In this instance, we will focus on just one breed in particular, and that is the Springerdoodle. So, do they shed? If so, how much, and will it pose a problem for you if you are indeed allergic?
Whenever you are in the process of looking to purchase a dog. Knowing something as simple as how much the breed sheds can be very important.
This is especially true when you are perhaps allergic to the dander that comes from dogs. After all, we don’t want to be triggering your allergies on a constant basis.
The number of people searching for a dog that is hypoallergenic appears to be on the increase. People also tend to look at the Doodle breeds of dogs. As it’s known that their coat is often better for people that do have allergies.
But is that the case with this particular mix?
What is a Springerdoodle?
But first, a quick recap of the origins of the Springerdoodle for anybody that hasn’t come across the breed before.
A Springerdoodle is a result of combining a standard Poodle with an English Springer Spaniel. This is a wonderful combination as you have two amazing dogs with the best temperaments around being combined into one stunning dog.
But as you are combining two different breeds, it does mean you stand a chance of getting aspects from each breed coming through. In this case, we are focusing more on the coat rather than the temperament or how they are as a dog in general.
Do They Shed?
When it comes to the Springerdoodle, then they do shed some fur throughout the year, but not to the same extent as other breeds. Also, don’t think that it means they are the lightest of shedders as that’s not the case either.
But it’s not as simple as a yes or no answer in this instance.
You see, the Springerdoodle does have quite a thick coat. While that doesn’t have to automatically mean they will be shedding extensively, it can be the case that your Springerdoodle sheds a bit more than the average.
Their Genes Makes a Difference
The only thing that makes a difference here is their genes. If you have a Springerdoodle that has more of the Poodle gene as dominant, then they will shed less. If you have a dog with more of the English Springer Spaniel, then they will shed a bit more.
Now, you aren’t going to go and get a test to show how much of one breed they have in their genes than the other, but then you don’t always need to. However, there is no doubt that this does influence how much they shed.
This is all thanks to the fact that the Poodle does not shed a lot at all. In fact, you will hardly notice them shedding anything, and that is why people looking for a hypoallergenic dog do love this breed.
Unfortunately, the Springer Spaniel is known to be a bit of a shedder. However, as we said earlier, they are not the heaviest when compared to other breeds.
Also, if they have more of the Springer Spaniel, then it does mean you need to brush them more often.
Dander in Shedding
So as we have determined that the Springerdoodle does indeed shed, to a certain extent, what about the level of dander?
Once again this can vary. The Springerdoodle does not produce as much dander as other breeds, and when this is incorporated with a reduced level of shedding, then it does mean there should be less issues for people with allergies.
Caring for the Coat of Your Springerdoodle
When it comes to your Springerdoodle, then you need to know how to correctly care for their coat, and it’s relatively easy and straightforward to do. All you have to focus on is making sure you brush and groom them on a regular basis. Even doing this will result in the level of shedding they produce dropping.
This breed does have a medium to long-length coat filled with wavy or curly hair. Grooming them is something that is essential if you want to preserve the health of their coat, and be aware that it may involve a bit of work. However, it will be worth it in the end.
The main problem with the Springerdoodle is that their coat can be prone to becoming tangled on a regular basis. Giving them a quick groom can stop this from becoming a major issue, so even spending a few minutes almost every day can make a huge difference.
But that’s not all.
Clipping
The hair of your Springerdoodle will need to be clipped a couple of times a year. Not only will this help to keep on top of the shedding, as will the grooming part, but it’s also best for their coat.
It’s important to stress we are talking about a trim and nothing else. This will allow you to keep on top of the potential for their coat becoming that tangled mess. Also, do focus on using a professional groomer, and hopefully one with experience of Springerdoodles as well, to ensure the correct length is trimmed off to keep their coat in perfect condition.
How to Correctly Brush to Eliminate Shedding
As we have already stated that brushing the coat of your Springerdoodle on a regular basis is such a good idea, you may want to know how to do it correctly. Remember how we also mentioned their coat is thick and wavy? Well, that changes how you should groom them.
The best approach is to lightly mist their coat with water. Get a spray bottle and spray that fine mist over the area. It does make it easier to get the brush through their hair and start to work on those tangles.
But we believe you may need to go one extra step. For this, you may want to consider investing in de-tangler for dogs. This is a real thing, and it can work wonders when it comes to getting that brush through their coat.
Ideally, you should be aiming for quite a slick brush that will go through their coat, but have a comb ready for any problem areas. Brush in a normal line manner, which means going straight through in the one direction, and take your time.
When the brush, or comb, becomes stuck, then slowly work at that area to remove the knot. To be honest, this is not much different to what we do with our own hair when we discover a knot in it.
Dealing with Matted Hair
If the hair is matted, then this is the best way to deal with it. Stop with the brush and comb for a second, and use your fingers. You are going to isolate the matted area, and then use your fingers to tease the coat apart as best you can.
Once you have the matted area looking a bit more spread out, then go back with the comb and finish clearing up the area. Be warned that this may happen over and over again, but that is why we do suggest combing or brushing your Springerdoodle on a regular basis. It just makes it harder for this problem to develop in the first place.
But brushing helps to remove a lot of the dead hair that builds over time in their coat. By removing that yourself, it does mean you can control the level of shedding, to a certain extent, while also making your dog feel more comfortable.
Often, dead hair will irritate your dog, and that leads to additional scratching. The scratching leads to more shedding, and more dander being thrown up into the air.
This approach can prove to be rather helpful for people with allergies, and it’s even better when you have someone else doing the grooming. It means your dog is less prone to shedding all over the place as this is a problem even with breeds that are not heavy in that department.
Overall Conclusion
So Springerdoodles do indeed shed, but not as much as other dogs. Even within this breed, the amount of shedding an individual dog produces is going to vary depending on their genes.
The key here is in keeping on top of caring for their coat. The wavy nature of their coat can be a problem leading to discomfort for your dog, and that is where the scratching and an increase in hair being pulled out, or dander, will certainly skyrocket. Yes, it will take some work on your part to groom them several times a week, but the more you do it, then the easier it will be.
What this means is that, if you are searching for a hypoallergenic dog, then the Springerdoodle is better than some, but not as good as others. However, what you will have if you buy this breed of dog is one that is exceptional when it comes to their temperament. They are so much fun, and will be the perfect family dog.