Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

One) DS birthday is next month and hes been asking for a dog......however, a few years ago we had to rehome our cat bc he was severely allergic to it. Is there a way to find out if he is allergic to dogs too before we consider it? I dont know anyone with a dog, so I cant really expose him to one to see what happens.

2) Can anyone recommend a small, family/kid friendly, non-hyper breed? We live in a co-op, about 1100 square feet, so no yard of our own, although there is a very large grassy area so we would have to take him to dog parks and really long walks just to get him out and give him some exercise.

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

Look for a dog that has HAIR and not fur. Your child is most likely allergic to either fur or maybe even cat dander. Bring him to a pet shop with just dogs and see how he is with them. Would you do that?

If you get a bigger dog, they are less likely to be hyper but do not live as long and have more health problems. (Generally) Also, cleaning up after them can be a bit too much.

Small dogs are great and easier to travel with. I have a chihuahua and while he was hyper when we first got him, I trained him well and he's calmed down. Plus, I always bring him around children and he is great with children. But all my life, I had a lab, pomeranians and chihuahuas. Out of those breeds, I love the chihuahuas best. They make great little gaurd dogs- believe it or not! And are very intelligent.

Maybe you could check into a papillon or a maltese? I think they have hair and not fur.

Also one thing to look for is male dogs are more hyper than female dogs. But again, with training this can be fixed.

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

First, I'd take all opinions with a grain of salt (even mine!) because all dogs have individual personalities and the impression people have of certain breeds can be way off.

My sister had a Bouvier Des Flandres because she had heard that their hair was good for allergy sufferers. My nephew has a lot of problems in this area. He was ok with him but my husband, who has horse allergies and dog saliva allergies (but not dog hair allergies) had severe reactions to the dog. We've never seen him react so badly before, or since. So take that hypo-allergenic claim with a grain of salt too, and see if you can expose your family to all potential dogs for at least 30 minutes at a time.

I don't know much about smaller dogs but I would look for self-sufficient breeds and be careful of ones with strong personalities, unless you can dedicate the time to train them and reinforce every day.

One of the dogs that I hear a lot about here and elsewhere are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. There is more grooming involved with their long hair, but I hear they're super affectionate and eager to please. My sister's MIL has one that is just the sweetest thing.

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

I have a maltipoo, my husband is allergic to dogs and cats. He has been doing really well with bob.

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

I would call an allergist and see if he is old enough to be tested for allergies.

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

SIL is very allergic to cats. She is fine with our dogs who don't shed and are hypoallergenic or whatever you want to call it lol. We have two miniature schnauzers -- Charlotte and our newest, Reagan.

Char is full grown at about 15 pounds. They can get to about 17-18 pounds at the most but females are a little smaller. Reagan looks like she is going to be even smaller than her.

We absolutely love them - they are extremely obedient, very owner pleasing, smart, and social. They love kids - my nephew is constantly on them, tugging on them, etc. and they are great with him.

We trained them strict from day one and they really respond to the strict set of rules and things that they can and cannot do. Dogs want a strong owner - someone they feel is in control. That's important to remember. With Char we did the training ourselves and then with Reagan we did our own but we also took her to a class just to expose her to extra training --- at the Towline Vet Group in Hauppauge. It was great.

Now, my sister is allergic to dogs -- and she actually has a miniature schnauzer as well (Lily) and she is totally fine with it which is great.

HTH!

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

Shih Tzu.

My nieces are allergic to dogs and have no issues with our Shih Tzu's. They are hypoallergenic. They have hair not fur.

I love mine, would never consider another breed (besides Labrador's). However, they do require grooming every 5-6 weeks.

I lived in a studio co-op with mine for 2 years. They are great apt. dogs even tho they enjoy being outside too.

Good Luck!

Message edited 8/16/2010 4:18:02 PM.

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

I am very allergic to cats but I have a dog. PLEASE do not go to a pet shop to see if your son has allergies. Go to a shelter instead. If you fall in love with a dog it is better to do it at a shelter instead of a pet store. Ideally it would be better to go to someone's house that only has a dog though so that other hairs/dander/feather/etc from different animals aren't affecting him.

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

How about a Havanese? We have a yorkie-poo (we rescued her) and no allergy problems. She is great!!

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

I would take your son to an allergist and have him tested for dogs and cats, hair saliva, dander anything pertaining to to the overall animal.

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

i got my 2 puppies in bellmore they have a very nice selection of puppies i have 2 shih tzus and are 3 years old and are hypoallergenic worldwidepupsdotcom

Re: Thinking of getting a family dog - a few questions

DH is allergic and we have 2 havanese and he's fine with them. They're also great companions and wonderful with children. Sometimes if he plays with them too much he'll get a reaction but he is a VERY allergic person. The best way to tell if your son will be allergic is to bring him into the home of someone with the same breed dog you're looking to purchase. There are also allergy tests an ENT can give to see if your DS is allergic to dogs.