The Cavapoo, better known as the Cavoodle, is a crossbred breed of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Toy Poodle. The breed is highly known for its great intellect, Teddy Bear face, and loyalty to its master.
Another reason why people adopt the Cavoodle is its nearly shed-free coat. With this said the underfur must be routinely removed to prevent the breed from shedding.
About The Cavoodle Breed
To fully concept the crossbreeding of the Cavoodle, it is crucial to know the purebreds involved in the process. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been around since the early 1900s. The breed is believed to be a cross of Asian toy breeds and small spaniels in England.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, also known as The English Toy Spaniel, is a prized breed participating in dog shows as part of the Toy Group. The Cavalier King Charles took home the 2022 National Dog Show trophy to validate the superior all-around appearance and solid structure.
The Toy Poodle is utilized in the crossbreeding of the Cavoodle. The average height is 10 inches (25.4 centimetres) and below. The size and weight – between four and six pounds – vary depending on the breed.
When properly cared for, the Toy Poodle can live up to 18 years while the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Both purebreds do exceptionally well with young children.
Addressing The Common Question: Do Cavoodles Shed?
In all actually, the Cavoodle does shed but only a minute amount. Proper grooming can eliminate shedding by removing the underfur. The breed primarily sheds only a small amount because it does not have fur but hair. The coat can vary depending on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s coat which sheds year-round. On a good note, the breed does not require regular trips to the groomer, only routine combing and bathing.
Contrary to belief, all canine breeds shed with the exception of the hairless breeds. The key to reducing and sometimes eliminating shedding altogether is routine trips to the groomer. Experts recommend at least one trip to the groomer every six weeks.
While the Toy Poodle is a hypoallergenic canine breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not. This alone can determine the Cavoodle’s level of shedding. It is vital to remember that all canine breeds have dander, a common allergen. Adults and children with severe respiratory allergies and asthma are often allergic to dog danger.
Understanding Cavoodle Coats
The Cavoodle has three layers that make up the coat, varying depending on the breed. The straight-haired Cavoodle inherits its coat and structure from the purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The breed’s short, wavy hair is similar to the Long-Haired Terrier’s. This means more shedding but fewer trips to the groomer.
The first-generation fleece-haired Cavoodle has long, wavy hair that can easily be compared to a teddy bear. A fleece coat is virtually shed-free with regular grooming.
The wool-haired Cavoodle has a coat of tight curls. The wool coat is hypoallergenic but still requires regular grooming. Out of all the Cavoodle coats, the wool coat is the most difficult to maintain.
Clipping a Cavoodle’s coat without experience and the proper tools is not recommended. Even if the canine is comfortable around electric clippers and scissors, it is still not a good idea. Cavoodle grooming is a complex process that requires superior patience, skill, and quality dog clippers. It will be impossible to achieve a topknot without the necessities.
Differences Between Shedding And Hair Loss
Shedding is a natural process that canines and their owners are forced to live with. The canine hair cycle entails continuous growth and shedding. Cavoodles shed very little if at all. Keeping this in mind, an increase in shedding could be the first sign of hair loss.
Canine hair loss is more often linked to allergies. More serious factors include Cushing’s disease, a condition characterized by an overproduction of hormones – androgens, progesterone, and estrogen – produced by the adrenal gland. Severe hair will eventually lead to bold spots.
An infestation of fleas can also result in hair loss. The first sign of fleas warrants immediate action. Start with a warm bath and mild soap specifically for dogs or puppies. Cavoodles with dermatitis may need to be bathed in a hypoallergenic shampoo.
Shedding and hair loss are significantly different because one could be a sign of a serious health issue. However, it can be difficult to determine whether the dog is shedding naturally or not. Look closely at the dog’s skin to see if you notice any missing patches, red skin, bumps, or flaky skin.
Factors Influencing Cavoodle Shedding
When it comes to cavoodles, the amount of shedding will depend on various factors. For instance, it is often based on the dog’s age, health, and stress levels. Furthermore, dogs go through various changes during the different seasons.
They may shed more during one season than another. For beginners, all puppies are going to shed profusely at some point. Usually, this happens before they turn 1-year-old.
The dog will shed its puppy coat to make room for its adult coat. Furthermore, certain health issues can cause a cavoodle dog to shed a lot more. In particular, separation anxiety can be a big issue.
If you leave your dog home alone, you might come back to clumps of hair everywhere. Infections, parasites, kidney issues, ringworms, and allergies can also cause dogs to shed more.
If you notice patches of missing fur or flaky skin, taking your dog to the vet may be a good idea. The dog may need medications to treat the problem and reduce its shedding. The season can also impact the amount of shedding. Finally, some dogs are
going to shed seasonally. Usually, this means that they’ll shed in spring and fall.
As spring approaches, the dog’s coat will become lighter. This is done to accommodate the warmer weather. In the fall, the dog’s coat will become thicker. Clearly, the dog does this to prepare for the cold weather ahead.
Comparing Cavoodle Shedding To Other Breeds
As you’ve likely heard, the cavoodle is a hypoallergenic dog. As a result, this means that the dog isn’t going to shed as much. Nevertheless, there are some myths associated with hypoallergenic dogs.
For instance, some people believe these dogs will never shed. Early in life, a puppy will shed its fur regardless of its breed. It does this to make room for the new, bigger coat.
Furthermore, all dogs are going to shed. Even hypoallergenic dogs can shed and some of them can shed profusely in the wrong circumstances. How about cavoodles and other breeds? Which ones are going to shed more?
Truthfully, it depends on the other breed. Some dog breeds shed much more than others. Breeds that fit into this category include the pug, German shepherd, collie, chow-chow, St. Bernard, and Akita.
On the other hand, some dogs shed much less. Dogs in this group include the Dachshund, Chihuahua, Great Dane, poodle, and Shih Tzu. These dogs may shed more or less than cavoodles depending on the circumstances. It may depend on the dog’s health, diet, and grooming activities.
Managing Cavoodle Shedding
A cavoodle dog is going to shed despite being labelled as hypoallergenic. Nevertheless, proper grooming etiquette can cut down on this problem. Certain techniques and tools can help reduce shedding and prevent allergy problems in your home.
Since you have a cavoodle, you’ve already picked a low-shedding breed. Make sure that you have a suitable brush that will collect dog fur. Otherwise, the fur will fall to the floor and spread throughout your home.
You’ll also need to take steps to reduce the dog’s stress. When a dog gets stressed out, it is going to shed profusely. This can be a real issue for dogs with separation anxiety.
Deal with the separation anxiety to reduce shedding. Proper trimmings and baths can also help. If your dog has any skin issues, you may need to give it an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. Don’t forget to take advantage of a de-shedding tool.
Again, the tool should remove and collect the stray hairs. Some tools will attach to a vacuum cleaner so the hairs can be trapped immediately. Finally, it should be noted that a dog’s diet has a lot to do with the amount it sheds.
An unhealthy diet will lead to excess shedding. With this in mind, starting by providing your dog with plenty of fresh water is pertinent. This will reduce the risk of dry skin and dehydration.
When putting together a healthy diet, be sure to provide plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, lean meats, fresh fruits, and oily fish. Changing your dog’s diet could make a big difference in shedding.
Benefits Of Cavoodle’s Coat
Despite the fact that cavoodles shed, these dogs are considered hypoallergenic. They’re able to receive this classification because they do not produce much dander.
On top of that, it is possible to minimize the risk of allergies by properly grooming your cavoodle. Regular haircuts will help reduce the amount of dander in your home. Since the dog is hypoallergenic, it won’t cause severe allergy problems.
Nevertheless, there is a chance that it is going to cause some allergy issues. The primary difference is that the dog’s presence will be less likely to cause a severe allergic reaction.
The cavoodle will still shed but is hypoallergenic because it produces less dander than other breeds. Typically, the cavoodle is a better choice for most households. Even if your family members have allergy problems, a cavoodle should be a good option.
Just remember that the dog’s coat should be trimmed regularly to reduce shedding and dander. This combination will greatly reduce the likelihood that you’ll experience an allergic reaction.
Your cavoodle should be properly groomed to minimize allergy problems. For instance, bathing the dog regularly will help. When doing so, ensure you’re using a high-quality shampoo without harsh chemicals.
The hair around the dog’s eyes should be cut before it becomes a problem. Professional grooming should occur every six months. Again, regular grooming will keep the dog’s coat short and tidy while cutting back on dander production. Take these steps to maintain a healthy, happy home for your loved ones and your furry friend.
Common Questions about Cavoodle Shedding
Some people have heard that cavoodle dogs are hypoallergenic. As a result, they may believe that these dogs are not going to shed. Truthfully, all dogs are going to shed to some degree.
However, some dogs will shed less than others. Cavoodle dogs fit into the latter category. Regardless, it is best to eliminate any misconceptions before bringing a cavoodle into your home.
Why Is My Cavoodle Shedding A Lot?
Although Cavoodle dogs tend to shed less, they’re still going to shed. If their coat has been neglected, they may shed just as much as other breeds. During a dog’s early months, it will eventually shed its puppy coat.
This can lead to more fur being discarded in your home. Usually, this happens between the ages of 4 and 8 months. The cavoodle is shedding its puppy coat so it’ll have room for its adult coat.
It is also common for cavoodles to shed when they’re nervous and after being bathed. Brush regularly to remove stray hairs and dander.
Do Toy Cavoodles Shed Differently Than Standard Cavoodles?
There is often a belief that toy cavoodles are going to shed less than standard cavoodles. It may seem this way because the toy cavoodle has shorter hair. After all, its body is smaller. Therefore, it’ll be harder to see all those little hairs. However, the amount of shedding should be the same.
Whether you have a toy cavoodle or a conventional cavoodle, it is important to properly groom the dog to avoid unnecessary shedding. Brushing, trimming, and bathing are key to preventing severe shedding and allergy problems.
How To Differentiate Between Normal Shedding And Health-Related Hair Loss?
Shedding can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue. On the other hand, it could be normal. Therefore, you need to learn how to identify the potential signs of a cavoodle skin issue. Is your cavoodle shedding profusely?
Initially, you may believe it is normal. While it could be, there could be a health problem at play. Don’t try to guess. If you suspect there is something wrong, take the dog to a vet. You can also look at the dog’s skin. Do you notice any bald patches? Is the hair coming out in clumps?
Do you see any red or patchy skin under the fur? These are signs that there is a bigger problem.
References
- https://www.mycavoodle.com.au/blogs/news/the-3-types-of-cavoodle-coats
- https://www.purina.com.au/dog-breeds/cavoodle.html
- https://raggydogs.com.au/blog/why-is-my-cavoodle-shedding/