Allergy-free, small, not too fluffy...

[CountessKerouac]

When my boyfriend moves out of his apartment that he shares with his grandma, we are going to share a dog! yay.

But, I am allergic to most dogs. However, I know there are a number of dogs that are less threatening to people with allergies.

Another issue is we don't agree on which breeds we like. My boyfriend and I both want a small dog (like 8-15 inches), but I like fluffy dogs and he likes more "manly" dogs as he calls them. He likes some fluffy dogs, like the Bichon (which I found it is hypoallergenic). But, I don't overlike the Bichon.

I don't know much about dog breeds...what is our perfect dog? Small, not-too-fluffy but kind of fluffy, and doesn't cause too many allergies?

So far I like the cockapoo, but my bf does not.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Fona]

I'm the opposite, I have allergic reactions to dogs with short hair like my friends irish staffy
Dogs with curly and wirey hair are apparantly good for allergies to pet fur

[Sprout726]

How about a dachshund? I have one and they are lovely dogs! :smitten:

[Cozmo]

We have a cockapoo and I LOVE her! She is the best dog ever. And I did hours and hours of research.

As far as low allergy, you probably want something that doesn't shed. Poodles and schnauzer's were recommended by my sister's allergist when we were kids. We had a schnauzer.

Our dog doesn't shed at all. My dh is slightly allergic to dogs and has no problem with ours. Try www.cockapoo.com for more info. That is where I found our puppy. There are also poodle rescue groups.

My mom has a bichon--and although it is a sweet dog, it is very high maintenance and has to be professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks. If it gets wet, its fur mats really bad. But it is fluffy and cute and good with all the grandkids.

Good luck with your search!

[thebelovedtree]

I would spend as much time with the breed of dog you decide to get as possible before you bring her home. "low allergy" doesn't mean that everyone with a dog allergy will not react to them, it depends on what part of the dog you're allergic to and how bad your allergies are. The only way you can tell is to spend time with the specific dog you're looking at.

[kazyeeqen]

In my experience the best breed of dog for anyone to adopt is any breed from the shelter. Seems to work the best for everyone involved... Just thought I would throw that out there

[Tofu-N-Sprouts]

Schnauzers are low on the allergy scale. (And my ex called them "tough little macho dudes" if that makes them more "manly"? hehee)

Poodles are the one breed that is almost allergy free according to Doctors. Not very "manly" but fluffy and SMART!!

I agree, a shelter dog is best all around. Though you can't know it's breed or behaviours or habits "for sure", it's SOOOO worth it.

[Sprout726]

In my experience the best breed of dog for anyone to adopt is any breed from the shelter. Seems to work the best for everyone involved... Just thought I would throw that out there

Totally agree. Before you go to a breeder, check out the shetlers please!!

[Cozmo]

I also found several small dog rescue groups in our area that had several different dogs with different type coats. Might be a good option.

None of them would adopt to families with small children, but don't know if that applies to you or not.

[peace]

If entering a shelter would play too much havoc with your allergies, you can always view rescued pets in your area at www.petfinder.com.

[Pirate Ferret]

cockapoos arent a breed. they are an overpriced mutt. cute but still another ridiculous designer breed!

Anyhoooo
Im allergic to dogs

are shnauzers (sp!) really good with allergies?! THeyre bloody gorgeous. Im allergic to wirey hair the most though so thought theyd be a no.

I can cope with GSDs old english sheepdogs and poodles. so far! anything shorthair or wirey sets me off.
When i get a dog im going to go round a shelter and ask to be locked in the room with the dog for a while haha

Poodles are well cute. Get a black one and dont give it a silly haircut and im sure it can pass as manly!

[Tofu-N-Sprouts]

Well, according to my kids' allergist Schnauzers (and poodles) are supposed to be good for those with dog allergies. I think this is generally speaking though.

Supposedly - Poodles don't shed so much, so those allergic to the hair itself don't react. Schnauzers don't have much dander or shed as many skin cells so people who are allergic to that have a better time with them.

I am sure different people have different reactions.

Also - some people are actually allergic to the pollens and outside "stuff" that dogs (or cats) track in on their fur. So you may react but not actually be "allergic" to dogs themselves.

Some people are actually allergic to the corn or soy byproducts (and dust) that are in many commercial dry dog foods and react to the residue on the dogs coat...

And sometimes allergies don't manifest for a week or more - again, different reactions for different people... so "locking yourself in a room" with a certain breed may not actually be effective. YMMV.

[CountessKerouac]

I already knew I wanted to go to a shelter first---the ASPCA is right down the road from me!

I wanted a cock-a-poo, but it is true that they are an overpriced designer dog.

Schauzers seems like a good bet---are they small?

[CountessKerouac]

Also, what about beagles?