Dog breeder questions...

[devonpow]

My older son has a lot of environmental allergies, including to dogs. We got the ok from his allergist to get a hypoallergenic breed for our family, so that is what we are looking into now. While we will obviously be looking at rescues and shelters, we may end up needing to go through a breeder since we need to be very specific on breed. If we do, what are the questions I need to ask, and the things i need to look for to make sure it is a quality and ethical breeder? Our only other dog (and all of DHs dogs prior to us being married) were from rescues or shelters so we are really unfamiliar with the breeder aspect.

Thanks for the help!

[grover]

What is the plan for your son's allergies? The girl I was a nanny for had a hypoallergenic dog, and I still had reactions to the dog. While it was mostly in the carpeted rooms, it was still annoying.
For the record, we have two pure labs, and I'm on zyrtec daily as well as on a maintenance allergy shot dose. However, the shots definitely helped, as I went from the older pup not being able to lick me at all without instant hives, to being able to sleep with them in the bed and the older pup can give me kisses now with no reaction.

[devonpow]

Aug 2, 2016 21:48:02 GMT -5 grover said:

What is the plan for your son's allergies? The girl I was a nanny for had a hypoallergenic dog, and I still had reactions to the dog. While it was mostly in the carpeted rooms, it was still annoying.
For the record, we have two pure labs, and I'm on zyrtec daily as well as on a maintenance allergy shot dose. However, the shots definitely helped, as I went from the older pup not being able to lick me at all without instant hives, to being able to sleep with them in the bed and the older pup can give me kisses now with no reaction.

we are starting immunotherapy with him (slit/drops not shots to start because he is terrified of shots, poor kid). He can still take Flonase while doing the therapy. Claritin etc make him so crabby we had to take him off. Our allergist recommended hypoallergenic. Since we are looking at 10-15 years with this new family member, and a younger son who may still develop allergies (DS1 didn't develop his until he was 7) I'm going to err on the side of caution with the hypoallergenic dog.

[katietornado]

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.  I'm not being a dick; I just don't want you to have expectations that are unrealistic.

Don't get a puppy. Puppies' coats change as they mature. A puppy that doesn't cause a reaction in your child could develop a coat that does cause a reaction once it is a year or two old. Your best bet is to adopt an adult dog that doesn't cause an allergic reaction.

There are "doodle" rescues all over the place. Were I you, I'd get in touch with one, describe your needs, and see what they suggest for you.  Petfinder is an excellent place to start.

Years ago a group of us on the Pets board from TN put together this Pets FAQ.  I think it answers nearly every question you could possibly have about acquiring a dog!

sites.google.com/site/petsboardfaqs/

[kris356]

I am going to agree with katietornado. I would look at a rescue and a slightly older dog.

My parents have a doodle. He doesn't shed and he doesn't irritate anyone's allergies but he is definitely way more poodle in temperament than golden retriever. He is a slight asshole and neurotic, lovable but he is a mutt so you can't really pick and choose what qualities you get from each breed. Also, they are higher maintenance in the grooming dept. He tends to get "stinky" and matted if you don't brush him at least every other day. My high school bff shaves hers. My dad isn't a fan of the look, he likes him a little "fluffy" although they have had to do it if he gets to knotty.