Doodles have been specifically bred to combine the very best family dogs with the so-called hypoallergenic (non-shedding) Poodle since the 1960s. However, the idea that Poodles don’t shed is a myth – every dog sheds, some just do it more than others. While it is accurate enough to say that Poodles are way down there on the spedometer, is it safe to assume that their Doodle offspring will be the same way?
Cavapoos, who bring the darling Cavalier King Charles Spaniel into the mix, are energetic, playful, yet easy-going little loves. Those who own these pups simply adore them, and it really is no wonder. However, if you are looking to adopt a Cavapoo, you may be wondering about the shedding issue. Do Cavapoos shed? Here we will take a look at the various factors that can impact hair loss in Cavapoos.
Do Cavapoos Shed?
Given that Poodles shed, it’s safe to say that Cavapoos do too. So, the question instead becomes ‘exactly how much do Cavapoos shed?’ Well, this is determined by several different factors. Let’s take a look at what they are…
Coat Type
The very first thing to consider when thinking about how much your Cavapoo will shed is is the kind of coat they have. The two breeds that make up this hybrid pup have considerably different hair.
- Poodles are famous for their luscious curls. We already know that this single hair coat sheds very little, and what little it does is often caught up in the tight spirals (which is why daily brushing is so crucial for these dogs).
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, on the other hand, have medium-length, silky hair that is often straight or very slightly wavy. Although purebred Cavaliers don’t have a shedding undercoat, they can shed moderately due to their hair being more straight and silky. As a result, anything that’s loose, a.k.a dead dog hair, will likely fall out much easier.
It may be the case that your Cavapoo has inherited the Poodle coat. This is more often the case with later generations (covered below) as they have more Poodle genes. In this case, shedding will be minimal.
However, they could also end up with either a Spaniel coat which would increase the amount of hair they drop, or a coat that falls somewhere in between the two different types – in which case it really is anyone’s best guess what will happen.
Generation
If you are familiar with Doodles, then chances are you won’t get confused when people start referring to F1, F1B, or F2 dogs. If not, then this can be an issue.
Basically, here people are talking about generations – how far removed the puppy is from the original pedigree parents. Here is a quick rundown of the different ones and what they mean in terms of the genes the puppy gets from each breed:
| 1st Parent | 2nd Parent | % Cavalier King Charles Spaniel* | % Poodle* | |
| F1 Cavapoo (first-generation) | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Poodle | 50% | 50% |
| F1B Cavapoo (first-generation backcross) | F1 Cavapoo | Poodle | 25% | 75% |
| F1BB Cavapoo (first-generation backcross backcross) | F1B Cavapoo | Poodle | 12.5% | 87.5% |
| F2 Cavapoo (second-generation) | F1 Cavapoo | F1 Cavapoo | 50% | 50% |
| F2B Cavapoo (second-generation backcross) | F1 Cavapoo | F1B Cavapoo | 37.5% | 62.5% |
| F2B Cavapoo (alternate cross) | F2 Cavapoo | Poodle | 25% | 75% |
| F3 / Multigen Cavapoo | F1B Cavapoo or higher | F1B Cavapoo or higher | Varies | Varies |
Doodle generations that have more Poodle genes such as the F1B, F1BB, F2B, and F2BB stand a greater chance of getting the Poodle coat compared with the others. For third-generation dogs, you will need to rely on the breeder to provide exact information about the genetic mix of the puppies and so the chances of them getting one hair type over the other.
Size
Cavapoos, because of the diminutive size of the non-Poodle parent, come in just two different types: Toy and Mini. While this will have no specific impact on how much they shed, larger dogs will seem to lose more hair than smaller ones simply because they have more hair to lose.
However, the size difference is relatively small, and so will the perceived shedding difference be too.
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How Do You Keep a Cavapoo from Shedding?
Overall, while there are some slight variations in the amount of molt based on the above factors, most owners report extremely minimal shedding from their Cavapoo. Though with more straight-coated dogs, you might notice a little more hair about the place with the changing of the seasons. There are a few things that can reduce this even further:
Regular Grooming
While grooming doesn’t stop the hair from breaking in the first place, it does remove it from the coat. This prevents it from either coating your furniture or tangling up into knots in your pet’s curls. For this reason, daily brushing is a great idea, and regular coat trims can also help.
Either way, a good-quality brush is vital. We recommend these ones specifically for Cavapoos.
Proper Nutrition
As is the case with people, a canine diet that is rich in nutrients can greatly benefit both their skin and their hair. You are going to want to feed your pal the very best food that is well-balanced and meets all their nutritional needs. Especially look out for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which helps to keep hair happily hydrated and in place for longer.
Moreover, if you notice that your four-legged friend is suddenly shedding far more than they usually do, this could indicate an allergy or intolerance to a new food. In this case, it’s best to try switching to one with a different top protein ingredient. If the problem persists, consult your vet.
Check out our article Best Dog Food for Cavapoos Based on Real Owner Reviews for our top kibble choices.
Frequent(ish) Bathing
Just like regular grooming, baths can help to remove dead and loose hair from your pet’s coat and wash it right away. Plus, certain canine shampoos have been specifically formulated to boost hair and skin moisture levels keeping each strand healthier for longer. These are our top-rated ones.
Take care, though; washing your dog too often could have the opposite effect. A dog’s skin naturally produces oils that help to protect the coat. When we wash our pet, especially with products, it washes these oils away and dries out the hair and skin. This could lead to more molt. Aim for just once every 4-6 weeks for best results.
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Reducing Stress
Finally, stress can also trigger hair loss in dogs through an influx of hormones such as adrenaline which cause coat to be released. It can also tempt them to itch and scratch, damaging the otherwise healthy coat.
Dogs get anxious when they are faced with unfamiliar situations if they are left alone for long periods due to boredom and inactivity, and because of noises and changes in the household, among other things. Aiming to reduce each of these is a good idea, but certain products and accessories can help your pup deal with stress.
Toys are great for keeping your pal entertained or distracted during otherwise distressing situations such as a long car ride or a trip to vets. We recommend these toys for Labradoodles, but they are effective for Cavapoos too.
Owners of particularly timid or anxious pups have had a lot of success with adding CBD oil to their pet’s food – this could be another option. Although, it’s always best to chat to your vet before introducing any unfamiliar supplements into your dog’s diet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cavapoo Coats
The best Doodle coat for low shed is the Poodle curly one, so Cavapoos that have this coat will shed the least. The chances of them inheriting this coat depends on which generation of Doodles they belong to (with later ones making it more likely). However, genes are unpredictable things, so you never can tell.
Doodles were initially bred to be hypoallergenic alternatives for people who loved dogs but were allergic to them. As Poodles coats are low shed, this makes them less likely to trigger a reaction; however, no dog is considered entirely hypoallergenic. When it comes to Doodles, as mixed breed dogs, it’s difficult to predict precisely what you will end up with.
Generally speaking, Cavapoos are an excellent option for those looking for a relatively low shedding dog. While the Cavelier King Charles Spaniel is considered a moderate shedder, the consensus among owners of these fab dogs seems to be that this isn’t much of an issue for their Doodle descendents. However, if you do have a Cavapoo and start to see a little hair about the place, stepping up your care and grooming routine is the best way to nip this in the bud.
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