[earthmama369]

DS has been asking for a "doggie" for quite some time, and dh and I are starting to consider it, as our remaining cat is nearly 14 years old. But DD has become allergic to cats and possibly dogs as well. We're in the very early stages of this, but I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of dog breeds (small to medium size) that are less reactive for people who are allergic and are generally good with kids, a la the Obamas and their dog search. (Which is where I first heard about the possibility of a dog like that!)

TIA~

 

[lerlerler]

portaguese water dog (the obama choice)
labradoodles

those are the 2 I know of

 

[Momily]

I've heard that you're guaranteed almost no shedding, with poodles, wirehaired terriers, and bichons (maybe other breeds), or any combination of the above (e.g. a friend of mine has a Westi-poo). But there's no guarantee you won't be allergic to them. It's something to do with some people being allergic to dander and others to saliva?

With something like a labradoodle or a goldendoodle where one parent sheds and one doesn't, it's likely the offspring won't but not guaranteed.

 

[mom0810]

Bichon, Poodle, Mini Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Soft Coated Wheaten, anything with "hair" more so than coat (fur).

 

[gingerstar]

Our friends have a son who has asthma and allergies, but was able to spend time with a Yorkie without much trouble, so they got one. They kept it out of his room, and he washed his hands after playing with it, and he did fine.

Whatever breed you are interested in, have your son spend time playing with it, really get good exposure, and keep in mind that sometime allergic reactions can be subtle. I spent years denying that my DD was allergic to our cats (don't flame me, we had the cats first, and she was fine her first 4 years of life....) but once we tested her, she was allergic. Once the cats were re-homed, her asthma really changed.

Just to share our family's experience with allergies and pets

ne theory of allergies says that our bodies can handle only so much, and adding one little bit more causes overload (like the straw and the camel) and that is when we suffer. In my DD's case, she never had an attack because of the cats - but every time she caught a cold, she had to go on oral steroids to recover. She hasn't taken a single one since our cats have been gone. I guess my point is, allergies can be subtle!

Good luck, and I hope you find one that works for your family!

 

[greenmagick]

Check out the inidivdual dog as well. I know one family that got a poodle for hypoallergenic reasons and that dog caused worse allergies in the family member than some other dogs not known for being hypoallergenic. Its not the hair one reacts to, its the dander.

Also, labradoodles are a complete toss up. As they are a mix, you dont know what traits each litter or pup is going to inherit. We saw many labradoodles at my work that shed worse than pure labs so if you are going for no shedding, dont count on them.

 

[~PurityLake~]

My allergy to dogs is worst with bristle-coated breeds with oily skin such as Dalmations, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls, Pointers as well as to dogs with naturally long fur who are clipped and have oily skin, such as Cockers and Schnauzers. Poodles and Bichons clipped don't bother me because they don't have that toothbrush bristle thick pokey fur driving their skin oils into my skin like the other breeds I've mentioned.

 

[blessedwithboys]

my poodle doesnt shed one little bit, but i couldnt say for sure that she wouldnt trigger an allergy in someone

i work part time at a pet store, i see doodle variations all the time...it seems the curlier ones dont shed as much as the ones with straighter featherier hair

 

[MamaMonica]

I agree with the others to check out the individual dog, because if your kid has asthma, they can react to even hypoallergenic breeds. This happened with my child. Some kids are fine with poodles (etc.) and some still react to the dander, even if the pup doesn't shed.