Do All Cockapoos Shed? Here’s How To Tell

A Cockapoo is an adorable cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. These much-desired cross breeds typically only shed a little due to the nature of their poodle side. However, since Cocker Spaniels shed a moderate amount of hair, some new dog owners are left wondering if and how much a Cockapoo sheds.

Cockapoos do shed some hair, but far less than most other dog breeds. Cockapoos are a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle parents and shed differently depending on which parent’s genes are expressed in their coats. As a result, multi-generational cockapoos provide the best option to ensure a low-shedding dog.

This article explores everything you need to know about Cockapoos shedding. We will consider how to tell if your Cockapoo is going to shed, and if so, what you can do to reduce shedding frequency. 

Why Do Cockapoos Shed?

Most dog breeds, including Cockapoos, will shed at least a little hair. No matter what people say about their dogs never shedding, it is a guarantee that close to every dog will shed at some point. However, shedding depends on your dog’s genes. 

The Cockapoo is a mixed breed of two very different dogs – the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. Cocker Spaniels are long-haired and shed a significant amount of hair. On the other hand, poodles have one coat of tightly wound, curly hair that is less likely to shed. 

This short hair has made poodles the ideal breed to be mixed with other dogs. Cross-breeds such as the Golden Doodle is known to have many of the same beloved characteristics of Golden Retrievers, without all the hassle of their double coats and excessive shedding. 

In general, the more Cockapoos take after their poodle side, the less shedding you will see. Depending on the dominant genes that the Cockapoo has inherited, he may expect to shed little to a medium amount of hair. 

How Can You Tell if a Cockapoo Will Shed?

It can be hard to tell how much hair a particular cockapoo will shed when they are young. As with most dogs, their coats do not fully develop right away, and puppies will typically shed their puppy coats between four and six months. However, in some cases, it can take as long as a year. 

There are some ways you can help predict how much hair a Cockapoo will shed.:

1. Ask Your Cockapoo’s Breeder

If you are considering a Cockapoo from a breeder, ask about whether he or she thinks the Cockapoo will shed. Most reputable breeders will have plenty of knowledge and experience, and chances are, have many past litters to look back upon. additionally, breeders will likely have extensive knowledge in regards to the prospective dog’s parents, allowing for an educated and well-informed prediction. 

However, a breeder will not be unable to confirm conclusively that a Cockapoo will or will not shed. You will only know for sure once your Cockapoo reaches adulthood.

2. Consider the Cockapoo’s Coat

Breeders have categorized cockapoo coats into three types, and each has different visual and textural characteristics.

The three types of Cockapoo hair include: 

• Double coated and straight or slightly wavy. Cockapoos with these coats will shed a significant amount of hair as they pull more from their Spaniel side. 
• Single to double-coated and loosely curly. Cockapoos with these coats shed a little hair. Hair shedding may increase in particular seasons or when your Cockapoo is eating particular foods. 
• Single coated with tight curls. Cockapoos with tight curls have inherited their poodle parent coats. They are less likely to shed a lot of hair. 

To tell if a cockapoo is double-coated or single coated: 

• Consider how dense the dog’s coat is. If the coat is dense, it is likely your Cockapoo has two coats of hair. 
• Consider whether you can notice different textures of hair. If your Cockapoo has different hair textures, it is likely double-coated as one coat will have one texture, and one coat will have another. 

3. Check the Cockapoos Age

While you may be able to deduce certain characteristics when they’re young, remember that most Cockapoo puppies will shed their puppy coats, and hair length, density, texture, and even the color will change as the puppy ages. 

Cockapoos will shed their ‘puppy coat when they are around eight months old. At this time, you’ll likely find considerable hair on your furniture. However, this shedding will slow considerably once their adult coats come in. 

4. Look for Shedding Symptoms

In some cases, your Cockapoo may be shedding hair outdoors or on similar colored carpets or furniture. Because of this, it may be challenging to recognize that your Cockapoo is shedding at all. 

You can tell that your Cockapoo is shedding by taking a close look at its coat. If his hair feels brittle or more dry than usual, he is likely shedding. You might also notice bald spots or irregular patches of hair. 

Can You Reduce the Amount of Hair Your Cockapoo Sheds?

Most Cockapoos most commonly shed only moderately, and this shedding will likely be significantly less than their spaniel parent. However, if you are concerned about excessive shedding in your pet, there are several things you can do to reduce shedding in your dog.

Owners can reduce shedding in their Cockapoo by:

1. Changing Your Cockapoo’s Diet

According to Dr. Roy Cruzen, a doctor of veterinary medicine, a poor diet is a primary reason that a dog sheds a lot of hair. Cockapoos need a high protein diet and low in carbohydrates to keep their coat healthy and full.

“The No. 1 reason for excessive shedding is a poor diet.”

Dr. Roy Cruzen, DVM

Here are some excellent food choices for your Cockapoo:

• Blue Buffalo Adult Dry Dog Food. This comes in a variety of flavors, including lamb, chicken, and fish. It is high in protein but also contains high-quality grains.
• Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food. This dry food is made with nutrient-rich smoked salmon. The formula is for adult dogs and will help your Cockapoo maintain a healthy coat. 
• Victor Super Premium Pet Food Classic Dry Dog Food. This is another popular protein-rich dry dog food. It’s made with beef, chicken, pork, and fish, offering the best nutrients from each protein. It has also been formulated to nurture a healthier immune and digestive system. 
• Purina Beyond Wet Dog Food. If your Cockapoo is not a fan of dry food, consider adding a wet topper to their food dish. The Purina toppers come in a variety of flavors, all of which are high protein mixes. These include chicken and carrots, turkey and green beans, and beef and spinach. 

I feed my dog high-quality food from Pet Plate. Pet Plate is a premium dog food subscription service that provides freshly cooked and pre-portioned meals completely customized for your dog. I really love the fact that Pet Plate delivers the highest quality meals to my door without me ever having to think about it! Check out Pet Plate here to see if this service is right for you too.

2. Considering the Season 

All dog breeds shed different amounts in different seasons. The majority of dogs, including Cockapoos, will shed their coats at the end of Spring to make it less dense for the coming warmer months. Similarly, in the Fall, their coat will likely shed so they can grow thicker hair to keep them warm in Winter. 

While you can’t prevent your Cockapoo from shedding hair as the seasons’ change, you can ensure you are grooming him regularly to help lessen the impact of seasonal transitions. 

3. Check for Skin Parasites

Like most other dog breeds, Cockapoos are susceptible to parasites like mites, ticks, and fleas. If your Cockapoo has some form of parasites, their hair will likely shed more often because of skin irritation and inflammation. Your Cockapoo will also likely scratch himself more often, which can lead to additional shedding. 

You can check if your Cockapoo has parasites simply by pulling aside the hair and examining the skin. However, while it may be tempting to buy an over-the-counter treatment for the parasites, talk to your vet first. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend a suitable treatment for the parasites using products that are safe and less likely to cause extreme reactions. 

4. Using the Right Shampoo or Grooming Products

Each Cockapoos skin and hair will react differently to grooming products. It’s not uncommon to find your dog may be allergic or intolerant to the brand of Dog shampoo or conditioner you are using. 

If you notice that your dog sheds more after a bath, try switching your grooming products. It’s best to stick with natural, organic, hypoallergenic products. Your vet should be able to recommend the best products to reduce this kind of shedding in your Cockapoo. 

5. Reducing Overall Stress 

Stress may cause your Cockapoo to shed more hair than average. Many dogs get stressed if there is a change to the household or their routines, such as a new pet or person living in the house, or even a physical change in the home environment. 

If there have been changes to your household and your Cockapoo starts shedding, chances are it is a reaction to the stressful situation. If you can’t eliminate the source of stress, try to alleviate your Cockapoo’s anxiety with extra affection. 

6. Talk to Your Vet

If none of these reasons and solutions have helped reduce the amount of hair your Cockapoo is shedding, you may want to talk to your vet. Excessive shedding may be a symptom of an illness or condition that your vet can help diagnose.

Some health conditions that may result in Cockapoo shedding includes: 

• Hormonal imbalances. If your Cockapoo is pregnant, has just given birth, or has just been neutered, the hormone levels in their body may change. This may cause hair fall or hair growth. 
• Bacterial and fungal infections. Aside from parasite infections, bacteria and fungi may also cause hair fall. Some bacterial infections may be internal, so your vet can help diagnose these by running a stool or blood test. 
• Endocrine imbalance. If your Cockapoo’s endocrine system is not functioning correctly, their hair may fall, they may be lethargic, and have a reduced appetite. 
• Skin conditions. Some skin conditions such as eczema and dandruff can lead to increased hair loss. 

Talking to your vet will help identify any underlying issues. However, you should also recognize that some shedding is natural, and you won’t be able to eliminate it completely. 

Can Proper Grooming Reduce Shedding in My Cockapoo?

Proper grooming can help to reduce shedding in your Cockapoo. It’s important to regularly groom your dog to remove any loose hair and keep their coat healthy. Appropriate grooming ensures your Cockapoo will not excessively Shedd around the house and is an excellent opportunity to bond with your pet. 

Grooming tips to help reduce shedding in Cockapoos include:

1. Using Detangling Spray

Spraying some detangling spray into your Cockapoo’s hair to help soften and condition his coat to make it easier to brush. When looking for a detangling spray, find something that is hypoallergenic and has a leave-in conditioner. A pleasant smell is also a plus! 

Some top-rated detangling sprays include: 

• BarkLogic Dogs Leave-in Conditioner & Detangling Spray
• TropiClean D-Mat Pet Tangle Remover 

2. Brushing Your Cockapoos Coat Often

Daily brushing will help to remove dead or loose hair and debris from your dog’s coat. If your Cockapoo has taken more from its poodle side, brushing may only need to occur a few times a week.

Use a stainless steel comb to brush through the coat gently and always be sure not to tug at any knots. If you hurt your dog, it can make future grooming a challenge. 

3. Detangling the Knots Gently

When you find a tangle or knot, switch the brush you are using. Slicker brushes are much better for use on tangles and will gently help to loosen the hair without causing pain or distress. These brushes are usually used for the undercoat of double-coated dogs, like Golden Retrievers, so are ideal for use if your Cockapoo takes after their Spaniel parent. 

4. Trimming Excess Hair

Because Xoxkapoos have traits of a Cocker Spaniel, These dogs may have excessive hair over their eyes, around their hindquarters, and paws. Use trimming scissors to gently trim down hair that may be falling into your Cockapoo’s eyes or growing between their paws. It would be helpful to groom your Cockapoo once or twice a week. 

If you don’t have the time or tools to groom your Cockapoo, you can also take him to a professional groomer. Professional groomers may be able to give you tips on grooming your Cockapoo correctly and reduce shedding. 

What Are Other Important Traits of a Cockapoo?

If you have been thinking about getting a Cockapoo because they shed less than other dogs, understanding some additional breed characteristics may be worth mentioning and may help you make a better decision. 

Some notable Cockapoo traits include: 

• Cockapoos are intelligent and affectionate and will make great family pets. 
• Cockapoos have moderate amounts of energy and need to be walked at least once a day. 
• You can find cockapoos in three different sizes. The smallest – the Teacup Toy – is less than 10 in (25.4 cm) tall. The largest of the breed – the Standard Cockapoo – is 15 in (38.1 cm) in height. 

Cockapoos are relatively healthy dogs. However, as they get older, they tend to be prone to a few ailments, including ear infections, liver disease, allergies, hip dysplasia, and cataracts. 

What Dog Breeds Are Least Likely To Shed?

We’ve established Cockapoos do shed and that they may shed more or less depending on which parent they take after. Unfortunately, you cannot guarantee this when they are young, and you’ll have to wait until they shed their puppy coat to get a better idea of how their coat might shed. 

If you are looking for a dog that may be less likely to shed, here are a few other breeds you can consider.

1. Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an entirely hairless breed, so there’s no chance of shedding. However, Peruvian Inca Orchids are susceptible to sunburn and may need sunscreen when they go outdoors – even on cloudy days. 

These dogs have an affectionate and loyal temperament. They are active dogs and will need to be walked twice or thrice a day. 

2. American Hairless Terrier 

The American Hairless Terrier comes in two varieties; hairless and coated. The hairless variety has whiskers and eyebrows but does not have hair on the rest of their body. The coated variety has a short, smooth coat. 

Neither variety sheds a significant amount of hair, but there are other essential grooming considerations. As the breed doesn’t have a protective layer of hair, their skin is prone to sunburn. These dogs may also need extra protection during cold seasons. Both varieties need a gentle brushing every week and a bath every two weeks. 

American Hairless Terriers are social and curious and will do well with families with children. They have moderate levels of energy and need to be walked or exercise at least twice a day.

3. Bichon Frise 

The Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy hypoallergenic dog breed. Bichon Frises are double-coated dogs but do not shed a lot as their hair is trapped within their overcoat. It’s important to note that while Bichon Frises don’t shed, they may be prone to skin allergies. 

Bichons have a social temperament and love being in the company of other dogs and children. However, some bichons may get anxious if they are left alone for prolonged periods and are prone to separation anxiety. 

4. Chinese Crested

Most Chinese Cresteds are hairless with a plume of hair on their heads, tails, and socks. However, a recessive gene may result in some Chinese Cresteds having a full coat of hair. Regardless of the type of coat, the Chinese Crested has, this breed will shed little to no hair. 

Even though most of the Chinese Crested’s skin is bare, they will not need sunscreen or other protection when they go outdoors. However, to protect a Chinese Crested’s skin, you should bathe them regularly. 

Compared to other dogs, Chinese Cresteds have low energy levels and require minimal exercise. They are friendly dogs and often need lots of attention from their family. They are excellent with children – however, as they’re pretty delicate, they may do better with older children.

5. Maltese

Maltese are gentle dogs who typically have long white silky hair. Their hair is straight and falls to the ground. However, even though Maltese have long hair, they don’t have an undercoat which prevents them from shedding. 

Maltese are loyal and intelligent dogs. They are relatively small, so they may be best suited to live in an apartment, though they have a lot of energy and would need to be walked at least twice a day. 

Conclusion 

Cockapoos shed a small amount of hair but not as much as many other breeds. You can tell if a cockapoo will shed by inspecting its coat and appearance, talking to your breeder, and checking how old the Cockapoo is. Most Cockapoos shed only a little, making them excellent pets for people looking for low-maintenance breeds.