No doubt, Cockapoo is a fascinating breed that can capture the eye of any dog lover thanks to its cute and charming looks. However, before bringing Cockapoo home, it would be best if you do some proper research.
Asking questions like, “Are they Hypoallergenic or not?” will help you in the long run. A non-hypoallergenic breed or a breed that sheds extensively makes the life of an allergy sufferer a mess.
That’s why, in this article, we will talk all about Cockapoos and whether they cause allergies or not.
First Things First: What Causes Allergy?
What is the main reason you find yourself sneezing and coughing in the presence of dogs, cats? Why your chest gets tightened, and your eyes get watery whenever you play with your dog?
The most obvious answer to all of these questions is danders (dead skin cells). But wait, only danders can’t be the culprit, right? It’s true. Dogs produce multiple proteins and allergens that cause allergies. These allergens are transmitted to air in the form of dander, saliva, and even urine and are the leading cause of allergies seen in humans.
So, Is Cockapoo a Hypoallergenic Breed?
First of all, you should know that there is no 100% Hypoallergenic breed on Earth. No such dog breed exists that may not produce allergens or proteins. Many claims are going around that Cockapoo is a 100% hypoallergenic breed and perfect for allergy sufferers. However, they are not true.
But no need to be sad. Although Cockapoos are not a 100% hypoallergenic breed, they are still considered hypoallergenic because of their low shedding tendencies. The breed that sheds more is considered more liable to cause allergies than the one that sheds less.
As most people are allergic to danders, you would be glad to know that Cockapoo is considered a suitable breed for most allergy sufferers. Also, considering the background of Cockapoos, it is likely safe to say that Cockapoo is a hypoallergenic breed, i.e., the one that produces less dander.
Poodle, one of the parents of Cockapoo, is a less shedding breed. This is one of the main reasons Poodles are bred with other dogs, i.e., to sustain their low-shedding tendencies.
How to Know If You Will Be Allergic to Cockapoos?
Although Cockapoos don’t cause allergies to hundreds of people already allergic to pets, we can’t say the same for you. One thing for sure is that it is not written on the stone that Cockapoo won’t cause an allergic reaction to you.
So, how to know if Cockapoo will cause allergies to you or not? The most common way to find out is by visiting an allergist. There they will perform the most common test of diagnosing dog allergies — a skin-prick test.
Other than that, you can try visiting a friend or relative who owns a Cockapoo. Spend some time with the dog, and if you find yourself a victim of any of the symptoms mentioned below, you will have your answer:
- Redness of skin/eyes, rash, itchy eyes.
- Cough, wheezing, shortness of breath.
- Chest tightening, runny nose, sneezing.
- Nasal congestion, facial pain.
Make sure you are spending time with an adult Cockapoo because puppies do not shed. You can try the following procedure with any dog breed you wish to own but are scared of an increase in your allergies.