Allergy Free Dog

Updated on April 21, 2008
A.G. asks from Kearny, NJ
44 answers

Does anyone out there know if it's true that poodles, labradoodles or any other dog of part poodle breed is in fact hypo allergenic?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

As I am in the process of getting divorced and will be moving out soon I'm considering getting a pet for us. I am going to do a lot of research before I make a decision. Your feedback has been very helpful. Thank you!!!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from New York on

I was told by an allergist that there is NO non-allergic dog...some breeds are less-so than others, but an individual can be highly allergic to a less allergic breed nevertheless... I personally am allergic to poodles, even though poodle owners tell me I'm wrong....if their dogs licks me, I break out in a rash... One can be allergic to the fur, skin, dander or saliva.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.A.

answers from Fort Smith on

Hi A.,
It is true that poodles, Bichon Frise and other dogs like this
don't shed and so do not produce the hair dander that is most likely to cause an allergic reaction.

But, these dogs, because they do not shed, take considerable coat care. Usually this is done by a professional groomer.

My recommendation would be for you to visit a breeder and spend some time with the dogs to be sure that the allergies are not
affected. Then think about if you can afford the grooming. If
alls a go then these are wonderful smart dogs.

D.
www.insuresuccess4u.com

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.H.

answers from Syracuse on

there is NO such thing as a hypo allergenic pet. As your vet will agree with me, people think it is the hair they are allergic too with pets. It is not, it is the dander, or skin flakes humans are allergic too. Sometimes the saliva as well. Cats tend to rub against something to scent mark it with their glands on the corners of their mouth, and it leaves a trace of saliva.

Lets be honest here, my husband, myself and my daughter all have allergies. We are all allergic to the dander of our pets, and we have a few. BUT the symptoms are no worse than they were with one cat and one dog. I have 5 cats and 2 dogs. I also have strangers shocked that I have a cat at all, when they come to my house. The important thing is to get a GOOD vacuum (I know it is expensive, but I got a dyson animal 2 years ago, it is soooo perfect, gets a carpet clean in one push, not 50, no bags, filters... best investment I ever made) and clean your house regularly to get the dander. Change your filter on your furnace every 2 weeks at the most in the winter. If you are really hardcore allergic, and you would not be if you were considering a dog, stick with a goldfish :)

Feel free to ask more questions, like I said we are all allergic. We all take daily allergy meds, it is a small inconvenience to have the companionship of pets.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.H.

answers from New York on

Hi A.,

I grew up with poodles because my mom and sister were allergic to other dogs. Poodles have hair like humans do, and I believe that is what makes them "hypo allergenic". I think it is usually the fur of most dogs that causes allergies. I'm sure you could check with a local vet or allergist.
btw - poodles are GREAT dogs! Very smart and very funny.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from New York on

That's the rumor. My sister is allergic and got a shih-tsu/poodle. She's had her for 4 years and has not felt one twince of allergy. Of course, every dog is different, just like cats. I'm allergic to some cats, but not mine, and not a few others. It's all in the dander.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.K.

answers from New York on

I have a second Shitzu...Never a problem
They are wonderful pets, great with kids and I vaccuum NOTHING from this animal...
Best of luck

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.P.

answers from New York on

There are many dogs that are hypo-allergenic. Find a dog that has hair (not fur). You can find out which breeds have hair at a pet store or book.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from New York on

Poodles and Maltese are dander free. That is what you want a Dander free dog since that is what causes allergies. I don't know about labradoodles since they are part lab and DO have dander. You'd need to talk to a breeder about that.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.T.

answers from Binghamton on

a guy i knew from work had horrible allergies and the only dog he could have was the "chick magnet" as he called her.
shes a bichon frise. they have hair not fur so their allergy free.

hope this helps,
K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.G.

answers from New York on

HI- I grew up with a cock-a-poo (cockerspaniel-poodle) and also have bad allergies. I was fine with this dog! They do not shed. Instead, their hair tends to fall out in clumps. Several people I know have had poodles and agree that they are good pets for people with allergies.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.P.

answers from New York on

Hi A.,

I've had a Shih Tzu for 7 years now and he's been great, doesn't shed at all, but does need his hair cut of course. They're great dogs and don't think anyone who has come over the house has complained of allergies.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from New York on

My sister just got a goldendoodle and we have done alot researched. No dog is completely hypo allergenic. You need to test your daugther with the dog first. Each dog, from what I have read has a different type of dander if that is what she is allergic to. But the poodle or part poodle has hair rather then fur which what most are allergic to. HOpe this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from New York on

There really is no such thing. I am allergic to dogs and have owned a few. The poodle types do not shed so you will not have the hair all over your house but I found once they needed a bath, it would aggravate my allergies so I just had to keep the dog clean. I have a cairn terrier now which is not supposed to shed yet it does when the hair gets really long. I make my son wash his hands after petting the dog and that seems to work out fine. My son is more allergic than I am.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.M.

answers from New York on

My husband and daughters are allergic to dogs and cats. My husband still has allergic reactions to poodles. I researched it and hypo allergenic doesn't mean "not allergic",simply, "less allergic". You would have to have the person allergic, hold and be around the dog for a little while to see if they have a reaction. Sometimes the person becomes use to the slight discomfort after a year and gets use to the dog in their home. It didn't work for us, as my husband still had a reaction and didn't want to "get use to it". You can find info out on the web under hypoallergenic dogs. Hope this helps. Good luck. Nance

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.G.

answers from New York on

HI- We have a Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier who is hypo-allergetic. My husband is highly allergic to dogs and has had minimal (if any) reaction to our dog. Our SCWT is one of the sweetest dogs I know~ : )

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Rochester on

Hi A.!

Poodles are hypo allergenic and labradoodles can be. I have a labradoodle that is half lab half poodle and he is a wonderful dog but is still a heavy shedder and not necessarily hypo-allergenic. (although I've heard they're better than a full lab) If you get a labradoodle/goldendoodle make sure it's at least 75% poodle and that will take care of the shedding and allergy problem. Labradoodles can be on the large size (Jackson is 82 labs) so you can get any dog that's mixed with poodle and get the same results. My parents have a schnoodle (schnauser/poodle) and she's about 15lbs.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from New York on

Hi A.,

I know you already got a lot of responses, but here is a little information anyway.

Some people are allergic to all dogs, some are not. Peoples allergies are caused by the dander AND saliva. When the saliva touches the dander, a chemical reaction takes place. This is actually what causes allergies. "Hair" dogs generally do not have as much saliva/dander contact, but you might also want to look into short-haired breeds. My husband is severely allergic to poodles and the like, but we have a boxer that he uses as a pillow every night.

Try to make sure that you get a purebred dog with papers The papers should not cost extra per the AKC rules. A purebred dog will most often have less dander than a mutt, especially one from a good lineage.

I agree with prior posts that you should spend time with a dog before you bring them home, but DO NOT go to a pets store. They have multiple breeds and lots of dogs cooped up in a small place. On top of that, they usually do not bathe the dogs often, mostly because they are still to young. All of theses factors will not let you truly determine if you or your daughter have an allergy to a specific dog, because you may be allergic to the store. Try to find someone that has a dog that is breed you are interested in, or find a breeder. You will get a much better idea of your allergies if you are only dealing with 1 dog or 1 type of dog at a time. On top of that, most puppy stores support puppy mills.

I have a Boxer, and if you email me you are more than welcome to stop by and meet her. Good luck finding a dog!

M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.R.

answers from Syracuse on

poodles are, not labradoodles though, look for dogs with hair, not fur. these are usually smaller dogs.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.L.

answers from New York on

My friend has a labradoodle. Very cute and allergy free (she has dog allergies).

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from New York on

I have heard that poodles are- but I don't think you get the benefit when other breeds are mixed in (Labradoodle- sp?).

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from New York on

My brother and SIL have a Shih-Poo (Shih-Tzu/Poodle) mix and nobody in the family is allergic to him (my brother has bad pet dander allergies). We can pick him up and you're not loaded with fur when you put him down actually, there's never any around! He's got a lot of energy and is an absolute sweety. Smaller dog, but with a big personality. Good luck!! Here's a link that might help: http://www.sidyboysfoolin.com/Shipoo.html

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.S.

answers from New York on

yes!! i have a son who is allergic to many things including dogs!! we got a Bischon because they are in fact hypoallergenic..he's great ..no attacks..i researched it for a little while before getting our dog!!! hope it helps!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Syracuse on

It is true because poodles don't shed so they don't have the pet dander which is actually what causes the allergies. If you have any other type of dog, a bath once a week helps keep that dander down and I have heard that using a baby wipe and wipe them down daily will do that as well. I don't know about the mixed breeds if they don't shed like a pure poodle.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.P.

answers from Buffalo on

Shih Tzu's are allergy free dogs ,believe it or not with all their hair! And they don't shed, so that's is another big plus. I've heard that llaso apso's are also allergy free.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from New York on

The dogs you mentioned above are good choices as they dont shed there skin as often as other dogs.As it is usually the dander that most people are allergic too. I would go to a pet store and play with one of the dogs and see if you or who ever has any allergy reactions.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.C.

answers from New York on

Hi I think it actually might depend on how bad of an allergy people have to animals. my friend wanted to get her daughter a daog but her fiances mother is highly allerigic so they got a cockapoo because they are supposed to be hypo allergenic, but his mom still can not go to the house because the dog hair still bothers her. So definetly do a lot of research would be the best advise.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.D.

answers from New York on

From my understanding, poodles and labradoodles are hypoallergenic because they have hair, not fur. Fur in dogs and cats come along with dander which is what you would be allergic to. I know several people who are highly allergic to dogs but are not allergic to their own poodles and labradoodles. Does this mean that you won't have any allergy whatsoever? Like with anything, only your experience will tell. See if you can find a local breeder with either breed and spend some direct time with the dogs making sure that you have your allergy meds with you should you have an attack.

And just as a side note, the labradoodle I know is an awesome dog...calm disposition, friendly to everyone and beautiful, soft hair to boot. Very pricey though, so research and meet the breeders and parents of the puppies beforehand to gauge the animals personalities.

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Syracuse on

HI A.,
I do have a Bicheon Frise. They are a great breed of dogs especially for those who have allergies. Poodles are as well.That is because they have hair and not dander. My daughter had every allergy known to man, I think and was asthmatic. Our dog is 14 years old and grew up with our children. He has been a great dog, easy going, not yappy, and non allergenic.
M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.G.

answers from New York on

A poodle has no dander and is as close to human hair as you can get. They don't shed either. I am not sure of a labradoodle because of the labrador in it. I have a lot of allergies and I have a poodle.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.

answers from New York on

I know that my dog, a pug, is suppose to be hypo-allergenic. But I have a sister in law and newphew that are still allergic to her. I hate to say this, but do you really want to run the risk of getting this animal, bringing it home, getting your kids all excited and in love with it, then having to get rid of it. Our pounds are full of dogs in this same predicament and these animals are destroyed because someone didn't want them anymore for whatever reason. If you know that your not going to be able to keep this animal for it's entire life time and take care of it no matter what comes...don't get it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from New York on

Yorkies and Poodles are hypo-allergenic. Labradoodles however are not 100%... because of the labrador mix. I understand that if the puppy is 3rd generation or more the better the percentage of becomming hypo allergenic.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from New York on

Poodles are hypoallergenic, but that doesn't mean that if your child is allergic, she will not have any reaction. Any poodle mix may or may not be non allergenic, depending on what breed it is mixed with. Labs are not hypoallergenic.Your best bet is find a breed you are interested in and to dogsit or have her handle a dog in a pet shop or at a friends to see if she has a reaction. My son has pretty severe allergies and we bought a silky terrier which he is fine with. We dogsat for a friend who had a silky to make sure first. Hope this helps. Most hypoallergenic dogs don't shed at all -which is great!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.K.

answers from New York on

Depends what your allergic to,

the HAIRS are NON shedding,

BUt they still have DANDER but LESS

and if you bathe your pet regularly then it should be OK

M

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from New York on

My neighbor has a poodle-retriever mix and says it allergy free plus no shedding. It's also adorable

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.D.

answers from New York on

When Poodles are bread with another type of dog, if that dog is not hypoallergenic, there is only a chance of the final dog being completely hypoallergenic, and there is no guarantee which genes will win out. It is good to inquire about the breeder, because they can usually have a sense of which dogs end up more poodle than, for instance, labs or goldens (as in golden doodles)if they breed mixes often. You have to assume that the labradoodle will be only part hypoallergenic, not 100%, but mostly may be good enough. It depends on how important it is for the dog to be completely hypoallergenic. If it is very important, go with a non-mixed breed, like the poodle or wheaten terrier. Keep in mind that any very allergic person could have a small reaction even to a hypoallergenic dog, but it just shouldn't be a big reaction. I am allergic to cats and long haired dogs, have a wheaten terrier and at times my eyes itch, but it's nothing like a real allergy attack. If the dog is clean and brushed frequently, that cuts down the reaction as well.
Good luck, and talk to the breeder!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.D.

answers from New York on

hi,

I am very allergic to Dogs and Cats. But I have a Bichon Frise...I am not allergic at all

I sleep with him everynight..He does not shed....Poodles and Malteses are the same...but I must say Bichons are not as much of barkers and are so loving.....

Labradoodles are adorable but you will never know for sure because of the Lab half if you will be allergic. The breeder may be able to tell you but they usually say it is less shedding but be leary if they say non- allergic....

Hope this helps! C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from New York on

Hey Ali!

Yes, these dogs are hypo allergenic, but please be aware that your child can be allergic to other things like dander and the dogs saliva. Check out those things first.

Your friend!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.A.

answers from New York on

From what I've found, there are dogs that are hypoallergenic which is based on the amount of dander for their hair type. However, there aren't any non-allergenic dogs because a person with a severe enough allergy will have a reaction from even a hairless dog based on the dander on the dogs coat. More personally, my brother-in-law has never met a dog that didn't make him cry. A short list I found of either hairless or single-coated dogs:

Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican Hairless)
American Hairless Terrier
Chinese Crested (Hairless)
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Chinese Crested (Powder Puff)
Poodles (all sizes)
Schnauzers (all sizes)
Portuguese Water Dog
Bichon Frise
Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
Coton de Tulear
Kerry Blue Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Bedlington Terrier

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.R.

answers from New York on

Hi,

According to my kid's allergist there is no such thing as an allergy free dog. Yes, poodles do not shed, but it is the dead skin that comes off that kids can become allergic to...so a smaller dog that is easier to wash on a weekly basis is a good way to go. Also, a dog that sheds less is good, only because it has less hair, mixed with dust (and dust mites) to keep cleaning up.

But that the hypoallergenic dog idea is not really true. We just got a pug, which has short hair and weighs only 16 pounds so we will be able to wash weekly and the shedding is minimal (small dog, short hair, less hair.)

Good Luck!

D.,mother of two allergy prone boys

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.W.

answers from Buffalo on

I had a Schnoodle (schnauzer-poodle mix) and I was more allergic to him than I was to my lab that I had a couple years ago. The schnoodle did not shed at all. I was also pregnant at the time and I think that played a role in the elevation of my allergies at the time. It was so bad I had to give the schnoodle away. If you do get one spend a lot of time with it first, it's not fun to give it away after it becomes part if the family.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.R.

answers from New York on

i am allergic, i grew up with poodles, they are great. i now have a portugese water dog, also "non allergic" and is a great dog too. bigger, and needs a lot of attention, amazing temperament, great with kids. needs exercise and likes to carry stuff around. they dont shed, which is great. about 2x a year, they leave little clumps of hair around for a couple of weeks, you can just pick them up as you see them. though they are non allergic, he doesnt bother me or my mom at all, i have 1 friend who is very allergic, and he cant come over...no dog is 100%, but i think pwd and poodles are about as close as you can get.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from New York on

I heard that the Shiba Inu is a god dog for those with allergies, not sure about poodles.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Utica on

A. -

Poodles, Bichon Frises, Shi-Tzus, Maltese etc. are all non-shedding dogs. If these dogs are bred with a shedding breed, the offspring will be non-shedding. My pediatrician insists that no animal is hypo-allergenic. A person with allergies can still have a reaction even to a non-shedding dog. It is the skin dander that causes the problems, not the fur itself. We went through this because my 10 year old son has allergies to just about everything and wanted a dog. We wound up getting a pure bred Bichon Frise, and he has not had any problems with her. We've had her for a year now. Hope this helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.P.

answers from New York on

Yes, Poodles have hair not fur and do not shed the skin cells called dander like other dogs. I have a mini poodle who does not shed at all.
D.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches