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Are Cavapoos Hypoallergenic?

Portrait of a groomed Cavapoo with its head tilted

Cavapoo is the hybrid of a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The designer breeders in Australia started developing this breed in the late 1990s. This doodle dog combines the gorgeous appearance of Cavalier with the non-shedding coat of Poodle, making it a perfect mate for any family.

The non-exuviating fur of Cavapoos makes them hypoallergenic. They don’t have an undercoat that prevents the accumulation of allergens in the fur. Consequently, this breed is a good option for those dog lovers who want a cute puppy but are hesitant due to their allergies.

Are Cavapoos Hypoallergenic?

No dog breed is perfectly hypoallergenic. Even the word itself doesn’t announce perfection as the prefix ‘hypo’ means “below a certain level”. Hence, the term ‘hypoallergenic’ describes those dog breeds who shed much less than other breeds.

By studying its parents, its different generations, and comparing it to other dog breeds, we can learn to what extent a breed is hypoallergenic. Regarding Cavapoos, these aspects are covered below:

Parents

Portrait of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sitting in grass

Cavapoos are the result of a cross between Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Between the two parents, Poodles are hypoallergenic while Cavaliers tend to shed. Therefore, the degree of hypoallergenicity depends on the percentage of poodle genes in the genetic makeup. The greater the number of poodle genes, the more the chances of your Cavapoo being hypoallergenic.

Generations

Dog breeds are sub-divided into different generations based on different ratios of parent genes in the offspring. These three generations of Cavapoos hold the top three positions in terms of being hypoallergenic.

  • F1B Cavapoo (75% Poodle & 25% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)
  • F2B Cavapoo (62.5% Poodle & 37.5% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)
  • F1BB Cavapoo (87.5% Poodle & 12.5% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)

One general identity of hypoallergenic Cavapoo generations is that they have curly fur. Poodles have a curly coat and this feature represents the dominance of the Poodle gene in a particular Cavapoo.

Comparative Study

close up portrait of a Cavapoo outdoors

Cavapoos have a high rank in hypoallergenic dogs. They are not only non-shedding dogs but also are quite good when we take about drooling. This mitigates the allergens released by saliva. According to a survey, 50-60% of the dog owners felt reduced allergies when they resorted to Cavapoos as pets.

Therefore, Cavapoos can be great for you if you are concerned with dog allergies. Though these dogs are not 100% hypoallergenic, their Poodle characteristics make them a feasible option for canine lovers.

How to Minimize Cavapoo Allergies?

Man sneezing against dark background with dust particles in the air

Given that no breed is 100% hypoallergenic, you can expect some allergies to get triggered while Cavapoos are around. Even if you are getting good results with a Cavapoo, the following steps can help you outsmart even the minutest of allergies caused by this breed.

Regular Brushing

It helps removing dirt, loose hair, and dander from your dog’s coats. You can think of investing in a smoother brush, like BigG, (paid link) which can help to reduce allergy risks by 90%. Brushing also helps in spreading out the natural oils in the skin, which helps to prevent dryness.

Frequent Bathing

FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo, 16-Ounce

Bathing complements brushing in a way that the dust and dander left behind can be washed out. Using a shed control shampoo (paid link) for bathing your dog can increase the efficiency many times. 

Trips to the Groomer

You can set a monthly schedule with your groomer to give your dog a haircut. Longer hair provides more space for dander and regular trimming will minimize the effect of this problem. It also makes brushing and bathing more effective and effortless.

Cleaning Your Home

Keeping the house clean is the key to avoid allergies. Regular vacuuming or sweeping can reduce your problems to a great extent. You can also use surface cleaners for better results. The use of HEPA air purifiers (paid link) can also be a good hack if you can afford one.

Traits and Characteristics about Cavapoos

Cavapoo on a leash with harness outdoors in front of a house, ready for a walk.

Other than hypoallergenicity, Cavapoos bring many other advantages with them. From their physical build-up to their disposition, everything is just about perfect. Let’s discuss these traits in detail.

Size – When fully grown, Cavapoos stand 9-14 inches tall and weigh between 12 to 25 pounds. Their compact stature is ideal for fitting into most homes and apartments.

Physical Build-up – Cavapoos have a rounded face with big almond-like eyes and long floppy ears. Despite their small size, these dogs are not dainty. They are sturdy and muscular which makes them active and agile.

Colors – These dogs come in various colors, like white, cream, golden, chocolate, and tricolor.

Charming Character – Cavapoos are very affectionate dogs who and love to stay around their pack. They are cuddly lap dogs and by no means, these dogs have destructive instincts. However, they are not a good choice as watchdogs because they are serene and have a low prey drive.

Exercise Requirements – Cavapoos have low-moderate energy and their exercise requirements are on the lower side when compared with other breeds. Playing active games, like fetch or tug of war, or going on a walk is enough to meet their exercise requirements.

Playmate for Kids –Cavapoos are enthusiastic canines and can become great playmates for children who are older than 6 years. Extra care is required when babies are around because the chances of injury increase. The tendency of Cavapoos to stay calm makes them ideal for families that have kids.

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