What breed of dog should we consider for allergy sufferer

[sugary]

My FI is hinting (Ok he didn''t hint, but came right out and said it) that after we are married and get a house he would love to get a dog. There is only one problem. I am allergic to dogs. It is not really bad, but I really do not want to be on medication everyday if I otherwise do not need it. Is there any breed of dog which is not as allergic as some others? I have heard that poodle-mixes (Labradoodles, schnoodles, cacapoos??) don''t shed so while they may not be totally hypoallergenic they may be more tolerable. Anyone have such a dog and what is your take on this?

 

[packrat]

Poodles I know are hypoallergenic. Chinese Crested, the hairless-I''m not sure about the Powderpuff ones. Those are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head, but I googled it, and there''s really a lot of them!

http://www.allergyescape.com/hypoallergenic-dog.html

http://www.puppy-basics.com/hypoallergenicdogs.html

 

[ladypirate]

I vote for a golden doodle--they are awesome!

 

[scarleta]

Newer breed is Havaneese.Barbara Walters has one ( apparently hypoallergenic) She is recommending that breed to Michelle Obama.I don''t know much about them ? Check it out.

 

[anniee19]

My fiance and I have two dogs- a boxer, which I am very allergic to, and a maltese-toy poodle mix. I have never had any symptoms from my little dog, ever. We have never noticed his fur anywhere on our furniture, and very seldomly we will find that he sheds in "clumps" of fur, so it''s not like a typical shedding dog at all. My parents have a cocker spaniel- poodle mix who is also pretty much non-shedding and I have never had allergy issues aroud him either. I think many of poodle mixes or poodles make great pets for people who are allergic to other dogs or cats.

 

[emeraldlover1]

My fiance''s parents have a Havanese. I''m totally allergic to dogs but not this one. She has hair not fur so i guess that is non allergic. She is a great little puppy.

I love chinese crested but my fiance says I''m only allowed to have one hairless animal (we have a hairless cat). Also, I really like the italian greyhounds but I don''t know if I would be allergic to them or not.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

If you are allergic, I would stay away from any "doodle" mix--there is no guarantee that a mix will be hypoallergenic, especially when the litter is a first generation (lab, golden, etc. bred to a poodle). I won't dive into my feelings on these "breeders", but suffice it to say that after seeing several dogs rehomed after a family was guaranteed a hypoallergenic dog because some back yard breeder was more interested in making a buck than providing a healthy dog, I wouldn't recommend them to anybody.

My aunt and cousins have Wheaten Terriers and I adore them. Very sweet, very playful and great dogs. I think they are a great alternative to a doodle mix since they are medium sized and active. There are many small breeds (as others have mentioned) that are hypoallergenic, but medium/large hypoallergenic breeds narrow the options.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Well, its important to note that each person''s allergies are very different. The ideal thing for you to do, as an allergy sufferer, would be to adopt a young adult dog (1-2+ years old), because puppies can have different allergens than they will eventually have as adults.

Second thing to note is that it is not safe to get a "non-allergenic" mix or breed both because of what I mentioned above (not all hypoallergenic dogs are non-allergy-inducing for all allergic people, just as not all allergenic dogs will produce reactions in all people), and the mixes especially are a horrible idea because they are a complete gamble with regards to how allergenic they come out (as well as everything else).

Aside from the allergy argument, there are abundant ethical reasons why you shouldn''t get a cockapoo or a schnoodle or any other so-called "designer dog" cross - there are so many dogs you could get who would be equally or more hypoallergenic and wouldn''t be horribly unethical to buy.

Anyway, stepping down off that high horse for a moment, the best thing you can do, as I said, is to adopt a slightly older dog, and to meet that particular dog several times first to see if you, personally, react to him or her. That''s really the best bet.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 12/29/2008 7:56:47 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady
If you are allergic, I would stay away from any 'doodle' mix--there is no guarantee that a mix will be hypoallergenic, especially when the litter is a first generation (lab, golden, etc. bred to a poodle). I won't dive into my feelings on these 'breeders', but suffice it to say that after seeing several dogs rehomed after a family was guaranteed a hypoallergenic dog because some back yard breeder was more interested in making a buck than providing a healthy dog, I wouldn't recommend them to anybody.

Ditto. And this comes from someone who owns two doodle mixes. Great dogs, but never believe a breeder if they guarantee that they will be hypoallergenic, there is just no way to know with the new mixes. Both of mine were rehomes after their initial homes didn't want them anymore.

Either get a dog that is truly hypoallergenic like a poodle, or rescue an adult dog, who you can spend time with first, and make sure you are not allergic to.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Actually, I heard a doctor on TV address the hypoallergenic issue in relation to the Obama situation, and they said that there really is no 100% hypo-allergenic dog. They also said, I think, that the allergens are not in the hair, they are in the skin cells that flake off (or something like that...I don''t remember the exact terminology). So I''d be very careful.

 

[kittybean]

Date: 12/29/2008 8:15:34 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Actually, I heard a doctor on TV address the hypoallergenic issue in relation to the Obama situation, and they said that there really is no 100% hypo-allergenic dog. They also said, I think, that the allergens are not in the hair, they are in the skin cells that flake off (or something like that...I don''t remember the exact terminology). So I''d be very careful.

This is true. "Hypoallergenic" just means low-allergenic, not un-allergenic, as many people mistakenly believe. Although single-coated dogs like Airedales, Wheaten Terriers, poodles, Lhasas, and the like are less allergenic, it is not just the "fur" that bothers allergy sufferers. People with dog allergies can be sensitive to the hair or fur, to dander (the skin cells mentioned above), or to saliva.

Interesting to note: smaller dogs are generally less allergenic because there is less area on them producing allergens. This sounds overly simplistic, but it is true. A miniature dog will usually bother an allergy sufferer less than a big dog would (another drawback to the big "doodle" mixes).

I have pretty severe dog allergies, and I do okay with my parents'' spaniel-poodle-dachshund mix they adopted from the shelter. He doesn''t shed much, and his hair grows like a poodle''s. He weighs about 17 pounds. However, I always take allergy medicine around him (Xyxal is amazing), and I always wash my hands immediately after petting him. If I hold him for too long or rub my eyes when I have dander on my hands, it is miserable for me. I deal with it because he is the cutest and sweetest animal in the world .

Is it possible for you to have a garage or outside dog? Living full-time with a dog when you are allergic can be detrimental to your overall health as your immune system can become compromised when it is busy fighting the dog allergens constantly. My allergist informed me that his patients that have pets despite their pet allergies report more and longer illnesses than those with similar allergies who do not keep a pet, even if the pet owners do not report many allergy symptoms. This is not a scientific study, but it''s at least something to research further and think about.

I think you''ve been given some excellent advice--seek out opportunities to spend time with adult dogs you may want to adopt (or at least of the breed you''d like to adopt) and see how you do. Also, maybe see an allergist/immunologist and inquire about doing allergy shots to help desensitize you through controlled exposure.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 12/29/2008 8:15:34 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Actually, I heard a doctor on TV address the hypoallergenic issue in relation to the Obama situation, and they said that there really is no 100% hypo-allergenic dog. They also said, I think, that the allergens are not in the hair, they are in the skin cells that flake off (or something like that...I don''t remember the exact terminology). So I''d be very careful.

Dander?? I agree, no dog is hypoallergenic. Some are better for allergies than others. The smooth haired dogs are worse for allergies. We have Bichons, which we were told ages ago were hypoallergenic. My Son was fine with them growing up. But since he has been away at school, when he comes home, he sneezes his head off. I feel so badly for him.

I''d talk to an allergist before making any moves....

 

[Thomperchik]

How ''bout a Westie?

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 12/29/2008 8:48:49 PM
Author: kittybean

Date: 12/29/2008 8:15:34 PM

Author: diamondseeker2006


Is it possible for you to have a garage or outside dog? Living full-time with a dog when you are allergic can be detrimental to your overall health as your immune system can become compromised when it is busy fighting the dog allergens constantly. My allergist informed me that his patients that have pets despite their pet allergies report more and longer illnesses than those with similar allergies who do not keep a pet, even if the pet owners do not report many allergy symptoms. This is not a scientific study, but it''s at least something to research further and think about.

I''m sorry, I just had to comment on this. Kittybean, no offense meant at all, but having an outdoor/garage dog is really never a good option for the dog. They are extremely social creatures, and need to be with their "pack" (you) at home, otherwise they can become undersocialized and its really just not fair to them or to you.

Also, FYI, I am an immunologist, and my understanding of the latest research is that enzymes in the animal saliva are what causes pretty much all known pet allergies, so kittybean and others are absolutely correct that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

I would offer a slightly different take on her allergist''s view though - the allergy/rheumatoid docs I work with are actually pretty evenly divided on whether its really bad to live with pets if you''re allergic. Obviously if the allergy is so bad you have trouble breathing, etc...then its not a good idea, but for those with more mild allergies, the fact that the immune system can become tolerized to the allergens of the pets over time is actually a really good thing. Anyway, just putting that out there, as someone who works in an immunology research lab.

 

[Babyblue033]

Date: 12/29/2008 8:48:49 PM
Author: kittybean

Date: 12/29/2008 8:15:34 PM

Author: diamondseeker2006

Actually, I heard a doctor on TV address the hypoallergenic issue in relation to the Obama situation, and they said that there really is no 100% hypo-allergenic dog. They also said, I think, that the allergens are not in the hair, they are in the skin cells that flake off (or something like that...I don''t remember the exact terminology). So I''d be very careful.

This is true. ''Hypoallergenic'' just means low-allergenic, not un-allergenic, as many people mistakenly believe. Although single-coated dogs like Airedales, Wheaten Terriers, poodles, Lhasas, and the like are less allergenic, it is not just the ''fur'' that bothers allergy sufferers. People with dog allergies can be sensitive to the hair or fur, to dander (the skin cells mentioned above), or to saliva.

I was going to say that too. Allergies can be triggered by multiple factors, not just hair, so there''s just no guarantee that any particular breed can be "safe". You can also have varying degrees of reaction to individual animals, regardless of breed, and your body can also develop some immunities after you''re exposed for a certain amount of time too. Allergies are a tricky thing.

I''m allergic to cats but over the years my symptoms improved enough for me to be able to live with 7 of them (with the help of daily OTC meds)

But I still have serious reactions to NEW cats, which will subside a little after a week or two.

As for having allergies and living with animals, I happen to believe that emotional benefits I get from them far outweighs *potential* risks that has yet to be proven

 

[Heidi137]

I am allergic to dogs but my poodle (53 pound standard) and miniature schnauzer don''t cause me any problems at all. ( Bichons do aggravate my allergies).

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 12/29/2008 9:59:39 PM
Author: Babyblue033

Date: 12/29/2008 8:48:49 PM

Author: kittybean

Date: 12/29/2008 8:15:34 PM


Author: diamondseeker2006


As for having allergies and living with animals, I happen to believe that emotional benefits I get from them far outweighs *potential* risks that has yet to be proven

Babyblue - I couldn''t agree more. I forgot to mention this in my post, but my DH and I are both allergic, and I''m asthmatic as well, and we not only live with 3 cats, but we volunteer at the local animal shelter with both cats and dogs. I take OTC meds (Zyrtec), and Benadryl at night as needed, and am mostly completely fine, and the emotional benefits I get back from that are incredible.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Your best bet will be a smaller breed (less surface area = less dander = less allergens) and especially a dog with a coat that is a single layer "hair" coat rather than a double layer "fur" type coat. Dogs with this type of hair include poodles, westies, many spaniels, havaneese, and my personal favourite, long-haired miniature dachshunds

All of these breeds do not shed the way other dogs do, rather they tend to "drop coat" a few times a year resulting in less hair floating around which means, again, less dander and allergens floating around. My hubby also has mild allergies and he tolerates our two miniature dachshunds very well. The only think he cannot do it kiss them, let them lick his face, or rub his face in their coats. Of course, he does all three

So depending on your lifestyle I would look into all of these breeds and see which fits best!

 

[Elmorton]

I heard that the Obamas settled on a golden doodle with their daughter''s allergies - I don''t know much about the allergies part, but my MIL has a golden doodle and I LOVE him. He''s very smart, but high energy and needed a ton of training. She invested time in him, and as a result, has an amazing dog.

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Love my Bichon Frise..I believe they are hypo-allergenic as they don't shed or anything like that.

ETA: I believe they have hair instead of fur as well.

 

[gemgirl]

My Dad was horribly allergic to lots of things including dogs (because of their dander), but we gave him a miniature Schnauzer for his 50th birthday and he loved that dog and kept her close to him (they were pretty much inseperable) until he passed away. She didn''t bother his nose or skin much at all.

 

[Sabine]

There has been a ton of good advice here, but I thought I''d chime in with my personal experience. I have terrible allergies, and I''m allergic to almost everything (including almost all animals) but I love dogs so much that I''ve always had one. I''ve found that some dogs that are supposed to be have hair and not fur still do affect me, and some dogs with fur are okay. I think it really depends, and the best way to see if a dog is going to affect you is to spend some time with it.

Currently, we have a beagle. She does affect my allergies, but I''ve built up a pretty good tolerance to her, and as long as she doesn''t sleep in our bed, I''m totally fine. My BIL''s dachshund and my SIL''s chihuahua/terrier mix don''t affect me at all, but my brother''s shepard mix is killer on my allergies. I had a lab growing up that I also built up a tolerance too, but I can''t even be in the same room as some long haired dogs like golden retrievers.

 

[jcarlylew82]

i have a shihtzu-toy poodle, and my sister and mother are fine around him. I do know that some people are allergic to more than just the dander from dogs though - hopefully that is not your case!

Word of caution though with "non shedding" dogs - their hair can mat pretty quickly if you are not on top of it.

 

[diamondsrock]

i have allergies but we have a miniature schnauzer and I haven''t had any trouble with her. She does not shed at all. I rarely find any of her fur or hair on the furniture.
I agree there is no 100% hypoallergenic dog, though.

 

[AmberWaves]

It''s been mentioned a ton on here about dogs/allergies, but I wanted to also give my personal viewpoint. I have terrible allergies and asthma- even being in a well ventilated and excessively clean house for 10 minutes with one cat gets my eyes swelling, lungs closing and skin itching. It''s bad. I''ve been on meds my whole life for asthma- adrenaline shots and steroid treatments, all that good stuff. That said, I was raised with a bull-mastiff- never had a problem with him. Perhaps it was getting used to him because he was always around, but I must have built up a tolerance or something because never did I have an attack with him. Spending time with my cousin''s long haired german shepard mix did me in on a very regular basis, and I was always there, so I should have gotten used to it. Now DH and I have a mini (well, tweenie, not standard and not mini) smooth short-haired dachshund, and not once have I had any allergy problems. The only time my asthma acts up is when I''m giving him a bath, but since they''re naturally very clean animals, that''s not a super constant happening.

Sometimes it just depends on the dog and the person with the allergies! Good luck!

 

[elrohwen]

I''m not sure if someone else already mentioned this, but most terriers are hypo-allergenic for the most part. Schnauzers (what I had growing up), wire fox, jack russels, soft coated wheatens, cairn, scotties, westies, the list goes on and on. I''d check a breed specific website to make sure they are non-shedding, but as I said most of them will not shed.

I agree with NEL and some of the others that getting a doodle mix is probably not a good idea because there''s a good chance your dog will shed just as much as the non-poodle parent. You''re better off getting a purebred that is known for not shedding. As NEL said, your options are limited for larger dogs, but wheatens are a good size as are standard schnauzers (both maybe 35lbs). Most of the terrier breeds are around 15-20lbs or so; smallish, but not purse dogs either.

I''d also try to spend some time around the breed you pick to make sure your allergies are ok.

 

[ChargerGrrl]

I too have terrible allergies but adore dogs. My dream is to adopt a young adult shelter dog- hopefully in about 2 years or so.

Hearing that many of you allergy sufferers are able to co-habitate with your pups gives me hope.

Good luck to you, sugary!

 

[got2goldens]

I have 2 Golden Retrievers and a cat, have been allergy tested (used to have severe allergy symptoms/migraines), and have been getting allergy shots for 7 years now and am totally fine. Prior to the shots, my situation was so bad that it was suggested that we get rid of the pets, no way Jose...the shots are totally worth it to me to keep my furbabies

.

So, maybe that could be an option for you? I know no one likes to get shots, but they don''t bother me at all...just a suggestion.

Good luck to you, please keep us updated!

~Kat

 

[sugary]

Friends of mine have a black mini schnauzer (I am guessing around 15 lbs) and I don''t remember having any problems when I am around their dog and they said their dog does not shed, but has to be clipped about every 6 weeks. I will offer to watch their dog next time they go away and see how it goes? I have also been doing a bit of research on my own and have checked out some schnauzer rescue sites. It''s nice to see that they give you great detail about the dog in regards to temperament and energy level.

I''d rather go with an older dog to start and my friend says to get a female instead of a male, because a female will not mark her territory like a male. If it works out we may get a puppy later on. I don''t see us getting one until after we are married next year, but I thought I''d at least get the research part out of the way now so I can determine what breed I would do well with.

 

[pixie1216]

i have a maltese. does not shed a single hair! you can literally rub her on your black pants and nothing will happen! but, since they don''t shed, they need frequent grooming. i rec. keeping them with a short haircut, called a "puppy cut". unless it is a show dog, a long hair, white dog, who is low to the ground, is a cleaning nightmare! but, they are friendly, cute, and fairly sturdy for their small frame. my dog is a total couch potato, but i have known others that are really fiesty!