Seeking Dog That Will Work for Your Family

I am a dog lover and I have just the answer for you. My in-laws sell Labordoodles. This breed sounds like it would be perfect for you. You have the poodle which helps with not shedding that much and the labrador's personallity. My in-laws have a state of the art kennel. This is their website www.countryviewkennelofmn.com

Let them know L. referred you. Good luck!

L.

We have horrible allergies and decided on a Mini Yorkshire Terrier and have been so happy since. He does not shed and is the most loyal dog I have ever seen. With small children you might want to look in to a regular size Yorkie, as the little ones are fragile. Good luck!!! :O)

The Obamas got a Portugese water dog. Malia has dog allergies, but supposedly this is a breed that doesn't affect her.

HC,

Our family has only had German Shepherds, actually, we are on dog #3 now.

Our first dog was 5 years when we got her and she was absolutely wonderful with our son. We had her first and then we had our son and she never once acted jealous or did anything to hurt him. I still remember him riding on her back when she would sit like she was a small pony! When she got sick, she never nipped at our children either. What worked well was that she had been trained well (before we got her), had a family disposition (a good breeder would know which Shepherds are family vs. work oriented), and because she was older...she was more mellow. The only downside was that she had the long fur and shed a lot--hence the purchase of a good Dyson vacuum!

We then adopted our neighbor's dog--they were moving and couldn't take her. She was 8 when we got her and was also a very loving, gentle dog. She did well with the children and obeyed each family member well. She died of cancer after 1 1/2.

After she died we bought a puppy. While I love her dearly (she has short fur and doesn't shed as much as our other two did), it has been hard work. We've had to do all of the training, housebreaking and she needs to be walked every single day--or they will turn to chewing, digging and other annoying habits to alleviate the boredom. Also, with this type of breed, you have to establish early on that every family member is the "Alpha" otherwise, if you don't, they will try to dominate the non-Alpha's in your family (which are often the children). Hence, it is crucial for every family memeber to participate in the training to avoid problems down the road. If you don't have the time and money to commit to proper training classes, then I would not recommend buying a puppy--there are lots of wonderful older, trained dogs that need homes.

If you have your heart set on a specific breed...be sure to also check "rescue" websites for those specific breeds you're interested in. These people know the dogs they care for extremely well and can place the right dog to fit your family.

Good luck!

Please note: German S. are shedding freaks. Balls of fur. Rolling tumbleweeds on the tile floor..all the time.
Keep in mind that short hair breeds sheds too and it can be the dander not the hair that you/family are allergic to.
Most non shedding dog breeds are less likely to be allergenic since they tend to release less dander from their skin surfaces.
Non-shedding/hypo allergenic dogs- none are perfect but
Here are a few approved:
SMALL
ShihTzu
Dachshund
Boston Terrier
Bichon Frise
West Highland Terrier
LARGE
Greyhound
Standard Poodle
Airdale Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel

Here is a website with more:
http://www.whosyadoggy.com/dog-breeds-non-shedding.html

we have two boxers and they are the best dogs ever!! we've had ours long before we had our two kids, and they adjusted really well. they don't smell or have to be clipped/groomed/brushed. they do burp and pass gas, but all dogs do. they snore and cannot tolerate extreme heat or extreme cold, so they have to be pretty much inside dogs. however, they don't really shed so it's not a big deal. we crate trained ours the first night we had them home and they truly love their crates. they are now 9 and 7 1/2 years old - both females - and both have natural uncropped ears. Cropping their ears is very painful and traumatic and isn't necessary so please don't do it if you get a boxer. hmmm, what else - also they are voracious chewers as puppies so be prepared with really strong chew toys. NOT plastic or rawhide, but something of high quality that will be good for their strong jaws. we have one brindle and one fawn, and I think they are both so pretty. Also wanted to add after reading the other replies - our older one is VERY smart - but the other one is definitely not. lol I think it depends on the dog, just like people.

I agree with the Boxer idea. Ours is the BEST dog. We rescued her from the pound almost ten years ago. Boxers are very smart dogs, but do best when they have some basic training. I agree with the earlier post about them needing attention. THey will chew/dig/pee if they feel ignored or if they don't get enough exercise.

My babygirl is SOOOOO good with my kids. My 21 month old daughter uses the poor dog as a bench when she thinks I am not looking. THe dog just sits there and takes it. She is very protective of us all, but at the same time can tell when we are at ease with someone. I will always have Boxers. I also have a boxer mix and he is a sweetie too. Not a mean bone in his body, but the baby kinda scares him. He tends to just stay away from her unless she is eating :)

I am very uncomfortable with German Shepards (had a friend's try to attack me on several occasions). Don't know much about the other breeds.

Good Luck with whatever you choose. I love my boxer and my little mix breed.

Best dog for alleres is either a lbordoodle or an goldendoodle
they are a lab or goldne retrve mix with a poodle.
they are aweome dogs and grest for anyone who hs allergies
I would prefer a goldendooe because regular goden retrivers are absoulutly best dogs
some freinds introduced us to the labordoodle andtheirs is amazing

I may be missing something... you said your husband kids get hives with dogs, but you want a dog? Before I disrupted a dog's life, I'd expose your family to them enough to see if that's really the problem. If you decide to go ahead, I have a boxer (whom I thought was so scary looking when my daughter first brought her home that I almost refused to have her here) and she and all the others I've been around are wonderful, sweet and gentle. But they do shed, even though their hair is extrememly short. All the Manchester Terriers I've been around are SUPER hyper. With Shepards and Dobermans (like any dog really) I think it depends alot on their breeding and the way they're raised, most I've been around are good, gentle, loyal dogs, and some are downright aggressive. No personal experience with the other two breeds.

We have a rhodesian ridgeback and he doesnt have much hair! i can bathe him in no time at all! i have many allegies and its mostly what i bathe him with that i have to watch! cant use harts i have to use a hypoallergenic shampoo on him otherwise i cant touch him. Great family dog big and intimidating! they are very honory and like to eat and like to be with you all the time. we had t get him a friend.. Good luck

Hi,

I am in dog rescue & a vet tech.

Did you have your family go to the dr to see exactly what they are allergic to on animals?
All dogs have dander, like humans, some just bother ppl more then others. The non shedders are supposed to be better for ppl with allergies but it sounds like the ones that usually work are not working for you. All the dogs you listed are not in the non allergy dog category. You may not be able to get a dog. I would check with your Dr first & talk to him about the dogs. When you get the all clear with getting a dog, I can help you. Please consider adoption since the state is killing 1000's everyday since there is no room. Please do NOT buy from a pet store or breeder. You wouldn't want to after you saw how they treat the mother.....

Good luck
Kimberly

We had Doberman's when I was growing up . They are the most loyal dog's . They are not at all how people portray them. If you raise a dog to be mean it will be mean. They are easy to train and they learn very easily. Probably the hardest thing is when you get their ears docked( if you choose too) . They have to wear a special cardboard collar around their neck so they don't scratch their ears. Our Doberman's actually thought they were lap dog's. They usually are mellow dog's once they are through the puppy stage. Our's both were avid swimmer's and were very protective of us kid's in the swimming pool. They would always try to pull us out by the back of our neck's because they thought we were in danger. They do shed minimally even though they are short haired. It mostly occured on suede fabric. My brother and mom both had severe allergies as well as asthma and never were bothered by their hair. My sister has a Boxer and she is only a puppy , she seems very hyper but doesn't seem to shed much at all. I hope this was helpful. I would also make sure you get your dog as a puppy so that the dog will be used to your children and they can grow up together. Animal rescue dog's are nice but you never know what they have been through and how they will be around your children. Good Luck

I would say all the ones you listed are bad for allergies and some are probably not the best for kids. I don't know why you have poodles on the allergy list because we have a bishon poodle because allergies and respiratory problems run in our family. We haven't had any problems with our dog. Our dog doesn't shed and with the mix is not as hyper as a regular poodle. He is great with children. Also, I don't think labs are on the non-allergy list either for whomever said that. We have friends with labs, and I believe they shed and their hair is fine and bothersome to us with allergies.

If you looked at a poodle in a pet shop it could be the shampoo as the other person mentioned, or the fact that they are near other dogs, and go into the room other dogs have been in when people are looking to buy, so that is a thought. I love the bishon poodle mix, I'd try again because as I said we are very allergic and have asthma problems in our family too.

I hope you find what you are looking for - Happy Mother's Day!
K.

We had the same issue. Our first born is very allergic and when ever she comes into contact with a dog she gets hives especially her face. She was allergic to a lot of the hypoallergenic dogs as well. We recently purchases a mini schnauzer and she does not react at all. They also shed very little and are very loving loyal dogs. I suggest you take your children and husband around as many different breeds as possible until they do not react.

Good luck

My dearest friend is also plagued with allergies. She did some investigating and found that Labradoodles (real dog!) are a big hit with the family. You get them by crossing Labrador Retrievers with Standard Poodles, (which are naturally hypo-allergenic!) Poodles are a little high-strung, and Labs are super family dogs, so the Labradoodle are funny-looking, but great for the family and the allergic!
Good luck

Although loyal, and good watch dogs, I would not pick any of the first three. I have a Belgium Malinois, and they can get nippy. Mine is a retired drug sniffer, so he's had extensive training, but you can see where he nips at the childrens heels. That's because he is a herding dog. Have you looked at the Commador? Not sure of the spelling. I hear that they are mild mannered, don't shed, and can be real babies with kids. Good luck

I would highly recommend researching Rhodesian Ridgebacks. We have 2 females and a 14 month old little girl they absolutely adore and think is their own;) They are a very loyal, protective breed with a very short fine coat. They shed very little and do not require much grooming other than baths and nails. We do brush ours every other day with a grooming mitt to be sure we don't have shedding inside. They are very intelligent, obedient, somewhat aloof with strangers, excellent with kids, athletic while at the same time couch potatoes:) Ours were drawn to kids before we even had one! We have an excellent breeder to refer if you would like to learn more about them.

We have a labradoodle. He is a sweet, gentle and extremely intelligent dog. He barely sheds and is hypoallergenic. We love him. I will say that he is extremely active, as are all the dogs on list. We are an active family that lives in Corrales so he gets to be outside and run. If you need a little more mellow dog, then a goldendoodle is a better option. Good luck!

Umm I don't want to be a damper on your family getting a dog but all the breeds you have listed shed. If they can't handle being around a dog like a poodle which is one of the few dogs that has "hair" instead of fur making them produce less dander then other dogs. Remember its not the hair they have allergies to but the dander they produce. I would suggest perhaps calling a rescue for a breed you like and seeing if you and your family can either weekend foster or at least spend some time with the breed you like before you buy or adopt. It would be a terrible shame if you got a dog home and have to get rid of it. Also remember that puppies tend to produce less allergies then adult dogs so try and spend some time with an older dog even if you wish to start out with a puppy!
Is there a reason you are looking into such large dogs? Maybe a smaller breed would help with the allergies?
As for the breeds you listed, We have a friend who fosters Boxers in New Mexico and they are great dogs... I don't care for them because I am not into the slobbering which some of them seem to do in excess! I have had two German Sheppard which I raised for the seeing eye in New Jersey and they are smart dogs and very loyal but you have to get them from a good breeder! Pointers are usually good dogs but as with any hunter type dog they need lots of play time and exercise or they will find their own fun!

Good luck! Hopefully you will find success and a great new family member!

Hi,
I had a similar problem. My son has severe asthma and allergies and Loves animals especially dogs. What would work best is a dog that has hair and not fur and preferably one that doesn't have a lot of dander. Washing the dog weekly and giving it supplements to keep it's coat moisturized is great.
I researched and came up with basically poodle type dogs.
I was extremely blessed in that I stopped at the pound one day to look and see what was available, with no intention of actually getting a dog that day and found a lovely bishon frise. This dog has hair, not fur and doesn't shed he has been with us two years now and has never triggered my son's allergies or asthma. He has a great personality and adores my son. Good luck.

Is there a reason you haven't considered a lab? We have had three yellow labs (most times, two at a time, to keep each other company), since our boys were newborns, and they have been AMAZING family dogs. A bit rambunctious as puppies, but with 3 kids, they will keep the dog busy, and vice versa. They are calm, once they get past age 2, very loyal, and just lovely dogs. Ours do not shed excessively. You didn't mention your yard. I am also allergic to dogs, so my dogs have to be exclusively outside dogs. If you have enough space to keep them outside, I think you should REALLY consider a lab. You will NEVER regret it and your children will thank you for the rest of their lives!

Boxer's seem to shed and their hair is hard and prickly. I was allergic to dogs as a kid but seemed to outgrow it as a teen/adult. Around most dogs I was fine, but when I was around boxer's, they made me itch...as an adult. My Shar-pei did the same thing. Something about her prickly fur or skin, made my skin itch. I don't know about the rest, hopefully you can get some solid insight. It would be a shame to get a dog and have to re-home her or worse, take her to a shelter because your family was allergic.

Please consider adoption from lostourhome.org. They have many dogs that need homes. All are fostered and well cared for prior to being available for adoption.

I am allergic to dogs too, but we do have 2 beagles. The way we are able to have these is that we have 2 Eco-Quest Air Purifiers. As long as these are running I am fine. However, when they are turned off, such as for cleaning, I break out in hives and feel awful!!! As soon as they are turned on and back working I am okay again. These are the only kind of Air Purifiers that I have found make a difference. (and no, I don't sell them, so this is not a sales pitch) I would recommend if you want to get a dog, to get these air purifiers and when it is time clean them make sure your husband and kids are not home. That way they are only there when the purifiers are working. We have one in our living room, and one in my bedroom. I would recommend one for your living room and one in each bedroom that has people in it with allergies.

H C -

Boxers are wonderful, but they tend to be very hyper. They need lots of activity and exercise. My in-laws have a boxer and he does tend to jump on my kids when they first come into their house (mine are 6 and 3), but with proper correction, he does settle down. My advise about boxers is make sure you give them proper training. They are great family dogs and super sweet with children.

As for German Shepards, they are extremely loyal and excellent family dogs. Just make sure they are properly trained and socialized. They do have aggressive tendencies, and have been known to be biters.

Dobermen - same thing, very loyal and excellent family dogs with the proper training and socialization. I grew up with neighbors that had Dobies - one was a HUGE male that was super sweet and the other a female that was sweet, but very dumb. Again, with proper training, they are great dogs. But with breeds made for guarding duties, you definitely have to make sure they are shown who's boss. Make sure they know that your kids are "Alpha".

Good luck!! Hope you find a doggie!

Hands down...a female Boxer.
They are not the brightest dog in the world but as far as loyalty, fun and great with kids...none compare. My kids can wrestle with her, put their hands in her food dish while she eats and take her treats right out of her mouth. She also seems to understand the limits with smaller children.

HOWEVER, they are so VERY social that they will hold grudges if they are ignored for any length of time (think retaliation by urinating on or chewing your favorite items). They MUST be played with and run several times a day as they very active and muscular dogs.

She doesn't shed much but that is a result of her high protein diet. Her coat is very glossy and healthy (unhealthy coats shed more).

I highly reccomend crate training no matter what kind of dog you get. Our dog uses her crate to get away from the children when their play becomes to much. In addition she is put in there when we leave the house to avoid mischief or accidents.

Ask your doctor about a mexican Hairless. They have virtually NO hair and look a little funny but it may be an option. Good luck and be sure to get tested for allergies before getting the dog. It would be so hard on your family and the dog if you haad to give it up.

Hi HC,

We have a Boston Terrier. I have had her since she was 6 weeks old. She is very gentle with our 3 1/2 month old son. She sheds very little, only barks when someone knocks on the door. She is VERY smart, small, protective, loyal and just a sweetie. Look into Boston Terriers. Female dogs are also great around kids.

Good luck, dogs are wonderful for kids.

D.

A friend of mine has severe allergies to so many things, and the only dog she is able to be around are West Highland Terriers (Westies). They're the cute little white dogs you see on cans of dog food and such. My friend actually has 3 of them, and has no allergy problems at all from them. I don't believe they shed.

Looks like you're looking for a big macho dog though, so Westies may be too cutesy-pie for you. :) But worth a try if none of your other choices keep you from sneezing! Good luck in your search.

I show and breed dogs.
All dogs have dander, except for the hairless ones. I you want to help those with allergies at least consider the hypo-allergenic ones. The others will just make it worse. There hairless dogs and, if you can get past the skin idea, they make great family pets.
Otherwise I am going to say the Shepherd. The Manchester Terrier is hyper, period. The Malinois are pretty, a little hesitant but great. I don't know the Southland but in general Pointers can be pretty energetic. Boxer? I don't know, are they stubborn? that's what I heard. I know Dobes, they are great and so are the Shepherds.
But honestly, if anyone has anytype of allergy why don't you try a terrier or poodle type so you don't end up having to give them up.

When we were looking for a hypoallergenic dog, we came across and ended up getting a shitzu. We all absolutely love him. They don't shed and are very good and protective of the whole family. They love sitting and sleeping with you and good playing with the kids. I have a 12 and 3 year old.

Curious to know about your businesses. T.