Buying a dog

stevieboy11

Right, want to get a dog for the family.

I'm allergic (Go figure) so need something hypoallergenic like a cockapoo or a labradoodle (I can head the laughter from here)

Thing is, I've no idea where to go to buy a dog, what are the alternative non allergenic options, and how long it would take. Hoping this could be a present from Santa for wee son

Can anybody give me any advice please?

snowmen

I too am allergic to dog fur but found out by chance about 10 years ago that I am OK with king charles spaniels - reason being they don't moult everywhere and the little fur that does come off them clumps and is easily cleaned up.
We have also trained ours to not go upstairs so all the bedrooms are completely clear of fur.
Brushing regularly also limits the fur loss round the house.
We bought ours from this breeder in ballyclare but as they are a pedigree dog they are not cheap - £400 at the time, probably about £500 now. Well worth it - great temperament, good with children and also about the only dog I can have due to the allergy problem!

http://www.kenneldrumadowney.co.uk/drumadowney_ckcs_1.htm

coby287

Im allergic to dogs and cats and have got a miniature schnauzer which causes me no allergic reactions at all. I was told that I could get any dog that needs clipped eg poodle, westie, schnauzer

Definitely recommend a schnauzer, fantastic breed. We got ours from Templepatrick

coby287

Sorry forgot to say we got ours from an ad in the Belfast Telegraph just before CHristmas 6 years ago

Old_Git

remember a dog is for life not just for Christmas .

donnac2558

Kerry Blues doe not shed.
Poodles the normal not fancy mixed with something else to make designer also do not shed either.

Be ware of puppy farms too. So that will be Gumtree out for a start.
Find the breed you like, go to the local vet and ask about breeders.
Or contact the breeders club for that breed online and find.

stevieboy11

Thanks for the advice everyone....keep it coming, its all great

As for the dog is not for christmas, I totally agree - this is far from a whim, just it seems the timing is right

I posted this question on another message board, and got the response " you can also get boxing day out of it if you slice it up thin enough"

Ok, not serious, but did make me laugh. My wife had dogs all her life and is salivating at the prospect of having one of our own. I never knew that there were non allergenic breeds until not so long ago, or we would have had one years ago

Fiona12_2

I would be careful connecting dogs not shedding hair and therefore no allergies. A friend has a poodle and it still makes me and my child sneeze and have itchy eyes. It is certainly less of a reaction than shedding dogs however the reaction is still there. On visiting we would take an antihistamine to reduce the likelihood of symptoms.

I believe you can reduce the impact your own dog has on you as you become more resistant to them however I haven't found the symptoms totally go away.

The value our dog brings to our home is worth it though!

themull1

see if you can get a rescue dog that fits the bill? rather than buying one.

meandwolf

Please dont forget all the unwanted dogs in the local Pounds and Rescue sanctuaries. All the sanctuaries know their dogs really well & will be able to recommend something for you and your family depending on what you need. They have also all been vet checked & usually neutered. The local pounds aslo have great staff that know their animals if they have been in a while so do check with them. You can also bring your pet back to either if it turns out to be unsuitable (unlike getting anything from gumtree, please do not!)

Im sure everyone is an individual with regards to what they are allergic too so why not have a look on line? You can get pretty much all the reasearch you need on line these days, If you have a certain breed in mind, research this as well, most people forget to look at the animals charactaristics & temperament & just go for a look they like.
Good luck & remember recue dogs are usually much cheaper!
:j

leolion2177

My wife and 3 kids are asthmatic and we got a Labradoodle (straight haired looks like a labrador) and a Shitzu - not a single day of trouble re the allergies.

A word of advice for anyone who is allergic - if you introduce a hamster into the house it can raise your immunity to other animals. My wife and kids all averaged 2 hospital visits per year with asthma before we got one - in 4 years since they haven't been in at all.