Please could you talk to me about poodles - suggested as best choice for DC with allergies.

[Beachcomber]

Hello. We are thinking about getting a dog soonish as we will be moving to a house with a garden. The children (7yo and 4yo) would love to have a dog and so would DH and I (we both lived in families with dogs).

Problem is DD1 has allergies and is allergic to cats. Her allergist has said the the best sort of dog to get would be a poodle as they hardly shed and are known to be the best bet for atopic people. DD1 used to go to a childminder who had a poodle and she was fine with him. If the worst happens and DD turns out not to be ok with the dog we hope to get, we have a back up plan. My PIL who live nearby, would take the dog (they have always had dogs but don't have one at the moment). We hope that will not happen of course!

I have read a bit about poodles and they seem to be a reasonable choice as a family pet. A poodle probably wouldn't have been our first choice, but we aren't planning on giving him fancy haircuts but will go for a more 'natural' look!

Anyway I was just wondering if anyone had experience of poodles. I know they are prone to eye problems for example, but am just looking for any general info. I know there are poodle rescue places in the UK but we live in France - I'm currently looking to see if there is anything like that near us.

Thanks for any comments!

Is there such a thing as a guarantee? I thOught more like the testing gives you an indication of a breeding line having perhaps less or a higher chance o developing conditions ?

Yes testing for PRA can guarantee the pup won't be affected as clear dogs don't have copies of the mutant gene responsible for the condition, so they will never develope the condition or pass it on. A carrier has one mutant gene, they will never develope it but will pass gene on. A dog that is affected carries 2 mutent genes and will get the disease. So by buying a pup from 2 clear parents the pup will never develope PRA.

Should have said that just being a pedigree won't automatically guarantee that the parents are tested, you MUST ask to see the results or check on KC website with either the parents full names or registration numbers. Health checked is not the same as health tested, you must ask what tests have been done and SEE the results.

OK, thanks again for all the info.

RE the water thing, Poodles are water dogs [csmile] Also, not sure how true this is having read it on wikipedia [chmm] but "Some sources believe the show clips evolved from working clips, which originally provided warmth to major joints when the dogs were immersed in cold water. The rest of the body is shaved for less drag in the water." Although I'm sure I've heard it before years ago. Look at the picture at the top[cgrin] How crazy does that dog look???

We have a Standard Poodle. He is an absolutely fantastic dog, loves the children (now older teenagers) and has grown with them, being incredibly gentle around them when they were small but somhow realising that he can be less so now that they are 17 and 19. They don't latch on to one household member as some dogs do, but are equally affectionate to all. Very easy to train as very intelligent, and like to involve themselves with whatever is going on in the house at the time.

I clip ours myself (the same length all over, including muzzle) - I'd would advise having a few professional clips first and watching if possible, then getting a good set of professional clipper and a 3/4 inch blade to do it yourself.

They were originally water dogs, and Melly is quite right that that is where the bizarre clips originate from, leaving lengths of fur over the major organs.

Thanks again all - will definitely have a go at clipping after a couple of times watching a pro do it.

What has been said about allergies has been most reassuring.

Am so looking forward to getting our family dog - have to be patient as we won't be moving for a couple of months!

At least you only have to wait a couple of months Beachcomber, I really want a dog now, but babys due in 6 weeks so we will have to wait a few years till she's big enough to not need as much attention as a baby does. Not that she wont need attention but i'm sure you know what I mean? [cconfused]

My Our next dog will be a poodle and I cannot wait !!