Do Cockapoo Puppies Shed? Here's What You Need to Know

One of the most common questions we get is: "Do Cockapoo puppies shed?"The answer? It's a bit more complex than a simple yes or no.

Cockapoos are a hybrid breed—a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle—and each of these parent breeds has a very different type of coat.

Cocker Spaniels: The Fur Factor

Cocker Spaniels have dense double coats made up of fur. This type of coat is designed for insulation and protection, and it sheds moderately throughout the year. Shedding tends to increase in spring and fall, as they transition between seasonal coats.

Poodles: The Hair Difference

Poodles, on the other hand, have hair, not fur. Poodle hair is more like human hair—it doesn’t stop growing and needs regular grooming. This kind of coat is often labeled as “non-shedding,” although it does release some hair during brushing or bathing.

Fur vs. Hair: What’s the Real Difference?

Both fur and hair are made of keratin, but the key difference lies in how the coat grows.

• Fur grows to a specific length and then stops, leading to regular shedding.

• Hair continues to grow indefinitely until it’s trimmed or breaks off, resulting in minimal shedding.

The genes that control the coat growth cycle determine whether a dog has fur or hair—and ultimately, whether it sheds.

So, Do Cockapoos Shed?

It depends on which genes your Cockapoo inherits. If your puppy takes after the Cocker Spaniel parent, they may shed more. If they inherit the Poodle’s coat traits, they’ll likely shed very little, if at all.

Can You Tell Which Coat a Puppy Will Have?

Yes—but it takes experience. Around 6 to 8 weeks of age, a knowledgeable breeder can often evaluate a Cockapoo puppy’s coat and other physical traits to predict shedding tendencies.

Our Approach to Non-Shedding Cockapoos

With over 20 years of experience breeding Cockapoos, we’ve refined our program through selective breeding to consistently produce puppies with non-shedding coats. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, our Cockapoos are a great option for families looking for a low-shedding companion.