[barblue]

I had a bichon who passed away a few months ago and am starting to consider getting another dog. Problem is, I'm allergic to most breeds. I'm not ready to get another bichon - I loved the last one too much to get a "replacement" for her - and I'm not the biggest fan of purebred poodles, so I'm a bit stuck when considering options.I'd love to be able to get a rescue or mutt this time around, and have have been thinking about poodle- or bichon- mixes. I am worried, however, about the allergy issue. Is there any type of "rule of thumb" for mixes that indicates whether they will be as allergy-friendly as the parent? Alternatively, is there any way to test a dog for allergy-friendliness (since I think the allergies are to dander, not hair)? I don't want to bring a dog home and find out I'm allergic to it - too emotionally stressful for both parties involved.Thanks for any insight you can provide. It's much appreciated.

[JenV]

If you have an idea of other breeds that you are able to tolerate with your allergies, then my first step would be not to visit a shelter, but to look up breed-specific rescue programs in you area. These dogs need homes just as badly (and sometimes even worse) than those in shelters. Suprisingly enough, many of these full-bred dogs were actually "rescued" from death in a shelter, where there was no one to adopt them despite the fact that they were purebred dogs. Best of luck in your search!

[teener_b]

ALL dogs shed (all mammals shed) even Maltese. The difference is that a short-haired dog will shed and you'll see the hair. A long-haired dog, like a Maltese will MATT. That's why they require daily brushing and why you WILL see shed hair in the teeth of the brush.