.
While the idea behind the Yorkipoo was partly to create a low shedding dog, it won’t become clear which parent a Yorkipoo pup takes after with regards to shedding until they’re young adults.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Both the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club list a number of dogs that they consider to by hypoallergenic.
The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom list 31 different types of dogs:
• 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
The American Kennel Club has a shorter list comprised of 19 breeds:
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
Anything else to consider?
A first generation Yorkipoo is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle.
However, a second generational Yorkipoo is a cross between a Yorkipoo and a Poodle.
F2 Yorkipoo are made up 75 per cent of Poodle and are even more likely to be hypoallergenic given the low shedding qualities of the Poodle.
In conclusion
Yorkipoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Yorkipoo are popular designer dogs that make great family pets.
They’re also popular due to their low shedding coats, although this isn’t the case with all Yorkipoos.
If you’re thinking about a Yorkipoo as a pet and you’re allergic to dogs, you ask the advice of a breeder to learn more about these designer pups.
