Allergy Free Dogs anyone?
 

Our dear dog died last January and we're thinking of getting another one. I miss having her greet me at the door and follow me around all over the house. Have to admit, though, that I've noticed I'm clear and not congested like I can often get this time of year. (Have just about year-round environmental allergies.) Does anyone have experience with the so-called 'Allergy Free' dogs?

I have heard that poodles are allergy free because they don't shed as much dandruff. Maybe on an allergy web site there might be ideas
Mim

I had a schnauzer and poodles are "allergy free." I found these links: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/allergy.htm and http://www.allergyescape.com/allergy-free-dogs.html

I have had 3 Yorkies and did not have a hair loss with any of them
Carole

Any dog that doesn't shed will have less dander (the allergen) than those that do shed. I can deal with a poodle, schnauzer, etc., but a lab will have me stuffy for a couple of days!

My son has bad allergys ad the only dog his Doctor would allow was a Poodle. He never did have a reaction to her and she would sleep with him. And a great dog too. Ours was a toy white Poodle so that I could tell when she would need a bath. That way I would be sure that she was clean and not have anything from outside. It worked great. I do miss her.

Labradoodles are supposedly bred to be allergy free

This is true, but if mixed (i.e. Labradoodle) it can still be allergenic depending on the dominant parent. So stick with a purebred from a reputable breeder. Also, beware of online breeders. I recommend doing a lot of homework and visiting any breeders in your locale.

Labradoodles are sociable, friendly, non aggressive, and extremely intuitive. Their intelligence and high trainability make them well suited for guide dogs, therapy dogs, and other assistance dogs. Their non allergic coats make them popular among people who have not been able to enjoy pets because of their allergies. Find a Labradoodle breeder near you

Shih Tzu dogs are also allergy free, but they have hair like humans and need to be cut regularly.

I have two Cockapoos. My husband and son both have allergies to dogs - but no problem with these. In the past we had a Schnoodle, also no allergy problems and a great dog, as are the Cockapoos.

Recently read that there is no such thing as an allergy free dog. Some dogs are less likely to cause allergies, but all of them can cause them. Kind of in the same position as you, though, since our Zoe (a dalmation) died about 1.5 years ago. Not going to take the chance with another dog - I only have one or two sinus infections a year now instead of one every 6 weeks or so like when she was alive. We took out the rug and got new furniture after she died, too, and what a difference in the quality of my life.

We do have 'partial' rights to our neighbors dog, though, so take him for a walk now and then and can pet him any time he's outside. Satisfies my urge to have a dog when the urge gets strong...

cathyvv is wrong, others are right, any dog that doesn't shed won't bother allergies, I had two sets of poodles, spanning almost 30 years, no problems here. They are people dogs and very smart, sure all the others mentioned is good too. Short haired dogs are the worst for shedding.

My avatar is my most-precious Maltese, Gracie. My husband has COPD and there is no way we could have a dog that would cause him any more breathing problems than he already has. The Maltese do not have an undercoat as most dogs have. Her hair is like human hair and will grow to the floor if not cut. They are high maintenance - must be groomed regularly, but we rarely have to visit the vet except for regular checkups and shots. I don't know if all Maltese have her personality, but she is the sweetest, most lovable little cuddle-bug you'd ever want. She is my velcro baby - she is with me 24/7. I love love love my baby and highly, HIGHLY, recommend this breed.

I had poodles for years and know they are much better for the allergic. They don't shed, but they have to be brushed often and clipped regularly. They also must be well trained and respond well to attention. I prefer the larger ones, as they are calmer. I still miss my old boy after many years, but I can't have one here.

I have Maltese and they are wonderful. allergy free and not quite as energetic as poodles. They love to play but also just like to be lap dogs. I have a new one , about 6 mo. and he is really fun.

Thanks for all the tips, everyone. This is a hard decision! Now that it's getting colder here I'll wait at least until spring to make a decision. We had a miniature Schnauzer when I was growing up and my best friend had miniature Poodles. Her mom was from Paris and they'd have the dogs nails done! I thought that was so fancy. :)

My nephew who is very allergic has one and they really are allergy free. He hasn't had any problem. The one they have is a black female and she is adorable. I have two that aren't allergy free but something ever happens to these I will get the allergy free.

Portugese Water (like the Obama's dog) are allergy free. However, since the Obama's chose that breed their price has gone up.

I am a retired allergy nurse for what my thoughts are worth. Here is what I know. People with allergies need to keep their allergies in perspective but be able to lead a fulfilling life. There are so many wonderful non drowsy allergy meds on the market that makes living with allergies so much easier than it used to be. No one can live allergy free, so the best thing to do is is minimize the allergans the best you can. Just because a person has allergies, does not automatically make them allergic to dogs. Some people have food, or seasonal allergies, for example. Does not automatically make them allergic to dogs or cats. Very few cats, perhaps the hairless kind, are good for people with cat allergies. Cat allergies for some reason, cause more symptoms than for other pets that shed.

Non shedding dogs are best for those with dog allergies. Be careful of mixed breeds if the mix includes dogs that shed. Some of the breeds that are best for people who want dogs are: poodles, bichons, maltese, King Charles Cavaliers, and shih tzu. There are more that I can't think of right off hand. These all need periodic haircuts and grooming, depending on how you like their coats. Frequent brushing, and periodic baths, with conditioner will help keep dander down.

I personally have had 2 shih tzus, my last one, Sophie, I had to put to sleep right after Thanksgiving. They are wonderful dogs with sweet dispositions, and are very good with kids. They lived 14 and 13 years respectively without many problems. (My daughter on the other hand, has a wonderful boxer with horrendous allergies! Lots of vet bills, as our vet said she is the most allergic dog he has ever seen! ) Funny!

I hope his helps. Sorry to be so wordy. Mary

We have a Bichon/Poodle mix. I also dogsit a full Bichon. They are considered to be low allergens. But, when my son visits, he says they still affect him a bit. Then we got this adorable, crazy little black dog whose fur invades every single crook of our home! Couldn't resist her, tho, and love her to bits. (They said her mom was a cocker spaniel, but we don't see that at all. She looks like a dashund/border collie mix that I've seen before.) I'm glad it's not me who is allergic, although in the past I have reacted to a few dogs.

Bichon Frises are supposed to be non-allergenic. I had one a few years back, and while he didn't cause a severe allergic reaction for me, I still had some problems and we had to get rid of him.

Dogs considered with hair not fur like Poodles,Schnauzers,Yorkies,Maltese,do not shed like fur dogs so they are better for people like that I have Asthma for 2 years and have a poodle,yorkie in our home and I am doing fine with them.

I have to agree with cathyvv. I work for an allergist and she tells all her patients there is no such thing as a allergy free dog. While the dog may not bother you it can still bother someone else. There is also the saliva issue. Every dog has saliva and that can also be an allergan. One of our patients breeds Bison Friche (sp?) and wanted us to advertise for her. Dr. said absolutely not. My brother always tested positive to dogs, cats and birds. None of them ever bothered him. You can only do a "sniff" test.lol See if you can get a trial from a friend and see if you can tollerate the dog. That's really the only way to know for sure what works for you. Good luck, I hope you find a dog you can live with. I can't imagine being without pets.

Our dog is half mini poodle and half shiz tsu and she dont shed at all. I've noticed lots of people getting shiz tsu's. They are the sweetest breed I have ever had , they dont bite no matter what, good with other animals and are great for a watch dog. they let you know when someone is heading for your door well in advance. I have also heard on the news of several instances where they saved entire families from house fires by barking until everyone woke up.

This is my little Gizzy Shih Tzu. They are adorable and very playful!

I have a yorkie-poo and she doesn't shed.

I recommend the West Highland White Terrier. I love my Mollie and Tinkerbell and Sam. Mollie is my avatar.

We have 3 Bichons Frise` and I don't think I'll ever have any other breed! Besides being non-shedding and non allergic, they are the sweetest, friendliest dogs I have ever been around (and I've had many dogs, many breeds). They do have to be groomed but in between they are very low maintenance. They are great companions and are very playful - big enough that kids and grand kids won't break them, small enough to pick up or carry if needed.

Also, there is a wonderful Bichon rescue organization - Small Paws Rescue - where you might find the perfect new family member + help give the pup a second chance. I learned about Small Paws after we got our second one, and our third is one of their rescues (didn't set out to look for another dog - just fell in love with him!).

Plus, plus, plus - every Bichon adopted from Small Paws gets it's very own hand made blanket or quilt sent to it's new home by a group of volunteers!! Check them out - you might like what you see :-)

Yes, we have a miniature schnauzer. She has no dander - at least that is what our vet and groomer tell us. She does not shed; thank God and she is a wonderful little dog. They also come in standard and I believe giant size. She weighs in at 20lbs. She is a great little dog. Be aware of one thing, they are clingy. If we go out together and she is alone, even for 10 minutes, it is like we have been away forever. Great temperment; good with our grands and just content to lay on your lap or sit beside you. She is a wonderul little companion.

Mollie's mom, I had a Westie many years ago. He lived to be 13 and his name was Winter's Little Fellow but we called him TOTO for short. They are great little dogs. I still miss him.

I agree with Sunnie. Make sure you go to a reliable breeder. Don't, I repeat don't, buy from a pet store. I did that one time and it was the worst mistake I've ever made with a dog. A lot of pet stores buy from puppy mills and you don't know what you're getting. If you can visit the breeder, you can see the conditions there and make a decision if it's one you want to deal with.

When you buy from the breeder you can also see the parents of the dog and have a really good idea of what it's going to turn out like. Plus it's more likely to be housebroken. Puppy mills breed the dogs so often that they develop health problems.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/0...ergy-free-dog/

There is no such thing as alergy free dog (I'm a biologist; immunologist to be more precise - and allergies are immunological reactions of your organism). The allergens (a special kind of protein) are in the skin and the saliva. Allergy free species may be produced only in laboratory (I think in Japan there were some allergy free cats breeded once), couse you have to change the DNA of the animal to get rid of this special protein from the organism (I will not go into details).
Humans also very often get used to the allergens around them and it may happened that you will not be allergic on your own dog, but have simptoms with any other dog you will meet.

Allergy free cat/dog breeds are a myth.

A soft-coated wheaten terrier is an allegren-free dog. They do not shed at all. Lovely temperament and are fiercely loyql to their owners.

I have a Shih Tzu, love him and he doesn't shed at all. I've heard that Ocherese dogs are as allergy-free as possible also.

Oh, I so wish you were closer to Washington State. I know a lady that rescued a schnouser that is looking for a good home for him. He is smaller than a mini & is very lovey. She already has 4 dogs of her own & needs to find a good home for him. She would just give him to you. The groomer she took him to said he was a wonderful dog.