Allergic to Dogs
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Allergic to Dogs
Feb 2007
I would like to buy a dog for our family, but my daughter has
an allergy to dogs. We thought about buying a hybrid breed,
but after reading the ''designer dog fight'' article in the New
York times we are against it. We logged on to Puppy Haven's
website and could not believe our eyes. How terrible! Any
suggestions for a non allergenic pure bred dog other than a
poodle or bichon?
anon
My wife is allergic to many kinds of dogs. We got a Westie
(West Highland White Terrier) and she did fine with it. Another
terrier breed that is supposed to be hypo-allergenic is the soft-
coated wheaten terrier. When we were looking for a dog, I found
a couple of websites that helped identify which breeds were hypo-
allergenic.
Terrier fan
Tibetan Terriers are great non-allergenic dogs! They do not
shed, and their fur is more like hair. They are 25-30 lbs,
very smart and loving. They do need alot of grooming.
Deirdre
You might try a small whippet or a large, muscular Italian
Greyhound (at least 15 pounds-the smaller ones might be too
delicate for some children). These dogs have very little hair
and do not get dry skin easily, so there is little dander from
dead skin. Also, because their coats have little natural oil,
they can take frequent baths, which makes them even more
hypo-allergenic. They love the warm water, and my sons always
loved bathing them. They dry quickly. They also have very little
odor and are super-loving.
DuBose
I would also consider if your daughter has allergies to pollens,
grasses, etc (or the severity of her allergies) because dogs
manage to bring in much of that other stuff after a romp at the
park. That NY Times article was insane indeed!
always vacuuming
There is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog!
This website explains the situation best, and has good advice
about breeds.
It's a very short article--just a couple of paragraphs--but very
important to read, because unfortunantly many people give up new
dogs that they had thought would not be a problem, allergy-wise.
http://dogs.about.com/od/dogbreeds/a/hypoallergenic.htm
In short:
''What does ''hypoallergenic'' really mean? To be hypoallergenic is
to have a decreased tendency to cause allergies. Hypo means
less, not none. Hypoallergenic dog breeds will still produce
allergens, but because of their coat type, will typically
produce less than others. People with severe allergies and
asthma will still be affected by a hypoallergenic dog.''
If the allergies are mild, many breeds are suggested on the
website.
Please research carefully
My allergic (but rich) friend has a French bulldog. Short fur
or hair, low sneeze factor, but very expensive since they are
an unusual breed. Very loving, sweet, don't need huge runs or
exercise needs, stay under 25 pounds generally. In later age,
or if you have stairs, lower back problems can develop since
these dogs are short-legged. Frenchies can be overbred and you
could get a really dumb one, but my friend's dog was wily and
darn funny, trainable, and they are eye-catching/odd/handsome
dogs.
No dog in my life now though
We have a wire haired fox terrier because of my husband's
allergies. They are so cute but hard to train!
Crazy about my allergin free pooch
Some dogs have ''hair'' not ''fur''.
Consider a Portguese Water Dog (curly or wavy hair) - very
active. Poodle (toy, miniture or standard) - very gentle with
kids or Bichon Frise.
Hair continues to grow like hair on your head. Will knot if not
combed or brushed, but does not have the same alergy components
as fur.
We have a toy poodle and she is just great! Lots of fun and no
shedding. Also hair dogs don't have such a ''dog smell'' as other
dogs.
Poodle Mom
I just wanted to give my two cents regarding ''non allergic''
dogs. My daughter was at a home and was playing with a poodle.
Her skin became very red and itchy. Of course, everyone looked
at me and said ''what food did you give to her?'' When I mentioned
it may be the dog, the owner was rather insulted and the
response was...NO...people are not allergic to this type of dog
because it does not have fur. Well, another episode (much worse)
and emergency room later....it WAS the ''non allergic'' dog. The
doctor told me that it is not hair or fur, but the dandruff from
the skin and to keep her away from all dogs at that point. She
is allergic to most animals, some more than others. So,
something to keep in mind when told that an animal is ''non
allergic.''
Hello! Sorry for the delay, I didn't see the post until today. Years ago I did some
research on ''hypo-allergenic'' dogs. But what makes you allergic, might not make
the next person allergic. After visiting with a few different breeds, we fell in love
with border terriers. Their coats did not set off my husband's allergies. I don't have
a problem with their coats either, but their salivia makes my skin itchy and red. So I
don't let the dogs lick me and I'm fine too.
The best thing to do is find families with a few breeds that interest you and see if
they'll let you spend some play time with their dog.
Hope that helps, Robin
Robin
July 1999
I've heard
that schnauzers, Westies, and poodles are hypo-allergenic dogs.
We have friends who are allergic to dogs and cats but did some research and
found that "standard poodles" (the big ones!) are the best/most non
allergenic type of dog. Standards are also very intelligent and probably
great with kids. Our friends finally found one and now have a terrific pet
and no problems with allergies. I think standard poodles can be quite
expensive though. Good luck! -- Lisa
If you are thinking of a dog for a asthmatic child w/acute allergies to
fur there are only two breeds to consider -- Poodles being one of these.
My extended family acquired one over a year and a half ago and have not
experienced any of the asthma/allergy problems they had experienced
previously with other furry animals. If acquired from a reputable
breeder, you may be surprised to find that they do not necessarily fit the
sterotype they've been given as yapping, puffballs of hair. And if you
don't cut/groom your poodle as a show dog they look like anyother cute
hairy dog. One other great thing about poodles (bred in three sizes: toy,
miniature and standard) is that they do not shed (they do need to be
brushed daily, etc.). Consult your Allergist; and for info on poodles,
see the American Kennel Club website, http://www.akc.org/poodle.htm
-- Eleanor
This is in response to Melinda who asked about pets for her daughter.
I have a friend who has had forever had allergies to dogs. About 5 years
ago, my friend bought a Portugese Water Dog--it kind of looks like a hairy
version of a standard poodle. I don't know a lot about them, but Portugese
Water Dogs apparently have hair instead of fur. So, they don't shed like
most dogs. And my friend had no allergic reaction to them. I understand
there are several similar breeds that do not cause allergic reactions in
people who are severely allergic to dogs.
Good luck. --Diana
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