Question:

Several people asked me what kind of response I got for my question on hypoallergenic breeds.  A compilation of the responses are as follows, leading the pack by standard poodles, followed by greyhounds. Standard Poodles Greyhounds Standard and Giant Schnauzers Scotties Kerries Wheatons Airedales Bouviers Then Beagles and Grate Danes were thrown in because they are low maintenance. Also suggested was to look in Harper’s Illustrated Handbook of Dogs by Roger Caras for breed characteristics. It was noted that it is not the dog that people are allergic to, but the dander that the dog hair carries.  Because of that, short haired ones are helpful, but that’s not an automatic solution.  The coat and skin care is very important to keep the allergic effects to a minimum.  It was also strongly suggested that people pick a breed for it’s potential for low allergens, then look closely at it’s other characteristics, then find a good breeder and spend time with those dogs to see if in fact the allergic effects show up or not.  Also noted was, puppy fur and adult fur are very different, so someone can be allergic to one and not the other.  That is also something that can be checked out when spending time at the breeder’s. Along the same thought, mixed breeds from shelters may work out just as well, if people are willing to spend the time with the dog to see if they are affected or not. For my friend, I compiled a list of URLs just for general dog information, training, health, puppy specific information, puppy mills, breeders, shelters and rescues and activities to do with the dog.  One of the responses included a very nicely written and complete "picking a dog" overview type of document.  I recevied it from Nancy Holmes, and if you want a copy, I’m sure she could send you one if you post a request.  I would be reluctant to send a copy since I did not ask for that permission. I’m sure most of you have similar information at your fingertips, but if you need/want it for yourself, or like me you have a friend to bogg down with information , let me know I’ll send all that over to you. Hope that helps. — Lucent Technologies               Voice: (303) 538-1228 11900 N. Pecos, Denver CO 80234   Fax: (303) 538-3907

Response:

Hi all. I was wondering where I might find a list of breeds that are "more hypoallergenic than others".  I put that in quotes, because I know, (unless we’re talking about the Mexican hairless) there is no such thing. A friend would like to get a dog, who is allergic to dogs (he says). The family consists of himself, his wife and a 10yr old son.  He has always loved dogs and didn’t used to be allergic to them until his late 20’s.  He is not opposed to taking shots for it, but would like to minimize the effects first.  He is not opposed to adopting from the shelter, but would like to know what breed to look for.  Since has asked, it is my goal to give him as much information I can possibly lay my hands on (all in the forms of URLs if possible – save the paper). I’m sure I can manage to come up with plenty in terms of care, health, obedience, basic dog behavior and psychology, where to adopt from (breeder or shelter, what breeder, how to investigate them etc.), spaying/neutering etc. But his first question would be what breeds should he be looking for. Second in priority from the allergy topic is, the breed has to be big enough to "play with".  Not a toy or small size, medium to large is good, huge may not be so good.  He has assured me the dog is going to be living indoors and be part of the family.  As such, the dog needs to be trained as well as be playful.  (His words: they would like to have a pal.) I have been assured the son will be supervised as well as deeply involved in the dog’s life. All this sounds great.  I would love to give this friend some good breeds to read up on.  Help?  Thanks.  Please email to me as I don’t get a chance to read the groups very often. — Masuma Barrett Colorado

Response: