Looking for a little dog to complete my family

[angelbaby]

I just had an unhappy experience when I bought a papillon puppy. Unfortunately he had to go back to the pet shop the next day because I had an allergic reaction. This was very upsetting for everyone. I am allergic to cats, but thought I would be fine with some dogs. I am really keen toget a smallish dog as a house pet. Can anyone make some suggestions. The dog will need to enjoy being around kids, (12 & 14), be okay home alone for some part of the day, and most of all not make me sneeze and wheeze. Any suggestions will be gratefully received.

 

[Angel Lady]

If you are having allergic reactions to dogs... Why dont you try a ferret They are great pets I have three and they are just as smart as a dog and they love to be around people..This is just a thought...It seems to me like if you have already a a allergic reaction to dogs then It wont get anybetter..Mine even likes to go for car rides I am hoping to get him on the motocycle next...

 

[MAM]

youre going to be limited, but there a number of smaller dogs that do not shed. do a little research. these are you best choice. most will be a terrier of some sort. miniature schnauzers for example.

 

[Sorrell]

Many people who are allegic to dogs have great luck with Bichons and Poodles, no shedding and great little dogs.

 

[Angel Lady]

I think a lot of the stuff has to do with the dander instead of the hair falling out...I havent seen anyone be able to keep a dog yet that has has a allergic reaction to dogs yet....

 

[Ruby Shark]

Hi.

I'm sorry that you had to give your puppy away.

Angel Lady is right...it has to do with the dander more than the actual hair. Also, saliva and urine come into play too.
As far as I know there are no dogs that are truley hypoallergenic. The list that I provide below are breeds that only have a single layer of coat-meaning that they "generally" produce less dander.
Note: There is still a good chance(depending on how severe your allergies are) that you will still have a problem with one of the breeds below. I would recommend spending time with a specific breed to see how your body reacts to them so you don't have to part with a new pet again.

The list was collected from the AKC. They also state that there are no guarantees...just that they don't produce as much dander. Good luck and I hope you find a new friend soon.


Basenji

Maltese

Bedlington Terrier

Miniature Schnauzer

Bichon Frise

Poodle

Chinese Crested

Portuguese Water Dog

Giant Schnauzer

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Irish Water Spaniel

Standard Schnauzer

Italian Greyhound

Xoloitzcuintli

Kerry Blue Terrier

 

[bittersweet]

Italian Greyhounds all the way, we got ours 8 years ago and would never get another breed of little dog after this one..they are perfect for people with allergies and are great with kids because they are greyhounds and like to play and run. Not only do they not shed (well maybe a hair or 2 here and there, but very seldom) they are hypo-allergenic so they will not cause allergic reactions to alot of people who have allergies. Not to mention they are the cutest things, and one of the most loveable, always wanting to cuddle under blankets or in your lap.
THey are also bred to chase mice and rodents..so if you get one of these guys you dont need a cat! we had a nest of moles in our garage who were coming into our home, one day we came home to find them all dead around our living room...Kibbles was very busy while we were gone!

they are beautiful..

this is ours..he was cuddled with my brother

 

[angelbaby]

Thank you so much for your replies everyone. You have given me some more ideas and possibilities to look into. I know there is a dog out there that will be suitable and I will look into the different breeds mentioned. Again, thank you for responding.

Regards
Linda

 

[Opcn]

Grey hounds are sight hounds and will chase anything that moves. However they are also chewers if they dont get an outlet for all that energy. Terriors are really were its at for small dogs terriors are a group of dogs that were bred to kill rodents from mice to otters and badgers and as such are very brave little dogswhatever you chose be sure to give it a bath often to keep dander under control. And if you do decide to get a greyhound be sure you dont get a whippit because while they are very similar dogs they have very different fur.

 

[SneakBetta]

Havanese... they are great! They don't shed and are GREAT family dogs! Look them up, they're very cute and have a great temperment! BTW, they are 7-14 pounds and can be expensive ($1200-$1800). Also, my avator has a puppy havanese on it!

 

[angelbaby]

He is so cute sneakbetta, I have not heard of them before, but will look into them. Not sure how available they are in New Zealand.

 

[~FairyAngelFish~]

I suggest a short haired dog, and if you want kid friendly, don't get a poodle or pomeranian! lol Labs are my fave.