Are Cavapoos Hypoallergenic?

Written by Niccoy Walker
Updated: May 4, 2023
Share on:

Advertisement


Cavapoos look like real-life teddy bears and are just as cuddly, too. These mixed breeds are a cross between a poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are sweet and tiny social butterflies that form everlasting bonds with their families. And as friendly, adaptable dogs, they do well with small children and other pets.

No matter how great their personality can be, some dogs can cause moderate to severe allergy symptoms in their owners. The last thing anyone wants is to get their heart set on a specific breed just to find out they are allergic. So are cavapoos hypoallergenic? Find the answer now, including how much they shed and their maintenance requirements.

Can People Be Allergic to Cavapoos?

Cavapoo laying on a wood floor

Spaniels are not hypoallergenic, but poodles are. And together, they create a more allergy-friendly breed.

©David Calvert/Shutterstock.com

Cavapoos, like other mixed poodle breeds, are somewhat hypoallergenic. Their low-shed coat prevents excessive shedding, reducing the number of allergens in the air and on surfaces. Less shedding often means less dander. 

However, even with their allergy-friendly qualities, people can still be allergic to cavapoos. No matter the fur type, all animals with fur produce dead skin cells containing proteins that can cause allergic reactions in humans. These proteins can also be found in a dog’s urine and saliva. 

So even if cavapoos don’t shed as much as other breeds, you can still be susceptible to allergy symptoms from their dander and drool. Pet allergies can produce mild symptoms like sneezing and runny nose. But some can also develop more severe reactions, like wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Are F1B Cavapoos Hypoallergenic?

The F1 cavapoo is a half-and-half mix of a poodle and a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Spaniels are not hypoallergenic, but poodles are. And together, they create a more allergy-friendly breed for those who want to experience a spaniel personality without sneezing. 

An F1B cavapoo is the offspring of an F1 cavapoo and a purebred poodle. The F1BB cavapoo is the result of breeding an F1B and a poodle. This backcross process results in a breed closer to the poodle, meaning they have qualities more similar to a poodle than a spaniel. While you may lose some of the spaniel personality by backcrossing, you gain a more hypoallergenic dog. The F1B and F1BB are more allergy-friendly than the F1.

Do Cavapoo Dogs Shed a Lot?

Cavapoos are mild to moderate shedders depending on which genes they take after more. Dogs that take more after their poodle side will shed less. And those that closely resemble the spaniel will shed more. However, there will be shedding either way. But they are considered a relatively low-shedding breed, with many owners experiencing minimal hair loss from their cavapoos. It should be noted that low-shedding dogs typically require more grooming. 

Are Cavapoos High Maintenance?

cavapoo

All Cavapoos shed, but the degree varies according to which parent they take after. They need regular grooming to maintain their coat health.

©Kelly Foreman/Shutterstock.com

Heavy shedders blow their coats and shed throughout the year to keep their skin and fur healthy. Dogs with low-shedding tendencies often need more grooming to maintain a healthy coat and reduce skin irritation. 

Cavapoos are high-maintenance dogs. They should be bathed once or twice a month to get rid of dirt and odor from their fur. And they need multiple brushing sessions each week to keep their hair tangle-free. Keeping up with their grooming needs can further reduce allergens from dander, pollen, and other irritants.

Cavapoo Temperament: Are They Good Dogs?

These highly social and outgoing dogs pack a lot of personality into such little frames. Cavapoos are excellent family dogs and love lots of cuddles and time with their favorite humans. And even though they are energetic and playful, they have a relatively calm and mild disposition when inside around their loved ones. This breed is also great around children and other pets, putting them at the top of the list for the ultimate family pet. They will love you forever. Plus, they are allergy-friendly! 

What is the Disadvantage of a Cavapoo?

While these dogs seem pretty perfect, every breed has its downsides. The primary con of owning a cavapoo is its neediness. While some don’t find this to be a problem, others may be surprised at how much attention the cavapoo needs. 

These dogs do not do well alone. And they need plenty of mental stimulation, play, and exercise to keep them from getting bored, depressed, and destructive. Cavapoos can develop anxiety when they are not around people or if they are stuck inside for too long. These qualities may not be suitable for people who work and go to school full-time.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Steven B Gold/Shutterstock.com

Ready to discover the top 10 cutest dog breeds in the entire world?

How about the fastest dogs, the largest dogs and those that are -- quite frankly -- just the kindest dogs on the planet? Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. And the best part? It's FREE. Join today by entering your email below.

What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?

Share on:
About the Author

Niccoy is a professional writer for A-Z Animals, and her primary focus is on birds, travel, and interesting facts of all kinds. Niccoy has been writing and researching about travel, nature, wildlife, and business for several years and holds a business degree from Metropolitan State University in Denver. A resident of Florida, Niccoy enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, and spending time at the beach.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.