[Storm2010]

Hi,

I am looking for some advice on a Dog Breed. I have Pet allergies however love dogs and we would like to get a dog as a part of our family. I am trying to find a medium size dog that would be considered low shedding and no offense to anyone but a dog that does not look like a poodle. Does anyone have any reccommendations???

[cigwyllt]

When I know of a couple of families with acute allergies who live happily with a dalmation. The sister of a friend when I was a teenager had severe asthma but had no problem with the dalmation. I also have a friend whose allergies are so bad she can not wash her son's clothes when he has been handling his pet ferrets yet she can have two dalmations in the house with no problem at all.

[DoggieVogue]

I've heard basenjis, terriers, and schnauzers are all good hypoallergenic breeds for allergy sufferers!

[CorkyMax]

Lol, I felt the same way about poodles until I met one that didn't have that awful hair style--Just natural! (Looked like a completely different breed). Also this poodle had a great personality and was super smart. (This breed is noted for being very intelligent! Maybe you should just go meet one and check them out---especially one without the crappy hair style! Note that there are 3 different sizes-
Toy Poodle-6-9 lbs and 11 inches tall (top of shoulder down)
Minature Poodle-15-17 lbs and 11-15 inches tall (shoulder down)
Standard Poodle-(male)-45-70 lbs and 15-24" tall--as above ^)
----"--------"---(female)-45-60 lbs and 15-22" tall--"--"----)

Other than that --here is a link to what you want to know:
Dogs Good For Allergy Suffers, Hypo-allergenic dogs

[cigwyllt]

I adore standard poodles. There is a pair in town, they walk for miles and always attract a crowd - wonderful sociable dogs - and they are dogs, not walking fashion items.

If you are looking at a small terrier I know from my experience with the breed that rough or longer coated dogs are much less likely to trigger reactions than smoothies.

[CorkyMax]

Link to Poodle info and pics:
Miniature Poodle Information and Pictures, Miniature Poodles, Mini Poodle, Mini Poodles

There are a few 'natural' looking pics --See esp. Peanut and on 2nd page--Pablo and Daisy. Might want to read the description and other info on 1st page too. Be sure to scroll all the way down as advertisements interrupt in places.

[Storm2010]

Thank you all for your responses to my original post. I have checked out so many different website that list recommendations for people with allergies but most of the dogs shown are small breeds or are a poodle and again no offense but I know we definately do not want a poodle.

Has anyone had any experience with Labradoodles or Soft coated wheatons?

[cigwyllt]

No but I do know that labradoodles are NOT necessarily non shedding. As I am sure you know they are not a breed - they do not consistently produce true to type puppies and many of them will have a labrador coat.

I know you don't want a poodle and why should you! You want a dog you will fall in love with - I would feel the same if someone tried to persuade me to have a breed that I'm not interested in -but would you consider making enquiries about a poodle and actually meeting a litter or a couple of adults, just to be sure they really are not the dog for you? Sometimes you can make a connection with the most unexpected animal - a dog you might have previously crossed the road to avoid. It might be worth a try!

[chiclet]

A little off topic, but I just got a dog and starting have my allergies act up. I am fairly certain I am not allergic to dogs, but I am allergic to all the outside stuff I get exposed to taking him for his walks. I wonder if that is the real problem for some people who are told they are allergic to the dog.

[cigwyllt]

That's a good point but someone can be fine with one dog and not with another. I remember seeing my friend change in the course of half an hour if she came into close contact with my dog. She had two dogs at home but could not handle being in close proximity to my smooth coated Jack Russell. She was fine in the room with him but if she cuddled him her eyes would start to stream and her nose would be blocked straight away.

[Todd]

I'd say poodles because they don't shed much. Any dog that is a light sheder would be best. Try dog with shorter coats and shed little.

here is some info from the net...

The American Kennel Club (AKC ®), largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, developed a list of breeds they believe are associated with less dander. They include:

Bedlington Terrier. With the look of a lamb, this terrier is a wonderful companion. Most often seen with a blue haircoat, this breed sheds little, resulting in less dander and easier breathing for the allergy sufferer.

Bichon Frise. The bichon is not only a great lapdog, but the curly-coated white breed produces little dander, making the dog a wonderful companion for people with allergies. To keep him looking great, the bichon needs periodic trips to the groomer.

Chinese Crested. This breed is slowly gaining popularity. Not completely bald, the Chinese crested has some puffs of hair on the head and may have a very spotted skin. Despite his weird appearance, the Chinese crested is a great family pet.

Irish Water Spaniel. Even though he may look like the clown of the spaniel family, the Irish water spaniel is the tallest spaniel and a great water dog. The coat of the Irish water spaniel is his most distinguishing characteristic.

Kerry Blue Terrier. The hair coat of the Kerry blue is silky soft and dense. The coat can be curly or wavy but should not be wiry or harsh. The Kerry blue does require frequent grooming

Maltese. As the name suggests, the small Maltese originated on the island of Malta, in the Mediterranean. This diminutive breed looks fragile but is quite resilient. The long flowing white coat needs daily care but sheds little and produces small amounts of dander.

Poodle. The standard, miniature and toy poodle make excellent pets. These dogs crave human companionship and, for the allergy sufferer, produce little dander. The breed does require attentive grooming to keep his coat in tip-top shape.

Portuguese Water Dog. Bred to help the fishermen of Portugal, this breed is as happy on land as he is in the water. Another dog that produces little dander and doesn't shed much, the Portuguese water dog is a faithful and active companion.

Schnauzer. (Miniature, Standard or Giant) The most common coat color is salt and pepper but black is also available. In order to keep their coat clean and tangle free, frequent grooming and clipping is necessary.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. A medium sized terrier, the wheaten seems to love life and human companionship. The color is any shade of wheaten. The soft coated wheaten has a soft wavy hair coat in any shade of wheaten.

Xoloitzcuintli or Mexican Hairless. Comes in 3 sizes and in two varieties: hairless and coated. The colors are: black, bronze and grey.