Dogs and living with allergies - need some advice

[Jailer]

So I have this allergy problem. The problem being that I'm pretty much allergic to everything except foods. I would really like to have an indoor dog for when I'm not here. A lab or some other protective kid friendly type dog is what I'd really like.

The part I need some advice on is what do the rest of you with allergies do to cope? With anti histamines getting so difficult to acquire and the fact that I don't need the BATF busting my door in at midnight what other options are there to cope?

I've lived with indoor dogs in the past but it was a miserable experience. Not the dog but the allergy symptoms. Do I just suck it up and get a dog and deal with it?

[wch]

Talk to your doctor, make an appointment with an allergist, consider the information on the net: Google "least hypoallergenic dogs".
From what I could see, those dogs that meet the allergy factor are generally small breeds but standard poodles and schnauzers are listed.

[Jailer]

That's part of the problem too. I've been through a 4 year round of allergy shots and they didn't work. Not sure I want to go down that road again.

As for hypoallergenic dogs, they don't exist. My uncle has 2 Bichons and they still bother me when I go over to his place.

[Powder Burn]

Thought I had similar problems with my two mutts but turned out my heart was causing most of my breathing problems. Long story. I bought a Oreck air filter/purifier that seems to help. They make furnace filters that will filter out just about anything, including dog dander, but you have to be careful not to strain your motor on your air handler. If you really want to have some doggies, you may have to go whole hog and have an electronic filter put into your furnace. They are pricey but efficient and from what I've read work for a lot of folks that have allergies. I have ankle biters (Dachshunds) that sound like the Hounds of the Baskerville when disturbed, but if you throw them a bone or rub their bellies they are your friends for life. Good luck.

[another gsxr 1k]

WCH hit it spot on. I have major allergies and severe asthma, with lung damage. So I know where you're coming from. I have issues even walking by a house that has cats, if they have the windows open.
That being said, I have 2 standard poodles. They're inside dogs, and I don't have any issues. They are quite loyal and protective, and for the most part very child friendly. I had one that I grew up with that would watch my nephew sleep when he was a baby and would go get my sister when he woke up. He would also keep my nephew off the stairs by lying on the bottom step.
He was a monster of a poodle, 32.5" at the shoulder and 95lbs. I haven't seen one that big since.
The two I have now are about average size, Anna weighs about 50lbs, and Zeus weighs in at about 80lbs. They're also quite intelligent.

[Finster101]

Take a look at Boxers. I have a friend that is allergic to every breed except them. There is something different about their fur.

[Jailer]

WCH hit it spot on. I have major allergies and severe asthma, with lung damage. So I know where you're coming from. I have issues even walking by a house that has cats, if they have the windows open.
That being said, I have 2 standard poodles. They're inside dogs, and I don't have any issues. They are quite loyal and protective, and for the most part very child friendly. I had one that I grew up with that would watch my nephew sleep when he was a baby and would go get my sister when he woke up. He would also keep my nephew off the stairs by lying on the bottom step.
He was a monster of a poodle, 32.5" at the shoulder and 95lbs. I haven't seen one that big since.
The two I have now are about average size, Anna weighs about 50lbs, and Zeus weighs in at about 80lbs. They're also quite intelligent.

How much work does it take to keep them groomed? How well do they do in colder climates. It will be an inside dog but the winters can be long and cold here in MI.

Take a look at Boxers. I have a friend that is allergic to every breed except them. There is something different about their fur.

I will check into this, thanks.

[Bad Water Bill]

Sausage hounds = 1 dog tall 2 dogs long ++ 4 dogs LOUD.

Several types of fir are available.

[Freightman]

Sausage hounds = 1 dog tall 2 dogs long ++ 4 dogs LOUD.

Several types of fir are available.

got one long hair, had a short hair great dogs and nothing moves they don't hear.

[Jailer]

Sausage hounds = 1 dog tall 2 dogs long ++ 4 dogs LOUD.

Several types of fir are available.

Are you talking a Dachshund?

I should have mentioned no ankle biters. I want something that will provide a little protection if I'm not around.

[Duckiller]

Jailer poodles are supposed to be minimual allergy dogs. They are going to need regular hair cuts. don't get a lion cut it looks stupid. A uniform hair cut protects them and is easy to maintain. If You hunt the poodles are supposed to be good retrievers. With a reasonable hair cut poodle should not have a problem with MI winters.

[Jailer]

Anybody have any experience with a border terrier?

[shooter2]

Standard Poodle. No shedding and very friendly to allergy sufferers. Also one of the smartest (#3 I think) and family friendly. Great dogs!

[longhorn]

The drugs that can be used as meth precursors are DECONGESTANTS, such as pseudoephedrine; the drugs you take to control allergies are ANTIHISTAMINES, such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine, and the DEA doesn't care at all about those. The problem with antihistamines is that you must switch drugs every 6 weeks or so to maintain efficacy.
From your friendly non-local pharmacist-

[Bad Water Bill]

Are you talking a Dachshund?

I should have mentioned no ankle biters. I want something that will provide a little protection if I'm not around.

Yes I was but I am only familiar with German papered proven and bred dogs.

The word FEAR was bred out of them centuries ago.

I do not want to return home to find a cold bloody body laying on the floor because there was no one there to tell the dog to stop.

[bhn22]

If I may make a suggestion, talk with a vet, and tell him what you want, and what you're up against. I'll bet he can make a few suggestions.

[runfiverun]

it's generally the dogs dander that you are allergic to.
you need a short haired dog that doesn't shed too much and keep them clean.
this will keep the allergic reactions to a minimum.

[mpbarry1]

Poodles are a hypoallergenic breed that you might like. very smart and great pets. trim it with a mohawk and put a spiked collar on it, then you can tell your friends it is an Irish viper Snake Dog!

[lavenatti]

Check out labradoodles as well.

[PB234]

If your allergies come on really quick then visit breeders of the breed of dog you are considering. Spend an hour or so in their home and playing with their dogs. If you don't get sick there is a good chance the breed is OK for you. Border Terriers are very small dogs. Probably will bark when someone comes to the door (watch dog) but offers no guard dog ability as they are too small.

Terriers are a tough group of dogs - smart and lots of drive. Within the group there are may breeds that could offer a companion and a guard. Figure out the breeds that interest you and visit breeders. Find breeders at a AKC dog show. The quality of the breeder is a good sign of he puppy you will get. The cost is not much different between a pet quality dog from a great breeder and a puppy mill. When picking a friend for a long time the little bit of extra effort is well worth it. Often the difference between getting a great dog and a not so great dog is just the work of finding it rather than the cost.