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I have kids but we have allergies. I need to go with a real-hair dog because of the allergies. Any suggestions? I like small dogs only. Thx!
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>>I have kids but we have allergies. I need to go with a real-hair dog because of the allergies. Any suggestions? I like small dogs only. Thx!
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If your kids have allergies to dogs, I recommend that you do not get a dog. It is so very sad when a dog winds up restricted to outdoors because the people are allergic--and it prevents good training, too. Usually it is not long before the dog is gotten rid of, altogether.

Your kids' allergies could become critically dangerous. That is not uncommon with children when exposed too much to something they are allergic to. There is no breed of dog that could be guaranteed not to stimulate allergies.

One thing you could do to expose your children to dogs is find a breeder or trainer who would like the kids to help socialize pups and dogs. That way you have some contact and then go home away from it. It can also give your kids top-quality dog experience, better than you might be able to provide at home with a dog. It's something to think about.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

If multiple people in your family have allergies, it's very tough finding a dog that can live with everyone. With one person and allergies it's a lot easier to deal with because you can narrow down the triggers better- fur vs. hair, saliva, etc. If it's adult with allergies and not kids, it's also easier to deal with because adults can typically remember to take the proper measures to control their allergies. Kids tend not to be as easy to deal with.

With all those cautions stated, poodles tend to have the least offensive nature about them for allergy sufferers. I personally would not try any of the poddle mixes that claim they are hypoallergenic. The one's I have encountered have not been living up to their promises.

Have you investigated rabbits as an option for your family and/or ferrets? They are personable animals that interact well with humans and tend to not cause as many allergy issues with their humans. Just another idea to investigate. Good luck!
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

I used to would have said Poodles for allergic persons, but now that I have a Poodle, I don't say that anymore. There is SO much grooming needed on a Poodle. And the more you handle the coat, the more chances that allergies will be triggered or even new allergies will arise.

Not keeping the Poodle properly groomed is inhumane. They need hair pulled out of their ears regularly, visits to the grooming parlor to have fur clipped--and that's another opportunity to be exposed to substances from grooming--daily combing (yes, all dogs really need grooming daily), goop cleaned from under their eyes, and anal glands expressed. Oh yes, and toenails regularly trimmed. Plus feeding, training, lots of petting....
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Can you think of a better breed though? I do understand the need for a lot of grooming on a poodle, but as you said all dogs need grooming and companionship. Maybe Portugese Water Dog with the oilier coat and a hardier immune system woudl be better. Overall allergies are so individualistic, its' tough to make a recommendation for a breed. I know my husband is allergic to 90% of the cats in this world- yet we got lucky and he's not allergic to ours. No clue why that is the case. Cats certainly don't have the pedigrees dogs do so predicting that is near impossible. We visited a lot of shelters to find our cat and had many very kind rescues allow us to foster to find her. Maybe that's the best route for other allergic families? Foster a pet and go from there.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

I honestly believe the best answer is not to bring a dog into the home to live. And certainly not to get a dog and keep it outside. With even one person allergic, the allergy can get worse with time--my allergy to cats became a nightmare. With several people in the family allergic, some of them children, I really think it's a very bad idea to adopt a dog. Better to cultivate dog experiences outside the home, with very good tempered, well-trained, and well-controlled dogs.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Kathy has given some wise advice about the realities of bringing a dog into a house where allergies are a problem. Now just to mention... when we were kids my aunt bred and showed Poodles... miniature Poodles. My sister had terrible allergies when she was young. She was always going to get her allergy shots but for some reason the dogs never bothered her. Still it would be wise to really do some research and think if a dog is something your family can deal with. Remember it wouldn't be fair for the dog to bring him home only to see him returned.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

>>I have kids but we have allergies. I need to go with a real-hair dog because of the allergies. Any suggestions? I like small dogs only. Thx!
>>Link

If allergies are a big factor in your choice, I would keep your kids away from any dog thats not hypoallergenic so that they don't fall for it prior to making your final choice.

That ahhhh! she's so cuuuute will change to sneezes if you bring home that dog and it's not hypoallergenic.

Here's an article you might find interesting when making your choice...
Dog Breeds That Are Hypoallergenic