The Cockapoo is a dog that is as friendly as it is fluffy, with intelligence and athleticism to boot. It’s no wonder the breed is so popular; it’s consistently in the top 20 breeds in the USA and is the most sought-after breed in the UK. However, many potential cockapoo owners ask the question: Do Cockapoos shed?
Cockapoos shed their fur, as all dogs do, which is a normal part of the hair life cycle. There may be some Cockapoos that don’t shed a lot due to their Poodle heritage; the Poodle breed is known for its minimal coat shedding, possibly due to its curly coat that holds on to hair.
Your Cockapoo won’t shed very much at all, with the only exception being when they lose their puppy coats. Cockapoos begin to shed their puppy coats at around 4 to 6 months old; after that, most Cockapoos shed minimally, but they still need regular grooming to prevent painful matting.
Since Cockapoos are crossbreeds, it’s quite difficult to determine how exactly their coats will shed. For example, they may shed very little if they inherit a single, curly coat from their Poodle side. The opposite is true for the wavy double coats they sometimes sport, which can cause a lot more shedding than curly-coated variants.
Are Cockapoos Really Hypoallergenic?
While it’s true that the breed is known to cause fewer reactions in people who are allergic to dogs, it’s irresponsible to claim that any dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic.
All dogs will shed fur and dander, which causes a reaction in people allergic to dogs. Curly coats tend to shed less and will hold on to hair and dander more than silkier coats, which could be where this myth comes from.
Do Cockapoos Smell?
Cockapoos will have a soft, doggy smell that surrounds them. It’s not a bad smell by any means, and if they are clean, Cockapoos are generally regarded as less smelly dogs due to their low fur shedding and curly coats.
However, even Cockapoos can get smelly if dirt builds up in the coat or on the skin. Infections in the mouth, ear infections, or infected anal glands (small glands on either side of a dog’s bottom) can all cause potent bad smells.
While all dogs can be smelly, Cockapoos are prone to ear infections since they have long ears that flop over. If you smell a foul scent that you aren’t familiar with, take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
A Cockapoo will shed like any other dog, but due to their curly coat and hair from their poodle parent, they may not shed as much as other breeds. Double-coated dogs such as golden retrievers shed a lot more, and this is one of the reasons why people generally regard Cockapoos as one of the less-allergenic dog breeds.
Featured Image Credit: mountaintreks, Shutterstock
