Poodles, with their perky personalities and flashy haircuts, have a knack for standing out in a crowd. Their flair makes them popular pets.
If you’ve owned a dog before, however, you may have had trouble with shedding or allergies. So, before you go all in on Poodles, you might wonder: do Poodles shed?
The answer is yes, but Poodle shedding happens slowly and have low allergen levels.
Here is all the info you need to understand Poodle shedding and why experts consider them a hypoallergenic breed.
The Wonderful World of Shedding
If you’ve ever had a canine family member who’s prone to shedding, you know that it can be a sneezy affair—albeit an adorable one.
Being around dogs can give some people the sniffles, a nagging cough, or other irritation. This is because they are allergic to certain proteins contained in dog dander (tiny flakes of dead skin), fur, and saliva.
If a pup is a heavy shedder, fur easily circulates in the air or clings to carpets and furniture. This can turn a home into a sneeze factory for those with pet allergies. Plus, it can be a lot of extra work for your vacuum!
Understanding the Shedding Cycle
Before they became best friends with people, dogs had to survive outdoors and deal with the changing seasons. This led them to:
- Evolve a double-coat system – They grew a thick heavy coat for the winter, and a lighter one for spring and summer.
- Shed with the seasons – When the weather turned warm, they would drop their thick winter coat, then regrow it when the frigid temps returned.
Once dogs began living indoors with humans, a few dog breeds stopped going through this cycle or had it bred out of them. Others continued their seasonal shedding.
Dog breeds from colder climates usually feature heavy fur and are more likely to shed freely in the spring. Because older dogs of all breeds tend to have weaker skin and coats, they can also be big-time shedders.
What is a Hypoallergenic Breed?
Fortunately, people who can’t handle dander can enjoy the company of a hypoallergenic dog sniffle-free. These are breeds that:
- Produce fewer allergens
- Shed gradually (instead of big seasonal drops)
- Have dense or curly hair (which keeps shedding contained)
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but there are a few breeds that consistently measure low on allergen output, such as1:
- Poodles
- Maltese
- Portuguese water dog
- Bichon Frise
- Bedlington terrier
Experts also consider several other dog varieties hypoallergenic, but it’s best to research the specific characteristics of each breed before adding one to your life. All breeds feature distinct physical and character traits that you’ll want to consider in addition to their allergen output.
Why Poodles Are Hypoallergenic
Poodles are one of the top hypoallergenic breeds. This is because they2:
- Have hair, not fur – Hair grows in one layer and has a long growth cycle. Fur usually comes in two layers, is much thicker than hair, and falls out frequently.
- Come with curly coats – Curly hair tends to wrap around itself rather than fall out. This keeps shed hair close to the Poodle’s body instead of floating around the house.
- Are on the smaller side – Simply put: jumbo dogs have more hair to shed. Purse-size pups like Poodles have a fraction of the hair carried by a Great Dane or St. Bernard.
While Poodles may still shed a hair or two, most of the time it will be so little that even people with allergies won’t notice.
The Importance of Grooming
If a pet owner neglects a dog’s coat care, even hypoallergenic dogs (like Poodles) can start to spread dander.
Most dogs don’t exactly start wagging their tails when it’s time for a trim, but hair care is crucial for your Poodle’s skin health and key to keeping allergens contained, so frequent grooming of your Poodle’s coat is a must.
Here are a few tips for keeping your Poodle as hypoallergenic as possible3:
- Brush daily – Daily brushing helps remove dead skin cells and old, loose hair (which gets caught up in curls instead of falling to the ground). It also helps prevent matting. Start at the tips and work in sections.
- Bathe them often – To keep your Poodle’s coat spick and span, regularly wash them with a high-quality cleanser, such as Vetericyn FoamCare Pet Shampoo. If your Poodle gets especially dirty (yep, those mud puddles can be pretty inviting) bathe them right away.
- Trim once a month – While a dedicated paw parent can keep a coat in good shape, a professional groomer will put the finishing touches on tough spots. Make sure to research groomers beforehand, or get recommendations from other dog owners.
After a grooming session, be sure to check your Poodle coat for any nicks or uneven fur patches and bring these to the attention of the groomer.
DIY Grooming
Professional grooming may not always be an option, and some dog parents like to take a hands-on approach to their pet’s health.
Once you master the art of grooming, you will be able to trim as needed, so you can keep allergens at bay for you, your family, and any guests you may have visiting. It also is a great opportunity to bond with your furry pal!
If you plan on tackling your Poodle’s grooming needs solo, you will need some essential items:
- Pet Shampoo
- Grooming Wipes
- Coat Brush
- Deshedding tools
- Nail trimmer
- Grooming table
To get the hang of grooming, go slow at first. Patience and practice are key. Research grooming tutorials online or attend an in-person class before jumping in.
It’s also helpful to stock up on treats before a grooming session, in case your Poodle gets anxious. Praise them generously whenever they cooperate—this will condition them to enjoy their trimming time instead of dreading it (and will make your job a heckuva lot easier!)
Tips for a Healthy Coat
In addition to grooming and brushing, there are a few other ways to ensure that your Poodle puppy’s coat stays clean and healthy (which will help suppress allergens):
- Provide high-quality nutrition – A diet packed with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help keep your Poodle’s coat sleek and healthy. Try to maintain a consistent feeding schedule and stick to vet-recommended portion sizes.
- Use supplements – Supplements like Vetericyn’s ALL-IN-1, which comes loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, can elevate your Poodle’s nutrition and help support overall health. It also features digestive enzymes designed to encourage nutrient absorption.
- Guard against parasites – Poodles love to frolic outdoors, but they may pick up some unwelcome guests in the process. Use flea collars and routinely check for ticks to keep them pest-free—tick and flea bites can lead to Poodle skin problems and Poodle hair loss.
- Maintain hydration – Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining a vibrant coat because it supports skin elasticity and resilient skin cells. Dry fur can also become brittle, develop split ends, and lose its natural sheen.
- Keep them active – Strong overall health is one of the best ways to promote luscious locks, and regular exercise is key to vigorous health. Make sure your Poodle is getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.4
- Prioritize their mental health – Stress and anxiety (especially separation anxiety) can trigger excess shedding.5 To keep your pup calm and in good spirits, it’s best to stick to a daily feeding and exercise routine so they know what to expect every day.
Taking these steps should help keep your Poodle’s coat sleek and shiny year-round.
It’s also a good practice for dog owners to monitor their pup’s fur for any signs of irritation, itching, or hair loss, as these can be symptoms of underlying Poodle health issues. If anything troubling catches your eye, visit your vet as soon as possible.
How to Manage Pet Allergies
Sometimes, even a hypoallergenic dog can be a bit much for people who are highly sensitive to dander—but this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on those precious Poodle snuggles!
On top of the grooming and care we’ve covered so far, there are a few additional measures you can take to ensure your home remains a sneeze-free zone:
- Dust and vacuum often – Keeping carpets and furniture clean is the best way to prevent dander buildup in your home. When dusting surfaces, it’s best to use a wet rag (dry cleaning can stir up allergy particles).
- Use a HEPA air filter – HEPA filters capture up to 99% of airborne particulates.6 Installing them on your heating or air conditioning systems can filter out pesky allergens (and other harmful particles).
- Protect bedding – Using allergy-proof covers on pillows and mattresses can shield bedding from allergens. Lint rollers can also help round up any stray specks of dander on sheets or clothing.
Face the Shed Head-On With Vetericyn
A Poodle is an ideal pet for those who want to share their life with a bright and affectionate pup, but can’t deal with dander. Their naturally low-shed coat, combined with Vetericyn FoamCare Shampoo and ALL-IN-1 supplements, can make shedding a non-issue.
At Vetericyn, our mission is to offer pet parents everything they need to raise happy and thriving pets. That’s why we’ve developed a family of premium animal wellness products for every stage of life.
Discover how Vetericyn can help today.
Reviewed by C. Scott Van Winkle
Scott has been with Innovacyn for the past 11 years and has been working within the Burlingame portfolio of companies for the past 23 years. Scott brings a diverse background to Innovacyn. With an upbringing as the 5th generation on his families cattle ranch, Scott has a passion for animal health and the continuous improvement surrounding agricultural practices. Scott earned marketing and business management degrees from the University of Idaho and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.
Sources:
-
- PetMD. 30 ‘Hypoallergenic’ Dogs That Don’t Shed a Lot. https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/hypoallergenic-dogs
- Embrace Pet Insurance. Hypoallergenic Dogs: Choosing the Right Breed for You. https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/hypoallergenic-dog-breeds
- WAG! How to Groom a Hypoallergenic Dog. https://wagwalking.com/grooming/groom-a-hypoallergenic-dog
- AllPoodleInfo. Poodle Exercise Requirements. https://www.allPoodleinfo.com/Poodle-exercise
- Orlando Vets. Causes of Dog Shedding and How to Control This. https://orlandovets.com/blog/dog-shedding/
- Environmental Protection Agency. What is a HEPA Filter? https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-hepa-filter
