Hypoallergenic dog

[Sittingonasale]

Hi all,

Before the children, I had larger dogs (German Shepherd / Greyhound) both adults from homes.
I haven't had any since they were born (eldest is 13) so I am inexperienced with rearing pups and it's been a long time since dealing with dogs at all.

My children are 13, 11 and 9. We're a fairly quiet household (apart from the normal sibling squabbles) and I don't have guests often though the kids do have their friends around.
I am thinking about a poodle cross or possibly a purebred poodle because of the allergies. The children's childminder had a Bichon (a few years ago) and they seemed to be fine around her (she was always around the kids playing) but 2/3 do have lots of allergies to dust/pollen etc. DD1 also has asthma which is generally well controlled but can flare sometimes.

I would also quite like a dog who could be a watchdog so just having an extra bit of security or alert us to anything out of the ordinary.

I do work in school and the kids are obviously in school so we're out from about 8.30am - 3/4pm on weekdays during term time. H would probably be working from home though most days but wouldn't have time to do much with it during that time.

So we would be looking for a dog which is ;

hypoallergenic
fairly independent / doesn't suffer from separation anxiety
could alert us/ be a watchdog
be good around older kids

I was thinking about possibly a Schnoodle schnauzer/poodle mix or a Llasa Apso.
Personally, I'd prefer a medium sized dog but the kids would like a smaller one I think.

We have a decent sized garden and fairly large semi detached.

Any advice or suggestions?

I think that’s too long for a dog to be alone, or to have to do it’s own thing.
How are you going to toilet train it when it’s not getting attention ?

As someone with a dog hair allergy I can assure you that hypoallergenic dogs are no such thing.

We have a Samoyed who ticks most of those boxes. She does need a good walk and a garden though so if you don't have time to walk it much then I'd chose a smaller one. We've had a poodle too and I'd pick a Sammy over a poodle, but that's just me.

If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog then don’t get a cross bred anything. Unless it’s a cross of two non shedding dogs. Even then there could be allergies to dander / saliva

most dogs could not be left for that long every single day especially not puppies. Maybe consider a rescue dog so your children could meet it first and see if it sets off their allergies, but really your DH is going to have to make time for the dog if he’s at home all day.

It doesn't sound like you have the right set up for any kind of dog to be honest.

You can't just leave a puppy to it's own devices all day while you're all at work and your DH is sat on a computer.

How will you toilet train it? Who will stop it from peeing everywhere or destroying everything out of sheer boredom? How are you going to walk it, and socialise it and train it if you're out of the house all day?

That’s too long with no attention for a dog, especially a puppy, even if someone is around generally.

I agree with the PP who said there's no such thing as a hypoallergenic DDog. DN is allergic to dogs, all dogs, her eyes get so puffy I really feel for her.

If security of your home is the main issue, do you have a good camera set up?

Our DDog is really good at alerting us in the day but barely flickers with anyone coming home after midnight, she's just soundly asleep.

I have a bichon. They are good for allergies but need a lot of grooming and have bad separation anxiety.

I would be surprised if you can have a watchdog type dog that does very little for 8hrs a day while you work. Mine has watchdog tendencies and wants to tell me she's seen a squirrel, postman etc. No dog will understand when you want them to be alert.

If your DH can do a little lunchtime walk, it would make the choice much easier, is that an option?

That's so true. My DDog will want to tell you is a leaf is blowing about in the drive. Not sure what DH does from home but an alert DDig who barks at intruders isn't usually conducive to quiet Team meetings.

I’ve got a Zuchon - Bichon/Shi Tzu - and he ticks pretty much all of those boxes. He’s not a fan of being left alone for long periods but is happy just hanging out nearby, snoozing.

He’s extremely protective of the family but they’re often called “teddy bear dogs” because they’re so cuddly with their owners. He doesn’t moult and I’m asthmatic and don’t have any reaction (although I appreciate there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog).

Although he loves to play, he also just likes to be near his people and he doesn’t need long walks. He actually gets knackered and lies down if you try and walk further than he fancies 😂😂

I was new to this breed but would 100% get the same again.

We are an allergic family.
we have a minature Schnauzer with no allergic problems at all. But don’t get a cross breed. Our schnauzer would be absolutely fine with a good garden, morning and evening outing, and someone working from home. They’re very good guard dogs!!!