There are many great
advantages
of the cockapoo not the least of which is that they are a very
hypoallergenic dog. This means that people that have been diagnosed
with an allergy to
dog dander (which is what triggers the allergic reaction in sensitized
humans) can very often live compatably and closely with a cockapoo and
not be bothered with allergic symptoms at all, or on a very minimal
level such that it does not disrupt your lifestyle. Others may
periodically need a mild antihistamine if other causative agents are
also kicking off an allergic reaction, but
this should not be on a regular basis.
The hypoallergenic
characteristic of the cockapoo comes from the poodle contribution to
its gene pool. Poodles are the lowest producers of dander in the dog
world.... and this trait carries on into the cockapoo, overriding any
contribution from the cocker. Likewise from the poodles do cockapoos
gain the benefit of not shedding or emitting the typical "doggy odor".
These are dominant characteristics from the poodle that override the
cocker. While the latter two are nice and welcome certainly, it is the
low dander characteristic that makes the cockapoo a candidate
for the "family dog" of those with anyone in the family with a dog
allergy.
It's one thing for the NACR or
a breeder to say this... it's another for anyone with an allergy to
dogs to accept it. We therefore offer some testimonials from folks that
own cockapoos and are either a) allergic themselves to dogs or b) have
a family member
living directly in the home with an allergy to dogs.
Certainly it needs to be understood that any statements on this page
cannot guarantee that a person with a dog allergy will not be
aggravated by a cockapoo, but there are a lot of dog-allergic people
out there that have had their
wishes to have a dog in their life come true because of the cockapoo.
These thoughts have been
contributed from folks with allergies or those in the family with
allergies:
I don't have dog allergies, but
my 12 year old daughter does. We know that for certain because
she was tested at a pediatric allergist and was found to have
them. We have had Wags since June and she hasn't had one single
problem with him. She is around him ALL the time...she's always
holding him, kissing him, and
cuddling with him and he doesn't bother her in the least.
Amy
=====
I am extremely allergic to many
animals, dogs and cats in particular. When I was 5 years old my
wonderful uncle gave me a cockapoo. He had heard all the wonderful
things about them, including the fact that severely allergic
people were not bothered by cockapoos. He was correct. I grew up
with that dog until I was 19 and because of a cockapoo I had the joy of
growing up with a fun, lovable, loyal pet. I had nod og my
own after her death until three years ago when I got another cockapoo,
Higgy.
And again, I have no problems. Higgy has free run of the house, beds.
couches,
pillows, carpet. I do not suffer with my pet allergy at all with Higgy.
I
do keep a clean house but nothing special is needed because of the
dog
...Diane
=====
I've been allergic to dogs
for
many years, not an extreme allergy but enough so that I'm unable to
live
with a dog in the house. I can't remember where I read that
poodles
were good for people with allergies because their hair does not shed
and
is of a different quality than most dog hair, more like human
hair.
I searched the subject on the internet and found that there are several
kinds
of dogs that are also known to be "hypoallergenic," such as schnauzers,
Portuguese
water dogs, bichon frises, poodle crosses and perhaps more.We had lost
two
rescue dogs and wanted to bring another home. So, our next dog,
besides
being hypoallergenic, must be healthy. I talked to our vet, who
said
his favorite breed for my purposes would be a cockapoo, that they have
hybrid
vigor, good personalities, and are known to be very good for people
with
allergies. I can certainly say that I haven't had a minute's allergy
problems
with my two cockapoos. Yes, I got a second one, and no one could
find
more charming and lovable pets. And the best part is I will have
them
for a long time!
Rosalie, with Gracie & Sasha
======
I have had many dogs in my
life and this is the smartest breed I have ever owned. I have
severe allergies and asthma and this breed does not bother me and I
even do the grooming and comb her daily. I would say this "is"
the dog for you! Good luck. I would buy another in a minute!
Anne
and Maya