What breed and where to start?

[Asdoggypals]

Hello

We are considering getting a dog for our 8 year old autistic daughter. She adores dogs and is so happy and calm when around them. I just know how happy and settled it will make her.
Our son is allergic (mildly but still a consideration).
We'd ideally like to get a rescue dog.
It would need to be not too old but not a puppy. Placid and cuddly temperament but also like playing catch.
Is there a good place to start? What breeds might suit us?
Thanks in advance.

You need to research breeds yourself rather than ask strangers on a forum. Get a breed that fits in with your lifestyle.

Is there a breed that you already have in mind? Maybe someone here can give some insight to that breed?

Well, there's a lot to consider, but the fact that your DS is allergic will complicate things a bit.

There's no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog - the non-shedding breeds may mean your DS has less of a reaction, though.

I would say non-shedding breeds need to be your priority, then look at what else you can offer a dog iyswim. Bare in mind that all the non-shedding breeds require (very) regular brushing and grooming appointments which won't come cheap, though you can of course learn to do it at home.

Non-shedding breeds include poodles (all sizes), Spanish Water Dogs, Schnauzers (both sizes), Bichon Frisés, Maltese, Yorkies, Coton de Tulear, Westies, Cairn Terriers and Shih Tzus, though there are plenty of others.

Then look at what exercise you can offer on a daily basis, what qualities you could or couldn't cope with etc.

I would have a research of Bichons, shihTzu etc. Don’t be put off by the fancy coat, they can be groomed to just a short practical coat.
Small size but not delicate, moderate energy level, good for allergies. Not got the ‘terrier’ instinct of westies, borders etc

I wouldn’t recommend schnauzers for a first time owner personally.

People will come on to recommend a cockerpoo but they can be a bit highly strung and many come from puppy farms. I would look at a bichon frise or a miniature poodle. The problem you’ll have is getting a rescue pedigree - you can contact breed societies to see if there are breed rescues, but most dogs in regular dog shelters are staffies, husky crosses and mongrels.

Mini poodle would tick a lot of your boxes.

Not the easiest breed due to their coats but we have a Samoyed for our ASD daughter, she's only 4 months but very bright and picking up commands very quickly, they're hypoallergenic too. She's been amazing!
They have a difficult coat so you need to get them groomed regularly, particularly when they blow their coat (malt), they need drying properly so they don't get mildew in their thick undercoat.
They're also quite woofie dogs too so need proper training to help control this (waiting for this lol but I'm not too bothered as she talks rather than incessantly barking).
We're taking her to train her up as an assistance dog too for my daughter
Good luck with whatever you chose

I don’t think it’s fair if your ds is allergic to be honest

Oh by th way I saw an article about dogs a vet would never chose, she said any 'oodle' dog, so perhaps avoid these

I’d also bare in mind a rescue dog is unlikely to meet what you want but your best speaking to a good rescue so they can assess you and find a suitable dog

Labrador… or Labradoodle possibly.

What lifestyle do you have? Do you work? How long will dog be left alone? How much time for exercise and how much are you willing to spend a month on the dog ?

I'd suggest going to a breed specific rescue and talking it through. I know people who have adopted labs from a breed specific rescue and the dogs have been carefully vetted.

However be prepared for a wait to find the best match for your circumstances.

Thank you so much everyone. Lots to consider and look into.

We've been putting this off for years because we are all quite busy and it didn't seem right. Now I work from home 4 days per week and DH can be home quite often too.

We understand the massive commitment in terms of time and money a dog entails and so we will only go ahead of it's absolutely the right thing for the dog. We live along a nice walking route and often go out walking or on our bikes so I can see a dog slotting in with that. We do go on holiday so we may need to use kennels if family can't have the dog.
DD just adores dogs so much I can see her life being so much happier with one.

Money wise I think we would be ok.

Yes I've been thinking this too. I had thought there were hypoallergenic options but it seems not. Exposure (repeated) causes his eczema to flare up slightly.

How would your dd cope if you get a dog and have to rehome it because of your ds’s allergies?

I know they are not particularly popular on MN but Labradors are pretty bomb proof, like cuddles and will play catch and other games.
I am aware there are some disadvantages shedding in some, energy levels, very food orientated but I’ve always found them easy pets. The hardest part is maintaining the correct weight.

I think a lurcher would be good. Lovely and gentle don't need loads of walking and unfortunately lots of them in rescue it's very sad. We rescued ours and he is gorgeous took a while to settle as he had a rough start but now he is a dream

I have no major experience of dog allergies, but I do have a friend who's parents had a lab and he's allergic he finds that exposure lessens the reactions and he's now fine with the dog, if he spends several weeks away the reaction can heighten again so just something to keep in mind.

It's hard to know exactly what he is allergic to but the breeds mentioned above are all good choices for less fur.

We have a whippet X, springer spaniel and greyhound. All utterly excellent dogs in their own ways but honestly an Italian greyhound or a whippet they are incredibly loving, very restful pets in my experience. Greyhounds are wonderful but ime ours has been really hard work!! Springer spaniel I grew up with and remain my favourite dog breed but they do shed a lot! I find the most of the dust bunnies in our household is from the spaniel!

If you can get to London 15/16 October, then go to Discover Dogs www.discoverdogs.org.uk

Then you can meet and talk to oodles of breed enthusiasts about their breed and they can let you know the good and bad points.

Do think about size, grooming requirements, how much and type of exercise you can offer, your attitude to drool, how biddable, energy levels etc.

Dont get a cross if you need hypoallergenic, because you can’t be sure which parent’s coat type will predominate.

Did have a look at whippets . Wonderful lazy loving creatures . No need for tons of exercise and so gentle with everyone.

wrt allergies - I am allergic to most things with fur (guniea pigs, cats, dogs, horses) as is my brother. (I get asthma and contact dermatitis/hives etc).

DB got a cavapoo a couple of years ago - and he is fine with him as am I.

We got a toy poodle (to make sure of the hair type as much as possible) and again, absolutely no reaction/smell/ shedding at all. I can kiss/cuddle/sleep with the dog with no issue whatsoever. So the "less allergenic" dogs - do seem to work!

So in general these breeds can work even for those with extreme allergies. We groom and clip ourselves.

Our toy poodle is tiny, loves snuggling up on the sofa/ laps/beds. A delightful breed.

I have two miniature poodles and a son with ASD who has all sorts of sensitivities and allergies and everyone gets along splendidly!!

We recently rescued an ex racing greyhound. Ours is 2 years old. Generally they are between 2-5 when they retire. We also have an autistic daughter. She's typical of the breed and very gentle and placid. Happy to chill most of the day and only need a couple of 20 / 30 minute walks a day, but happy to play fetch etc as well. They don't bark much which is good if your daughter is noise sensitive. Also very short fur so possibly better with your sons allergies?

A retired greyhound and they would rehome to a child of that age.

They are fantastic dogs.