Are Cockapoos Hypoallergenic?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 10 percent of Americans are allergic to dogs. All dogs give off some amount of dander, so no dog is truly allergen-free. The American Kennel Club recommends certain breeds because they produce fewer allergens than others.

  1. Cockapoos

    • Cockapoos are half cocker spaniel, half poodle.

      A cockapoo is the offspring of a purebred cocker spaniel and a purebred poodle. While cocker spaniels and poodles are AKC-recognized breeds, cockapoos are not. According to Cockapoos.com, people began breeding cockapoos in the 1950s to get the best of both breeds' personalities. The North American Cockapoo Registry was created in 1999 in response to the popularity of the breed. One of the reasons they give for the increased interest is that cockapoos generally give off very little dander.

    Dogs and Allergens

    • Poodles produce less dander than most dog breeds.

      The AKC states that while no dog is 100 percent allergen-free, certain breeds may be less likely to cause allergy symptoms. Their list of hypoallergenic breeds includes poodles but does not include cocker spaniels.

    Genetics at Work

    • Spending time with the dog will tell you if it's hypoallergenic for you.

      Since cockapoos are half poodle, they are genetically predisposed to producing less dander. According to Allergy Escape, poodles only shed their skin once every three weeks. On the other hand, cocker spaniels shed their skin every three to four days. The skin, not the fur, is what produces dander. Since a cockapoo inherits an unpredictable combination of dander production genes from its parents, a cockapoo may or may not be suitable for someone with allergies.

      Allergy Escape recommends finding a breeder with a "return policy" so that you have a chance to spend time with the animal and determine how sensitive your allergies are.