Human Allergies and Dogs

I heard somewhere that Greyhounds were good too....I can't remember where thou.

ETA - links! Woo! They shed, but are less likely to cause an alergic reaction

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyhound

http://www.greyhoundclubofamerica.org/index.html

Poodles, bichons, schnauzers -- mostly you need a dog that doesn't shed it's coat but rather needs to be groomed and then specific dogs within that bunch.

 Talk to her about rescue - it might be better for her to foster for a while to see how it goes.  If she's *afraid* she will be, she will be.  Mind over matter essentially.

shih tzus and malteses are some more breeds not usually thought of. They DO need grooming though....

and greyhounds shed. A LOT.

 We were travelling last summer and met a super nice young couple who had two wire haired pointing griffons - AWESOME dogs and they had them because they were both allergic to dogs.

They were very sporty dogs with lovely temperaments - the male and Bugsy kept going on adventures together and the female seemed to just shake her head and say, "boys, harumph" The three though had an awesome time swimming running and playing.  DH & I both were left with a real appreciation for this breed.  One you think would love to own

I think that although it's important to choose a non or low shedding breed, controlling the environment is also very important.  The dog should be bathed more often (not by the allergic owner!) to help keep dander down and should not sleep with the owner, get up on furniture, etc.  The allergic owner shouldn't do the vacuuming, deal with the dog's bedding or do any of the grooming.  Keeping the dog away from the face and washing hands after petting is also a good way to minimize reactions.

My son was severely allergic and asthmatic and lived 10 years with our airedale terrier with no problems.  But the dog was professionally groomed every 6 to 8 weeks, was not allowed on the furniture or in my son's room (which also had no carpet) and my son was kept out of the house when vacuuming and any brushing was done.  I think most of the wire haired terriers would probably do well with an allergic owner so long as the grooming is kept up with religiously.