Do Cavapoos Have a Double Coat? -

yes, the Cavapoo have double coats – this means that they have the same guard hair as a single coated dog, but it’s combined with another coat

The Cavapoo, widely regarded as a hypoallergenic dog, is a very interesting breed.

They are a crossbreed between the Poodle and the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, which means their coat can turn out to be half KC Spaniel, half Poodle.

However, some Cavapoos practically just have a completely Poodle coat, whereas other Cavoodles have a fully Cavalier coat.

So do Cavapoos have a double coat? Or can some Cavapoos have a single coat? This is what we’ll be taking a look at in this article:

What is a Double Coat On A Dog?

First of all, what is a double coat? What does this term mean? Can dogs really have two coats? How can you tell whether your Cavapoo has a double coat – is it easy to spot?

Well, some breeds of dog like the Jack Russell for example just have a single coat, comprised of hair referred to as the guard hair. This guard hair sheds easily, falling out all over the place – much to a single-coated dog’s owner’s chagrin.

Whereas other dogs, from the Bichon Frise to the Huskies, the Poodle, and yes, even the Cavapoo have double coats – this means that they have the same guard hair as a single coated dog, but it’s combined with another coat.

This is the soft and insulating fur that makes up a Cavapoo’s undercoat. Have you ever noticed this fur in a dog? These unique properties of the Doodle dogs’ double coat also enable them to sleep outside soundly.

The History of Cavapoos

A cross between the loyal Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the weatherproof, soft, fluffy Poodle, the Cavapoo – or Cavoodle – was first bred during the mid-1990s during the Doodle craze, in which various other dogs were bred with the Poodle to combine their personality traits with the Poodle’s hypoallergenic, unique downy fleece.

This means that the Cavapoo has also inherited this silky, curly, non-shedding fur.

What Can I Expect From my Cavapoo?

The most well-known poster-dog for the Cavapoo has to be the Cavapoo with the typical King Charles Cavalier colors of Blenheim or Black-and-tan.

Other variations that are possible in a Cavapoos coat include the lovely Ruby, as well as White, Chestnut, Gold, Chocolate, Fawn, and Cream. Tri-colored Cavapoo coats are possible too, as well as completely solid-colored dogs.

Depending on whether your Cavapoo is more Cavalier or more Poodle, they may shed some fur at certain seasons a lot or a little.

As well as this, a more Poodle Cavapoo’s coat is more likely to get matted frequently, while a more Cavalier Cavapoo’s coat could do better with less brushing.

Which Dogs Have a Double Coat?

When people breed dogs to have a double coat on purpose, they tend to be trying to breed a hardy dog who will be suited to a colder climate. An extremely fluffy insulating double coat tends to be obvious in dogs like the Siberian, Samoyed, and Akita Huskies.

But another big reason why people deliberately breed dogs to have a double coat is so that the dog can be a more hypoallergenic companion dog or service dog. The Golden Retriever, the Labradoodle, and the German Shepherd are all hypoallergenic working dog breeds with double coats.

Since double-coated dog breeds like these are seen as being hypoallergenic, this, coupled with their obedience, allows them to enter areas and public spaces where dogs are not usually permitted. So, these dogs make ideal sniffer dogs and guide dogs.

Also, have you heard the myth of how King Charles II decreed a law that granted the King Charles Spaniel permission to be taken into any building or establishment in the UK?

Even if they’re only half KC Spaniel, between this law and their hypoallergenic double coat, perhaps you’re allowed to take a Cavapoo along with you anywhere, too?

Why Are There Double Coats?

Many different breeds of dogs have been produced to carry out many different roles for an incredibly long time, all over the world. Double coats appear to be more common in dogs derived from or bred with Spitz breeds.

For a long time, the main advantage of a double coat seems to have been to provide insulation from cold temperatures, in dogs like the Husky, and even in wolves. But the double coat also partially protects a dog from the UV rays of the sun, too.

Is it Easy to Groom a Cavapoo’s Double Coat?

Are you considering tackling your Cavapoo’s double coat by yourself? It’s more difficult than grooming a single-coated dog’s fur, for sure.

But grooming a Cavapoo by yourself can be a lot of fun – you can develop your own unique style of cut, to suit the current weather where you live, and really get creative with your Cavapoo’s coat.

Of course, when you first buy the equipment, it can be expensive. But this will save you thousands when compared with going to the groomers.

The most difficult part of grooming is de-matting a Cavapoo’s coat when you have let the grooming slide for a while. De-matting can take quite some time.

But there’s really nothing that difficult about regular brushing and the occasional bath when your Cavapoo gets dirty.

How do I Groom my Cavapoo’s Double Coat?

If you are interested in saving a lot of money by taking on the upkeep of your Cavapoo’s double coat and grooming them at home, you’re in luck, because these days a myriad of modern tools and products help to make the job of grooming and brushing easier and quicker than ever before.

Is your Cavapoo more of a Cavalier or more of a Poodle? Either way, a two-sided bristle and pin brush is the perfect tool to work with this two-sided dog’s double coat.

Brush your Cavapoo’s double coat with both sets of bristles several times a week to take care of both their guard hairs and undercoat.

Brushing frequently with the pin side will prevent your Cavapoo’s undercoat from getting matted, while regular brushing with the bristle side will help to drag out the looser guard hairs – you might prefer to brush your Cavapoo outside if they start to shed a lot during this stage.

What’s Good About my Cavapoo’s Double Coat?

Did you know that your Cavapoo’s double coat is hypoallergenic? This means that they are suitable for people who are allergic to dogs or people who suffer from asthma.

The Cavapoo’s double coat is also pretty easy to take care of, once you know what you’re doing. A quick brush a few times a week is all you need to do most of the time.

This Cavapoo coat is also incredibly soft. The Cavapoo is definitely one of the dogs who look most like a teddy bear. Plus, you can pet them as much as you like without having to worry about any shedding fur flying everywhere.

So, yes – Cavapoos do have a lovely double coat, with a layer of guard hairs and an undercoat to keep them warm.

And with just regular brushing and the occasional bath, you can keep your Cavapoo’s double coat in tip-top teddy bear-like condition, perfect for either snuggling up together at home or going out to play and meet new people in the park!

If you like this then read our Complete Cavapoo Guide: Must Read Facts here.

For more about Cavapoos see my other articles below

By Michelle McDaid