Doodles are especially prone to allergens. You might not be allergic or tolerably allergic to a poodle or other low allergen breed (there are different proteins you can be allergic to and they don’t produce the most common one. However if you’re allergic to things outside, that doesn’t really help as they drag them all in.
My sister is allergic to most pets and has asthma but can have poodles, Chinese Crested Powder Puffs, westies, Bedlington whippet crosses etc. She's got a cockapoo and it's been the worst out of all she's had for her allergies.
She works from home and it's not to a point it's a huge issue or daily problem. Our Poochon doesn't cause any allergies in her though.
I do think cockapoos, cavapoos etc are an option more likely to cause issues over others out of the list recommended for allergy sufferers.
My friend thought she was allergic to her bunnies and ended up being allergic to the grass and feed. Allergy tests will be able to help identify what it is. Could be allergic to cats/ dogs and grasses. I’m allergic to all grass and cats but I have a cat. I’m doing allergy shots and it has gotten so much better.
Also consider if you do end up with getting a “hypoallergenic” breed, consider the outside allergens. I’m allergic to nearly everything outside from grass to pollen and trees. Dogs roll around in that shit bringing it indoors and while I’m not allergic to the dog, I’m still very allergic to them when they’re not freshly cleaned.
I agree there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.
Your kids are aged 14 and 11, and dog will likely live 15 years. The kids would probably leave home and you would have the dog.
Seriously I do not think a dog is a good idea for your family.
There are pets besides cats and dogs, if you still want to get your kids a pet. But do your research, because despite popular belief, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, fish, reptiles and rabbits are not easy pets. You will have to find a vet that can actually treat them, too.
ETA: all if these animals can be adopted from a shelter, too. No need to buy from a pet store.
That depends on your location. I once adopted a rabbit at a shelter. We went in to look at dogs, and the poor guy behind the counter looks up and says "we have rabbits. They're free, we don't know what to do with them." The shelter where I grew up sometimes gets something random like a pig or a goat, but they aren't adopted out. They find a rescue or something. And then there's the shelter where I live now. They don't even do cats, let alone any of those other pets.
And I've found rabbits, bearded dragons, and hermit crabs to be pretty easy pets. Unless you're looking for something you never have to care for, in which case there's pet rocks.
You might have to drive a bit to find a rescue that has something other than cats and dogs, but you can search petfinder.com once you decide what kind of pet you want. Or even Craigslist, people are always rehoming pets on there for small fees.
Are there any breeds you don't react to? As cockapoos and cavapoos for example aren't as good as some other breeds for allergy sufferers due to the fact both are crossed with a shedding breed.
My sister is allergic to most dogs and cats and has asthma. She's grown up with dogs and still gets dogs that don't shed. Essentially what many refer to when labelling a dog hypoallergenic is essentially whether they shed or not. Her doodle (cockapoo) is the dog that's been the worst on her chest out of the list she's had or we've had.
It's very rare to non existent that the dogs we'd go for would get on her chest (depending on the dog). Yet horse hair nearly killed her. So my mum had to be careful to ensure childhoods pets were safe.
My concern is that you say all your friends pets are causing allergies. I'd argue there are better breeds for allergy sufferers than a cockapoo or cavapoo. I remember my sister mentioning that our Chinese Crested (haired version) never ever got on her chest whilst her current doodle (cockapoo) can occasionally under certain circumstances but it's minor. Our doodle (poochon) doesn't cause her allergies likely due to bichons and poodles not shedding.
If you're having a response every time it may not be possibly for you. Unless you try spending some time with a friend who's got another breed that tends to illicit no response in allergy sufferers like the chinese crested.
She's lived with or spends significant time around Poodle, Westie, Chinese Crested Powder Puff, Bedlington Terrier+Whippet cross, poochon, cockapoo. If you're getting allergies to these types of dogs it may just be off the cards.
It does sound to me like you may just not be suitable for one. However you could try spending time with breeds that aren't remotely crossed with shedding dogs like the Poodle, Chinese Crested, Bichon or Poochon. If you know someone who owns one and wouldn't mind you spending a good period of time there. Allergies can be fine one day and worse another depending on the persons allergy.
You can always get a pet that isn’t a cat or dog. A bird, fish, etc. Your kids would still have to do research to appropriately care for them, and learn about all that responsibility stuff that pets teach (I don’t have children, I am basing this off what my own parents said about getting us a dog.).
I heard a veterinarian say once that raising a child with animals teaches invaluable lessons about responsibility, empathy, and the cycle of life and death.
I don’t think a dog or cat is required to feel empathy for another living thing. 🙌🏻 Plenty of other animals need rescuing.
Portuguese Water Dogs are LOW allergen, but there’s no truly hypoallergenic dog breed. A huge factor in how allergenic a dog/cat may be is the type of fur/hair they have, as well as the diet they’re fed. A dog with hair that’s fed a diet that doesn’t cause systemic inflammation is going to be more allergy friendly than a dog with fur that’s fed a diet that causes systemic inflammation. A low inflammatory diet is minimally processed and includes a higher ratio of meat to carbohydrates and is high in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
It is the best advice. While there are many little dog breeds that are less likely to cause a reaction, most of these dogs have hair and require regular grooming. A clean dog would be helpful for you, but are you willing to brush/comb the dog daily and take them for haircuts every 4-6 weeks? Going rate for my 5 & 7lb dogs is $90/groom for each dog where I live.
Almost forgot to mention that many little dogs live for 14-18 years…
Hypo = less. An = without
Yes, there are dogs less likely to cause allergies. Purebred Poodles, Havanese, Coton de Tulear, Bichon, Hairless breeds like Chinese Cresteds and Xolos. There's even hypoallergenic cats- Sphynx, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Siberians.
There are no anallergenic dogs or cats.
This is correct. It's a marketing ploy. These dogs tend to shed less, but she'd hair is not the only allergen.
My husband's eyes swelled shut about 15 minutes into being in a house with a hypoallergenic dog he didn't touch.
The idea that doodles are hypoallergenic is a scam, really, because many people who are allergic to dogs are allergic to their saliva and dander, NOT their hair. So the fact that doodles don't shed doesn't change the fact that they have dander, they lick things, etc.
Depending on how allergic you are, you could try getting the allergy shots to see if that helps. Then you may be able to be around non-shedding dogs, as they have *reduced* dander.
Also to add to the doodle point, doodles are a cross of a Poodle and another breed. While Poodles are extremely low shedding, other breeds in the doodle mix commonly aren't (Labradors are extremely high shedding for example). When you cross a low-shedding dog to a high-shedding dog, it's not guaranteed that the puppies will be low-shedding. They can inherit any combination of physical (and behavioural) traits from both parent breeds.
I've met many doodles that are extremely high shedding and really trigger allergies, because when it came to coat type (also dander production and quantity of the enzyme in the saliva that causes allergies), they took after the non-Poodle breed.
The labradoodle (the first doodle breed) was actually bred to create a hypoallergenic service dog, and the project failed miserably because they had to breed so many dogs before finally getting one with minimal shedding.
Honestly doodles in general are a scam. They're just overpriced mutts. Their behavioural traits are unpredictable because you don't know whether they have more Poodle traits or more traits from the other breed. Also no ethical breeder wants to sell or stud their well-bred, health-tested/screened dogs to produce mutts, so the vast majority of doodles end up being backyard-bred/puppy mill dogs, or their parents/grandparents/etc were. That just increases their chance of behavioural problems such as hypersensitivity, reactivity, anxiety, etc. It also significantly increases their chance of health problems. I've never seen a doodle with all of the necessary/recommended health tests for both breeds in the mix. They often have terrible form too (slightly arched backs, splayed paws, etc). The person to first breed a doodle (a labradoodle) and coin the term, calls the dogs his "life's regret", stating he "opened a pandora's box and released a frankestein's monster". People need to stop breeding and buying doodles.
I couldn't agree more.
Plus - what you get is an absolute crapshoot! I have a friend who paid for a golden doodle before he was born. He looks like a taller, leaner golden retriever, with a tad bit of crimped hair in his tail. I would never have guessed he was a mix at all. Meanwhile, his littermate has full-on curly poodle hair.
And that's just appearance. The behavioural issues are *WILD*.
I volunteer with a rescue, and the number of people who ask us to rehome their doodles is crazy.
Absolutely! I've been seeing the same thing. Doodles seem common in shelters at the moment. I guess people impulse-buy or buy based on the false reports of how great they are, then can't handle the behavioural issues or maybe can't keep up with the grooming.
If I could I'd want to rescue one but as you said, the behavioural issues are wild and I don't want to risk my cats' lives.
Right? And that's the thing - you have NO idea what you're getting. The dog may have separation anxiety issues (which seems to be *very* common), but also, many I've come across can be super aggressive with their play style, which play or not, is not okay. I've met so many with my pup who GO at her, and totally ignore her body language. Another we were asked to rehome was nipping the kids.
It's frustrating that people see "doodles" as a breed, when in fact they're the furthest thing from it, given that they're crossbred with so many breeds nowadays.
Yep. Doodles are terrible. I would never own one. I work at a dog boarding business and 9 out of 10 doodles that come through have behavioral issues. A friend of mine had to put their doodle down a few years ago because it attacked and killed one of their dogs out of nowhere.
By definition there are no ethical doodle breeders, because ethical breeding focuses on bettering a breed.
Yep, that’s what I’ve heard too. It’s through the saliva, dander or through their paws? I have a service dog and fly with him at times. A lady recently complained that she was allergic and asked does he shed a lot??? Not excessively but I can’t control it? 🤷♀️ I said it’s also not just the fur if you’re allergic. I said I’m sure if we ask they will move one of us. She was alone in a middle seat so I figured no problem for her to move or I could swap to another aisle seat. She just promptly fell asleep and that was that lol I shared a hall/stairs w my landlord whose kids were allergic. I would sweep and spray it down weekly.
Doodles do shed they can shed just as much as a poodle or whatever they are mixed with. They a mix. Poodles and other hypoallergenic breeds don’t produce the most common protein that people with allergies are affected by but they produce some that a minority of the population are allergic to. When they are bred with high allergen dogs, labs, goldens, aussies, they can produce allergens just like either parent or somewhere in the middle.
Hypo = less. An = without
Yes, there are dogs less likely to cause allergies. Purebred Poodles, Havanese, Coton de Tulear, Bichon, Hairless breeds like Chinese Cresteds and Xolos. There's even hypoallergenic cats- Sphynx, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Siberians.
There are no anallergenic dogs or cats.
There are no dogs that are hypoallergenic. Your children are 14 and 11, dogs can live 14+ years. If you do not want a dog, do not get one as the dog will be living with you long after they move out.
If you do want a dog and are mildly allergic, find a breed that otherwise is suited to your family (do extensive research and be realistic about the demands of dog ownership) and get some allergy meds. If you have a significant allergy and your quality of life will be significantly impacted by having an animal in your house, do not get one.
Doodles aren’t a breed, breeds have a standard type they strive to meet so it really doesn’t indicate much about your allergies.
It depends on your allergies, some people have allergies to hair dogs like poodles, others are fine with long fur dogs but short fur dogs like pitties cause reactions, and others yet are fine with those types but have reactions to shepherds or retrievers.
If you aren’t willing to commit to a well bred dog and meeting breeds to see if you react, many people are happy to do this as it shows lots of care and thought being put forth, then simply don’t. If that commitment seems like too much effort you’ll hate having a puppy or kitten.
I was thinking of this. Best thing for me to do is spend a bit of time around the Dogs..I will know pretty quickly if I am going to react. I love cats as well but unfortunately they will never work for me unless it's hairless. I developed allergies to animals around age 12. Prior to that i didn't react. We had cats at the time and my allergies got so bad but I didn't care. I loved my kitties so much. My parents re homed them one day when I was at school. I was absolutely devastated. I kept a blanket with cats fur on it for years in my dresser drawer as a memory. Damn allergies!! 😭😭😭
Check out infodog.com, and see if there’s any local dog shows coming up near you. That way you can meet the breeds/breeders in person, and if you narrow down to a couple, you could then ask if you could do a home visit.
You would likely react to hairless cats as well because it is the dander and saliver that people react to and not just the hair.
As others have said, some people react less if they feed cats the special allergy reduction cat food but that can also be hit and miss and it is more expensive.
Chickens that are around cats produce some sort of enzyme in their eggs. They found that cats that then eat those enzymed eggs have a certain potential allergen neutralized.
From Purina's website, which says it has 10 years of research:
"All cats produce a common allergen, Fel d 1, in their saliva. When cats eat LiveClear, a key protein sourced from eggs binds to the Fel d 1 and neutralizes it. And when fed daily, LiveClear significantly reduces the major allergen in cat hair and dander."
It said 47% reduced allergen by week three, so not *completely* hypoallergenic, but it might be better than without.
Unless you’re willing to pay $10,000 or more for a genetically modified animal, they do not exist. Before I took allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or allergy drops), I was allergic to all dogs (including poodles, chihuahuas, hairless, Maltese) and all cats (including Siamese, hairless, Abyssinian, all long hair, all short hair). Now, after nearly 5 years of allergy immunotherapy, I’m no longer allergic to dogs, and I’m less allergic to cats (but non-zero), but I’m still just as allergic to everything else with fur (rabbits, rats, ferrets, etc.).
The allergens are proteins in the skin, and proteins in the saliva, and they are still there regardless of the type of fur. I recommend looking into other species, such as rabbits or guinea pigs, or if (like me) you’re allergic to every species with fur, then look into birds, lizards, turtles, snakes, fish, and other non-mammalian species. My first bird was a cockatiel, and now I have a dusky conure (a small parrot species, around the size of a cockatiel).
See also r/allergies.
Have you considered rats? I know people freak out about them, but they are amazing pets and don't have such a long life. My daughter had one and he came when she called him, loved playing with her and she used to let him ride on her shoulder when she rode her bike. He never bit her even when he was injured or he got a bath. Also, he ate leftovers so the only cost was his bedding with was super cheap. He lost one of his claws and it got infected. Took him to the vet, oral antibiotics and he was good as new.
Rats are brilliant but a fair few people seem to have reactions to them too, myself included. I loved the little guys so much, cleaning then meant I would wheeze the rest of the day and I kept that cage spotless. I still kept them though and spoilt them rotten from afar or with gloves and a mask. Allergies are so unfair.
A smaller pet could be a great option! OP, just make sure you do extensive research regarding your potential small pet. A lot of pet stores are highly misinformed and neglect their animals. Just because they're small doesn't mean they don't deserve good lives 💚
Came here to suggest some sort of smaller pet. Hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, could all work for OP. There's also lizards or snakes, but I guess those aren't everyone's idea of a pet.
Note though, if you do go with a bird, do your research. Some can live for decades so it can be a lifetime commitment if you pick the wrong breed.
Not all reptiles make great or easy pets, but bearded dragons sure do. They're great for beginner reptile keepers and can become quite personable when properly socialized and handled.
Dogs that are considered ‘hypoallergenic’ due to ‘low shedding’ need to be brushed daily because they still shed, it just gets matted easier because they tend to have curly hair and it gets caught. When you brush, you release all that dander into the air anyway. Why not look into a different type of pet? (If they want something more hands on, a gecko or a bearded dragon for example and they want something less hands on a fish or a spider). Both require a high level of care for sure but so do dogs at the end of the day if you’re properly caring for them. 100% do your research on any critter you’re looking into, and if you’re looking into anything that’s not a cat or dog, get your info from a forum or reddit page as well as your own research because I know for spiders especially (that’s what I keep so I can’t talk for other critters) there is a LOT of misinformation out there and most people are told to check out arachnoboards for info but there’s a lot of options out there, you just gotta research to see if you could provide a good home to the options
Yeah, I have a Shitzu/Bichon Frise mix that doesn't trigger my allergies, but learning to take care of his fur was a nightmare. I did all the research into breed temperament and things like that, I wanted a good companion dog, and neglected to think about the fur beyond taking him to the groomer every 2 months or so.
Luckily, after I had to have him shaved because I couldn't get the tangles out with what I had, A dog groomer helped me find the right tools, the proper brush/comb combo, and I've found good info on the dog grooming subreddit about detanglers that actually work.
Seriously, do not do this. My dad is allergic to EVERYTHING and thought that getting allergy shots would make it ok for him to be around our pets. It was not ok, and we had to rehome them. Don’t do it.
No. Such. Thing. Not that there isn't a dog out there that might work out, but no one can say "this specific breed" is hypoallergenic for both your children.
What you could try is fostering dogs that have a reputation for being hypoallergenic and see how it works out in your home. If it doesn't work for your family, you've given that dog time to decompress outside a shelter and to find a better fit.
There are no hypoallergenic dog breeds. Honestly, any doodle breeder that claims their dog is hypoallergenic is scamming you. Doodles are an unpredictable breed mix and there’s no way to guarantee whatthey will be like when they come out.
Most people are actually allergic to saliva or dander not the fur.
If you want a dog that doesn’t shed as much you could look into dogs with hair opposed to fur like miniature schnauzers, some spaniels, poodles, Maltese, Bichon.
Anecdotally, haired dogs rather than furred dogs are good for people who are allergic to the oil and dander rather than the fur. I have a friend who is allergic even to poodles but tolerates my cavalier king charles spaniel and I expect it is because he has very little natural oil in his coat, no dander and no fluffy undercoat. They are, however, INCREDIBLY allergic to my terrier puppy, he is a greaseball compared to my cav even though he's non-shedding. If you are the same way then I don't recommend getting a dog at all. My cav may not be oily but he still licks me a lot, and I expect my friend would react to his saliva if I let him lick guests. Cavs do make perfect dogs for first time owners, but are pricey because they need so much health testing to purchase one ethically. If you are able to go and meet some adult dogs of different breeds that would be ideal as it's not really fair to get a puppy as a test subject. Sadly, it may just not be a possibility for your family. I would love a herd of guinea pigs in my garden but I am so allergic to them even just being in the same room as one makes me sneeze and my eyes go all itchy :-( so I live vicariously through looking at the ones in the pet shop.
omg, so i was onto something when i said to my family recently that i feel like most dogs are kind of oily but for some reason my havanese don’t seem to have any
Yup, I think the long coated companion breeds just don't need those natural oils to keep them dry/clean, and let's face it, they smell and feel a lot better too lol. I'm nose-blind to dog smell, so I can't really smell my cavvie at all, but my terrier is stinky even to me. Love him though. Different breeds smell different to me and I reckon it's down to the oils in their coats. I grew up with Irish terriers and if I meet one I can say hi to I gotta get my nose in that ruff. But I find labradors really stinky hahaha!
no i know exactly what you’re talking abt! i love all dogs but damn, labs you gotta legit wash your hands after, but my havanese? im comfy petting them, giving belly rubs, etc, and then eating chicken tenders with my hands LOL
This is so interesting to me, because I grew up with two (consecutive) male labradors, and I totally found their coats to be a bit oily, like I would ALWAYS wash my hands after playing/petting them.
Now, I have a female lab and her hair isn't oily at all, nor does she smell. I wonder if it's a hormonal thing? Or if I just got lucky?
Me, looking at my cross stitch project while my terrier bugs me for more pets, knowing if I don't go wash my hands before I pick it up I WILL be leaving greasy finger prints on the bright white fabric thanks to him: 🥲
I love all dogs, but I understand those who do not lol
Worst thing you can do is buy a pet and you still react and then give that pet up. Unless youre willing to be miserable for 12-16 years for the commitment of a dog
My husband and one of my daughters are allergic to dogs. While the low shedding ones are definitely better than the ones that shed a lot, both my husband and daughter end up with itchy eyes, runny nose, hives, etc after spending time in a house that has one. A person could vacuum, clean and scrub for days and you will never get rid of the dander, unfortunately. I feel for you because my other daughter is not allergic (nor am I) and she would love to have a dog. We've told her it's just not a possibility until she has a place of her own.
Look at dogs that have hair instead of fur - Shih Tzu, Yorkie, Hairless Terrier, Poodle (not doodle), etc. They all will need regular grooming, but have less allergens because they don't have fur.
If a dog is regularly bathed then there will be fewer environmental allergens clinging to the hair/fur and less dander. Moxie was making me itch until she could have a bath after her spay surgery, now I'm fine. I knew it was time for previous dogs to have a bath when I started to get itchy after snuggle time. Saliva is a serious issue, I had a large dog give me a kiss and had a severe reaction, now I know to wash up after handling my pets and getting kisses. Hair flying and getting in eyes and mouth is pretty horrible so one would think grooming often outside and choosing a haired dog could help some.
I read that an allergic person went to dog shows with a short list of breeds they were interested in having and tested one per arm. Was able to find a breed that worked for them. Choice seemed odd, a beagle? Show dogs are generally bathed and groomed just before a show so very clean.
I've got all kinds of allergies so take allergy meds anyway. Using such I go through a box of tissues per year when before eyes and nose were going constantly. Suspect they are helping with dog allergies as well as the pollen, dust mites and the rest of them.
I took a leap of faith before getting a heavy shedding dog that appeared to be a lab mix. Counted on her sleeping in the living room in a crate and never going into bedrooms or on furniture. She ended up getting monthly baths, weekly desheds outside and slept under the covers by my feet and was on the slipcovered furniture or draped over us most of the time.
I’m sorry but they don’t exist.
I’m allergic to dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, hamsters, meerkats……. The list is never ending.
What I would say is I have since lived with dogs at my dads and while the initial six months ish were not nice it does improve with continued exposure (in some cases at least, not saying all cases).
For me with a lot of allergy tablets and continued exposure (my dad remarried and my stepmum had a dog, couldn’t get rid of the dog because I couldn’t breathe apparently 🙄) it took about six months before my allergy dropped to a level where I could live day to day with only occasional allergy tablets instead of overdosing on them.
Wet dog/licking/scratching/anything that breaks the skin is another matter, still react badly to that.
I’d go with don’t get a dog tbh!
Good question 😂
When I was 22-24 I worked at a college that had an animal care course. Somehow they ended up with a baby meerkat that had been rejected by its birth tribe so they hand reared it. One lunch time they invited me and and my colleague over. (We did them favours, they had cute animals, it worked out).
Got to hold the baby meerkat which then managed to hook a paw over the neckline of my top and scratch me on the chest. That then ballooned and I spent the rest of the afternoon unable to see due to my eyes watering, sneezing, itching…… so yeah, allergic to most things with fur, including meerkats 😂
Are you allergic to the dander or saliva? I’d sort that out first.
Then, I’d ask a REPUTABLE breeder of Chinese crested dogs or hairless cats to do a temporary placement to test for allergies.
Both of these can have catastrophic problems if they are ill bred, make sure you find a reputable breeder.
As others said there really isn’t a hypoallergenic pet! However, depending on how allergic or what it does to you can make a difference. My boyfriend is allergic to cats and dogs but he grew up in a house with 2. And he currently has a cat lol. When we got the cat, he had some stuffy nose issues but now, a year later it’s not an issue anymore. He loves her so much too. Fun fact only 3% of the population isn’t allergic to cats in some way.
"That's because there is actually no such thing as hypoallergenic." Those were the exact words of my kid's allergist. The allergy is in the saliva, urine and skin. So for an animal to be hypoallergenic it would just be a pile of bones and organs.
No. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. PLEASE if you’re that sensitive to allergies do NOT get a dog. So many dogs are being dumped back in shelters - and now it included every breed combined with a damn doodle.
Ok, it was just a question. I would love to have a dog. I'm not looking to get one and then have to dump it somewhere. I do have half a brain. After reading all the comments I've decided against. I just wanted some input. Also, I'm well aware doodles are not " hypoallergenic" as everyone that owns one loves to claim. If your doodle is mixed with a golden or lab there is no way it is not going to affect someone with allergies as those are the breeds we react to most.
Aren't people that are allergic actually allergic to the saliva? Cause in that case there's no breed that can truly keep you from getting an allergic reaction
Don’t know if it’s the same for dogs, but for cats there are mutations where their saliva doesn’t have the protein that causes allergies. I have a pair of Devon rexes that are fine but if I’m around a real cat I’m a mess.
friend of mine got a schnauzer doodle that still gave him allergy reactions. you’ll be on a lifelong list of shots because it’s just not a guarantee. you could rescue a dog, it’s rare but spend time with them first.
also at that age me and my siblings absolutely loved having our own hamsters. building cool contraptions for them to play in and what not. that could be an option?
People keep posting this, but it’s not really true. I’m crazy allergic to all animals - cats, dogs, birds, rabbits and outdoor stuff generally. Horrible reactions - I get hives, asthma, eyes swell shut, stuffy nose, etc. I can’t be in peoples homes if they have regular dogs or cats even if they’re put away.
I have 2 hypoallergenic cats and a hypoallergenic dog. You just have to know what you’re doing when you get them (pure bred or both sides HA) and for dogs you have to bathe them regularly.
It is true that they’re not 100% h/a but they’re like 98%. I only struggle if the cats try to bathe me, otherwise no issues. But you can certainly have them even if you’re allergic - you just need to pay attention when you’re adopting
I suggest not getting a dog. However, if you insist, here are some hopefully help tips and considerations.
You are likely also allergic to their saliva. A dog with a pechant for licking is definitely not for you.
Very short fur can be harder to remove from fabric.
There are a lot of environmental factors that can help control allergies. Things like hard wood vs. carpet, leather vs. textile couch, certain fabrics attract and hold fur more than others. Daily vacuuming and air purifiers also help keep dander down. Keep the dog out of your bedroom and make sure they have multiple comfortable places to sleep to keep them off furniture. Regular grooming helps. Keeping your dog's coat healthy with good food and supplements like salmon oil will keep dander down.
If you're not able to reasonably commit to doing all these things pls don't get a dog. Having to remove a dog due to your allergies will be a negative experience for everyone, and let's be real, it often means a death sentence for the dog.
I have a friend who developed an allergy to dogs. She got allergy shots. It took about two years, but she now owns a low dander dog and can pet high dander dogs without getting hives.
For the love of all that is good, don’t get a doodle. There is no such thing as an ethically bred doodle. And honestly, if you’re just getting a pet for your kids, you shouldn’t be getting a pet at all.
Doodles are inherently unethical and there’s no such thing as hypoallergenic, as others have stated.
I’m here to say Don’t Get A Bird lmao. I love mine dearly, but it’s the route my parents took- I’m an adult and the bird might outlive my parents. My sister and I would both love cats and dogs, but we can’t get any in case one of us ends up with the family bird. She’s also a little asshole lmao, and one that requires a significant chunk of time and care out of every day, not to mention money. Birds are a lifestyle change.
Whatever route you end up going, just make sure ya do your due diligence.. few things to me are sadder than seeing a lizard in a tiny tank or a betta in a vase.
The kids might want it, but you’ll be doing all the work, ands dogs, especially puppies are a LOT of work. You’ll be spending more time with the dog than your own kids
Look into reptiles, they're awesome. My dad's violently allergic to anything with fur, and at the same age I desperately wanted a pet. It's nearly twenty years later and I still have a gecko I got in 2005.
Can you go get re-tested and ask for a panel that does LOTS of animals to see if there is something you aren’t allergic too? We did a panel with my son that included rabbits and rats
Honestly why not get some pet rats, I breed rats and they're just little pocket puppies. They're just as trainable as dogs, they clean and groom themselves as much as cats, they're highly empathetic and bond strongly with their owners. I would look into it as they are fairly easy to deal with and the set up is easy once you figure out what you need. Go to a ethical breeder and you'll never go back Lol. My rats are trained to do a ton of tricks and are mostly potty trained and love to just chill out on my shoulder when we go places or explore when we're at home.
You need to get tested to find out what specifically you are allergic to. If it is the hair, then maybe something like the mexican hairless.
but if it is saliva or dander, theres nothing.
consider a different species, such as a reptile, amphibian, or fish. Or, how are you wtih birds? or small mammals?
As stated, there are no hypoallergenic pets. The smaller poodles, doodle, shih tzu type dogs have hair, not fur. Even those dogs (and no cats) can bring on an allergy attack. You can reduce the symptoms by taking a couple of daily allergy pills, keeping the dog clean with a wash once a week, don’t let it sit on the furniture or beds. Even then you may experience allergy symptoms. Probably you shouldn’t give in to their requests.
I’d call them “less allergenic”, personally. Pretty much no substance ever is truly hypoallergenic. You’ll always find someone who’s allergic to it. Even water.
I’ve noticed that lately when I groom my poodle and shih tzus, I’m beginning to have an allergic reaction. I am allergic to a lot of things, but never the dogs. Cats, yes. Good grief. Allergic to water? That sounds horrible.
What others said about doodles. Just don’t.
If you truly want a dog, an allergist can give you great advice. My husband is actually only allergic to certain types, and his allergies have diminished over the years living with ours.
You might also consider fostering first (make sure to choose a good rescue and make sure they give you a dog suitable for a first time owner). This will tell you how much of a problem your allergies will be.
Alternatively, your kids could become regular volunteers at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. I work for one and we frequently use volunteers that age to run information tables at events, walk dogs, socialize puppies, etc. Depending on where you live, volunteers could be desperately needed.
If you can’t
Try to take your kids to a pet expo. They often have many different types of pets and you may be able to find something you’re not allergic to that they love. It could be a nice compromise. What typically happens with kids is they’re all on board at first but then lose interest pretty quickly. Who will be feeding, vacuuming, dusting, pooper scooping, bathing, etc when the dog is 5, 10 years old?
My mom, me and my sister are allergic to dogs and cats (not severe), but we really wanted a dog so we searched and came to a breeder of Australian labradoodles. They are a mix of multiple dog breeds, unlike the doodle. After a few visits at the breeder and someone who has an Australian labradoodle we were 95% sure it would be fine. Our dog is now 4years with us and we are fine. Only my sister has some problems if she hugs him too much or he licks too much.
If your allergies are not severe you could try to find a reliable breeder of A. Doodles. But they are rare and you could be on a wait list for some time. With ours it took almost 2 years, but well worth the wait.
And first test!! It is not okay to bring back or abandon a pup if you cannot keep him/her.
Havanese dogs are great! I’m also an allergy-sufferer, and have had great luck with my little guy. The only thing I’m allergic to from him is his saliva, so I just don’t let him lick me.
The only thing is that he makes a lot of noise. Not too much barking, but a lot of what we call “hootling”. I don’t really know how to describe it so [here’s a video of someone else’s Havanese](https://youtu.be/nIFJ-6RPU2k?si=vCM16AxeKxcB85f7). lol
He also makes noises that sound like words. Pretty sure he thinks he’s speaking. Like he makes sounds that sound like somebody’s name when he sees them, and it’s quite clear.
They were originally circus dogs too, so you can [teach them all sorts of tricks](https://youtu.be/YVkTwRU3BR8?si=9y0zsNw7Le7f_hzb)! Mine does most of these plus a few more!
Something that might be worth considering is the option to foster a dog.
Many assistance programmes eg. Guide dogs, autism assistance dogs will have poodle and poodle cross pups that need foster homes to raise them until they are old enough to go into training.
This would give you all an opportunity to live with a dog, see how your allergies respond and also allow your children to experience the responsibility and time commitment of a dog (which is HUGE, don't ever underestimate it). Just a thought.
My mom is allergic to dogs and we always had Bichon Frisée dogs. Like previously stated no dog is truly hypoallergenic and my mom takes allergy medicine daily.
Remember that your kids are going to be heading to college faster than you would believe possible. They're starting middle school one day and it seems like a week later you're driving them to their college dorm! My dad got a lovely rescue dog, a Golden Retriever, for my daughter when she was 14. She was then out of the house four years later but our beautiful R.J. lived to be 12. It was fine because he became Grampy's dog and was good company for the folks as they got older, but any pet is a lifetime commitment, and cats especially live much longer lives these days due to better food and health care.
So you should be prepared that this is really going to be your dog or cat, and you will have to find a way to deal with allergies for 10-15 years.
havanese are the best dogs on the planet (im biased, i’ve had 3) and i’ve yet to find someone who’s had a reaction around my dogs! they quite literally don’t shed (i find *my* hair in their beds) and it might be worth looking into a girl rather than a boy just in case tho bc i hear boy dogs can carry more dander but don’t quote me on that
my mother was DEATHLY allergic to cats but i wanted one so we went and checked out bengal cats and we found that for the first few months she only had mild allergies that she managed with medication, and now she’s fine. her being around my bengal cat has even helped with her allergies to regular cats. bengals are expensive though and can cost around 1-3k on average. And of course, there is no truly allergy free pet, but this may be a viable option for you
There's no such thing as a hypoallergic furry animal.
It's the dander you'd be allergic to, which most animals have, ESPECIALLY cats and dogs.
Reptiles/fish. Those are hypoallergic.
My partner has a dog allergy and is fine with purebred poodles. They still aren't 100% but they work for him, he can even snuffle his face in his fur. But has to wash if he gets licked. But doodles will not have that same feature, there's no guarantee of what kind of fur they'll have. They are back yard bred. I dont know why people just don't get a poodle if you want a smart, sporty, non shedding dog.
Also they need to be groomed, a lot. I do it myself but you would have to pay someone. I have a standard poodle and he is huge so his groom would cost more than 100 dollars every 2 months. If you got a mini it would be less. Good luck!
Maltipoo. Mine is turning 9 soon- he has only ever shed once in his whole life at around 6mo when he was (mildly) shedding off his puppy coat into his adult coat :) ! They are also very loyal, affectionate, loving, eager to please, loves to give unconditional love, love following their owners around like a shadow, great with kids and family, and have lots of sweet personality (various per dog ofc each his unique but it’s still a general “fact” about the breed). Although they are pretty protective- but all bark & no bite.. so keep in mind that you’ll *possibly* have a lil yapper every time someone rings the doorbell, lol. But i love my little alarm system haha
I think they make cat food that makes it so you aren't allergic to them, maybe if you got a hypoallergenic cat breed and fed it that cat food you would have some luck.
I’m allergic to dogs and get minimal reaction from my Yorkis they have “hypoallergenic fur” they still give me a reaction if they get wet and get me wet or if they lick my face.
So "hypoallergenic dogs" isn't really a thing. The difference between those dogs and other dogs is that they have hair instead of fur. Hair doesn't shed like fur, which can help minimize allergic reactions, especially what the dog is bathed regularly, and anything the dog touches is cleaned regularly.
What it comes down to are two primary factors I recommend considering - how bad are your allergies, and how much extra time a week you want to spend cleaning. If it is a milder allergy, and you are okay feeling a little sniffling or itchy 24/7 and are willing to take daily antihistamines, it is doable. But you will also need to sweep and vacuum 2-3 times more often than current, if not more. I also recommend keeping the dog off of your bed and couches to help prevent allergic reactions. Also, I recommend cleaning your vents and replacing your furnace filter twice as often. Also, having some sort of extra air filtration system, like an air purifier, can be very helpful too.
Don't forget to account for the fact that having a mild allergic reaction 24/7 will drain your energy, I find it drains about 20% of my daily energy, so I'm only running at about 80% of my energy every day.
If you want a lower energy dog that is smart enough that it can be well trained, I recommend a cocker spaniel. Mine only needs about an hour of exercise a day, is happy with a small yard, is very affectionate, great with kids, and loves to spend her spare time napping. My father has my dog's brother, and he behaves the same. If you want a hiking buddy, they can manage, but might sleep for 2 days after 🤣
Oh, and don't forget dogs with hair need to be groomed anywhere from every 4-12 weeks, depending on the breed and season (thats on top of the weekly baths, and dont forget to use special dog shampoos that dont dry out their skin). So don't forget to account for that additional cost or time if you plan to do it yourself.
Cost wise, for my cocker spaniel, a bag of food is about $80 and lasts 2-3 months (we store it in a way that prevents it from going stale or collecting moisture), greenies for her teeth are $70 and lasts 8 weeks, various other treats and toys are about $30-$50 a month. Mine has allergies, mostly seasonal, so we spend about $200 a month on allergy meds during the warm months and $100 during the cold months. Other vet costs are around $500 a year. My dog's brother doesn't have allergies, so he costs less.
Overall, it isn't impossible for you to get a dog. But maybe try fostering a dog to see if it is feasible for your allergies first.
Why not get a different type of pet? My son desperately wanted a pet (because apparently our 2 dogs he's grown up with aren't pets?) so we opted for mice. A minimal startup ($150), low food costs, in a set of 3 females keeps them happy and meets their social needs, and it's only a 1-3 year commitment. 🤷♀️ I didn't expect to like them as pets so much, but they're genuinely are super cute and one of our 3 is a social snuggle bug.
Long story longer, broaden your horizons. There are lots of types of pets in the world. Do some looking and see what suits your family well.
Talk to a breeder. The best you can find, probably priciest, don't skimp.
So called hypoallergenic dog breeds don't actually represent a guarantee just per the breed.There's a bit more to the genetic work involved in ensuring the best likelihood.
Now sadly, the natute of allergies means nothing is really hypoallegenic ... just less likely to be an allergen. You may not find a perfect pup :(. But don't give up just because you've been around one of thetypes of dogs that are classed this way ... could just be they were bred carelessly or with other priorities.
>Talk to a breeder. The best you can find, probably priciest, don't skimp.
The priciest breeders aren't usually the best. The breeders changing crazy amounts are usually just in it for the money and are breeding without regard for health, temperament, predictability, or conformation to standard.
An ethically bred dog will usually cost 2-4k. https://reddit.com/r/dogs/w/identifying_a_responsible_breeder?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
Here is a guide on how to identify a responsible breeder.
i almost disagreed with this but then saw the second part. i just know a lot of ppl will see the 2-4k dogs and think those are way overpriced and im like, girl trust me, that’s how much you want to be paying. unless it’s an adopting/rescuing situation, you should not be paying any less than $1500 tbh. and honestly, i feel like rescues should be charging that to be able to fund themselves *and* almost like “vet” people who are interested. a lot of ppl will see a dog with a $300 adoption fee and get it just bc it’s cheap, not knowing what they’re getting into. but that’s all besides the point lol
my dogs (havanese) were $2000 and $2500 (due to vet price increase, not bc one was “rarer” looking) and we’re friends with the lady who bred them. she is an animal behaviorist vet and we learned that she actually LOSES money at the end of the day because of all the stuff she does to ensure each puppy is healthy and well socialized. she’s very blunt and will turn away most people for not being the right fit. i know it’s tough to know for sure, but THATS the kind of person you want to be breeding your dog(s). $2000+ sounds like a lot but make sure that if they’re charging that, that they’re doing a crazy amount of stuff for each puppy. also, clean bills of health, family trees, etc.
You'd be better off looking for a cat, I fear. There are some cats that have been bred to select for lower allergens in their saliva, you can bathe them and feed them anti-allergen stuff, and coupled with your own allergy therapy, I've just seen, in my life, that people seem to be much more able to handle living with a cat they're allergic to more so than a dog.
Siberian forest cats, Russian blues, I think are some bred for the lesser saliva protein. I believe there's others but they're not coming to mind right now. Similar to how doodles are a scam, sphinxes are NOT hypoallergenic, and they're really pricy, too. I'm doubtful the other breeds would be much better on price, but it would suck intensely to pay $3000 for a cat that you're still allergic to. (Hairless cats tend to produce MORE of the stuff you're allergic too, believe it or not!)
Sorry for the bad hand you've been dealt via allergies, best wishes to you!
There's also a special food for cats that a lot of people have luck with that reduces allergens! It takes about 3 months of feeding that food to know if it would work or not unfortunately though (which means you would be suffering for 3 months and if it doesn't end up helping attachments would definitely already be formed which would be pretty sad) but its an option!
Rexes! I have a pair of Devon Rexes but there are also few other breeds. Friend of mine has a Siberian forest cat that is gorgeous. I’m crazy allergic to cats but not these guys. It was a revelation when I found out about ha cats
I have two Dorkie (Yorkshire terrier/dachshund mix) that have hair, not fur and don’t shed. Some people who have dog allergies do not have a problem with them. But that doesn’t mean everyone with dog allergies would be okay.
Mini schnauzer!!!! Big dog personality, non allergy, and bond to everyone in the family.
Edit: both my late husband and son were/are allergic to dogs and had no issue with our mini schnauzer or my sister’s. Growing up I also had one, and my mom is allergic but was fine. They are hair dogs and do not shed. Yes, all dogs have dander, so technically low allergy.
Agreed! They are amazing little ones with humongous personalities! We have two. I don’t have allergies but two of our daughters do and they are not bothered at all around our dogs.
I would not get a dog or cat. Maybe consider getting a rabbit or a bird? A bird takes a lot of dedication though.
I don't think it's a good idea to take allergy shots just to get a pet for your kids.
Free roaming rabbits would be a great idea imo but they’re social animals so you’d want to adopt a bonded pair, never just one. And make sure to research thoroughly, teach proper handling to the kids, & that you have the funds to cover veterinary care.
Many people are allergic to hay, which they have to have 24/7 access to, so I’d test that out before adopting. If you’re allergic to Timothy hay you might find orchard grass to be more allergen friendly, but some people have reactions to both.
There are no truly hypoallergenic dogs (or cats) so I’d avoid it unless your symptoms are manageable and you’re willing to deal with them for the next 10-20 years.
We had a part Shih tzu, part Bison puppy and it worked well from my allergies. They are small and hypoallergenic in that they don’t shed.
My sister-in-law just finished allergy shots and can now be around cats and doesn’t react to them at all anymore, so you could try the allergy shots.
I would look into other pets. Rabbits, reptiles, and hedgehogs are all good pets. I would do some research and meet some to test allergies and personalitys
might sound a bit gross but try patch tests with different breeds of cat and dog hair. if you really cant tolerate it then im afraid youll have to settle for a fish lmao. although i do think reptiles can be very interesting pets!
My son and his girlfriend got a Samoyed last year because the breed is hypoallergenic. The dog has worked out great and is a sweetheart. They shed a lot in the springtime and require a lot of brushing, though.
I say it would depend on exactly what triggers were allergies. If it’s just fur, poodles are hypoallergenic. their hair follicles have an active growth period that is longer than other species of dogs, furthermore since their coat is tightly curled, that slows the loss of dander and dead hair by trapping it in the curls.
However, you do need to be able to afford to take a poodle to a professional groomer, they need to get their bits shaved. Otherwise the curls in their private area can get tangled, and can be very uncomfortable for the poodle. So if you don’t have the money to do that, don’t get a poodle. A groomer online explained how that was important for male poodles, not sure if it also applies to female poodles, but do your research
My grandmother had poodles before, and she said that sometimes she had to trim off areas of fur that had poop stuck to them. Because their butt curls got tangled, it was basically a poopy hairball that needed to be cut off.
I’m pretty sure that’s the reason why poodles being shaven is relatively popular, it’s a necessity.
If it’s the saliva that causes a allergic reaction for you, however, then, unfortunately, I don’t think you can get a dog. Not unless you are able to take allergy medicine, I do know some people who are allergic to cats and they still have cats. They just take allergy medicine and still live life having cats. So it also depends on how bad your allergy is
You could try a potbelly pig. They don't carry the same allergens as dogs and cats, and they're smart as heck. They get big though! I've heard they're wonderful companion animals if you have the space for them. If you're interested in potbelly pigs, I'd do thorough research and definitely look for an EXOTIC vet, not a livestock vet, for care.
My wife is allergic to dogs so we got a schnoodle. Had her for almost 16 years at this point. If my wife pets a regular dog she has to to wash her hands asap because of the allergies but she’s ok with our dog. If you get a poodle and bath it regularly you might be ok. It really depends on how bad your allergies are. If you’re seriously considering it, maybe look at fostering. Let the kids know that it’s temporary situation and they will have responsibilities with the dog so that it doesn’t fall on you which it probably will anyway. If you go in as a foster then everybody knows it’s a temporary and depending on how your allergies are and kids keep up their end of the responsibilities you could look at getting a dog to keep. The kids might not want a dog once they have to do all the work involved like walking it and picking up the poop.
Greyhound
This low-maintenance pooch only requires the occasional bath and rub-down, and is great as a ‘non-allergic dog’ thanks to a short coat that rarely sheds. Greyhounds are known for their laid-back temperament, preferring a cuddle with us on the sofa to big long walks. As well as being a great choice for people with allergies, most Greyhounds get on well with other dogs too. There are many loving greyhounds currently looking for homes across the country.
“Doodles” are not free from allergens. I don’t know why people think this. That’s not how genetics work.
Have you had any luck around bichons? There’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog (not the way people mean it when they use that word), but bichons actually have different saliva proteins. Growing up, I had a friend who couldn’t even go to people’s houses if they’d had a dog or cat there at pretty much any time in the past year, but she could come to my house. Maybe find some breed-specific rescues and do a meet with some. See how it goes. (Don’t mention it to your family, though. Don’t get their hopes up. And definitely don’t just get a puppy.)
Silly terrier. Its my silky x chihuahuas 13th birthday. He is the most beautiful creature! He is not even showing signs of slowing down. Dogs live for a very long time & if *you* don’t want a pet, I wouldn’t get one. Everyone knows that you will be the one looking after it, even if the kids promiiiiise they will - they won’t. You’ll have the pup even after they have moved out of home too! You’ll likely still need to take some sort of allergy medicine, team that with being the sole carer, you may resent the dog. In my area at least, owner surrenders are the ones euthanized first, especially cats!
Fish etc are not the same. If they want a cat or a dog they want a sweet soft mammal that they can cuddle and play with.
Look into small pocket pets! Hamsters/guninea pigs or even (google before you freak out or watch home alone 3 before judging) a [pet rat](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.huffpost.com/entry/rats-with-teddy-bears_n_4940908/amp). They are just as smart as dogs, can be trained & have control of their bowels. They only live for two - three years. (Mice, are the same but just poop constantly & smell compared to rats). Rabbits etc are far too complicated.
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My partner is allergic to dogs and he's dreadfully asthmatic.
I had 3 dogs when we met. What we discovered is he's allergies to SOME types of dogs, some more than others.
My bichon/pomeranian cross has hair more than fur, she doesn't shed on her own, she needs brushed and groomed. He's fine with her hair and dander and saliva.
We just got a Patterdale terrier/JRT puppy rescue 6 months ago and he brings my OH out in a histamine reaction every single time his claws or teeth touch my OHs skin.
Same with my chihuahua. Chi and terrier puppy both have fur rather than hair.
But as others have said, there isn't a hypoallergenic dog or cat. Just some animals that are less likely to cause allergy *in my experience*
But unfortunately they don't come with tags, it's just your luck 🙃
Also if you're not experienced with dogs, PLEASE don't get a doodle. They're generally really, REALLY high energy and they need to be brushed and groomed which is an added monthly expense. The ride in doodle breeds over the recent years has also shown a rise in neglected doodles with very tight matting in their hair, because it needs more than just surface level brushing and often dogs don't love that unless you get them used to it as puppies.
Puppy blues are a real thing and the regret feeling is much stronger with a dog who is insane and bouncing off the walls.
When my family was looking for some sort of “hypoallergenic” dog we went to different breeders , the dog my dad reacted to least too was the one we got. Ended up with a cockerpoo 20 years ago lol my dad was fine with her surprisingly but he was prepared to take allergy meds as there is no guarantee
Bichon Shih Tzus are great little companion pets that will often match your lifestyle. They are hypoallergenic and don’t shed. My advice is to look into the possibility of allergy shots or spending time with a breed you’re interested in to see if you react. If your allergies aren’t severe, it’s possible you could get used to the dog. Allergy pills could help too. I am technically allergic to some dogs but never reacted to my Bichon Shih Tzus - the only time they bothered me was if I touched my eyes after petting or playing with them, so I just made sure to wash my hands if needed. They are lovely little dogs, are so friendly, and are great with kids. They are playful and hilarious. They have their own little personalities.
Of course, be mindful of your health and then the dog. You don’t want to get a dog and then have to get rid of it, this would be sad for the dog and your family.
I’d say your best bet is a hypoallergenic dog rather than a cat.
Consider a Bichon. They are like poodles in the sense they don’t really shed, but small (under 20 pounds) and very family friendly. I had a Bichon growing up and my mom, whose allergic to everything, had no issues with her. I have a Shichon now (Bichon and Shizhu mix) and no issues with allergies either.
You need to get a purebred h/a like a poodle or a doodle where both sides are h/a.
I have this same issue - allergic to labradoodles, golden doodles, etc.
We got a mini Whoodle (wheaten terrier, miniature poodle mix) and I’m not at all allergic to her. She’s about 22 lbs and a bundle of love.
Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Frise, Maltese. I had a peek-a-poo that was such a wonderful dog. I have very bad allergies and I’m asthmatic. I currently own 3 Yorkies that are my world.
We have poodles (standard, great with kids) and a Yorkie, sassy). Those breeds have hair, not fur, so they shed as humans do and very little dander (like humans). Doodles were bred using poodles because poodles have hair, not fur, and have a great disposition. I have no idea why someone thought, “let’s breed a poodle with another dog with a great disposition, but sheds. It’ll be great and we can ask folks to pay double for a mutt.”
I hope you find your perfect new addition to your home and I would definitely recommend looking into those breeds with your specific needs.
There’s really no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog.
Seriously. Don’t get a dog.
or cat.
Thanks! Great advice! 👍
Doodles are especially prone to allergens. You might not be allergic or tolerably allergic to a poodle or other low allergen breed (there are different proteins you can be allergic to and they don’t produce the most common one. However if you’re allergic to things outside, that doesn’t really help as they drag them all in.
My sister is allergic to most pets and has asthma but can have poodles, Chinese Crested Powder Puffs, westies, Bedlington whippet crosses etc. She's got a cockapoo and it's been the worst out of all she's had for her allergies. She works from home and it's not to a point it's a huge issue or daily problem. Our Poochon doesn't cause any allergies in her though. I do think cockapoos, cavapoos etc are an option more likely to cause issues over others out of the list recommended for allergy sufferers.
Cockers have so much dander, plus skin allergies and just a dozen other things that make human allergies worse. I can imagine it was pretty rough.
A poochon wouldn’t because both sides are hypoallergenic. I’m also super allergic to all the half doodles out there.
That’s a good point.
My friend thought she was allergic to her bunnies and ended up being allergic to the grass and feed. Allergy tests will be able to help identify what it is. Could be allergic to cats/ dogs and grasses. I’m allergic to all grass and cats but I have a cat. I’m doing allergy shots and it has gotten so much better.
I’m also allergic to cats with 3 cats. We use the Purina live clear cat food and it helps a ton.
Also consider if you do end up with getting a “hypoallergenic” breed, consider the outside allergens. I’m allergic to nearly everything outside from grass to pollen and trees. Dogs roll around in that shit bringing it indoors and while I’m not allergic to the dog, I’m still very allergic to them when they’re not freshly cleaned.
I agree there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Your kids are aged 14 and 11, and dog will likely live 15 years. The kids would probably leave home and you would have the dog. Seriously I do not think a dog is a good idea for your family.
There are pets besides cats and dogs, if you still want to get your kids a pet. But do your research, because despite popular belief, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, fish, reptiles and rabbits are not easy pets. You will have to find a vet that can actually treat them, too. ETA: all if these animals can be adopted from a shelter, too. No need to buy from a pet store.
That depends on your location. I once adopted a rabbit at a shelter. We went in to look at dogs, and the poor guy behind the counter looks up and says "we have rabbits. They're free, we don't know what to do with them." The shelter where I grew up sometimes gets something random like a pig or a goat, but they aren't adopted out. They find a rescue or something. And then there's the shelter where I live now. They don't even do cats, let alone any of those other pets. And I've found rabbits, bearded dragons, and hermit crabs to be pretty easy pets. Unless you're looking for something you never have to care for, in which case there's pet rocks.
You might have to drive a bit to find a rescue that has something other than cats and dogs, but you can search petfinder.com once you decide what kind of pet you want. Or even Craigslist, people are always rehoming pets on there for small fees.
Are there any breeds you don't react to? As cockapoos and cavapoos for example aren't as good as some other breeds for allergy sufferers due to the fact both are crossed with a shedding breed. My sister is allergic to most dogs and cats and has asthma. She's grown up with dogs and still gets dogs that don't shed. Essentially what many refer to when labelling a dog hypoallergenic is essentially whether they shed or not. Her doodle (cockapoo) is the dog that's been the worst on her chest out of the list she's had or we've had. It's very rare to non existent that the dogs we'd go for would get on her chest (depending on the dog). Yet horse hair nearly killed her. So my mum had to be careful to ensure childhoods pets were safe. My concern is that you say all your friends pets are causing allergies. I'd argue there are better breeds for allergy sufferers than a cockapoo or cavapoo. I remember my sister mentioning that our Chinese Crested (haired version) never ever got on her chest whilst her current doodle (cockapoo) can occasionally under certain circumstances but it's minor. Our doodle (poochon) doesn't cause her allergies likely due to bichons and poodles not shedding. If you're having a response every time it may not be possibly for you. Unless you try spending some time with a friend who's got another breed that tends to illicit no response in allergy sufferers like the chinese crested. She's lived with or spends significant time around Poodle, Westie, Chinese Crested Powder Puff, Bedlington Terrier+Whippet cross, poochon, cockapoo. If you're getting allergies to these types of dogs it may just be off the cards. It does sound to me like you may just not be suitable for one. However you could try spending time with breeds that aren't remotely crossed with shedding dogs like the Poodle, Chinese Crested, Bichon or Poochon. If you know someone who owns one and wouldn't mind you spending a good period of time there. Allergies can be fine one day and worse another depending on the persons allergy.
You can always get a pet that isn’t a cat or dog. A bird, fish, etc. Your kids would still have to do research to appropriately care for them, and learn about all that responsibility stuff that pets teach (I don’t have children, I am basing this off what my own parents said about getting us a dog.). I heard a veterinarian say once that raising a child with animals teaches invaluable lessons about responsibility, empathy, and the cycle of life and death. I don’t think a dog or cat is required to feel empathy for another living thing. 🙌🏻 Plenty of other animals need rescuing.
Portuguese Water Dogs are LOW allergen, but there’s no truly hypoallergenic dog breed. A huge factor in how allergenic a dog/cat may be is the type of fur/hair they have, as well as the diet they’re fed. A dog with hair that’s fed a diet that doesn’t cause systemic inflammation is going to be more allergy friendly than a dog with fur that’s fed a diet that causes systemic inflammation. A low inflammatory diet is minimally processed and includes a higher ratio of meat to carbohydrates and is high in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
It is the best advice. While there are many little dog breeds that are less likely to cause a reaction, most of these dogs have hair and require regular grooming. A clean dog would be helpful for you, but are you willing to brush/comb the dog daily and take them for haircuts every 4-6 weeks? Going rate for my 5 & 7lb dogs is $90/groom for each dog where I live. Almost forgot to mention that many little dogs live for 14-18 years…
Hypo = less. An = without Yes, there are dogs less likely to cause allergies. Purebred Poodles, Havanese, Coton de Tulear, Bichon, Hairless breeds like Chinese Cresteds and Xolos. There's even hypoallergenic cats- Sphynx, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Siberians. There are no anallergenic dogs or cats.
Plus the Maltese.
Thank you for using words properly. Not many do.
This is correct. It's a marketing ploy. These dogs tend to shed less, but she'd hair is not the only allergen. My husband's eyes swelled shut about 15 minutes into being in a house with a hypoallergenic dog he didn't touch.
The idea that doodles are hypoallergenic is a scam, really, because many people who are allergic to dogs are allergic to their saliva and dander, NOT their hair. So the fact that doodles don't shed doesn't change the fact that they have dander, they lick things, etc. Depending on how allergic you are, you could try getting the allergy shots to see if that helps. Then you may be able to be around non-shedding dogs, as they have *reduced* dander.
Also to add to the doodle point, doodles are a cross of a Poodle and another breed. While Poodles are extremely low shedding, other breeds in the doodle mix commonly aren't (Labradors are extremely high shedding for example). When you cross a low-shedding dog to a high-shedding dog, it's not guaranteed that the puppies will be low-shedding. They can inherit any combination of physical (and behavioural) traits from both parent breeds. I've met many doodles that are extremely high shedding and really trigger allergies, because when it came to coat type (also dander production and quantity of the enzyme in the saliva that causes allergies), they took after the non-Poodle breed. The labradoodle (the first doodle breed) was actually bred to create a hypoallergenic service dog, and the project failed miserably because they had to breed so many dogs before finally getting one with minimal shedding. Honestly doodles in general are a scam. They're just overpriced mutts. Their behavioural traits are unpredictable because you don't know whether they have more Poodle traits or more traits from the other breed. Also no ethical breeder wants to sell or stud their well-bred, health-tested/screened dogs to produce mutts, so the vast majority of doodles end up being backyard-bred/puppy mill dogs, or their parents/grandparents/etc were. That just increases their chance of behavioural problems such as hypersensitivity, reactivity, anxiety, etc. It also significantly increases their chance of health problems. I've never seen a doodle with all of the necessary/recommended health tests for both breeds in the mix. They often have terrible form too (slightly arched backs, splayed paws, etc). The person to first breed a doodle (a labradoodle) and coin the term, calls the dogs his "life's regret", stating he "opened a pandora's box and released a frankestein's monster". People need to stop breeding and buying doodles.
I couldn't agree more. Plus - what you get is an absolute crapshoot! I have a friend who paid for a golden doodle before he was born. He looks like a taller, leaner golden retriever, with a tad bit of crimped hair in his tail. I would never have guessed he was a mix at all. Meanwhile, his littermate has full-on curly poodle hair. And that's just appearance. The behavioural issues are *WILD*. I volunteer with a rescue, and the number of people who ask us to rehome their doodles is crazy.
Absolutely! I've been seeing the same thing. Doodles seem common in shelters at the moment. I guess people impulse-buy or buy based on the false reports of how great they are, then can't handle the behavioural issues or maybe can't keep up with the grooming. If I could I'd want to rescue one but as you said, the behavioural issues are wild and I don't want to risk my cats' lives.
Right? And that's the thing - you have NO idea what you're getting. The dog may have separation anxiety issues (which seems to be *very* common), but also, many I've come across can be super aggressive with their play style, which play or not, is not okay. I've met so many with my pup who GO at her, and totally ignore her body language. Another we were asked to rehome was nipping the kids. It's frustrating that people see "doodles" as a breed, when in fact they're the furthest thing from it, given that they're crossbred with so many breeds nowadays.
Yep. Doodles are terrible. I would never own one. I work at a dog boarding business and 9 out of 10 doodles that come through have behavioral issues. A friend of mine had to put their doodle down a few years ago because it attacked and killed one of their dogs out of nowhere. By definition there are no ethical doodle breeders, because ethical breeding focuses on bettering a breed.
You "poodled" where you meant to "doodle" in the last sentence.
Ooh, good catch thanks. Should've doodled where I poodled
I love you.
Also…their hair traps EVERYTHING in it…dust, pollen, etc…
Just like cats and humans. Yes, we do carry allergens into our houses, the dirt, the dust, pollen and all airborne allergens.
Most of the “doodle” sales pitch is a scam. That said, I’ve owned 3 lol. Mine weren’t advertised as doodles tho, just accident-mutts.
I know lots of doodles that do shed so even if you get a doodle it isn't a better choice the. Pure poodle
Yep, that’s what I’ve heard too. It’s through the saliva, dander or through their paws? I have a service dog and fly with him at times. A lady recently complained that she was allergic and asked does he shed a lot??? Not excessively but I can’t control it? 🤷♀️ I said it’s also not just the fur if you’re allergic. I said I’m sure if we ask they will move one of us. She was alone in a middle seat so I figured no problem for her to move or I could swap to another aisle seat. She just promptly fell asleep and that was that lol I shared a hall/stairs w my landlord whose kids were allergic. I would sweep and spray it down weekly.
Dander from the allergens from outdoors to indoors, as humans also do.
Doodles do shed they can shed just as much as a poodle or whatever they are mixed with. They a mix. Poodles and other hypoallergenic breeds don’t produce the most common protein that people with allergies are affected by but they produce some that a minority of the population are allergic to. When they are bred with high allergen dogs, labs, goldens, aussies, they can produce allergens just like either parent or somewhere in the middle.
There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. Your best bet is to talk to an allergist and see what options you have to treat your allergy.
Hypo = less. An = without Yes, there are dogs less likely to cause allergies. Purebred Poodles, Havanese, Coton de Tulear, Bichon, Hairless breeds like Chinese Cresteds and Xolos. There's even hypoallergenic cats- Sphynx, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Siberians. There are no anallergenic dogs or cats.
There are no dogs that are hypoallergenic. Your children are 14 and 11, dogs can live 14+ years. If you do not want a dog, do not get one as the dog will be living with you long after they move out. If you do want a dog and are mildly allergic, find a breed that otherwise is suited to your family (do extensive research and be realistic about the demands of dog ownership) and get some allergy meds. If you have a significant allergy and your quality of life will be significantly impacted by having an animal in your house, do not get one.
Doodles aren’t a breed, breeds have a standard type they strive to meet so it really doesn’t indicate much about your allergies. It depends on your allergies, some people have allergies to hair dogs like poodles, others are fine with long fur dogs but short fur dogs like pitties cause reactions, and others yet are fine with those types but have reactions to shepherds or retrievers. If you aren’t willing to commit to a well bred dog and meeting breeds to see if you react, many people are happy to do this as it shows lots of care and thought being put forth, then simply don’t. If that commitment seems like too much effort you’ll hate having a puppy or kitten.
I was thinking of this. Best thing for me to do is spend a bit of time around the Dogs..I will know pretty quickly if I am going to react. I love cats as well but unfortunately they will never work for me unless it's hairless. I developed allergies to animals around age 12. Prior to that i didn't react. We had cats at the time and my allergies got so bad but I didn't care. I loved my kitties so much. My parents re homed them one day when I was at school. I was absolutely devastated. I kept a blanket with cats fur on it for years in my dresser drawer as a memory. Damn allergies!! 😭😭😭
Check out infodog.com, and see if there’s any local dog shows coming up near you. That way you can meet the breeds/breeders in person, and if you narrow down to a couple, you could then ask if you could do a home visit.
You would likely react to hairless cats as well because it is the dander and saliver that people react to and not just the hair. As others have said, some people react less if they feed cats the special allergy reduction cat food but that can also be hit and miss and it is more expensive.
OP they have food now for cats to make them hypoallergenic. I've talked to people who have used it and they said it worked. I think Purina makes one.
Chickens that are around cats produce some sort of enzyme in their eggs. They found that cats that then eat those enzymed eggs have a certain potential allergen neutralized. From Purina's website, which says it has 10 years of research: "All cats produce a common allergen, Fel d 1, in their saliva. When cats eat LiveClear, a key protein sourced from eggs binds to the Fel d 1 and neutralizes it. And when fed daily, LiveClear significantly reduces the major allergen in cat hair and dander." It said 47% reduced allergen by week three, so not *completely* hypoallergenic, but it might be better than without.
Unless you’re willing to pay $10,000 or more for a genetically modified animal, they do not exist. Before I took allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or allergy drops), I was allergic to all dogs (including poodles, chihuahuas, hairless, Maltese) and all cats (including Siamese, hairless, Abyssinian, all long hair, all short hair). Now, after nearly 5 years of allergy immunotherapy, I’m no longer allergic to dogs, and I’m less allergic to cats (but non-zero), but I’m still just as allergic to everything else with fur (rabbits, rats, ferrets, etc.). The allergens are proteins in the skin, and proteins in the saliva, and they are still there regardless of the type of fur. I recommend looking into other species, such as rabbits or guinea pigs, or if (like me) you’re allergic to every species with fur, then look into birds, lizards, turtles, snakes, fish, and other non-mammalian species. My first bird was a cockatiel, and now I have a dusky conure (a small parrot species, around the size of a cockatiel). See also r/allergies.
Trust me you DO NOT want a doodle
Have you considered rats? I know people freak out about them, but they are amazing pets and don't have such a long life. My daughter had one and he came when she called him, loved playing with her and she used to let him ride on her shoulder when she rode her bike. He never bit her even when he was injured or he got a bath. Also, he ate leftovers so the only cost was his bedding with was super cheap. He lost one of his claws and it got infected. Took him to the vet, oral antibiotics and he was good as new.
Rats are brilliant but a fair few people seem to have reactions to them too, myself included. I loved the little guys so much, cleaning then meant I would wheeze the rest of the day and I kept that cage spotless. I still kept them though and spoilt them rotten from afar or with gloves and a mask. Allergies are so unfair.
I bet it was the bedding you were allergic to. It's almost like having hay fever with it. Forgot about that.
A smaller pet could be a great option! OP, just make sure you do extensive research regarding your potential small pet. A lot of pet stores are highly misinformed and neglect their animals. Just because they're small doesn't mean they don't deserve good lives 💚
Came here to suggest some sort of smaller pet. Hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, could all work for OP. There's also lizards or snakes, but I guess those aren't everyone's idea of a pet. Note though, if you do go with a bird, do your research. Some can live for decades so it can be a lifetime commitment if you pick the wrong breed.
Not rabbits. Very allergenic triggering. Just like cats!!
So are birds. I found out the hard way
Not all reptiles make great or easy pets, but bearded dragons sure do. They're great for beginner reptile keepers and can become quite personable when properly socialized and handled.
Dogs that are considered ‘hypoallergenic’ due to ‘low shedding’ need to be brushed daily because they still shed, it just gets matted easier because they tend to have curly hair and it gets caught. When you brush, you release all that dander into the air anyway. Why not look into a different type of pet? (If they want something more hands on, a gecko or a bearded dragon for example and they want something less hands on a fish or a spider). Both require a high level of care for sure but so do dogs at the end of the day if you’re properly caring for them. 100% do your research on any critter you’re looking into, and if you’re looking into anything that’s not a cat or dog, get your info from a forum or reddit page as well as your own research because I know for spiders especially (that’s what I keep so I can’t talk for other critters) there is a LOT of misinformation out there and most people are told to check out arachnoboards for info but there’s a lot of options out there, you just gotta research to see if you could provide a good home to the options
Yeah, I have a Shitzu/Bichon Frise mix that doesn't trigger my allergies, but learning to take care of his fur was a nightmare. I did all the research into breed temperament and things like that, I wanted a good companion dog, and neglected to think about the fur beyond taking him to the groomer every 2 months or so. Luckily, after I had to have him shaved because I couldn't get the tangles out with what I had, A dog groomer helped me find the right tools, the proper brush/comb combo, and I've found good info on the dog grooming subreddit about detanglers that actually work.
Seriously, do not do this. My dad is allergic to EVERYTHING and thought that getting allergy shots would make it ok for him to be around our pets. It was not ok, and we had to rehome them. Don’t do it.
Yep. My allergist said I was good after years of immunotherapy Yorkiepoo - 3 days couldn't breathe.
Doodles are not hypo . It’s a lie made up to sell the puppies.
my mum had the same dilemma, and i HIGHLY recommend looking into pet rats!!! they’re highly intelligent and incredibly loving and social
My dream pet, they’re illegal where I live 😭😭
No. Such. Thing. Not that there isn't a dog out there that might work out, but no one can say "this specific breed" is hypoallergenic for both your children. What you could try is fostering dogs that have a reputation for being hypoallergenic and see how it works out in your home. If it doesn't work for your family, you've given that dog time to decompress outside a shelter and to find a better fit.
There are no hypoallergenic dog breeds. Honestly, any doodle breeder that claims their dog is hypoallergenic is scamming you. Doodles are an unpredictable breed mix and there’s no way to guarantee whatthey will be like when they come out. Most people are actually allergic to saliva or dander not the fur. If you want a dog that doesn’t shed as much you could look into dogs with hair opposed to fur like miniature schnauzers, some spaniels, poodles, Maltese, Bichon.
Anecdotally, haired dogs rather than furred dogs are good for people who are allergic to the oil and dander rather than the fur. I have a friend who is allergic even to poodles but tolerates my cavalier king charles spaniel and I expect it is because he has very little natural oil in his coat, no dander and no fluffy undercoat. They are, however, INCREDIBLY allergic to my terrier puppy, he is a greaseball compared to my cav even though he's non-shedding. If you are the same way then I don't recommend getting a dog at all. My cav may not be oily but he still licks me a lot, and I expect my friend would react to his saliva if I let him lick guests. Cavs do make perfect dogs for first time owners, but are pricey because they need so much health testing to purchase one ethically. If you are able to go and meet some adult dogs of different breeds that would be ideal as it's not really fair to get a puppy as a test subject. Sadly, it may just not be a possibility for your family. I would love a herd of guinea pigs in my garden but I am so allergic to them even just being in the same room as one makes me sneeze and my eyes go all itchy :-( so I live vicariously through looking at the ones in the pet shop.
omg, so i was onto something when i said to my family recently that i feel like most dogs are kind of oily but for some reason my havanese don’t seem to have any
Yup, I think the long coated companion breeds just don't need those natural oils to keep them dry/clean, and let's face it, they smell and feel a lot better too lol. I'm nose-blind to dog smell, so I can't really smell my cavvie at all, but my terrier is stinky even to me. Love him though. Different breeds smell different to me and I reckon it's down to the oils in their coats. I grew up with Irish terriers and if I meet one I can say hi to I gotta get my nose in that ruff. But I find labradors really stinky hahaha!
no i know exactly what you’re talking abt! i love all dogs but damn, labs you gotta legit wash your hands after, but my havanese? im comfy petting them, giving belly rubs, etc, and then eating chicken tenders with my hands LOL
This is so interesting to me, because I grew up with two (consecutive) male labradors, and I totally found their coats to be a bit oily, like I would ALWAYS wash my hands after playing/petting them. Now, I have a female lab and her hair isn't oily at all, nor does she smell. I wonder if it's a hormonal thing? Or if I just got lucky?
huh that’s interesting, probably!!!
Me, looking at my cross stitch project while my terrier bugs me for more pets, knowing if I don't go wash my hands before I pick it up I WILL be leaving greasy finger prints on the bright white fabric thanks to him: 🥲 I love all dogs, but I understand those who do not lol
so fairrrr
Allergy shots can work wonders.
Worst thing you can do is buy a pet and you still react and then give that pet up. Unless youre willing to be miserable for 12-16 years for the commitment of a dog
Why get a doodle when you can get a poodle?
My husband and one of my daughters are allergic to dogs. While the low shedding ones are definitely better than the ones that shed a lot, both my husband and daughter end up with itchy eyes, runny nose, hives, etc after spending time in a house that has one. A person could vacuum, clean and scrub for days and you will never get rid of the dander, unfortunately. I feel for you because my other daughter is not allergic (nor am I) and she would love to have a dog. We've told her it's just not a possibility until she has a place of her own.
Look at dogs that have hair instead of fur - Shih Tzu, Yorkie, Hairless Terrier, Poodle (not doodle), etc. They all will need regular grooming, but have less allergens because they don't have fur.
If a dog is regularly bathed then there will be fewer environmental allergens clinging to the hair/fur and less dander. Moxie was making me itch until she could have a bath after her spay surgery, now I'm fine. I knew it was time for previous dogs to have a bath when I started to get itchy after snuggle time. Saliva is a serious issue, I had a large dog give me a kiss and had a severe reaction, now I know to wash up after handling my pets and getting kisses. Hair flying and getting in eyes and mouth is pretty horrible so one would think grooming often outside and choosing a haired dog could help some. I read that an allergic person went to dog shows with a short list of breeds they were interested in having and tested one per arm. Was able to find a breed that worked for them. Choice seemed odd, a beagle? Show dogs are generally bathed and groomed just before a show so very clean. I've got all kinds of allergies so take allergy meds anyway. Using such I go through a box of tissues per year when before eyes and nose were going constantly. Suspect they are helping with dog allergies as well as the pollen, dust mites and the rest of them. I took a leap of faith before getting a heavy shedding dog that appeared to be a lab mix. Counted on her sleeping in the living room in a crate and never going into bedrooms or on furniture. She ended up getting monthly baths, weekly desheds outside and slept under the covers by my feet and was on the slipcovered furniture or draped over us most of the time.
Do patch tests. Bring home pet hair. Have it around your kids for long periods of time. If I were you I would wait till they are out of the house
I’m sorry but they don’t exist. I’m allergic to dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, hamsters, meerkats……. The list is never ending. What I would say is I have since lived with dogs at my dads and while the initial six months ish were not nice it does improve with continued exposure (in some cases at least, not saying all cases). For me with a lot of allergy tablets and continued exposure (my dad remarried and my stepmum had a dog, couldn’t get rid of the dog because I couldn’t breathe apparently 🙄) it took about six months before my allergy dropped to a level where I could live day to day with only occasional allergy tablets instead of overdosing on them. Wet dog/licking/scratching/anything that breaks the skin is another matter, still react badly to that. I’d go with don’t get a dog tbh!
Excuse me... Meerkats, how did you figure this out?
Good question 😂 When I was 22-24 I worked at a college that had an animal care course. Somehow they ended up with a baby meerkat that had been rejected by its birth tribe so they hand reared it. One lunch time they invited me and and my colleague over. (We did them favours, they had cute animals, it worked out). Got to hold the baby meerkat which then managed to hook a paw over the neckline of my top and scratch me on the chest. That then ballooned and I spent the rest of the afternoon unable to see due to my eyes watering, sneezing, itching…… so yeah, allergic to most things with fur, including meerkats 😂
Are you allergic to the dander or saliva? I’d sort that out first. Then, I’d ask a REPUTABLE breeder of Chinese crested dogs or hairless cats to do a temporary placement to test for allergies. Both of these can have catastrophic problems if they are ill bred, make sure you find a reputable breeder.
My parents are allergic to dogs but they have no reaction from their Coton de tulear.
As others said there really isn’t a hypoallergenic pet! However, depending on how allergic or what it does to you can make a difference. My boyfriend is allergic to cats and dogs but he grew up in a house with 2. And he currently has a cat lol. When we got the cat, he had some stuffy nose issues but now, a year later it’s not an issue anymore. He loves her so much too. Fun fact only 3% of the population isn’t allergic to cats in some way.
"That's because there is actually no such thing as hypoallergenic." Those were the exact words of my kid's allergist. The allergy is in the saliva, urine and skin. So for an animal to be hypoallergenic it would just be a pile of bones and organs.
Try a different type of animal. Does it absolutely have to be a dog or cat?
No. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. PLEASE if you’re that sensitive to allergies do NOT get a dog. So many dogs are being dumped back in shelters - and now it included every breed combined with a damn doodle.
Ok, it was just a question. I would love to have a dog. I'm not looking to get one and then have to dump it somewhere. I do have half a brain. After reading all the comments I've decided against. I just wanted some input. Also, I'm well aware doodles are not " hypoallergenic" as everyone that owns one loves to claim. If your doodle is mixed with a golden or lab there is no way it is not going to affect someone with allergies as those are the breeds we react to most.
Aren't people that are allergic actually allergic to the saliva? Cause in that case there's no breed that can truly keep you from getting an allergic reaction
Don’t know if it’s the same for dogs, but for cats there are mutations where their saliva doesn’t have the protein that causes allergies. I have a pair of Devon rexes that are fine but if I’m around a real cat I’m a mess.
When I was a kid my friend had Hungarian Pulís which were apparently suitable for her with allergies.
friend of mine got a schnauzer doodle that still gave him allergy reactions. you’ll be on a lifelong list of shots because it’s just not a guarantee. you could rescue a dog, it’s rare but spend time with them first. also at that age me and my siblings absolutely loved having our own hamsters. building cool contraptions for them to play in and what not. that could be an option?
There is no truly hypoallergic dogs or cats, for they all carry dander and outdoor to indoor of allergens.
No dogs are hypoallergenic. If you’re so badly allergic that you can’t be around them then you’ll have to get a different animal.
People keep posting this, but it’s not really true. I’m crazy allergic to all animals - cats, dogs, birds, rabbits and outdoor stuff generally. Horrible reactions - I get hives, asthma, eyes swell shut, stuffy nose, etc. I can’t be in peoples homes if they have regular dogs or cats even if they’re put away. I have 2 hypoallergenic cats and a hypoallergenic dog. You just have to know what you’re doing when you get them (pure bred or both sides HA) and for dogs you have to bathe them regularly. It is true that they’re not 100% h/a but they’re like 98%. I only struggle if the cats try to bathe me, otherwise no issues. But you can certainly have them even if you’re allergic - you just need to pay attention when you’re adopting
I suggest not getting a dog. However, if you insist, here are some hopefully help tips and considerations. You are likely also allergic to their saliva. A dog with a pechant for licking is definitely not for you. Very short fur can be harder to remove from fabric. There are a lot of environmental factors that can help control allergies. Things like hard wood vs. carpet, leather vs. textile couch, certain fabrics attract and hold fur more than others. Daily vacuuming and air purifiers also help keep dander down. Keep the dog out of your bedroom and make sure they have multiple comfortable places to sleep to keep them off furniture. Regular grooming helps. Keeping your dog's coat healthy with good food and supplements like salmon oil will keep dander down. If you're not able to reasonably commit to doing all these things pls don't get a dog. Having to remove a dog due to your allergies will be a negative experience for everyone, and let's be real, it often means a death sentence for the dog.
Don't do it.
“Doodles” aren’t hypoallergenic. A full bred poodle won’t shed so that would be a better option
Plenty of other pets out there
I have a friend who developed an allergy to dogs. She got allergy shots. It took about two years, but she now owns a low dander dog and can pet high dander dogs without getting hives.
Get fish
For the love of all that is good, don’t get a doodle. There is no such thing as an ethically bred doodle. And honestly, if you’re just getting a pet for your kids, you shouldn’t be getting a pet at all.
Doodles are inherently unethical and there’s no such thing as hypoallergenic, as others have stated. I’m here to say Don’t Get A Bird lmao. I love mine dearly, but it’s the route my parents took- I’m an adult and the bird might outlive my parents. My sister and I would both love cats and dogs, but we can’t get any in case one of us ends up with the family bird. She’s also a little asshole lmao, and one that requires a significant chunk of time and care out of every day, not to mention money. Birds are a lifestyle change. Whatever route you end up going, just make sure ya do your due diligence.. few things to me are sadder than seeing a lizard in a tiny tank or a betta in a vase.
I have a small tortoise for sale....
The kids might want it, but you’ll be doing all the work, ands dogs, especially puppies are a LOT of work. You’ll be spending more time with the dog than your own kids
Look into reptiles, they're awesome. My dad's violently allergic to anything with fur, and at the same age I desperately wanted a pet. It's nearly twenty years later and I still have a gecko I got in 2005.
My son has a Crested gecko! We love her!! 🤗
There are no truly hypo dogs. Doodles tend to be specially allergenic. How about a reptile instead?
Can you go get re-tested and ask for a panel that does LOTS of animals to see if there is something you aren’t allergic too? We did a panel with my son that included rabbits and rats
Honestly why not get some pet rats, I breed rats and they're just little pocket puppies. They're just as trainable as dogs, they clean and groom themselves as much as cats, they're highly empathetic and bond strongly with their owners. I would look into it as they are fairly easy to deal with and the set up is easy once you figure out what you need. Go to a ethical breeder and you'll never go back Lol. My rats are trained to do a ton of tricks and are mostly potty trained and love to just chill out on my shoulder when we go places or explore when we're at home.
You need to get tested to find out what specifically you are allergic to. If it is the hair, then maybe something like the mexican hairless. but if it is saliva or dander, theres nothing. consider a different species, such as a reptile, amphibian, or fish. Or, how are you wtih birds? or small mammals?
Get a black and white argentine tegu.
As stated, there are no hypoallergenic pets. The smaller poodles, doodle, shih tzu type dogs have hair, not fur. Even those dogs (and no cats) can bring on an allergy attack. You can reduce the symptoms by taking a couple of daily allergy pills, keeping the dog clean with a wash once a week, don’t let it sit on the furniture or beds. Even then you may experience allergy symptoms. Probably you shouldn’t give in to their requests.
Doodles only are if they’re mixed with another hair breed though. Most doodles aren’t, so they’re still shedding/allergenic.
Still not hypoallergenic
I’d call them “less allergenic”, personally. Pretty much no substance ever is truly hypoallergenic. You’ll always find someone who’s allergic to it. Even water.
I’ve noticed that lately when I groom my poodle and shih tzus, I’m beginning to have an allergic reaction. I am allergic to a lot of things, but never the dogs. Cats, yes. Good grief. Allergic to water? That sounds horrible.
Oh no! That really sucks. Some kind of dander allergy perhaps?
All of my allergies have been adult-onset. I do have a dander allergy, but I’ve never been allergic to my little dogs. Getting old stinks.
Yeah, most of my allergies and health issues started happening in my mid 30s :/
What others said about doodles. Just don’t. If you truly want a dog, an allergist can give you great advice. My husband is actually only allergic to certain types, and his allergies have diminished over the years living with ours. You might also consider fostering first (make sure to choose a good rescue and make sure they give you a dog suitable for a first time owner). This will tell you how much of a problem your allergies will be. Alternatively, your kids could become regular volunteers at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. I work for one and we frequently use volunteers that age to run information tables at events, walk dogs, socialize puppies, etc. Depending on where you live, volunteers could be desperately needed. If you can’t
Try to take your kids to a pet expo. They often have many different types of pets and you may be able to find something you’re not allergic to that they love. It could be a nice compromise. What typically happens with kids is they’re all on board at first but then lose interest pretty quickly. Who will be feeding, vacuuming, dusting, pooper scooping, bathing, etc when the dog is 5, 10 years old?
My mom, me and my sister are allergic to dogs and cats (not severe), but we really wanted a dog so we searched and came to a breeder of Australian labradoodles. They are a mix of multiple dog breeds, unlike the doodle. After a few visits at the breeder and someone who has an Australian labradoodle we were 95% sure it would be fine. Our dog is now 4years with us and we are fine. Only my sister has some problems if she hugs him too much or he licks too much. If your allergies are not severe you could try to find a reliable breeder of A. Doodles. But they are rare and you could be on a wait list for some time. With ours it took almost 2 years, but well worth the wait. And first test!! It is not okay to bring back or abandon a pup if you cannot keep him/her.
Havanese dogs are great! I’m also an allergy-sufferer, and have had great luck with my little guy. The only thing I’m allergic to from him is his saliva, so I just don’t let him lick me. The only thing is that he makes a lot of noise. Not too much barking, but a lot of what we call “hootling”. I don’t really know how to describe it so [here’s a video of someone else’s Havanese](https://youtu.be/nIFJ-6RPU2k?si=vCM16AxeKxcB85f7). lol He also makes noises that sound like words. Pretty sure he thinks he’s speaking. Like he makes sounds that sound like somebody’s name when he sees them, and it’s quite clear. They were originally circus dogs too, so you can [teach them all sorts of tricks](https://youtu.be/YVkTwRU3BR8?si=9y0zsNw7Le7f_hzb)! Mine does most of these plus a few more!
Something that might be worth considering is the option to foster a dog. Many assistance programmes eg. Guide dogs, autism assistance dogs will have poodle and poodle cross pups that need foster homes to raise them until they are old enough to go into training. This would give you all an opportunity to live with a dog, see how your allergies respond and also allow your children to experience the responsibility and time commitment of a dog (which is HUGE, don't ever underestimate it). Just a thought.
There are no such things as ‘hypoallergenic’ dogs. Speak to an allergist. Perhaps allergy shots will help.
My mom is allergic to dogs and we always had Bichon Frisée dogs. Like previously stated no dog is truly hypoallergenic and my mom takes allergy medicine daily.
Remember that your kids are going to be heading to college faster than you would believe possible. They're starting middle school one day and it seems like a week later you're driving them to their college dorm! My dad got a lovely rescue dog, a Golden Retriever, for my daughter when she was 14. She was then out of the house four years later but our beautiful R.J. lived to be 12. It was fine because he became Grampy's dog and was good company for the folks as they got older, but any pet is a lifetime commitment, and cats especially live much longer lives these days due to better food and health care. So you should be prepared that this is really going to be your dog or cat, and you will have to find a way to deal with allergies for 10-15 years.
Havanese are super cute
seconded! i’ve had 3 and they’ve all been the absolute loves of my life
havanese are the best dogs on the planet (im biased, i’ve had 3) and i’ve yet to find someone who’s had a reaction around my dogs! they quite literally don’t shed (i find *my* hair in their beds) and it might be worth looking into a girl rather than a boy just in case tho bc i hear boy dogs can carry more dander but don’t quote me on that
my mother was DEATHLY allergic to cats but i wanted one so we went and checked out bengal cats and we found that for the first few months she only had mild allergies that she managed with medication, and now she’s fine. her being around my bengal cat has even helped with her allergies to regular cats. bengals are expensive though and can cost around 1-3k on average. And of course, there is no truly allergy free pet, but this may be a viable option for you
There's no such thing as a hypoallergic furry animal. It's the dander you'd be allergic to, which most animals have, ESPECIALLY cats and dogs. Reptiles/fish. Those are hypoallergic.
My partner has a dog allergy and is fine with purebred poodles. They still aren't 100% but they work for him, he can even snuffle his face in his fur. But has to wash if he gets licked. But doodles will not have that same feature, there's no guarantee of what kind of fur they'll have. They are back yard bred. I dont know why people just don't get a poodle if you want a smart, sporty, non shedding dog. Also they need to be groomed, a lot. I do it myself but you would have to pay someone. I have a standard poodle and he is huge so his groom would cost more than 100 dollars every 2 months. If you got a mini it would be less. Good luck!
Bedlington Terriers They're hypoallergenic, don't shed, are incredibly sweet, and very sociable.
Maltipoo. Mine is turning 9 soon- he has only ever shed once in his whole life at around 6mo when he was (mildly) shedding off his puppy coat into his adult coat :) ! They are also very loyal, affectionate, loving, eager to please, loves to give unconditional love, love following their owners around like a shadow, great with kids and family, and have lots of sweet personality (various per dog ofc each his unique but it’s still a general “fact” about the breed). Although they are pretty protective- but all bark & no bite.. so keep in mind that you’ll *possibly* have a lil yapper every time someone rings the doorbell, lol. But i love my little alarm system haha
I think they make cat food that makes it so you aren't allergic to them, maybe if you got a hypoallergenic cat breed and fed it that cat food you would have some luck.
I would consult a doctor on treatment options for your allergies, and find a dog who is hairless. (That’s just what I would do.)
Hairless doesn’t mean no dander.
I’m allergic to dogs and get minimal reaction from my Yorkis they have “hypoallergenic fur” they still give me a reaction if they get wet and get me wet or if they lick my face.
So "hypoallergenic dogs" isn't really a thing. The difference between those dogs and other dogs is that they have hair instead of fur. Hair doesn't shed like fur, which can help minimize allergic reactions, especially what the dog is bathed regularly, and anything the dog touches is cleaned regularly. What it comes down to are two primary factors I recommend considering - how bad are your allergies, and how much extra time a week you want to spend cleaning. If it is a milder allergy, and you are okay feeling a little sniffling or itchy 24/7 and are willing to take daily antihistamines, it is doable. But you will also need to sweep and vacuum 2-3 times more often than current, if not more. I also recommend keeping the dog off of your bed and couches to help prevent allergic reactions. Also, I recommend cleaning your vents and replacing your furnace filter twice as often. Also, having some sort of extra air filtration system, like an air purifier, can be very helpful too. Don't forget to account for the fact that having a mild allergic reaction 24/7 will drain your energy, I find it drains about 20% of my daily energy, so I'm only running at about 80% of my energy every day. If you want a lower energy dog that is smart enough that it can be well trained, I recommend a cocker spaniel. Mine only needs about an hour of exercise a day, is happy with a small yard, is very affectionate, great with kids, and loves to spend her spare time napping. My father has my dog's brother, and he behaves the same. If you want a hiking buddy, they can manage, but might sleep for 2 days after 🤣 Oh, and don't forget dogs with hair need to be groomed anywhere from every 4-12 weeks, depending on the breed and season (thats on top of the weekly baths, and dont forget to use special dog shampoos that dont dry out their skin). So don't forget to account for that additional cost or time if you plan to do it yourself. Cost wise, for my cocker spaniel, a bag of food is about $80 and lasts 2-3 months (we store it in a way that prevents it from going stale or collecting moisture), greenies for her teeth are $70 and lasts 8 weeks, various other treats and toys are about $30-$50 a month. Mine has allergies, mostly seasonal, so we spend about $200 a month on allergy meds during the warm months and $100 during the cold months. Other vet costs are around $500 a year. My dog's brother doesn't have allergies, so he costs less. Overall, it isn't impossible for you to get a dog. But maybe try fostering a dog to see if it is feasible for your allergies first.
What you're allergic to is the saliva and the pee. All dogs and cats have saliva and go pee.
Why not get a different type of pet? My son desperately wanted a pet (because apparently our 2 dogs he's grown up with aren't pets?) so we opted for mice. A minimal startup ($150), low food costs, in a set of 3 females keeps them happy and meets their social needs, and it's only a 1-3 year commitment. 🤷♀️ I didn't expect to like them as pets so much, but they're genuinely are super cute and one of our 3 is a social snuggle bug. Long story longer, broaden your horizons. There are lots of types of pets in the world. Do some looking and see what suits your family well.
ITT: People who don't know what "hypo" means.
Talk to a breeder. The best you can find, probably priciest, don't skimp. So called hypoallergenic dog breeds don't actually represent a guarantee just per the breed.There's a bit more to the genetic work involved in ensuring the best likelihood. Now sadly, the natute of allergies means nothing is really hypoallegenic ... just less likely to be an allergen. You may not find a perfect pup :(. But don't give up just because you've been around one of thetypes of dogs that are classed this way ... could just be they were bred carelessly or with other priorities.
>Talk to a breeder. The best you can find, probably priciest, don't skimp. The priciest breeders aren't usually the best. The breeders changing crazy amounts are usually just in it for the money and are breeding without regard for health, temperament, predictability, or conformation to standard. An ethically bred dog will usually cost 2-4k. https://reddit.com/r/dogs/w/identifying_a_responsible_breeder?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share Here is a guide on how to identify a responsible breeder.
Right, doodles can cost 5-10k+, because? they’re a fad? Unless you’re buying a high calibre working dog you aren’t spending that much or more.
i almost disagreed with this but then saw the second part. i just know a lot of ppl will see the 2-4k dogs and think those are way overpriced and im like, girl trust me, that’s how much you want to be paying. unless it’s an adopting/rescuing situation, you should not be paying any less than $1500 tbh. and honestly, i feel like rescues should be charging that to be able to fund themselves *and* almost like “vet” people who are interested. a lot of ppl will see a dog with a $300 adoption fee and get it just bc it’s cheap, not knowing what they’re getting into. but that’s all besides the point lol
!!!!!
"Less likely to be an allergen" this is literally the definition of hypoallergenic. Hypo means less. The word you're looking for is anallergenic.
my dogs (havanese) were $2000 and $2500 (due to vet price increase, not bc one was “rarer” looking) and we’re friends with the lady who bred them. she is an animal behaviorist vet and we learned that she actually LOSES money at the end of the day because of all the stuff she does to ensure each puppy is healthy and well socialized. she’s very blunt and will turn away most people for not being the right fit. i know it’s tough to know for sure, but THATS the kind of person you want to be breeding your dog(s). $2000+ sounds like a lot but make sure that if they’re charging that, that they’re doing a crazy amount of stuff for each puppy. also, clean bills of health, family trees, etc.
You'd be better off looking for a cat, I fear. There are some cats that have been bred to select for lower allergens in their saliva, you can bathe them and feed them anti-allergen stuff, and coupled with your own allergy therapy, I've just seen, in my life, that people seem to be much more able to handle living with a cat they're allergic to more so than a dog. Siberian forest cats, Russian blues, I think are some bred for the lesser saliva protein. I believe there's others but they're not coming to mind right now. Similar to how doodles are a scam, sphinxes are NOT hypoallergenic, and they're really pricy, too. I'm doubtful the other breeds would be much better on price, but it would suck intensely to pay $3000 for a cat that you're still allergic to. (Hairless cats tend to produce MORE of the stuff you're allergic too, believe it or not!) Sorry for the bad hand you've been dealt via allergies, best wishes to you!
There's also a special food for cats that a lot of people have luck with that reduces allergens! It takes about 3 months of feeding that food to know if it would work or not unfortunately though (which means you would be suffering for 3 months and if it doesn't end up helping attachments would definitely already be formed which would be pretty sad) but its an option!
Yes, this too!! (I have no idea why I'm being downvoted... I just thought I was being helpful??)
I don't know. You're providing relevant information in case its beneficial.
Rexes! I have a pair of Devon Rexes but there are also few other breeds. Friend of mine has a Siberian forest cat that is gorgeous. I’m crazy allergic to cats but not these guys. It was a revelation when I found out about ha cats
I have two Dorkie (Yorkshire terrier/dachshund mix) that have hair, not fur and don’t shed. Some people who have dog allergies do not have a problem with them. But that doesn’t mean everyone with dog allergies would be okay.
Omg a “dorkie” that is so cute!!
Mini schnauzer!!!! Big dog personality, non allergy, and bond to everyone in the family. Edit: both my late husband and son were/are allergic to dogs and had no issue with our mini schnauzer or my sister’s. Growing up I also had one, and my mom is allergic but was fine. They are hair dogs and do not shed. Yes, all dogs have dander, so technically low allergy.
Agreed! They are amazing little ones with humongous personalities! We have two. I don’t have allergies but two of our daughters do and they are not bothered at all around our dogs.
Cockatiels make great pets!
I would not get a dog or cat. Maybe consider getting a rabbit or a bird? A bird takes a lot of dedication though. I don't think it's a good idea to take allergy shots just to get a pet for your kids.
Free roaming rabbits would be a great idea imo but they’re social animals so you’d want to adopt a bonded pair, never just one. And make sure to research thoroughly, teach proper handling to the kids, & that you have the funds to cover veterinary care. Many people are allergic to hay, which they have to have 24/7 access to, so I’d test that out before adopting. If you’re allergic to Timothy hay you might find orchard grass to be more allergen friendly, but some people have reactions to both. There are no truly hypoallergenic dogs (or cats) so I’d avoid it unless your symptoms are manageable and you’re willing to deal with them for the next 10-20 years.
We had a part Shih tzu, part Bison puppy and it worked well from my allergies. They are small and hypoallergenic in that they don’t shed. My sister-in-law just finished allergy shots and can now be around cats and doesn’t react to them at all anymore, so you could try the allergy shots.
I would look into other pets. Rabbits, reptiles, and hedgehogs are all good pets. I would do some research and meet some to test allergies and personalitys
might sound a bit gross but try patch tests with different breeds of cat and dog hair. if you really cant tolerate it then im afraid youll have to settle for a fish lmao. although i do think reptiles can be very interesting pets!
My son and his girlfriend got a Samoyed last year because the breed is hypoallergenic. The dog has worked out great and is a sweetheart. They shed a lot in the springtime and require a lot of brushing, though.
My mini schnauzer never sheds at all. Also schnauzers have hair, not fur, which is somehow less irritating.
I say it would depend on exactly what triggers were allergies. If it’s just fur, poodles are hypoallergenic. their hair follicles have an active growth period that is longer than other species of dogs, furthermore since their coat is tightly curled, that slows the loss of dander and dead hair by trapping it in the curls. However, you do need to be able to afford to take a poodle to a professional groomer, they need to get their bits shaved. Otherwise the curls in their private area can get tangled, and can be very uncomfortable for the poodle. So if you don’t have the money to do that, don’t get a poodle. A groomer online explained how that was important for male poodles, not sure if it also applies to female poodles, but do your research My grandmother had poodles before, and she said that sometimes she had to trim off areas of fur that had poop stuck to them. Because their butt curls got tangled, it was basically a poopy hairball that needed to be cut off. I’m pretty sure that’s the reason why poodles being shaven is relatively popular, it’s a necessity. If it’s the saliva that causes a allergic reaction for you, however, then, unfortunately, I don’t think you can get a dog. Not unless you are able to take allergy medicine, I do know some people who are allergic to cats and they still have cats. They just take allergy medicine and still live life having cats. So it also depends on how bad your allergy is
You could try a potbelly pig. They don't carry the same allergens as dogs and cats, and they're smart as heck. They get big though! I've heard they're wonderful companion animals if you have the space for them. If you're interested in potbelly pigs, I'd do thorough research and definitely look for an EXOTIC vet, not a livestock vet, for care.
My wife is allergic to dogs so we got a schnoodle. Had her for almost 16 years at this point. If my wife pets a regular dog she has to to wash her hands asap because of the allergies but she’s ok with our dog. If you get a poodle and bath it regularly you might be ok. It really depends on how bad your allergies are. If you’re seriously considering it, maybe look at fostering. Let the kids know that it’s temporary situation and they will have responsibilities with the dog so that it doesn’t fall on you which it probably will anyway. If you go in as a foster then everybody knows it’s a temporary and depending on how your allergies are and kids keep up their end of the responsibilities you could look at getting a dog to keep. The kids might not want a dog once they have to do all the work involved like walking it and picking up the poop.
Greyhound This low-maintenance pooch only requires the occasional bath and rub-down, and is great as a ‘non-allergic dog’ thanks to a short coat that rarely sheds. Greyhounds are known for their laid-back temperament, preferring a cuddle with us on the sofa to big long walks. As well as being a great choice for people with allergies, most Greyhounds get on well with other dogs too. There are many loving greyhounds currently looking for homes across the country.
“Doodles” are not free from allergens. I don’t know why people think this. That’s not how genetics work. Have you had any luck around bichons? There’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog (not the way people mean it when they use that word), but bichons actually have different saliva proteins. Growing up, I had a friend who couldn’t even go to people’s houses if they’d had a dog or cat there at pretty much any time in the past year, but she could come to my house. Maybe find some breed-specific rescues and do a meet with some. See how it goes. (Don’t mention it to your family, though. Don’t get their hopes up. And definitely don’t just get a puppy.)
Silly terrier. Its my silky x chihuahuas 13th birthday. He is the most beautiful creature! He is not even showing signs of slowing down. Dogs live for a very long time & if *you* don’t want a pet, I wouldn’t get one. Everyone knows that you will be the one looking after it, even if the kids promiiiiise they will - they won’t. You’ll have the pup even after they have moved out of home too! You’ll likely still need to take some sort of allergy medicine, team that with being the sole carer, you may resent the dog. In my area at least, owner surrenders are the ones euthanized first, especially cats! Fish etc are not the same. If they want a cat or a dog they want a sweet soft mammal that they can cuddle and play with. Look into small pocket pets! Hamsters/guninea pigs or even (google before you freak out or watch home alone 3 before judging) a [pet rat](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.huffpost.com/entry/rats-with-teddy-bears_n_4940908/amp). They are just as smart as dogs, can be trained & have control of their bowels. They only live for two - three years. (Mice, are the same but just poop constantly & smell compared to rats). Rabbits etc are far too complicated.
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Time for some fancy rats! They will love the kids just as much too!
My partner is allergic to dogs and he's dreadfully asthmatic. I had 3 dogs when we met. What we discovered is he's allergies to SOME types of dogs, some more than others. My bichon/pomeranian cross has hair more than fur, she doesn't shed on her own, she needs brushed and groomed. He's fine with her hair and dander and saliva. We just got a Patterdale terrier/JRT puppy rescue 6 months ago and he brings my OH out in a histamine reaction every single time his claws or teeth touch my OHs skin. Same with my chihuahua. Chi and terrier puppy both have fur rather than hair. But as others have said, there isn't a hypoallergenic dog or cat. Just some animals that are less likely to cause allergy *in my experience* But unfortunately they don't come with tags, it's just your luck 🙃
Also if you're not experienced with dogs, PLEASE don't get a doodle. They're generally really, REALLY high energy and they need to be brushed and groomed which is an added monthly expense. The ride in doodle breeds over the recent years has also shown a rise in neglected doodles with very tight matting in their hair, because it needs more than just surface level brushing and often dogs don't love that unless you get them used to it as puppies. Puppy blues are a real thing and the regret feeling is much stronger with a dog who is insane and bouncing off the walls.
When my family was looking for some sort of “hypoallergenic” dog we went to different breeders , the dog my dad reacted to least too was the one we got. Ended up with a cockerpoo 20 years ago lol my dad was fine with her surprisingly but he was prepared to take allergy meds as there is no guarantee
Havenese!
My cousin, who is severely allergic, didn't have any reaction from my Bouvier.
Bichon Shih Tzus are great little companion pets that will often match your lifestyle. They are hypoallergenic and don’t shed. My advice is to look into the possibility of allergy shots or spending time with a breed you’re interested in to see if you react. If your allergies aren’t severe, it’s possible you could get used to the dog. Allergy pills could help too. I am technically allergic to some dogs but never reacted to my Bichon Shih Tzus - the only time they bothered me was if I touched my eyes after petting or playing with them, so I just made sure to wash my hands if needed. They are lovely little dogs, are so friendly, and are great with kids. They are playful and hilarious. They have their own little personalities. Of course, be mindful of your health and then the dog. You don’t want to get a dog and then have to get rid of it, this would be sad for the dog and your family. I’d say your best bet is a hypoallergenic dog rather than a cat.
Schnauzer
cotton de tulear!! little white fluffy curly dogs. yorkie too!!
Consider a Bichon. They are like poodles in the sense they don’t really shed, but small (under 20 pounds) and very family friendly. I had a Bichon growing up and my mom, whose allergic to everything, had no issues with her. I have a Shichon now (Bichon and Shizhu mix) and no issues with allergies either.
You need to get a purebred h/a like a poodle or a doodle where both sides are h/a. I have this same issue - allergic to labradoodles, golden doodles, etc. We got a mini Whoodle (wheaten terrier, miniature poodle mix) and I’m not at all allergic to her. She’s about 22 lbs and a bundle of love.
Maltipoo
Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Frise, Maltese. I had a peek-a-poo that was such a wonderful dog. I have very bad allergies and I’m asthmatic. I currently own 3 Yorkies that are my world.
Maltipoo worked for us!
We have poodles (standard, great with kids) and a Yorkie, sassy). Those breeds have hair, not fur, so they shed as humans do and very little dander (like humans). Doodles were bred using poodles because poodles have hair, not fur, and have a great disposition. I have no idea why someone thought, “let’s breed a poodle with another dog with a great disposition, but sheds. It’ll be great and we can ask folks to pay double for a mutt.” I hope you find your perfect new addition to your home and I would definitely recommend looking into those breeds with your specific needs.