Am I bonkers for wanting a dog?

[MerryMarigold]

My 9yo twins and I would love a dog, and have for some time. There seem to be a lot of obstacles though, so...please, am I being silly for considering it? What kinds of breeds would you recommend?

1. Most important. Ds1 seems to be allergic to dog dander. He gets itchy eyes if in contact for long periods. This has happened with a lab (overnight stay) and a terrier (several hours in old, carpeted house).
   

Solutions? Poodle or poodle mix (but not definitely 'hypoallergenic')
Our house has no carpet other than on stairs
Ds1 sleeps in loft, so dog would not be allowed up there

1. We have 2 cats
   

Could a dog get on with them? Would it need to be a puppy?

1. Our garden is tiny
   

We live on the edge of forest, so lots of places to walk, but garden itself very small

1. I work 5 hours per day, 3 days a week, though not in school holidays
   

Can a new dog handle these lengths of time alone? I'm assuming no puppy.

We'd love a rescue, but not sure if possible.

[mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork]

No, I don't think you are being bonkers at all. I can't really answer the hypoallergenic bit of your post - I am sure others can (but no carpets sounds encouraging). Re the cats - lots of dogs are fine with cats - my current (staffy cross rescue) has a high prey drive and really wants to chase cats madly but we have neighbouring cats and she is much better at walking right past them (on a lead) without going for them as she knows I don't want her to chase them. My previous dog was brought up with cats living all around and would sleep curled up with the ones she knew who came into our home. I would think your dog could go 5 hours on its own at home - mine have had to go all day, weekdays, without me but I do have a dogwalker halfway through the day as that is much longer for them to last without company/exercise.
If you are going for a rescue, a reputable rescue might have a good idea of whether or not your prospective dog is going to be OK with cats, etc.

[Lucisky]

I think your biggest problem might be the allergy. No breed is guaranteed dander free, it would be heartbreaking to get a dog that your ds is allergic to.

[Ihopeyourcakeisshit]

It's the allergy that's the issue, it's a big risk.

[Ylvamoon]

I'm going to suggest a Tibetan Terrier if you fancy a medium dog... they are great for allergy sufferers. But a bit needy...
If you fancy a small dog, have a look at Chinese Crested Dog (powderpuff) they are quirky little dogs that would suit your lifestyle.
Large dog has to be a standard Poodle...

And yes, please stay away from poodle x. Many end up in rescue because they are not always hypoallergenic.

Best way to "test" a breed is to visit breeders and spend time with their dogs. Anyone reputable will allow you to do this. If you buy from them, they will sell with contract. (I have sold puppies to allergy sufferers with a special 6 months return clause to protect everyone.)much

[MerryMarigold]

Thanks all. Yivvamoon, so, some breeders will sell with a 6 month contract? How does that work?

If a Tibetan terrier is needy, can it be left for 5 hours on 3 days per week? (2 days in a row).

Do rescue places ever do a trial as a way of fostering?

[Ylvamoon]

I have done this twice. Contract is terms & conditions of puppy sale. I have than added a extra clause that the dog can be returned within 6 months and I will refund 2/3 of sale price of dog is in good health (physically & mentally.) If it triggers the allergy. Now, these people did spend some time prior buying the puppy in my home playing with the adult dogs... to "test" them. I (& they) where confident that the dog was suitable.
I think you would have to ask for something like this.... generally a reputable breeder will give you a contract stating that they will take their dog back of no longer wanted ...
I just didn't want to see my puppy being passed around or end up in a rescue kennel because of known allergy.

[anniehm]

All dogs have dander, even poodle crosses. It would be best that you check that there's no allergy before you commit to the kids - try and borrow a cockerpoo which probably would work for you allergy permitting.

[Ylvamoon]

Tibetans are needy... they love the attention of their humans. They don't like being left behind, but with lots o f training and practice they will learn to wait for your return. I work, mine are fine being left for 4-5 hours.
Adult dogs can easily "manipulated" into staying at home alone. Just follow their normal cycle of play/ walk / hunting , food and sleep. Most adult dogs will sleep around 20 hours / day. This obviously only world of the adult dog has no behaviour issues such as separation anxiety. Puppies need to be "taught" this cycle by increasing the time they are left....

[Opentooffers]

Terriers have hair rather than fur and are considered to be less allergenic than most breeds, so it's a concern that he seemed to react to them. However, he does not react to your cat's?
Maybe it was the old carpet and dust mites he was reacting to, perhaps your son could be allergy tested to see what he is reacting to before you get the dog?