Before you consider getting a Jackapoo, or any pet for that matter, it’s good to know how much they shed and whether they are hypoallergenic or not. This is vital information that will prepare you for anything related to grooming needs or the effects they might have on allergies.
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Do Jackapoos Shed?
Like most dogs, the Jackapoo does shed. But you’ll be happy to know that the Jackapoo has a low-shedding coat that doesn’t require a lot of grooming. The amount of hair it sheds is also dependent on the type of coat your Jackapoo has.
Because the Jackapoo is still a relatively new hybrid, a mix between the Poodle and the Jack Russell, there are many variations of coats that can be inherited from their parents.
The Poodle coat is very well known for being virtually hypoallergenic, but the Jack Russell coat is infamous for shedding hair all year round. The combination of the two breeds results in coats that shed less than the Jack Russel but more than the Poodle.
One of the most effective ways to control the type of coat your Jackapoo inherits is by knowing the parents’ coat types. Having at least a second-generation Jackapoo bred with a Poodle will help to get a coat that sheds the least and is the closest to being hypoallergenic.
Is the Jackapoo Coat Hypoallergenic?
The Jackapoo is not hypoallergenic, unfortunately. The fact is, no pet is 100% hypoallergenic because they all shed hair. Yes, even poodles. It’s not the hair that people are allergic to but it’s the saliva, urine, and/or skin cells that cause the allergy. The amount that your furry friend sheds, will increase the number of proteins that are released, and this triggers the allergy.
It’s no different for the Jackapoo breed, especially because of the mix between two types of coats. Poodles are renowned for being one of the most hypoallergenic breeds, but Jack Russells are known to shed all year round, with a heavier shedding season in spring and in fall.
My friend has only ever had Poodles because of her allergy to pet dander. It’s obvious how other dog coats affect her allergies. Within a few minutes of her being around pets that shed more hair, Jack Russells included, her symptoms start to flare up. But they are not triggered much, if at all, around my curly-haired Jackapoo.
Which Jackapoo Coat Sheds the Least?
Because of the various coat types, the Jackapoo can inherit, it’s always good to know which coat sheds the least in case you have allergies or you’d like to know how much grooming they require.
A Jackapoo with a curly coat that is like the Poodle will shed the least. The curly coat will shed the least amount of hair because most of the hair that falls out stays tangled in the coat until you brush it out. Because of this, it will also be the most hypoallergenic coat. You will need to brush your curly Jackapoo frequently to get rid of knots and keep mats away.
Which Jackapoo Coat Sheds the Most?
Jack Russells are year-round shedders, so it’s no surprise that the Jackapoo breed is prone to some shedding too. The more similar your Jackapoo’s coat is to the Jack Russell the more it is going to shed. The Jackapoo with a straight, short coat is going to shed the most and will be more prone to causing allergic reactions.
What Causes Jackapoo Shedding?
Shedding is unfortunately just a part of life. A few reasons why your Jackapoo sheds are because of the season, allergies, health, and hygiene.
Jackapoos will shed to get rid of the extra hair that grew in the colder seasons to keep them warm.
Another aspect that causes shedding is allergies. If your dog has allergies, the skin will get irritated and itchy, which causes your Jackapoo to scratch and lose more hair.
Shedding happens most when the health and hygiene of the coat and skin are in a bad condition. This causes the hair to become dry, damaged, or dead and consequentially it will fall out to maintain healthy hair.
How To Minimize Jackapoo Shedding
Thankfully, this hybrid dog breed does not shed as much as its Jack Russell ancestor but having a dog with hair means that it will still shed, regardless. Minimizing Jackapoo shedding doesn’t require too much labor, depending on the type of coat it has and there are a few things you can do to limit shedding.
Brush Your Jackapoo
If your Jackapoo has a more curly coat, then it’s easier to manage its shedding because it will not shed as much as the other types of coats. Brush your curly-haired Jackapoo at least every few days, more frequently if you notice any dirt, debris, or knots in the coat.
If your Jackapoo has more of a straight type of coat, although it doesn’t require as much maintenance to make it look good, you do need to be prepared for more shedding. So when trying to manage your Jackapoo’s shedding, it’s best to give them a good brush at least once to three times a week. There will still be those rouge hairs that escape the brushing, so it’s necessary to sweep or vacuum your home daily.
A great brush that I use regularly for my Jackapoo is the Wahl Premium Patented Dual Level Sensitive Skin Pet Slicker. It’s a brush that is easy to hold the brush and easy to clean, which is something I always look for in a good quality dog brush. It is good to use for any coat, but I’ve found it works phenomenally well for a pet with a curlier coat.
I’ve found that using a good quality brush will do wonders in limiting how much hair your dog sheds. Regular brushing will help you to get rid of any loose hair, so you can catch them before they end up all over the house.
Managing Your Jackapoos Allergies
Another way to limit the shedding of your Jackapoo’s hair is to be aware of and keep your dog’s allergies under control. The more your dog’s skin is irritated and itchy, the more they will scratch themselves and this increases hair fall. If you notice your Jackapoo scratching or sniffling often, take them for a checkup at the vet to get treatment options. Also, make sure to treat them regularly for ticks and fleas.
Give Your Jackapoo Regular Baths
Ensuring your Jackapoo has regular baths will also minimize the amount of hair that it sheds. Make sure to use a shampoo that is hypoallergenic to avoid irritating the skin that might cause them to scratch.
I like to use Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo for my Jackapoo, because of the 4-in-1 function that keeps him clean, conditioned, detangled, moisturized, and smelling fresh. It also uses aloe vera which is great for dogs with sensitive skin. Maintaining a healthy coat will minimize shedding because shedding is a way to get rid of dead, dry, and damaged hair.
Should You Get a Jackapoo if You Have Allergies?
The severity of your allergy will determine whether you should get a Jackapoo or not. No dog is 100% hypoallergenic so there is always a risk of your allergies being triggered. Even though the Jackapoo coat can be like the Poodle’s coat, which is one of the most hypoallergenic, there’s never a 100% guarantee you won’t react.
If you experience mild allergies, then a Jackapoo, with a similar curly coat to the Poodle, may make quite an agreeable option as a pet. It won’t trigger your allergies as much as other dogs. This does come down to your discretion to check whether your symptoms are manageable or not.
If you have severe allergies to dogs, asthma, and other breathing difficulties when exposed to pet saliva, skin cells, and/or urine, then it’s best not to go for the Jackapoo breed. Although it may be more hypoallergenic than most breeds it is not as hypoallergenic as the Poodle.
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