Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds, known for their intelligence, trainability, and distinctive curly coats. Many people think of poodles as “hypoallergenic” dogs that don’t shed. But do poodles moult?
The answer is complex. While poodles are considered low-shedding, they actually do shed a small amount. This article will explore the unique characteristics of the poodle coat, the factors that influence shedding, and how to keep shedding to a minimum with regular grooming. We’ll also touch on the “hypoallergenic” myth and what that means for people with allergies considering a poodle.
Poodle coat characteristics: Hair vs. fur
People often use the terms “hair” and “fur” interchangeably, but there are differences between the two. Here’s what you need to know.
Hair vs. fur: What’s the difference?
Hair tends to have a longer growth cycle and a smoother texture, while fur usually has a shorter growth cycle and is often denser than hair. So, do poodles have hair or fur?
Poodles have hair.
Poodle hair growth cycle
Hair grows in a cycle. The cycle has three phases:
- Anagen (growth)
- Catagen (transitional)
- Telogen (resting)
Poodles have a long anagen phase, meaning their hair grows for a long time before it transitions to the catagen and telogen phases. This is why they don’t shed as much as other dog breeds.
How much do poodles shed?
Poodles do shed, just not as much as many other breeds. They don’t “blow coat” seasonally, like some dogs. Instead, they gradually and continuously lose individual strands of hair.
Several factors play a role in how much a poodle sheds, including:
- Age: Older poodles might shed more.
- Health: A healthy poodle tends to have a healthy coat.
- Diet: The nutrients a poodle receives can impact shedding.
- Coat type: Some poodle coats are denser than others.
It’s also worth noting that larger poodles may shed slightly more than smaller poodles, simply because they have more hair overall.
Factors Influencing Poodle Shedding
While poodles are known for being low-shedding dogs, some do shed more than others. Here are some of the factors that affect how much a poodle sheds.
Health and diet
A balanced diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids is key to a healthy, lustrous coat. It can also minimize shedding.
Regular veterinary checkups are also important. Skin allergies, parasites, or hormonal imbalances can all cause a dog to shed more than usual. If you notice your poodle is shedding more than usual, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your vet to rule out an underlying health problem.
Age and shedding patterns
Shedding patterns can change as your poodle ages. Older poodles may have thinner coats, which can also affect their shedding patterns. As they age, they may shed more or less than they did when they were younger.
Poodle hair types and shedding
Poodles come in a few different coat types, and each has its own shedding characteristics.
The curly poodle coat
The typical poodle coat is thick and curly. This coat tends to trap shed hair, which can make it seem like poodles don’t shed at all. But they do shed, just not as much as other breeds, and their curly coat tends to hold onto the shed hair until you brush it out.
The corded poodle coat
Some poodles have corded coats, which look a little like dreadlocks. These coats also tend to trap shed hair. Corded coats require specialized care to prevent matting and skin problems.
Are Poodles Hypoallergenic? Shedding and Allergy Considerations
Let’s get one thing straight: no dog is truly hypoallergenic. But Poodles are often called hypoallergenic because they don’t shed much.
Dog allergies aren’t triggered by fur itself. They’re caused by proteins called allergens, which are found in dander, saliva, and urine. Dander, those tiny flakes of skin, is the biggest source of allergens.
Some people are only allergic to male dogs because of proteins produced by their prostate glands.
How Poodles Affect People with Allergies
Because Poodles shed so little, they don’t spread as much dander around as other breeds. This can significantly reduce allergy symptoms for some people.
Reducing Allergy Triggers from Poodle Shedding
Even though Poodles are low-shedding, they still produce allergens. Here are some ways to minimize allergy triggers:
- Regular Grooming: Bathe and brush your Poodle regularly to remove loose hair and dander.
- Environmental Control: Vacuum frequently, wash bedding often, and consider using allergen-proof covers on furniture.
- Air Purifiers: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove allergens from the air.
Grooming practices for managing shedding
Even though poodles are low-shedding dogs, they still need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and minimize the small amount of shedding they do experience.
Regular brushing and its benefits
Brushing your poodle daily or every other day is a must. A slicker brush and a metal comb are the tools of choice for most poodle owners. Consistent brushing removes any loose hairs and prevents mats from forming, which can be painful for your dog and expensive to correct.
Bathing
Poodles typically need a bath every four to six weeks. It’s important to use a shampoo made specifically for dogs, as human shampoos or shampoos made for other animals can irritate a poodle’s skin.
Professional grooming services
Most poodle owners take their dogs to a professional groomer every few weeks. A professional groomer knows how to properly clip and style a poodle’s coat to minimize shedding and prevent matting, and they can offer advice on how to care for your poodle’s coat at home.
Caring for your poodle’s coat
Even though poodles don’t shed much, their coats still need some love. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Diet and supplements: A good diet is vital for coat health. Some owners also give their poodles omega-3 supplements to keep their fur shiny.
- Vet visits: Regular vet checkups can help you catch any health problems that might affect your poodle’s coat.
What about Poodle mixes (Doodles)?
If you’re getting a Poodle mix, such as a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle, remember that they may inherit the shedding tendencies of the other breed. So, a Labradoodle could shed quite a bit, depending on which genes they get from their Labrador parent.
That being said, some smaller Poodle mixes, like Maltipoos, Bich-Poos, and Yorkiepoos, may not shed very much at all. As a general rule, smaller Poodle mixes tend to shed less, but there are no guarantees.
Putting It All Together
So, do Poodles shed? Yes, they do, but usually far less than most other dog breeds. The amount of shedding depends on several factors, including coat type, genetics, diet, overall health, and grooming practices.
Regular and proper grooming is essential for managing a Poodle’s coat and reducing allergens in the home. While Poodles are often considered a good choice for people with allergies, remember that no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
With the right care and attention, you can happily co-exist with a Poodle, even if you’re sensitive to dog dander.