To buy a family dog for Christmas?

[VTechnophobe]

We all want one but I'm allergic and have asthma. We have 2 DC (5&3), DH works from home and garden is over an acre so not worried about dog's welfare but will I be constantly ill?

I’m very allergic to dogs however we have 7 !!! I take antihistamine tablets and sprays everyday and I’m monitored by the hospital) dogs are not my only allergen ) when we first got one I really struggled . But overtime my body has built up an immunity and now I’m ok as long as I take my meds. Others peoples dogs can be more problematic but keeping their coats washed and clean helps a lot . Also we breed our rare bred occasionally and would never let a pup go during the Christmas holidays . We actively avoid matings that would produce Christmas pups . So just be warey if someone will sell you one

"The puppy farmer told them it was?!
I have nothing against cross breeds but to pay a fortune for one from a puppy farmer or backyard breeder because it has a “cute” name, looks sweet or will be hypoallergenic? That’s criminal. Well it should be."

Agreed. I see this shit at work every single bloody day. "The "breeder" said it wouldn't shed/didn't need grooming/ is hypoallergenic/some other lie".

No, they just saw pound signs and will tell people any old shite!

Their dog was in no way from a puppy farm. They done their research & travelled over 300 miles to a KC registered breeder for their dog. I never once said it would be perfect for everyone with allergies however my BIL has not been affected with their dog. It was a suggestion that in no way affected the people reacting negatively to my comment.

I’m betting you work in rescue?

KC reg breeder means nothing.
The dog can’t be KC reg as it’s a cross.
Reputable breeders don’t churn out crosses and flog them at high prices. Decent pedigree breeders only want to breed good pedigree dogs.
It’s not a breed and they got lucky.
Just because they travelled to get the pup doesn’t mean it wasn’t a puppy farm.
Let me guess. Internet search found the pup?

"I’m betting you work in rescue"

Groomer. And I can tell you no two of these dogs has the same coat!

Eek. Poodle crosses can be a complete nightmare for grooming. I’ve seen and heard some utter horror stories. Bad enough hand stripping a wolfhound!!

First the allergy. Don’t get one of these cross bred random dog/poodle you can get any mix and no guarantee you’ll get the poodle coat. Research poodles and miniature schnauzers both better dogs for allergy sufferers. But researching a good breeder for either popular breed of dog is like to take 6 months and wait list of between 3-12 months. But remember you’ll live your life in dog friendly places you might end up in a hotel room that’s recently been covered in hair and dander. A responsible breeder will let you spend time round the dogs so you can see how you react.

Second a dog is for life not just for Christmas -ring any bells. Ime no responsible breeder breeds for Christmas. It will be impossible to research a breeder and get to the top of their wait list by Christmas in any case.

Do not buy a dog off gumtree/pets4homes etc. Take the confidence of lifelong support from a good breeder

No such thing as hypoallergenic dogs because even the non hair shedding ones produce skin dander.
Don’t get a dog if you know you’re allergic. It’s not fair on the dog as you’ll end up getting rid of it. They are not just expendable and to be discarded if they’re not right for you.

Maybe you could try looking after a friend’s / neighbours/ family member’s dog if they go on holiday and see how you get on ?

Xmas is probs not the best time for it either as there are so many other stressful events going on.

Poodles are wonderful family dogs and I wouldn’t be without ours.

If you suffer from allergies don’t get a poodle cross, get a full poodle. spend some time with a reputable breeder who will be more than happy to let you meet their dogs.

They are high energy and very bright though so not for everyone. Tally what size do you have? I am partial to the standard.

I have a blue miniature, he’s around 10kg.

He is prone to bursts of energy but overall he is quite happy to snooze on the sofa with his collection of chews. He is very active when outside of the home though and can run for miles.

He is incredibly intelligent and adores his family but is wary of strangers (he’s off to boot camp to help with this). Hes also is very sensitive, which is a common trait with Poodles. But you can’t have it all!

Standards are lovely, I saw a beautiful apricot recently.

They are gorgeous. But too active for me and the grooming?! Eek.
A first time dog owner would really have to do their research to be sure it was the right breed for them.
And boot camp?! Sounds scary.

“Look at 100% Australian labradoodles. These dogs were specifically bred as guide dogs for people with allergies.”

Please do research before going down this route. There is no such thing as a totally hypoallergenic dog. There is only a chance for a labradoodle to have the fleecy type of coat.

What’s also not mentioned is that many of the labradoodle lines in the UK are connected to an epileptic dam that was imported from Australia.

Also, to second what others have said, any breeder worth their salt will not have puppies going to new homes at Christmas.

Haha I find the grooming is pretty negligible to be honest, I clip him myself every 6 weeks or so and I run a brush through his coat every few days, takes minutes.

The plus side is that he doesn’t shed, and he doesn’t smell ‘doggy’ which for me was important, more work than a short coated breed though.

It’s the crossbreeds which seem to have difficult coats that are prone to tangling because they (sometimes) have 2 different types of coat.

He really is a couch potato at home (he’s snoozing currently) but it does depend on the dog. Oh it’s just like doggy boarding but it focuses on the dogs meeting lots of friendly people which helps them with their confidence.

If you want a friendly clown of a dog that is obedient, gentle, and intelligent then a poodle is perfect. However they are prone to nervousness when meeting strangers and they are too clever for their own good sometimes, a perspective owner would need to do their research... Puppy classes are a must for any dog, with a poodle I would continue to intermediate classes, they love it.