Do Cavapoos Shed? (Non Shedding Cavapoo Coat Guide)
Deciding to bring a new addition into your family is no small decision. Choosing the right pet for your home takes research and time to make sure that you will be a fit for each other and you can help your new puppy live its best life. If you have other animals, you need to know if this dog breed will get along with them.
But one of the big questions that many future dog owners of this breed ask is, ‘Do Cavapoos shed?’
The Cavapoo, also known as the Cavoodle or Cavadoodle, is known for its calm and loving nature. The Cavapoo was first bred in the 1950s in Australia (we call them Cavoodles in Australia and New Zealand). The breed has since gained popularity in the United States. The Cavapoo is a gentle breed that makes for an excellent family dog because of its outgoing personality and easy-going nature.
Does a Cavapoo Shed?
Despite popular opinion, there is no such thing as a dog or animal that doesn’t shed. There are breeds, such as Poodles, that shed very little, but even people shed a little bit. So while you can expect slight to moderate shedding in your Cavapoo dog, there will be at least a tiny bit.
A Cavapoo is not likely to shed because it is half Poodle, but there is a chance that it may shed a bit. The fur of a Cavapoo will continue to grow, so unlike dogs that do shed, their coat needs to be cut for it not to grow too long. A Cavapoo does not shed but, their fur still needs weekly brushing.
You won’t know exactly how much your Cavapoo will shed until he goes through his first shedding cycle. He will either be a low-shedding dog like the Cavalier or minute shedding like the Poodle, but there is no way to know for sure until the little one is born.
If the Poodle is the dominant gene in the litter, your puppy will be very low-shedding and have the curly, sleek coat of a Poodle, but if the Cavalier dominates, it will shed a little more and sport a little less curl.
If you do not brush out your Cavapoos coat, their curls are likely to mat and will result in discomfort for your dog, as well as an unkempt appearance. In addition, sores may form on the skin as matting makes infections more likely.
Other Grooming Requirements
To prevent your Cavapoos nails from snagging on carpets or rugs or from breaking, they need trimming regularly. You also need their ears cleaned regularly to prevent infection, which is another excellent reason to take them to the groomer.
Cavapoos are prone to having bad teeth making proper oral care imperative. To prevent bad breath or gingivitis, be sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly. If there is an infection in the gums, bacteria may enter the bloodstream and cause deeper issues than just tooth pain or abscess; it can lead to endocarditis – a heart condition caused by inflammation of the tissue.
Besides that – the dander protein that causes allergy is MORE prevalent in dog saliva than hair. So keeping a healthy dog mouth and avoidiung saliva contact is super important for those with allergies that are after a no shedding dog.
What is a Cavapoo? How are they non-shedding?
A Cavapoo is a beautiful dog that is a mixture of the toy or miniature Poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs often have the sweet face of the Cavalier and, the coat is usually hypoallergenic, like a Poodle.
The Cavapoo is a loving and wonderful family dog who loves to cuddle up with you on the couch. But these puppies also have tons of energy and need daily walks and lots of play (or a winter hike or tug of war). If you’re like most pet parents (or parents-to-be), you care for your dog immensely.
The temperament of the Cavapoo [Shedding Impact]
Since the Cavapoo is half Poodle, it is a bright dog that will be relatively easy to train. The Cavapoo is affectionate and displays a calm and gentle temperament that is perfect for a family. The Cavapoo puppy and adult dog are both exceptional with children and other animals due to its calm demeanor. They are happy to race around the yard with the kids or go on walks with the family.
Whether purebred dog or Poodle mix – introduce any pet SLOWLY to people with allergies. Gradual exposure is typically safer and you can monitor to any reaction to dander shedding.
The Cavapoo is very social and will make a great family member, especially if you love to entertain because they welcome attention from people. Their loving and social nature makes for lovely walks in the park as they love to say hello to everyone and get pets.
Be sure to have these beauties on a leash if they are outdoors and not in a yard because they love to chase birds, squirrels and play with anything else that moves. All pets, even the patient ones, need supervision when they are around your children to make sure they are treating each other nicely.
The appearance of the Cavapoo (Non-shedding Cavapoo are Wavy or Curly)
When dealing with a mixed breed, you will not know their true nature until they are born. You also can not tell what the puppies of two dogs will look like until they are born. Mixed breeds can vary in looks because one litter may take after the father more, and others may predominantly show their mother’s traits.
A Cavapoo may come in many colors and are usually a mixture of their Poodle and Cavalier King Charles parents. The coat colors can be solid colors like fawn, cream, gold, chestnut, white, and chocolate color, but can be white and chestnut or even tri-colored.
The coat of a Cavapoo can be wavy or curly, is most often short, but can be poofy, and requires regular grooming. Because of the Poodle genetics, the Cavapoo is less likely to shed, making it a good choice for anyone who suffers from allergies to dogs.
Potential Health Issues That Can Cause Cavapoo Shedding
When you have a mixed breed, you need to be aware of potential ailments typical of both breeds. When you get a dog from a reputable breeder, they will ensure that both parents go through a thorough screening process to ensure that the puppies will be healthy. Despite the health of parent breeds, there is always a risk of the following ailments in a Cavapoo:
Poodle
- Epilepsy: a neurological disorder that causes the canine to have seizures
- Patella luxation: This is an orthopedic issue in which the knee cap will pop out of place and back in due to shallow grooves where the kneecaps lay
- Hip dysplasia: when the ball and socket of the hip do not develop correctly and, they rub together, causing deterioration over time
- Legg Perthes disease: degenerative disease of the hips
- Sebaceous adenitis: uncommon dermatitis (immune-mediated) that causes a crusting abnormality that can become progressing alopecia (hair loss) and scaly and crusty skin
- PRA (progressive retinal atrophy: Ocular disease which can deteriorate the sight and cause blindness
- Atopy: skin allergy that can lead to infections of the skin (use sensitive shampoo if this happens)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- MRD (Multifocal retinal dysplasia): may be linked to visual defects and blindness (although rare)
- SM (syringomyelia): pockets of fluid may build in the spinal cord of the dog
- MVD (degenerative mitral valve disease): The most common defect is mitral valve disease, a slow-progressing condition that affects middle-aged dogs to older dogs
Nutrition and Diet Can Impact Coat Shedding
Since a Cavapoo is a high-energy, medium-sized dog, you will want to feed it accordingly. A Cavapoo generally weighs between 9 – 20 pounds you will feed them based on their weight and not the breed.
Dry dog food gives your puppy protein that translates to energy and will also help to keep their teeth strong and healthy. You may also want to mix some wet food with the dry or give it to your puppy separately as a treat to ensure they get a bit more water.
Feed your puppy according to their age and weight and any dietary restrictions you may have discussed with your vet. Giving your dog the right mix of nutrients and vitamins will help ensure they maintain high energy and good health, as well as a healthy coat.
Cost of a Non-Shedding Cavapoo
To purchase a Cavapoo, you are going to spend between 1,200 and 2,000 dollars. Some Cavapoos with rare markings may sell for a little more, but the general price point is no more than 2,000 dollars. A Toy Cavapoo (See our Cavapoo size guide) will cost more in general. Anything bred witha Toy Poodle parent will fetch a higher price.
Most people reading this article will be searching for a non-shedding Cavapoo. These are typically F1b Cavapoo or F2 Cavapoo generations. Expect a premium price for proven hypoallergenic properties.
The cost of a Cavapoo pup is pretty much the same as a Cockapoo dog. Small dog prices are often high. You may find a cheaper “designer dog” like a larger Goldendoodle – but a Teacup Goldendoodle will be similarly expensive. Espeically is they are a non shedding mixed breed.
You can always look into adopting a Cavapoo or looking on a reputable website to look for one that needs rehoming, but it is not common for anyone to surrender this type of dog to a shelter. If you find a Cavapoo at a shelter, the average cost to rescue would be about 500 dollars. See our detailed Cavapoo rescue guide for North America and worldwide advice.
Final Word
While no dog in the world sheds absolutely no hair, the Cavapoo breed is one that will give you less fur to clean up than most breeds. The chances of you being allergic to this breed are also slim as they have the hypoallergenic benefits of the Poodle.
As far as low-shed, good-tempered family dogs go, it is hard to find a breed that will fit in with your family more than the Cavapoo. If you are going through a breeder, make sure they are reputable, and the happiness and joy of bringing home a new family member will go smoothly. You will rarely meet an unhappy Cavapoo owner!
