Dogs for Allergies
Discussion
Frankly, there's so much conflicting information out there, I thought I'd give the PH hive mind a go.
I have hay fever \ generic cat & dog allergy. My partner wants a dog.
As an example, if I visit my neighbour-of-many-dogs, I'll have streaming eyes and sneezing within minutes, even with a normal one-a-day allergy tablet (which I take every day anyway).
Loads of conflicting advice out there - poodles, <whatever>-apoos, schnauzers, bedlington terriers*, all sorts of things claimed as suitable for allergy sufferers.
Then, lots of people saying that there's no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.
Anyone here have non-googled experience of coping with both dogs and allergies?
*Sorry, they are just not on the list no matter what. Their heads are weird.
I have hay fever \ generic cat & dog allergy. My partner wants a dog.
As an example, if I visit my neighbour-of-many-dogs, I'll have streaming eyes and sneezing within minutes, even with a normal one-a-day allergy tablet (which I take every day anyway).
Loads of conflicting advice out there - poodles, <whatever>-apoos, schnauzers, bedlington terriers*, all sorts of things claimed as suitable for allergy sufferers.
Then, lots of people saying that there's no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.
Anyone here have non-googled experience of coping with both dogs and allergies?
*Sorry, they are just not on the list no matter what. Their heads are weird.
I have suffered from dust mite allergies & hay fever, still do sometimes. Both my father and brother suffer from asthma. As a child we had a dog no issues.
Later in life my neighbours had a dog and cat. If I popped round 1/2hr and I'd have to leave streaming eyes and sneezing, it became a joke as to how long I could hold out. My wife wanted a cat, I resisted for a while, then I gave in. No problems, we now have a couple of dogs, no problems.
I think the problem with my neighbours pets was hygiene. We're not obsessive but keep our house clean and vacuum weekly.
Later in life my neighbours had a dog and cat. If I popped round 1/2hr and I'd have to leave streaming eyes and sneezing, it became a joke as to how long I could hold out. My wife wanted a cat, I resisted for a while, then I gave in. No problems, we now have a couple of dogs, no problems.
I think the problem with my neighbours pets was hygiene. We're not obsessive but keep our house clean and vacuum weekly.
I'm allergic to pretty much everything. We have Wirehaired Vizslas who are supposed to be pretty good in terms of allergies, but the best thing was taking a daily low-dose piriton like these
https://www.reachpharmacy.com/piriton-antihistamin...
I think I paid 13.50 for 500
https://www.reachpharmacy.com/piriton-antihistamin...
I think I paid 13.50 for 500
Some experience here.
Some people will be allergic to any dog no matter the claims made about it . My friend who is really allergic to dogs and cats owned and was fine with a Miniature Poodle ( the medium size one) for 10 years, and could even clip it without a reaction as long as no contact with eyes..
Poodle crosses may shed to some degree and the nature of the coat ( and suitability of it ) may not be apparent until some months old.
Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles and Bedlingtons are the common ( and reasonably healthy breeds if obtained from decent established breeders) low allergy breeds.
Under the hair Bedlingtons have a head like a poodle - look past the hair and have it in a short working clip - same goes for poodles.
Some people will be allergic to any dog no matter the claims made about it . My friend who is really allergic to dogs and cats owned and was fine with a Miniature Poodle ( the medium size one) for 10 years, and could even clip it without a reaction as long as no contact with eyes..
Poodle crosses may shed to some degree and the nature of the coat ( and suitability of it ) may not be apparent until some months old.
Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles and Bedlingtons are the common ( and reasonably healthy breeds if obtained from decent established breeders) low allergy breeds.
Under the hair Bedlingtons have a head like a poodle - look past the hair and have it in a short working clip - same goes for poodles.
Thanks for the Schnauzer tips.
Another possibility that's popped up today is the Schnauzer\Poodle cross, the (dear god these names) Schnoodle. Has anyone come across these before?
For you schnauzer fans, how do you find them for a) barking at everything, b) dealing with being alone for a bit - not that we're planning to be out all day, but being able to go out of an evening sometimes and not have the house destroyed would be nice.
Another possibility that's popped up today is the Schnauzer\Poodle cross, the (dear god these names) Schnoodle. Has anyone come across these before?
For you schnauzer fans, how do you find them for a) barking at everything, b) dealing with being alone for a bit - not that we're planning to be out all day, but being able to go out of an evening sometimes and not have the house destroyed would be nice.
My own dog had an unplanned litter of 'Schnoodles' and I saw one of them as an adult. It was very alert and very noisy with surprisingly loud deep bark.
Personally I don't think it added anything to either of the breeds.
Miniature Schnauzers are a good watchdog and barking is a favourite hobby for most. With good training and not paying them attention for barking they can make lovely pets.
If used to a crate from a pup, and being left alone for quiet time starting with short periods and building up to 2 to 3 hours as they grow they should settle and not be destructive. Please don't leave them for long periods as they are very sociable dogs.
To keep the coat free from knots and 'felting' they do need more combing and brushing than some owners expect - really every day or two. The fine coat on the legs and underbody can matt very easily in some lines of dogs. Professional clipping every 8- 12 weeks ( unless you learn to do it ) is probably £40 - £60 now
Where in the country are you ? A day out at a Min Schnauzer breed show would let you see what you are in for, test your allergy and meet some breeders. To see whether you are allergic is the main thing before going further
Personally I don't think it added anything to either of the breeds.
Miniature Schnauzers are a good watchdog and barking is a favourite hobby for most. With good training and not paying them attention for barking they can make lovely pets.
If used to a crate from a pup, and being left alone for quiet time starting with short periods and building up to 2 to 3 hours as they grow they should settle and not be destructive. Please don't leave them for long periods as they are very sociable dogs.
To keep the coat free from knots and 'felting' they do need more combing and brushing than some owners expect - really every day or two. The fine coat on the legs and underbody can matt very easily in some lines of dogs. Professional clipping every 8- 12 weeks ( unless you learn to do it ) is probably £40 - £60 now
Where in the country are you ? A day out at a Min Schnauzer breed show would let you see what you are in for, test your allergy and meet some breeders. To see whether you are allergic is the main thing before going further
spanner10 said:
My own dog had an unplanned litter of 'Schnoodles' and I saw one of them as an adult. It was very alert and very noisy with a surprisingly loud deep bark.
I did wonder about that - crossing a guard dog with a gun dog seemed a recipe for something properly hyperactive.As an aside, I do like the character of my other neighbour's husky, the most relaxed dog I've ever met.
spanner10 said:
Where in the country are you ? A day out at a Min Schnauzer breed show would let you see what you are in for, test your allergy and meet some breeders. To see whether you are allergic is the main thing before going further
Agreed. I'm in Central Scotland.Crosses can produce unintended consequences!. My late departed poodle rarely barked at all - literally a couple of times a year . I was very lucky.
Huskies, for all their other qualities, are about the least allergy friendly breed going but you have a good point about character. The larger the dog the calmer it may be as an adult. I would say your temperament, household activity and training has a big bearing as well.
Once grown up for example, Toy poodles ( smallest ) tend to be more active and alert than Miniatures (medium) and they in turn more active and alert than, Standards. ' Active and alert' may be a euphemism for noisy. Whilst growing up though a Standard has LOTS of energy and requires quality training , In theory, do it right and after 6-12 months you may look forward to 10 years plus of a dog that fits in with your life rather than you fitting in with his . This is an important point. Unless an expert you have a v limited window in which to mould a dogs character . I'm sure others will disagree...
Min Schnauzers are watchdogs - it's the Standard and Giants that are working guard dogs, mainly abroad, and many breeders would not recommend them as a first dog. Mins are not terrier like, or guarding in outlook and this makes them generally easy going and rewarding to train.
I'm sorry my geography is not good but if you are near Glasgow or Edinburgh I can check re breeders /shows in that area. Most shows seem to be south of the border.
Huskies, for all their other qualities, are about the least allergy friendly breed going but you have a good point about character. The larger the dog the calmer it may be as an adult. I would say your temperament, household activity and training has a big bearing as well.
Once grown up for example, Toy poodles ( smallest ) tend to be more active and alert than Miniatures (medium) and they in turn more active and alert than, Standards. ' Active and alert' may be a euphemism for noisy. Whilst growing up though a Standard has LOTS of energy and requires quality training , In theory, do it right and after 6-12 months you may look forward to 10 years plus of a dog that fits in with your life rather than you fitting in with his . This is an important point. Unless an expert you have a v limited window in which to mould a dogs character . I'm sure others will disagree...
Min Schnauzers are watchdogs - it's the Standard and Giants that are working guard dogs, mainly abroad, and many breeders would not recommend them as a first dog. Mins are not terrier like, or guarding in outlook and this makes them generally easy going and rewarding to train.
I'm sorry my geography is not good but if you are near Glasgow or Edinburgh I can check re breeders /shows in that area. Most shows seem to be south of the border.
Edited by spanner10 on Wednesday 3rd November 22:46
Edited by spanner10 on Wednesday 3rd November 22:47
spanner10 said:
Mins are not terrier like, or guarding in outlook and this makes them generally easy going and rewarding to train.
Sounds good, if they can cope with the odd evening alone? (I'm talking like once or twice a month here, we're hardly party animals.)spanner10 said:
I'm sorry my geography is not good but if you are near Glasgow or Edinburgh I can check re breeders /shows in that area. Most shows seem to be south of the border.
If you can find anything that'd be great, I'm occasionally in the NW as well if I have an excuse to be.One dog that is known as a non shedding dog is Cairn Terrier. If kept properly trimmed, they do not shed.
Here's a photo of a Wheaten Cairn
There is also the West Highland Terrier . Same dog, just different name. But one of the trustees of the cairn Terrier Relief fund is a breeder and has a kennels in Edinburgh.
https://www.cairn-rescue.co.uk/about-us/about-our-...
Might be worth a chat, or even a visit to see if this breed causes problems. They are always looking for homes for rescue dogs. Full of breed advice .
Here's a photo of a Wheaten Cairn
There is also the West Highland Terrier . Same dog, just different name. But one of the trustees of the cairn Terrier Relief fund is a breeder and has a kennels in Edinburgh.
https://www.cairn-rescue.co.uk/about-us/about-our-...
Might be worth a chat, or even a visit to see if this breed causes problems. They are always looking for homes for rescue dogs. Full of breed advice .
Samoyeds are supposed to be good for people with allergies. Also poodles, hence why cockapoos etc are often bought by people with allergies.
On the cat front, Maine Coons are supposed to be good for people who are allergic to cats - something to do with lower levels of a specific protein in their saliva which is the trigger for an allergic reaction.
FWIW I think you have to start with those breeds - or some other breed - and then find a breeder whose bloodlines work best for you. There are going to be variations within any breed
On the cat front, Maine Coons are supposed to be good for people who are allergic to cats - something to do with lower levels of a specific protein in their saliva which is the trigger for an allergic reaction.
FWIW I think you have to start with those breeds - or some other breed - and then find a breeder whose bloodlines work best for you. There are going to be variations within any breed
shtu said:
spanner10 said:
Mins are not terrier like, or guarding in outlook and this makes them generally easy going and rewarding to train.
Sounds good, if they can cope with the odd evening alone? (I'm talking like once or twice a month here, we're hardly party animals.)spanner10 said:
I'm sorry my geography is not good but if you are near Glasgow or Edinburgh I can check re breeders /shows in that area. Most shows seem to be south of the border.
If you can find anything that'd be great, I'm occasionally in the NW as well if I have an excuse to be.B) There doesn't seem to be a Scottish Schnauzer Club unfortunately . You can try using the 'Kennel Club Find an Assured Breeder scheme' here
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/find-an-as...
and put in breed and postcode. If you explain the situation I'm sure a responsible breeder would try to help
There is a Northern Schnauzer Club - website here
https://northernschnauzerclub.co.uk/our-club/offic...
-the secretary will know of members who are in Scotland and may be able to help. Useful info about getting a pup on there as well
PH may also bring recommendations of breeders
Very late to party here - but I am very allergic to cats and dogs, to the extent that being in the house for 5 mins with them cause eyes to swell up and asthma to flare. Stroking would cause skin to break out in hives.
However, at the start of the year I lived with a greyhound for 9 months and had no reaction whatsoever to him, apart from his saliva which still caused a mild skin reaction. From my research the reason for this seems to be that greys only have a single coat - no undercoat which is often the cause of reactions.
Interestingly after that 9 month period I’ve become much less allergic to other dog breeds, to the extent I can be in the same room as them for most of the day without any reaction.
However, at the start of the year I lived with a greyhound for 9 months and had no reaction whatsoever to him, apart from his saliva which still caused a mild skin reaction. From my research the reason for this seems to be that greys only have a single coat - no undercoat which is often the cause of reactions.
Interestingly after that 9 month period I’ve become much less allergic to other dog breeds, to the extent I can be in the same room as them for most of the day without any reaction.
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