Do Cockapoos Shed? Facts & FAQ

The Cockapoo is a dog that is as friendly as they are fluffy, with intelligence and athleticism to boot. It's no wonder the hybrid pup is so popular; they're consistently among the top 20 designer breeds in the USA. However, potential cockapoo owners may wonder if they shed.

Some Cockapoos shed their fur due to their Cocker Spaniel heritage, but others rarely shed since they take after their Poodle parents more. A purebred Poodle's hair grows longer and must be trimmed but doesn't shed often.

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 difficult to determine how often 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 Cockapoo is known to cause fewer reactions in people who are allergic to dogs, it's irresponsible to claim that any dog is genuinely 100% hypoallergenic.

All dogs shed fur and dander, which causes a reaction in people allergic to dogs. Curly coats 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 minimal 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 can all cause potent 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 you aren't familiar with, take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

A Cockapoo will shed less than a Cocker Spaniel, and 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, which is why people generally regard Cockapoos as one of the less-allergenic dog breeds. If they inherit the Cocker's wavy coat, they'll shed more and may be less suitable for owners with allergies.

• See also: Pros & Cons of Getting a Cockapoo: Breed Characteristics Explained

Featured Image Credit: mountaintreks, Shutterstock