want a poodle but dh and ds say too girly

[ggirl]

need a non moulting dog because ds has asthma triggered by shedding dogs...such a bummer

we had a beardie , we lost her 5 yrs ago but ds wasn't allergic to her as she didn't shed

Ideal dog would be miniature poodle , not with poncy cut.

Anyone have one and vouch for their incredible manliness as pets...or indeed have a suggestions of another breed.

Or a greyhound. I don't think they moult generally.

I wouldn't get a lab/poodle or cocker/poodle cross as you don't know whether they'll shed or not, lots of both varieties end up in rescues as they shed.

Miniature schnauzers are popular around here for non-shedding small dogs which aren't poodles.

I love my 2 pwds but they are full on to say the least.

it isn't the hair that causes allergies it is the dander
poodles hardly produce ant dander
guinea pigs produce loads, as I found to my cost
Poodle x can have the wrong hair type and produce dander, the genes don't split neatly

list of low dander dogs

Poodles were originally hunting dogs, does that help?

www.google.co.uk/search?q=poodle+gundog&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=7ygBU__aLIKnhAf9p4CwCg&ved=0CDMQsAQ&biw=1215&bih=714

Poodle haircuts might be girly, but I can't see how a dog like this is any girlier than any other small dog:
www.dogbreedinfo.com/images26/MiniaturePoodleLucaPurebredDogApricotColorTan3.jpg

get a giant poodle - they look lovely

tiny one down the road from us is v yappy

We have a half poodle. She is tiny, but runs and runs and DH feels she is a "proper dog" that fits in our house!

Chris Packham has poodles and he is animal
Mad!

Owner of a mini labradoodle here. He is a miniature one so perfect size, lovely, cheery chappy temperament. And as bright as a button. Manly enough in his appearance although his bark is a bit girly.
My main point is that he has a sweet character and is obedient. Very low maintenance. Am so lucky to have found him.

We got a Border Terrier as we needed a low allergy dog as ds is allergic (shocking reactions to spaniels, staffies and greyhounds so far!). They do shed but as pointed out earlier it is the dander that is the problem.

They are defintely a manly dog despite small size as they are like little action men but have lovely sweet personalities. But if you really want non shed, I would go poodle in an all over puppy clip rather than the pom pom type affairs!

Have you ruled out having another Bearded Collie?

Poodles are great.

I haven't ruled out another beardie.. have you got one I can have ?

No but I have a very hairy and 'danderous' Goldie who would have you sneezing and wheezing within a minute .

I have two miniature poodles also chosen for the non moulting low allergy reason. TBH they are the best dogs I have ever owned and I have had a variety. Very bright so very trainable, not naturally inclined to fight with other dogs, good with other animals (apart from squirrels) and lovely temperaments. They are energetic dogs and will walk as far as you want them to, but they are not demanding (two friends with labradoodles HAVE to walk them for at least two hours a day or they are unbearably energetic - they also moult like crazy!).

Mine just get an all over short clip every two to three months and so require no grooming at all, just the odd bath if they get too smelly.

Will definitely go for poodles in the future.

I have a cockapoo who is more poo than cock (dam cocker x mini poodle, sire mini poodle). He weighs 6kg soaking wet. I clip him myself, so he just looks like a scruffy mutt. Cute but not embarrassing. DH walks him happily, even though he does have a tendency to prance. Poodles are terrible show offs ime He looks exactly like a mini poodle, the spaniel genes seem to have mainly materialised in the brain department. He is as thick as custard. This makes him a hugely entertaining critter but frustratingly tricky to train. Lay down still produces a press up, although stand up does result in some amusing salsa moves. I will have a mini poodle next time, and probably always tbh. Wonderful, cuddly companion dog, equally at home on a lead walk or a long romp through the woods. I think there's a pic on my profile. Although he may be wearing a t shirt. Best not show your DH.

all these dogs sound gorgeous!
snakey -your cockapoo sounds hilarious

I think I'll contact the nearest miniature poodle breeder and take ds along to test him with her dogs

I expect they're hideously expensive

I think you can buy a decent miniature poodle from a good breeder for around £500, which is average for a well bred dog imo. You must make sure the parent dogs are tested for an eye condition (name escapes me now) which can lead to blindness, as well as general health tests. Poodles have a completely different look if you don't shave their faces. I just trim the 'poo's beard and 'tasche when it goes rampant. You do have to keep the hair short around their eyes and ears just so they can see and don't get infections. A short clip all over and a quick brush daily takes care of the coat in a manageable way, ime. I don't let his coat get too long, as maintaining a long coat is time consuming and restrictive for the dog. I want my boy to roll in mud and dive under hedges, so short it is.

Poodle crosses might be a bit of a risk in your situation.
Some will take after the poodle and not moult. Others will be more like their other breed and shed like buggery
Not easy to tell until it's too late!

My friend as a cockerpoo and got the worst of both worlds, it has curls so they need clipping but the underneath part sheds like crazy
My miniature also prances and ds moans that she walks on her back legs easily, I can see why they put them in a circus. I am always threatening to put her in a pink tutu

Snakey now have an image of your DH prancing along with dog looking up at him confused!

Wouldn't EVER promote Pets4homes as a place to get a dog, but this seems a genuine offer (but of course I could be very wrong). He looks lovely though... www.pets4homes.co.uk/classifieds/543021-3-year-and-1-month-pale-apricot-miniature-poodle-alfreton.html