Do Poodles Shed?

Poodles are known for their unique, curly hair. However, many people have questions on whether poodles shed this hair or not.

Poodles shed every few weeks. However, the hair gets stuck in the curls when it falls out. Because of this, people assume poodles do not shed. Although poodles do shed less frequently than other breeds, their coats still require daily brushing.

As described above, poodles do shed, but there is much more to learn about a poodle’s coat. Poodles have unique coats which gives them completely different needs when compared to other dogs.

Poodle Shedding

Out of every dog breed out there, I think poodles win the award for the most interesting coat of hair.

Poodles are known for their curly coat of hair. Their coat can be seen in many colors like black, apricot, white, brown, etc. No matter what color their coat is, each poodle has the same tendency towards shedding.

The rumor that has flown around often is that poodles never shed. This is actually false information. Poodles do in fact shed, although not as often as other dogs. While other dogs shed around every three days, poodles only shed every few weeks.

Still, why would people think that poodles do not shed?

This rumor seems to be reasonable. If you were simply going to visit a home with a poodle present, you may even assume that poodles do not shed.

This is because when a poodle’s hair sheds, it gets caught up in the curls of the coat rather than falling.

In other homes that have pets in them, it is common to see lots of fur all over the floor and couch. However, because poodles’ have curly hair that latches onto itself, their hair does not end up all around the house.

A poodles coat is actually more commonly referred to as hair rather than fur because it has the same characteristics of human hair.

Poodles’ hair is continuously growing. So although it does occasionally shed, poodles’ hair will not give a similar situation to dogs who shed often.

In a home where dogs shed often, there will hair all over the place. As these dogs shed, hair grows in to replace those shed hairs. Because of this, these dog breeds have fur that is consistently at the same length.

However, poodles’ have a completely different situation.

While poodles’ hair does not shed often and it will not end up all over your home they still need to be groomed very often. In order to prevent mattes, you would have to brush through your poodle’s hair daily. Poodle hair will keep growing and get wickedly matted and tangled if not brushed.

This is perhaps one of the most common reasons for someone not getting a poodle. In comparison to other dogs, poodles have extreme needs for grooming.

The unique coat that poodles have may lead to infrequent shedding but does require consistent grooming. In some respects, having a poodle is easier (no cleaning dog fur all the time) and in others, is more difficult (brushing and cutting hair often).

Single Coat vs. Double Coat

Why is poodles’ hair so unique?

Almost every feature that makes a poodle’s hair unique leads back to the fact that poodles have a single coat rather than a double coat. Most dogs have a double coat, which entails that they have an undercoat.

Here are some dogs under each category.

These are some of the most common dogs under each of the categories. While double-coats are more common, there are still some single-coated dogs out there with unique hair and characteristics.

Because poodles have a single-coat, there are many differences between a poodle and a double- coated dog.

As seen above, there are many common characteristics of poodles that are present because they have a single- coat.

Because poodles have a single coat of curly hair, they will not shed frequently. This is a great thing for your home.

Another great thing is that your poodle’s hair will not shed according to the seasons. For dogs with the double- coat, their coats will “blow out” during seasons. So, even though they already shed often, they will shed even more during their blowouts.

Luckily, poodles shedding does not vary according to the seasons. Poodle shedding stays consistently low frequency throughout the whole year.

Unfortunately, everything is not so great for dogs with single coats.

Because poodles have a single coat, meaning they lack an undercoat, they are more susceptible to certain things. Undercoats can actually serve as a great protection against things like dirt and grime.

Without an undercoat, poodles can easily get things like dirt, dust, and mud in their hair. This makes mattes in their coat occur.

Mattes are simply when hair, dirt, dander, etc. get stuck into a big clump. Mattes can range in sizes. However, in the end, mattes can be a pest to take care of. This is why it is so important to groom a poodle well in order to prevent matting.

Mattes can often lead to very irritated skin. They are more susceptible to having sensitive skin because poodles have a single coat.

Unfortunately, having a single coat also makes it more difficult for poodles to transition into cold or hot weather. The undercoat serves as a thermostat in a sense. Without that thermostat, poodles are left vulnerable to varying temperatures.

Although there are many negatives to poodles have a single coat, there is still the one.

Because poodles have a single coat, they do not shed often. Poodles hair grows instead of falling.

Does Hardly Any Shedding Mean a Poodle is Hypoallergenic?

Perhaps, the main reason you are asking about poodles shedding is because of allergies. One of the main things that a dog can do to irritate your allergies is shed.

Luckily for you, poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic.

But before you get too excited, let’s talk about what it means for a dog to be hypoallergenic. It turns out, there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs out there. To have a hypoallergenic dog just means that there is a lowered chance of your dog irritating your allergies.

So, what about a dog is so bothersome for your allergies? There are three things that most typically cause people’s allergies to be irritated.

• Pet Dander
• Saliva
• Urine

Dog shedding is associated with pet dander.

If you have never heard this term before, it is okay. Pet dander is similar to human dandruff. It is the dry, dust-like material located close to a dog’s skin. The dander is most commonly what people are allergic to.

Because dander is located nearby or on your pet’s hair, it will often fall along with the hair. So, often when dogs shed they are also spreading their dander around the room.

Not only do poodles have a low frequency towards shedding, but they also have a low tendency towards dander.

So, although poodles are not a 100% guarantee to not aggravate your allergies, they are very close to it.

To add on to the many things that make poodles such great hypoallergenic dogs, poodles have a low tendency to drool. Since drool is another common allergy, having a poodle who doesn’t drool often will help you out immensely.

As far as the urine aspect goes, poodles do not have a low tendency to pee. They pee just like any other dog.

However, there are some things that you can do to help your allergies.

1. Avoid Poodle Saliva Through Discipline

Although poodles do not have a tendency to drool, there is always the possibility, even if it is slim. Every dog is unique, so it is not surprising that dogs even within the same breed will have different tendencies to drool.

Luckily, poodles are extremely able to be trained. These dogs learn fast and easily. So, through discipline, you can correct that behavior.

2. Assign Designated Potty Areas

Although this seems like a simple thing, it will help your allergies a lot if you are indeed allergic to dog urine.

Give a specific area for your poodle to pee and ensure he/ she is peeing there each time. As long as you avoid these areas, your allergies should not be irritated at all.

3. Clean Your Poodle Often

This is another significant part of making sure that your poodle is not aggravating your allergies.

Similarly to dandruff shampoo that we have as humans, poodles also can use certain shampoos that will get rid of dander. Although it may not completely relieve your poodle of dander, it will greatly reduce dander.

These simple ideas will greatly reduce any chance of irritated allergies.

And because poodles do not shed their hair to the point of falling, your allergies will also be very happy.

Grooming: The Solution to Poodle Shedding

As I have mentioned many many times before, the solution to poodle shedding is grooming.

It is so important to brush through your poodle’s hair daily. Although other dogs may rarely have to be brushed through, poodle’s do not have that same luxury. Poodles are extremely high maintenance in terms of grooming.

Neglecting your poodle’s hair will only lead to their pain.

Because poodles are so prone to getting mattes, their hair must be taken care of every single day. So, if you do not have the time or the care, I would not recommend getting a poodle for a pet. They require your attention every day.

Some of the things you will need to take care of your poodle’s hair at home are:

• Slicker Comb <– Amazon Best Seller! (for good reason)
• Steel Comb
• Scissors
• Electric Clippers
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Conditioner

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: We have a poodle mix at home, and we have found the very best brush for daily use is this one. You may even have one in your drawer. I used my daughters at first before buying Lexie her own brush – LOL

Although not all of these items are needed for the daily brushes, they will be used for grooming in general.

Daily grooming is mandatory. Because poodles’ hair does not shed onto the groom, it will stay within their coat. The only way for you to get rid of all of this hair caught up in the hair is to brush through your poodle’s hair.

But, outside of this daily grooming that is required, it is also important to clip your poodle. In dog terms, this simply means to give your poodle a haircut. You can do this at home, or you can take your poodle to a professional dog groomer.

Pricing for grooming depends on the clip style and the size of your dog. For all variations of poodles, a single visit to the dog groomer will cost you around $50-80.

It is suggested that you visit the dog groomer to clip your poodle every six to eight weeks.

To help you know what to expect, I have written out expected costs.

The grooming of a poodle is costly. This is why most people have chosen to groom their poodle at home. However, it is not as simple as it seems. If you want to do it yourself, I would recommend watching a professional groomer do it a few times before you attempt to groom your dog.

Most poodle owners like to give their poodle a short cut. This cut is simply easier to handle when the hair is growing back in.

Rather than dealing with large amounts of hair to untangle and brush through, the short hair will make it much easier on the daily grooming of your poodle.

Why is my Poodle Shedding So Much?

Although the general rule for poodles is that their shedding won’t be visible, there are some cases in which you can see the shedding.

This typically means that your poodle has an illness or problems.

Alopecia X

This syndrome causes hair loss with dogs. It typically starts at the base, near the tail and then moves up. The hair loss is even among both sides. The only places hair loss is not present with this syndrome is the head and front legs.

Aside from hair loss, there are no other symptoms of this syndrome. This syndrome is caused by hormonal deficiency.

Allergies

Just like us, our dogs can have allergies as well. Along with other symptoms of allergies, dogs will lose a lot of hair.

If your dog’s allergies have gotten to the point of hair loss, it is likely an allergy to something in your home. It could simply be dust, or it could be a chemical you use in the house.

Whatever it is, your poodle’s skin will become brittle and cause the hair to fall out.

Sebaceous Adenitis

This disorder is actually common among standard poodles. It is an inflammation of the oil-producing glands.

Along with the shedding that is present with this disorder, you may also notice that your poodle’s hair is growing slowly.

These are all some possible reasons as to why your poodle may be shedding more than a typical poodle should shed. If the hair is falling onto the floor, couch, etc., then your poodle very likely has some illness.

A healthy poodle will not shed onto your things.