Asthma/Allergy - best breed of dog

[funkylad20]

Ok, I REALLY want a dog as have always had them at home growing up, but my other half has asthma/allergy...can anyone suggest a dog we can get that won't upset it too much (i.e. little moult?)

Anyone suggest a poodle and I'll cry (may be queer, but not THAT queer...)

Thanks!

[lazy daisy]

I'm sorry, but I was going to suggest a Poodle!!!! Please don't cry... About 6 years ago Guide Dogs for the blind were trying out a breed called Labradoodle no it's NOT a wind up. They bred them because for people who suffer from asthma.

Where you would get one from I havn't a clue.

Good luck

[woofgang]

its not the hair that tends to cause the problem but the shed skin scale and oil (dander).

Don't dismiss poodles, under that coat is a sharp brain. They were bred to be hunt point retrieve dogs. You can keep them clipped short all over, they don't need to look like a string of pom poms!

Can I suggest that you try vsiting people who have dogs and see if there is a breed that your partner doesn't react to? It would be really sad to ge a dog and have to get rid of it.

[Robinia]

I agree about poodles although I'm not a great fan of the small ones. I had a standard & still miss him very much. They're extremely intelligent, excellent guards, no way are they namby-pamby dogs. High maintenance & hair trimming can be expensive, also they're very strong & need lots of exercise & for those reasons I couldn't have another one.

[gessoo]

Like the others, I would say don't dismiss poodles. Without silly 'hair styles' they are very normal dogs and highly intelligent. See here

http://www.agilitynet.com/reference/dogintelligence.html

Incidentally just Google 'Poodle' and see the first result!!!!

[gessoo]

Sorry, Make sure 'Google' is set to a UK search.

I am sure Tony Blair won't moult to much, but he might cause some sort of reaction to your other half.

[gessoo]

On a more serious note, this article might help as it gives some suggestions:

here

[drgnrdr]

check this out very informative. http://www.dogbiz.com/faq-allergies.htm

Port.water dog, bichon frise, and Irish Terrier are mentioned along with the poodle of course, but you can test your other half by doing what is suggested.

[alan30]

I don't think it is as simple as you might think. My daughter is asthmatic and my wife and I ran an asthma support group for some years. There is no 'rule' to say which dog breed or which animal can cause problems. My daughter had a violent reaction once to a labrador, all the usual allergy reactions to the point of vomiting. Other labradors do not cause that reaction. It may have been the dog, my daughters state of health at the time or other environmental factors. She, against the advice of doctors, keeps cats and generally has no problems. At my parents house she has an immediate reaction to the cats. What works for one asthmatic does not necessarily work for another.

[lankeela]

As woofgang said, its not the hair that causes the problem, it is what comes off of the dog. The Guide Dogs stopped crossing the labradoodles because there was no advantage to having them because of the coats still causing problems.

Thorough grooming of a short coated breed should allow you to keep a dog. Regular (but not too often) bathing and treating with a conditioner should help.

I would also recommend a poodle for intelligence and trainability, if not for the non-moulting coat.

[funkylad20]

First of all, MANY thanks to all those that have responded, much appreciated.

Still not keen on a poodle...two men, one poodle, rural village location. Just don't fancy it. I don't fancy fitting that stereotypical image unfortunately (soory Poodle lovers).

As I say, have been brought up with dogs. Fancied a Beagle type dog, hound like or more of a dog's dog, if that makes sense? Growing up have had an English Setter, Mongrel, Springer (English) Spaniel and a Whippet X SBT. Has got to be rescue, even if it is a pedigree.

As for the other half's asthma/allergies, he seems fine when he comes to stop over mine currently with my parents' dog, just cannot be in a room with her for too long else he starts wheezing and his nose starts blocking up and needs his inhaler. also if she has been on my bed, he gets a bit wheezy if I've not hoovered etc. Nothing as dramatic as instantly throwing up or anything (although that may be interesting to see...?!?).

[Oh, and Animal Welfare-ists...fear not; when we do get a dog, if it does upset my partner's asthma, then he can just move out. No, seriously. OR the dog can go and live with my retired parents and their 8 year old bitch]

[lankeela]

Then the perfect answer is a retired greyhound. They are short coated, well behaved, house and lead trained, pedigree and will have had all jabs up to date, and most importantly make excellent pets. They usually retire about 3 years of age and they do NOT need a lot of exercise. Google for 'The Retired Greyhound Trust' and you will find a contact in your area. If needs be, get two and let them live in a kennel, provided it is heated and has a proper door, not one of those open box types with 'Spike' overt the front! This would allow your house to be relatively 'dog free', but would let you have the benefit of not only having two lovely companions, but knowing you have saved them from possible destruction.

And most of all, they are a manly sort of dog!

[sjc]

why not get a german shepherd or doberman or something and keep it in an outside kennel? Be prepared for long walks, lots of exercise etc though

[Metz]

how about a boxer? i have 2,they have short coats and don't moult too much