‘Are Standard Poodles hypoallergenic?’ Absolutely! The elegant and intelligent Poodle has a low-shedding, curly coat. This breed is single-coated, with hair instead of fur, that’s also allergy-friendly.
Standard Poodle Quick Facts
Despite popular belief, it’s not dog hair that triggers an allergic reaction. Dog allergies are caused by the Canis Familiaris allergen, of which there are seven. These are specific proteins from dogs’ urine, saliva, and dead skin cells (dander).
However, there is a link between heavy-shedding dogs and allergies:
- When a pooch sheds fur, it also releases dander/allergens into the environment.
- Doggy drool can also trigger allergy symptoms.
So, do Poodles have dander?
Yes, Poodles of all sizes — like all dogs — produce dander. However, as a hypoallergenic dog, Poodles don’t release enough dander to be a problem for those with allergies.
It doesn’t matter how long or fluffy your dog’s fur is, it’s the shedding frequency that determines how allergy-friendly they are. For example, heavy-shedding dogs like the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd will release more dander than a low-shedding Airedale Terrier.
To learn more about what makes a canine allergy friendly, read our article — What is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
While the national dog of France, the Standard Poodle was originally bred in Germany to retrieve waterfowl for hunters. Despite their intelligence and athleticism, Poodles are best known for their fluffy and curly coats.
All Poodles are single-coated, with tight curled hair that grows continually. Hence, if their coat isn’t regularly groomed, it will become tangled, matted, and smelly.
There are several ways to style the Poodle’s coat, and often these dogs sport a ‘continental clip’ when competing in dog shows. Popular hairstyles for Standard Poodles include:
- Modern clip — hair on the body is kept short while the hair on the head, ears, and tail are left a little longer.
- German trim — coat is left long on the legs while the body and ears are cut short.
- Continental clip — face, throat, and feet as well as part of the tail are shaved. Pom poms on the tail, ankles, and hips.
- Puppy clip — natural-looking trim, and hair is of an even length across the body.
- Teddy bear cut — longer hair on the face for that round teddy-bear look.
Whether you have a Giant Poodle breed, a Small Standard Poodle, or a Toy Poodle, they will have a super low-shedding but a super high-maintenance coat.
When looking at Standard Poodle shedding tendencies, those with allergies will be pleased to learn these regal-looking dogs barely shed. Poodles are up there on the hypoallergenic dog charts — most likely in the top spot.
This is thanks to their human-like hair and single curly coat.
In contrast to double-coated dogs, like the Labrador and Malamute, Poodles don’t experience seasonal shedding, meaning they won’t blow their coat in the spring or fall. The Poodle sheds minimally all year round, and this canine’s coat traps dead hairs in all those tight curls.
Poodle parents shouldn’t have to worry about cleaning carpets covered in hair or furniture coated in fluff. In fact, if a Poodle is shedding heavily, this can be a sign of a health condition that needs to be treated.
If you think your Standard Poodle is shedding too much, we’ve put together a few handy pointers to help:
Test Your Standard Poodle for Allergies
Dogs can suffer from allergies and abnormal hair loss can be caused by an allergic reaction. Poodles with food allergies may need to be put on a specific diet to minimize their symptoms.
As well as certain food ingredients, Poodles can react to allergens in their environment. For example, dust, smoke, pollen, and cleaning products can potentially trigger sensitivities.
With allergies, the skin can become irritated and itchy. If your Poodle is frequently scratching, this can result in more hair loss than usual. Inflamed skin can’t support healthy hair growth, and the more your pooch scratches, the worse their shedding will be.
You’ll need to visit your vets to confirm or rule out this possibility. To learn more, read our guide on Dog Allergy Testing.
Get Rid of Fleas, Ticks, or Other Parasites
Fleas are every pet parent’s nightmare. A single flea can quickly become an infestation if left untreated, and this is bad news for your Standard Poodle. At best, flea bites can be annoying and itchy, at worst, infected and painful.
If your Poodle has a flea problem, they’ll spend a lot of time scratching. And, if they’re persistently excessive, they’re going to lose more hair.
A regular flea treatment schedule prevents your pooch experiencing itchy bites and unnecessary hair loss. Ticks, mites, and other parasites can also irritate the skin and result in excessive shedding.
Feed Your Standard Poodle a Balanced Diet
If you want your Poodle to have a healthy coat, you need to feed them a healthy diet. Hence, routinely offering your furry friend meals consisting of filler-dense kibble will unlikely give them all the nutrition they need.
Dogs require a protein-rich meal plan, and should be eating the correct balance of vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, and fats. Low-quality food is unlikely to contain high nutritional value, and your Poodle’s skin and coat will suffer.
Omega fatty acids are essential for healthy skin and fur. Many pet parents choose to give their dogs omega 3 supplements or add fish oil capsules to their regular food. Daily omega fatty acids can support healthy hair growth and keep shedding to a minimum.
Take Your Standard Poodle for a Health Check
Standard Poodles are prone to various medical complaints that may lead to abnormal shedding. Certain conditions are hereditary, but treatment options will likely be available for your four-legged friend.
Diseases and illnesses common in Poodles, include:
- Cushing’s Disease — overproduction of cortisol hormones.
- Alopecia — baldness.
- Sebaceous Adenitis — inflammation of the sebaceous glands.
Anxiety and stress can also trigger excessive shedding, and Poodles are known to be a little on the nervous side.
If your Standard Poodle has started shedding more than usual, speak to your vet about a health check.
The Standard/Large Poodle is an intelligent, affectionate, and active dog. This breed comes in various sizes, including the Small, Standard, or Giant Poodle.
Poodles are highly trainable and enjoy learning new tricks and pleasing their owners. These curly-coated dogs get on well with all members of the family, and live happily with other animals. Yet, while a loyal companion, the Standard Poodle does have an independent side.
If the Poodle isn’t the Fido for you, there are other hypoallergenic breeds with similar characteristics — we’ve chosen three of our favorites for you:
As far as appearance goes, Bedlingtons are curly-coated and look similar, but they’re smaller than the Standard.
They’re a high-energy breed, although they’re slightly more difficult to train. And, while affectionate with family and good with children, it’s difficult to find a dog as lovey-dovey as the Standard Poodle.
However, if you’re looking for a dog that’s less playful, but more open to strangers — the Bedlington may be a good choice for you.
The Portuguese Water Dog has a curly coat like the Standard Poodle but isn’t as high maintenance when it comes to grooming. You’ll need to brush your Portie, but they don’t often sport a fancy pom-pom coat.
Porties grow to a similar size as the Standard Poodle, both in weight and height. This breed has a more shaggy and rugged appearance than the Standard and a more sturdy and muscular build.
Just like the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dogs love to play in the water and have bags of energy. These active dogs crave to be outside but are also affectionate and cuddly in the home with their families.
The Irish Water Spaniel is another curly-coated pooch that enjoys splashing around in the water. Both these breeds have a working heritage in common — Standard Poodles were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl and Irish Water Spaniels were also bred as gun dogs.
IWTs are double-coated, and thus have denser curls than the Poodle. Their coat will only need to be trimmed approximately every 2 months. However, Poodles are much more high-maintenance and need to be professionally groomed on a regular basis.
This breed is also low-shedding, and they’re a solid option for people wanting a family-friendly dog.
Conclusion
Standard Poodles are popular pets with a coat that requires plenty of TLC — they also need frequent trips to the groomers. However, these regal-looking dogs can be styled with many haircuts — so take your pick.
Are Standard Poodles hypoallergenic? Without a doubt — yes. These elegant and intelligent dogs are super low shedding, and their famous curls won’t trigger an allergic reaction.
Are Moyen Poodles Hypoallergenic?
Smaller than a Standard but larger than a Miniature, Moyen Poodles are hypoallergenic — like all other Poodles.
Do Poodles Shed a Lot of Hair?
Poodles are low-shedding dogs with hair akin to humans that rarely falls out. Regardless of size, this breed sheds minimally all year round. Any dead hair gets caught up in their curls, and it’s up to you to brush them out.
Is a Poodle a Gentle Dog?
Yes, Poodles are gentle and calm and get on well with all members of the family. They’re also good with kids and other pets. And, while the Poodle isn’t considered to be an aggressive dog, they can be a little jumpy and nervous at times.
How Do I Stop My Poodle From Shedding?
If your Poodle is shedding more than usual, they may have a health condition that needs treating. You can help to reduce your Poodle’s shedding by:
- Feeding them a healthy diet.
- Keeping them well hydrated.
- Treating regularly for fleas.
What Coat Type Is a Poodle?
Poodles are single-coated that’s made up of tight curls. They don’t have fur, they have hair, and it will continue growing if it isn’t regularly groomed. Poodles are hypoallergenic, and they’re popular among pet parents with dog allergies.
How Big Do Poodles Get?
This depends on which size you have.
- Toy Poodle — 4-6 pounds / 10 inches tall.
- Miniature Poodle — 10-15 pounds / 10-15 inches tall.
- Standard poodle — at least 40 pounds / over 15 inches tall.
Note: The AKC only recognizes the above sizes. Thus the small Standard Poodle, Giant Standard Poodle and Large Standard Poodle are all considered a Standard.
Can People Be Allergic to Standard Poodles?
Even though poodles are considered hypoallergenic dogs, they can still cause allergic reactions in people. No breed is 100% hypoallergenic.
What Type of Poodle Is Hypoallergenic?
All Poodles are hypoallergenic. The only difference is their size, whether Toy, Miniature, or Standard.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Poodle?
The average Poodle life expectancy depends on their size:
- Toy Poodle — 15 years.
- Miniature Poodle — 15 years.
- Standard Poodle — 12 years.
