Are Poodle hybrids really non-shedding and hypo-allergenic?

The growing number of Poodle hybrid breeders are advertising their mix breed oodles  as non-shedding and hypo-allergenic because they were bred with Poodles. And they are charging thousands of dollars for these dogs.

But I’m afraid that the buyers of these oodle designer dogs may be in for a disappointment.

First, there is no assurance that the puppies will inherit the Poodle coat.

Second, all creatures who grow hair also shed hair. This includes humans, Poodles and most mammals.

Third, the Poodle coat is high maintenance. Regular combing and brushing is needed to remove the curly dead hair that wraps around the curly living hair. Otherwise mats will form or hair will fall out in clumps. People with dog allergies should probably not do the grooming.

Fourth, the Poodle coat should be regularly clipped and groomed professionally. Otherwise you will have a shaggy mess and poop-related rear end problems.

Fifth, even though Poodles are considered a hypoallergenic dog, some people ARE allergic to them.

The body chemistry of each individual is different just like each individual dog is different.

Hypoallergenic doesn’t mean non-allergenic. About 10 to 20% (no one seems to agree on this) of people have some kind of allergy to animals. But, according to this website on dog allergies, it is dander, dead skin flaking off, not the actual fur, that usually triggers the allergy,

I got an email from Lola L., a reader from Long Island, who got a Chipoo (breeding of Poodle and Chihuahua) as a gift from her brother because he was told that Chipoos wouldn’t bother her allergies.

She loves the dog so much that she doesn’t mind going in once a month for the painful expense of getting an allergy shot.

Comments

[gail campbell]

Do you know if most Chipoo's coats are low maintenance...meaning not growing as long as a poodle coat? Can you tell by looking at a puppy how long the coat will grow?

[jan]

One of the problems of the hybrid is that the puppy may take after either the mother or the father. There is no way to predict what they will be as adults as there is with purebred dogs.

[Laura]

Has anyone every heard of a chow mixed with a poodle? My boyfriend loves chows, but I am allergic to those that shed a lot. I thought if we could possibly find one mixed with a non-shedding breed it would considerably help..

In home testing for allergens is done by IAC2 certified inspectors

[Dog Allergies]

I guess we all take a little allergy risk when we bring a new animal into our homes.

[Chatline]

So... if you keep it clipped and clean... sounds like any other dog.

[Obat Gagal]

Do you know if most Chipoo's coats are low maintenance...meaning not growing as long as a poodle coat? Can you tell by looking at a puppy how long the coat will grow?

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