Poodles are known to be hypoallergenic, but do Poodles shed? Dog shedding is linked to dander, which triggers allergies, and it continues to be a valid concern for both the owner’s health and way of life. To understand the issue, we’ll examine if Poodles shed, and if so, how much.
Yes, Poodles shed. Poodles periodically lose hair, either naturally or as a result of grooming, just like other animals with hair — including humans. But this is perfectly normal.
It’s a common misconception that Poodles don’t shed because they’re recognized for being a hypoallergenic breed. Poodles go through a cycle of hair loss and hair growth much like any other dog or mammal. However, they shed considerably less than other breeds, for example, the Golden Retriever and Husky.
Toy Poodles are recognized for their single coat, which contributes to their low shedding. Moreover, because they are so little, shedding appears to be much less noticeable. However, compared to the majority of other breeds, Toy Poodles are not prolific shedders — which means there will be less dander present.
Do Miniature Poodles Shed a Lot?
The average height and weight of a Miniature Poodle are 10-15 inches and 10-15 pounds, respectively. They’re a little bigger than a Toy Poodle, which means they will shed slightly more than their pocket-sized cousin. But on a scale of one to ten, the Miniature Poodle would be a one — so they don’t shed a lot at all.
How Much Do Standard Poodles Shed?
They’re known as the most athletic and flexible of all Poodles, the Standard is also the most trainable. Again, this size sheds at the lowest rate in the canine world. However, keep in mind — larger dogs naturally have greater hair loss because they have more hair.
In short. If shedding is truly an issue for you, a Miniature or Toy Poodle would be a better option than a Standard Poodle.
Why Don’t Poodles Shed Very Much?
Poodles have hair, not fur, thus as we’ve seen, they don’t shed much. Many dogs considered hypoallergenic have hair — similar to our human hair — and not fur. The Poodle is a prime example.
- Unlike many dogs that shed excessively twice a year, Poodles don’t. Instead, their coat grows gradually and sheds at a steady pace.
- As they shed, the Poodles’ dead hair mostly tangles up with the other curls — preventing it from circulating in the air.
- Poodles have a single coat. Double-coated breeds are insulated with a fluffy undercoat, which is responsible for that heavy seasonal shedding.
Poodle puppies have a remarkable resemblance to a little teddy bear with a smooth wavy coat. Perhaps you’re curious to know how long your puppy will remain this way, and how much shedding you might anticipate when their adult coat appears.
The majority of dogs lose their puppy coat at four to six months of age to pave the way for their adult coat. However, for Poodles, they lose their coat later:
- Standard Poodles generally shed their puppy coats between the ages of nine and sixteen months.
- Toy and Miniature Poodles begin to naturally lose their puppy coats at around the age of nine months.
Here are some reasons why your Poodle could be shedding excessively:
- Stress: Separation anxiety, loud noises, unfamiliar surroundings and people can all lead to stress — causing hair loss.
- Age: A Poodle’s skin and coat will weaken as they age, which will increase shedding.
- Infection: Either a fungal or bacterial infection can trigger irritation and itching, subsequently leading to more shedding than normal.
Allergies: Numerous things can trigger allergies in your Poodle, which can lead to hair loss — such as specific foods or environmental factors, like pollen.
Poodles don’t shed much, but that doesn’t mean they’re low-maintenance. Below are a few ways for managing their coat and limiting shedding.
- Brush regularly: Brushing your Poodle often avoids matting and ensures that all the accumulated hair is caught in the comb, not your carpet.
- Shampoo: It’s vital to use a gentle shampoo while bathing. Anything too harsh will dry out the skin.
- Clip your Poodle: Groom your Poodle to keep their coat short.
Conclusion
Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds. With a reputation for thick, curly coats, it has raised the question of whether they shed or not.
So, do Poodles shed? Yes, they do. However, compared to other breeds, it’s negligible, but it doesn’t mean they’re low maintenance. Now that the misconception has been debunked, you’re prepared to deal with any Poodle shedding issues.
