Virgin Dog Owner with Allergies...

[Stuffragette]

Would a Whippet be a good choice? Everything I have read about them says they make great first pets. I am asthmatic and have a severe allergy to cats and some dogs. I have 3 children 9, 8 and 3. I really just need some advice on how to go about this. I really don't want get to a point where we have the dog and it being wrong and having to take the poor thing back.

[Hoppinggreen]

If you have a SEVERE allergy to anything then you really need to avoid it.
No dog is hypoallergenic, despite what some people claim.
You could make yourself very ill and then have to upset everyone ( dog included) when you rehome it.
Sorry but you really can't have a dog.

[chocaholic73]

Haven't heard of whippets as being good for people with allergies but everyone is different and the only way you will find out is by spending time with an adult dog - try this link here www.dogbreedinfo.com/allergy.htm. A lot of the crosses (labradoodles etc) are often advertised as being allergy friendly but there is no guarantee. We went for a standard poodle because of DDs asthma but I wouldn't say he has been an easy dog and we have both had dogs for most of our lives.

[Isthatwhatdemonsdo]

I have two dogs. I am asthmatic with an allergy to dogs. Or at least I used to be. I've had dogs for two years and have not had a flare up of asthma. I do take an antihistamine every day though. Dogs are golden retriever and black lab.

[ggirl]

ds and I are both asthmatic and allergic to dogs that shed a lot , we had a chat with his allergy consultant and she said as long as e had trial with dog first it would be ok.
We have previously had a bearded collie who he was fine with , they're not shedders , but do lose hair more than other non shedders iyswim.We kept her short
Anyway we decided on a tibetan terrier ,long haired non shedding. We had trial day with one and we've now had her for 7 months . No reaction from her for either of us.

You really just have to spend time with the breed first . We thought about labradoodle or cockapoo but the difficulty is the hair is different for every litter/pup. I have had reaction to cockapoo .