dogs for allergy sufferer

Person_one

Hello, dog allergic asthmatic dog lover here!

The type of dogs I've always been ok with (very ok, no allergic symptoms at all) are the ones whose fur is more like human hair, that doesn't moult in shedloads but instead grows and needs to be trimmed and only the odd long one falls out when brushing, just like mine!

I grew up with a Bichon Frise, very cute fluffy little white things. Very clever, very trainable and very people oriented breed, they're a good size for children but they aren't yappy and full of themselves like some lap dogs. Highly recommended.

Other dogs that I've been fine with are poodles (the original hypoallergenic dog!) which again are very intelligent and sociable, and the silly haircut isn't compulsory, they're just normal dog shape underneath!

Several breeds of terrier, the Airedale, Wheaten, Kerry Blue and Bedlington are the least allergenic, the Border and the Wire-Haired Fox are a bit hit and miss. Terriers can be pretty hard work, they're stubborn and single minded but can be wonderful with the right training. Wheatens in particular are very good natured and friendly.

Chow Chows, very attractive but tend to be one person dogs who like to guard their home and their owner, and they aren't very playful generally, but very loyal.

Some more unusual breeds, the Spanish and Portuguese Water Dogs, the Puli and the Komondor (whose hair grows into dreadlocks, or cords!) or the hairless breeds.

I've found that Schnauzers don't affect me as much as most dogs but they aren't as hypoallergenic as any of the above, their fur does feel like fur and does shed a bit although not much.

My main advice is to spend some time in a home where these breeds (and only these breeds, no point visiting someone who has a poodle and a GSD!) live. At least a few hours, pet the dogs and don't worry about washing your hands, avoiding touching your face etc. just relax and see what happens. You'll know soon enough if you're going to react. Good breeders should be open to doing this for you.

Good luck!

hethmar

You may also find that the sex of the dog is relevant. My brother in law comes out in hives when he strokes my male dogs yet he had a female border terrier x for 15 years himself.

Person_one

Oh, I forgot to mention, please don't be put off the idea of rescue dogs by the behaviour of one little dog! They are all individuals and a good rescue will match the right dog with your circumstances, including your allergy, and they'll let you spend time with any possible dogs to make sure you don't react.

https://www.dogpages.org.uk has a forum where dozens of great reputable rescues post info about their dogs and their rehoming practices. It can be harder to find a rescue dog when you're allergic, but its worth giving it a try at least!

Molly41

I have westies. They are inquisitive and fun. Mine were brought up with kids and love them but some can be snappy if not socialised.

My husband has terrible asthma and i have bad eczema. Between us we have kids who have asthma and eczema:eek::eek::eek: We are all fine with our dogs as they dont moult and regularly have their hair stripped when it gets too thick. My husbands asthma has improved since having the dogs and he can now be around for short times other animals which just wasnt the case before. I think it has helped his immune system.

jetta_wales

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypoallergenic_dog_breed

This has a very good table of the different breeds considered good for aperture and some specific details of each regarding shedding etc.

debtfreewannabe321

Thank you so much for all your replies, I will be finding out if any friends/family have those dogs mentioned on here now so I can go and see how I am with it! Will look at all the links posted later too (as soon as kids in bed!)

donnap83

I suffer with pet hair allergies, have done all my life, and i have 3 poodles. They are fantastic dogs, and I adore them! Incredably loyal, and playful! Always full of beans!

Person_one

Molly41 wrote: »

I have westies. They are inquisitive and fun. Mine were brought up with kids and love them but some can be snappy if not socialised.

My husband has terrible asthma and i have bad eczema. Between us we have kids who have asthma and eczema:eek::eek::eek: We are all fine with our dogs as they dont moult and regularly have their hair stripped when it gets too thick. My husbands asthma has improved since having the dogs and he can now be around for short times other animals which just wasnt the case before. I think it has helped his immune system.

I have a reaction to Westies, they do shed sadly. I sat in a breeder's house with a beatiful y week old puppy climbing all over me getting sadder and sadder as I felt my eyes getting itchy!

There are definitely safer breeds than the Westie, but with similar temperaments/cuteness!

I do find I'm less allergic as I get older, but I think its safer to get a dog that you don't have any reaction to if you can find one, asthma attacks can be so serious, and its not good to have to take antihistamines regularly if you can avoid it, ask a hayfever sufferer!

dazb75

I also have asthma and eczema. I'm allergic to dogs, cat, birds, etc.

After much research, I was lucky enough to get a Spanish Water Dog. No shedding whatever, although when the hair gets longer a few tufts of hair do fall out. But, I have no reaction to her whatsoever (and she licks my face every day).

Whatever you do don't get a poodle cross. You won't know what kind of hair they will have until you've got very attached!

There are many non-shedding dogs, but until you spend some time in their company you won't know if you will have a reaction to them. As said below, the best way to test is stroke the dog, touch your face/eyes, let the dog lick your face. If you're OK after doing this, you've got a good one. Just make sure you bring along inhaler/anti-histamine in case you get an adverse reaction. Risking illness may seem a bit extreme, but you do want to make a wise decision.

The next questions you want to answer is:

• Exercise requirements (my SWD will go all day)
• Size
• Temperament

Don't listen to anyone who says, "oh he doesn't shed much". "Much" is too much, and it's your health.

Bichon ... lovely little dogs, but very hard to keep clean.
Tibetan Terrier ... small, but hardy dogs.
Wheaten ... great dog, slightly bigger than the SWD.

It may take you a bit longer to choose a dog, and find a breeder in the case of the more unusual breeds, but it's worth it in the end.

Good luck

Person_one wrote: »

Hello, dog allergic asthmatic dog lover here!

The type of dogs I've always been ok with (very ok, no allergic symptoms at all) are the ones whose fur is more like human hair, that doesn't moult in shedloads but instead grows and needs to be trimmed and only the odd long one falls out when brushing, just like mine!

I grew up with a Bichon Frise, very cute fluffy little white things. Very clever, very trainable and very people oriented breed, they're a good size for children but they aren't yappy and full of themselves like some lap dogs. Highly recommended.

Other dogs that I've been fine with are poodles (the original hypoallergenic dog!) which again are very intelligent and sociable, and the silly haircut isn't compulsory, they're just normal dog shape underneath!

Several breeds of terrier, the Airedale, Wheaten, Kerry Blue and Bedlington are the least allergenic, the Border and the Wire-Haired Fox are a bit hit and miss. Terriers can be pretty hard work, they're stubborn and single minded but can be wonderful with the right training. Wheatens in particular are very good natured and friendly.

Chow Chows, very attractive but tend to be one person dogs who like to guard their home and their owner, and they aren't very playful generally, but very loyal.

Some more unusual breeds, the Spanish and Portuguese Water Dogs, the Puli and the Komondor (whose hair grows into dreadlocks, or cords!) or the hairless breeds.

I've found that Schnauzers don't affect me as much as most dogs but they aren't as hypoallergenic as any of the above, their fur does feel like fur and does shed a bit although not much.

My main advice is to spend some time in a home where these breeds (and only these breeds, no point visiting someone who has a poodle and a GSD!) live. At least a few hours, pet the dogs and don't worry about washing your hands, avoiding touching your face etc. just relax and see what happens. You'll know soon enough if you're going to react. Good breeders should be open to doing this for you.

Good luck!

lisawood78

In regards to Schnauzers temprament.

I'm sure there are lots of lovely ones out there, but we have no less than 3 local breeders of these dogs (all sizes) and all the ones I have met out on walks are snappy, growly, lunging to get to you (not in a good way!) and generally seem to be a not very friendly breed at all.
My largest dane (all 11st of her!) Is regularly terrorised by a miniature that seems to stalk our every walk, she is scared of it! One family about 2 mins walk away have a whole brood of miniatures atm and they are always barking, middle of the night, any time of day for n apparent reason.
Like I say, i'm sure they are not all this way, but that is my experience with them.