Wife is Allergic to pets

boobleom1 · 11-04-2009, 02:56 PM

I'm interested in getting a dog . Two kids ages 7 and 9 we have a big yard, and a wife that is allergic to pet dander. I know there are no dogs that are dander free, I guess with the exception of hairless, but not a big fan of hairless. Can someone reccommend a breed or hybrid that would be good? I love huskies and malamutes but from wht I've read they really need a lot of exercise.

BooLette · 11-04-2009, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boobleom1

I'm interested in getting a dog . Two kids ages 7 and 9 we have a big yard, and a wife that is allergic to pet dander. I know there are no dogs that are dander free, I guess with the exception of hairless, but not a big fan of hairless. Can someone reccommend a breed or hybrid that would be good? I love huskies and malamutes but from wht I've read they really need a lot of exercise.

If your wife is allergic to pet dander than a husky or malamute is NOT the dog to get.

I am also allergic to pet dander and fur, but they are my babies so I take my allergy meds and deal with it. So, if you had your heart set on a breed that sheds and is dandery then she should go on allergy meds.

Anywho... mostly anything that has hair and not fur doesn't bother me. Most dogs (like my shnauzer mix) with wiry coats irritate the crap out of me and I break out in hives all over. Allergy meds or not.
There are also a lot of poodle crosses out there that are supposedly 'hypo allergenic' But you would have to see if your wife reacted to a certain puppy before purchasing or adopting because if they have more of the shedding dog in them they aren't going to be hypo allergenic. I have been known to break out after handling my friends cockapoo.

MoosMom · 11-04-2009, 03:04 PM

Hello and welcome to DF!! Pet allergies can be a real pain sometimes, especially when you want to add to the family. Does your family know if they want a large or small dog? I think once you guys know the answer to this, it will be easier to give some recommendations. Also your wife may want to talk to her doctor about allergy shots. I have known many people that swear by them and has made life possible to live with a pet.

Keechak · 11-04-2009, 03:07 PM

Long haired dogs (afgan hounds, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, American Cocker Spaniels) tend to give people less alergies (hypoalergenic) than the medium hairded (border collies, Huskies, Golden Retriever) or the shorthaired breeds (Labrador Retirever, Pit Bull, ect.)

meghf · 11-04-2009, 07:20 PM

My allergies have always been awful around cats and most dog breeds (labs, goldens, st. bernards, etc). My family got our standard poodle when I was 17 and I've always been totally fine with him. As bath time/grooming time approaches generally I get a smidge itchy but it's more the pollen and stuff that he's carrying around from outside than him that I'm allergic to. I'm sure you know this but the "hypoallergenic" breeds require more grooming than the average dog. Also, I highly suggest that whatever breed you guys decide on you find some for your wife to interact with to make sure that she doesn't have a reaction.

If you have any interest in Standard Poodles let me know and I can tell you all about my boy. He's the best.

Binkalette · 11-04-2009, 07:32 PM

Yep, most long haired dogs are very low shedders and very good for allergy sufferers. Long hair helps to keep the dander in, and they shed very minimally. I have yet to find dog hair on any of our furniture or clothing.. You will want to meet the dog first though before you bring it home. Some people will still be allergic to individual dogs. Also, frequent bathing will help keep allergens down.. it rinses out dander that may be loose in the fur, and keeps the fur clean from things like dust and pollen that she may also be allergic to.

MoonStr80 · 11-04-2009, 07:50 PM

List of Hypoallergic Dogs
American Hairless Terrier
Basenji
Bedlington Terrier
Bergamasco
Bichon Frise
Border Terrier
Bouvier Des Flandres
Cairn Terrier
Chinese Crested
Coton De Tulear
Hairless Khala
Havanese
Irish Water Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Lowchen
Maltese
Poodle (Standard, Miniature & Toy)
Peruvian Inca
Polish Owczarek Nizinny
Portuguese Water Dog
Puli
Shih-Tzu
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard & Giant)
Tibetan Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Xoloitzcuintle
Yorkshire Terrier

Keechak · 11-04-2009, 08:22 PM

there must be more than that? why would both the Bergamosco and the Puli be Hypoalergenic but not the Komondor?

MoonStr80 · 11-04-2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keechak

there must be more than that? why would both the Bergamosco and the Puli be Hypoalergenic but not the Komondor?

I don't know? I got list here
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/allergy.htm

Binkalette · 11-04-2009, 08:29 PM

lol... they have Shih Tzu on there but then no Lhasa or Pekingese..

MoonStr80 · 11-04-2009, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Binkalette

lol... they have Shih Tzu on there but then no Lhasa or Pekingese..

It could be not 99% accurate & need some serious updating eh?

Binkalette · 11-04-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonStr80

It could be not 99% accurate & need some serious updating eh?

Yea, no kidding. It's a good base list though..

luvntzus · 11-04-2009, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Binkalette

lol... they have Shih Tzu on there but then no Lhasa or Pekingese..

Pekingese aren't hypoallergenic, they shed kind of a lot.

Binkalette · 11-05-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvntzus

Pekingese aren't hypoallergenic, they shed kind of a lot.

Hmm.. must be an individual dog thing.. The two pekingese I know don't shed at all.. (according to their owner)

boobleom1 · 11-05-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Binkalette

Yep, most long haired dogs are very low shedders and very good for allergy sufferers. Long hair helps to keep the dander in, and they shed very minimally. I have yet to find dog hair on any of our furniture or clothing.. You will want to meet the dog first though before you bring it home. Some people will still be allergic to individual dogs. Also, frequent bathing will help keep allergens down.. it rinses out dander that may be loose in the fur, and keeps the fur clean from things like dust and pollen that she may also be allergic to.

Thanks, didn't realize long haired dogs hold in the dander.

Keechak · 11-05-2009, 10:12 AM

Mind you THIS is considered a Longhaired dog it is hypoalergenic and doesn't shed much

This is double coated dog(medium haired) That does shed a lot and is not good for allergies.

The easiest way to tell the difference is that the Double coated breeds tend to be "fluffy" while the longhaired breeds tend to have very thin silky hair that lays relatively flat.

many of the Longhaired breeds are trimmed short for Pets,
Like the Shih Tzu
Real coat

Clipped

chrisn6104 · 11-05-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boobleom1

I'm interested in getting a dog . Two kids ages 7 and 9 we have a big yard, and a wife that is allergic to pet dander. I know there are no dogs that are dander free, I guess with the exception of hairless, but not a big fan of hairless. Can someone reccommend a breed or hybrid that would be good? I love huskies and malamutes but from wht I've read they really need a lot of exercise.

There is only one solution here.

Looks to me like you need to trade the wife in for a more advanced model that is not allergic to dogs. You can probably get one that cooks and cleans in that upgrade as well. I suggest you check with a local reputable breeder to find one that will better fit your lifestyle.