Do you sneeze your head off when you’re around certain dogs? Those nasal torpedoes released from your nostrils certainly can make a statement, can’t they?
But you may not be a sneezer. Instead, your eyes become the outlets of expression, spurting water like an unplugged fire hydrant as four-legged canines approach you for a rub-down.
But you’ve seen Cavapoos. And their teddy-bear resemblance is magnetic. You find them irresistible. You just can’t stop thinking about them!
And now you find yourself in a dilemma. You ask yourself, “Should I become a Cavapoo owner? But, if I do, what about my allergies?”
Fortunately, when it comes to Cavapoos it’s not a matter of having to choose one or the other.
And the reason is that Cavapoos are among the most hypoallergenic dogs on the face of the earth.
Now, here’s a warning.
You may be thinking, “Oh no! I knew it was too good to be true. There must be a catch!”
But you can put down that red flag. Throw it to the side! Take a deep breath!
You see, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic! And if anyone says that they own a pup that is, they’re either living in a fantasy world, misguided in their thoughts, or simply not telling the truth.
However, Cavapoos are about as perfect to being hypoallergenic as you can get!
Before we explore this further, maybe we need to define what “hypoallergenic” means.
Hypoallergenic: What Does the Word Really Mean?
Hypoallergenic is one of those thousand-dollar words.
But dissecting the word allows us to find meaning and clarity!
The prefix “hypo” means beneath or below while the suffix “allergenic” refers to relating to or having the effect of allergens.
Hypoallergenic simply means that something is beneath the capacity to induce allergy.
In other words, Cavapoos are generally below or beneath the capacity or ability to encourage allergies in people.
That doesn’t mean that they are 100% hypoallergenic! Again, no dog is totally hypoallergenic.
But Cavapoos aren’t prone (notice the emphasis I’ve given to the word “prone”) to incite someone to sneeze, or to have watery eyes, or to break out in welts.
Now, let’s look at some reasons why Cavapoos are about as close as you can get to being hypoallergenic.
Cavapoos are Hypoallergenic Because of Their Poodle Parent
Cavapoos are the result of breeding a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel with a Poodle.
Both parents of Cavapoos possess awesome characteristics that produce an unbelievable magical canine.
I guess that’s why Cavapoos are labeled as a designer dog!
But back to the main point!
Considering the poodle ingredient in Cavapoos, poodles are believed to be among the most hypoallergenic canine breeds because of their coat and non-shedding nature.
However, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, though a charming and lovable dog, sheds.
Additional information is in order.
It’s no secret that dogs have fur or hair.
Dogs with fur must shed to put on a new coat. However, dogs that have hair don’t shed.
All dogs, whether with fur or hair have some degree of dander.
And dander is an allergen released into the air when a dog sheds!
Think of it this way, dander (or dry scales of skin) float in the air and may land on the carpet, furniture, or even you.
It can attack you, causing your immune system to fight back with watery eyes or a repetitious sneeze.
Now, back to the poodle.
Poodles generally have a coat of tight, curly hair that produces little dander. And because there’s so little dander released, there’s not many allergens present that’ll generally set off an allergic attack.
So, if your Cavapoo takes after his poodle parent he will be what’s considered hypoallergenic.
But, if he takes after the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, he will not be hypoallergenic.
If you’re thinking about owning a Cavapoo, I encourage you to read my post on Cavapoo generations.
Remember, the more poodle mix your Cavapoo has, the more hypoallergenic he will be!
A “hypoallergenic” Cavapoo! What a neat combination!
You won’t have to constantly exercise by sweeping a floor covered with Cavapoo hair.
And you won’t feel like you need a trip to the ER to get a shot to squelch the sneezing and the water work display from your eyes!
But before leaving this topic, let’s address the different types of coats that Cavapoos can have.
That’s right. Cavapoos have coats! Well, not “coats” as we think of them.
The coats of Cavapoos are either wavy, curly, or straight.
And why I even bring this up is because each coat may produce a different level of dander that may influence the degree of any possible allergic response.
The Hypoallergenic Benefit Also Depends on Your “Allergy Level.”
Enjoying a hypoallergenic Cavapoo also depends on your allergy level.
If you have mild allergies, owning a Cavapoo will most likely be a wonderful and magical experience.
But if you have severe allergies that can lead to breathing problems or even worse death, don’t risk your life by owning a Cavapoo or any pet that might trigger such a medical event.
Owning a Cavapoo wouldn’t be right for you or the pet.
Rehoming a Cavapoo because of a serious health incident would be traumatic for everyone, including the Cavapoo.
A Cavapoo is a loving, intelligent, and sensitive pet, aware of his surroundings. He loves people and is eager to entertain. He needs an environment that’s energetic but also free of panic.
Coming to a Close!
So, what does this mean?
It comes down to this.
There are no totally, 100% hypoallergenic dogs.
But the Cavapoo breed comes very close to being hypoallergenic.
A reminder is needed though.
While there is no guarantee that a person who has never suffered an allergic reaction will continue that streak of luck in owning a Cavapoo, the odds are in your favor!
So, make that decision that will add intrigue and excitement in your life.
Own a Cavapoo-one of the most hypoallergenic canine breeds in the world!
Your life will never be the same!
And you will be providing a home filled with love to a pup that will adore you!
-Howell
