Recommendation for dog for someone with allergies? (labs, shih tzu, allergic)

[marc515]

My son's looking to get a dog that is good for someone with allergies. Kids are 3 and 5 years old, so good disposition with children is a must.

I've always been partial to Labs, and have a yellow, but they sure do shed (LOL), which might not be good for someone with allergies.

I've done some reading, and thus far possibilities include wheaten terrier, and labradoodle. However, it looks like both need to have periodic hair cuts which could be an additional expense?

From what I read, the labradoodle appears to be better with young children than the wheaten terrier?

Anyway, looking for some insight from you folks.

Thank you,.......marc

[brookdaleresident]

In my experience, wheatens tend to be a bit hyper. I know someone with a labradoodle and it's HUGE! With mixes, you never know which will be dominant, so it might shed. From what I understand, dogs with "hair" are less likely to affect alleriges than those with fur. The downside is they need to be groomed.

[Honeycrisp]

Any mix (labradoodle, golden doodle, cockapoo) can take after the non-poodle relative, you just don't know - would do like Obamas are doing and go w/ a PWD (Portuguese Water Dog) or perhaps a bichon frise, shih-tzu, poodle, wheaten terrier (as was suggested), you can google and Im sure more breeds will come up but those come to mind now - but keep in mind they absolutely need regular grooming or else get matted etc and can generally look unkempt (as well as regular grooming is healthier for them too), my SIL jokes she spends more on her shih-tzu's grooming (about every 5 wks) than she does on her own hair, LOL.

[usmcfamily]

I have a son with pretty bad allergies to different breeds of dogs. We have a bichon frise and my son has never had a problem with him. Dog even sleeps on his bed sometimes!

Bichons are so loving and great with kids. They are a lot smaller than the breeds you mentioned so I would only recommend them to home where the parents would make sure the children would be very gentle with them!

They require monthly grooming, as well.

[mrs1885]

Here's an article I found that lists 20 dogs that are considered less allergenic than others. Included:

Poodle
Shih tzu
Yorkie
Maltese
Lagotto Romagnolo (I"ve never even heard of one!!)
Kerry Blue Terrier
Chinese Crested
Bichon Frise
Mini Schnauzer
Coton de Tulear
Airedale Terrier
Havanese
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Bedlington Terrier
Bergamasco (Again,never heard of one of these)
Puli
Dandie Dinmont Terrier (these are adorable dogs!)
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Portuguese Water Dog
Irish Water Spaniel

Most of them seem to be fairly rare breeds in the states. Doesn't mean you can't find them, but your search won't be as easy as heading to the local shelter.

If you decide to look for one and would like to adopt, I'd be happy to put out the word to people I do rescue with and see if I can find you one! The article as info on each of the breeds as well as photos.

Hypoallergenic Dogs List - The Best Dog Breeds For People With Allergies Or Asthma

[Padgett2]

ALL. and I do mean ALL, long haired dogs will pick up allegens (dust mites, pollens, molds, etc.) on that hair. That is often the problem, not the dog itself. This is especially true if the dog is allowed outside the house.

Now, anytime a child can relieve stress by loving and cuddling a dog, the health condition will improve.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

It's more the dog's saliva on the fur than the fur itself. There are products to wipe down the dog that take off a lot of the saliva. But it's a dialy job.

[leorah]

Originally Posted by marc515

I've done some reading, and thus far possibilities include wheaten terrier, and labradoodle. However, it looks like both need to have periodic hair cuts which could be an additional expense?

Most of the so-called hypoallergenic breeds (and there is no such thing, really, since ANY individual dog may trigger allergies in a susceptible human) have hair that doesn't shed. Because the hair continues to grow, it needs trimming every 6 to 8 weeks. The groomer bathes the dog, trims it and clips the nails. Anal glands will be expressed if desired. Grooming costs range from $25 to $100 depending on the size of the dog. It's a significant annual expense. Part of the reason these breeds work for persons with allergies is the fact that the dogs are regularly bathed and brushed, so eliminating or reducing the grooming frequency will increase the likelihood of an allergic response.

[TeddieXRuxpin]

People aren't allergic to the dogs themselves, but either what they pick up onto their coats or the dander they carry. No dog is completely hypo-allergenic, but there are some breeds that can be better than others when it comes to allergies.

When you're dealing with mixed breeds such as the (Labradoodle = Lab x poodle) you can end up with more of the lab or the poodle. Each dog is different so you're not going to come out with the same mix every time.

You also can't have it both ways; most of the breeds that shed such as labs have short hair so there is not much grooming that goes into the breed. You simply desheding monthly and bath for up keep. Then you have breeds like Shih Tzu, Poodle, Wheatens, and Schnauzers you have to have them groomed regularly or learn how to groom them yourselves.

My very first dog was a Miniature Schnauzer and I did have allergies. I never once had a problem with him and as long as he was groomed and we kept him brushed out he stayed nice and clean.

[phonelady61]

I had a vet tell me once he would reccomend a bichon frise for allergies they dont shed . their fur rolls into a ball when it falls from my understanding of what he said . I think it is more the dandur under the fur that folks are allergic too . good luck with what ever you decide .