So I'm thinking about getting a puppy. However, I have an allergy to pet dander as well as asthma. I've looked at the hypoallergenic breeds and etc. I'm living in a 2 story townhouse w/ no fenced in yard or etc, so the dog would have to live inside for the most part. Anyone here with an allergy+dog related situation or know anyone in that situation? Any advice on the breeds that don't seem to make your allergies flare up as bad?

2nd and more importantly:

Anyone selling puppies lol? Suggestions on where to find them in the Raleigh vicinity? I'd really rather buy from a reference than from some over-priced kennel 4 hours away. Puppy ftw.

[Edited on October 20, 2009 at 6:18 PM. Reason : puppies!]

10/20/2009 6:17:33 PM

don't get a puppy

10/20/2009 6:19:34 PM

if you can find a dog without dander, i can make you a lot of money

10/20/2009 6:19:42 PM

Why not BubbleBobble? Anyone have any experience w/ Labrador Retrievers/Golden Retrievers and allergies?

10/20/2009 6:27:42 PM

if feasible, a good test would be to spend the day/night in someone's house/apt who has a dog or multiple dogs...see how you feel after being exposed to the air for multiple hours

10/20/2009 6:33:28 PM

Quote :

"Why not BubbleBobble?"

Because you are 19, presumably a student, your life isn't settled, you don't have anywhere to let it out to run, and to top it off you are allergic to dander.

Don't be that guy who gets a puppy and then ends up in classifieds giving it away because you can't keep it for whatever reason in 8 months.


Labs are a very bad idea for someone without a yard and allergic to dander. If you were to get a dog, which is a bad idea, you better get a smaller dog and get one of the breeds that are specifically for those with allergies (something about having hair instead of fur)

10/20/2009 6:38:28 PM

^what he said, are you settled down enough for a dog?

BUT IF YOU WERE TO GET A DOG!

Adopt a toy poodle

They don't shed as much as other dogs, they're small so they'll be ok hanging out in your house (for the most part) and they're adorable.

10/20/2009 6:39:43 PM

find some sort of poodle mix. they're bred for this reason

10/20/2009 7:03:56 PM

a good test would be to spend the day/night in someone's house/apt who has a dog or multiple dogs...see how you feel after being exposed to the air for multiple hours

10/20/2009 7:27:14 PM

have you guys seen puppy's bottom lip?

OMFG







OMFG date my pants plz

10/20/2009 7:29:07 PM

http://sweet-lucys.com/allergictodogs.html Is a good site. My grandmother has a mini schnauzer who is good for her allergies.

10/20/2009 7:35:26 PM

Quote :

"Because you are 19, presumably a student, your life isn't settled, you don't have anywhere to let it out to run, and to top it off you are allergic to dander. Don't be that guy who gets a puppy and then ends up in classifieds giving it away because you can't keep it for whatever reason in 8 months. Labs are a very bad idea for someone without a yard and allergic to dander. If you were to get a dog, which is a bad idea, you better get a smaller dog and get one of the breeds that are specifically for those with allergies (something about having hair instead of fur)"

I'm actually 20 now (barfday was oct 16th). Just thought I'd point that out all matter-of-factly to sound like a complete obnoxious idiot ^_^ And you have some very valid points there sir. Thank you.

10/20/2009 7:58:47 PM

West highland white terriers (westies) are hypoallergenic; they are really smart dogs; they can be very energetic but a townhouse could be enough room for one.

10/20/2009 8:40:19 PM

Possible Puppy would be a good name for a hipster rock band.

10/20/2009 8:48:44 PM

^^

Quote :

" Dog breeds to avoid if you have pet allergies: * Afghan Hound * Basset Hound * Chinese Shar-Pei * Cocker Spaniel * Dachshund * Doberman Pinscher * German Shephard * Irish Setter * Springer Spaniel * West Highland White Terrier "

http://sweet-lucys.com/allergybreeds.html

10/20/2009 8:52:15 PM

Quote :

"Are Westies hypo-allergenic? The AMA reports that Westies have relatively low dander (ranked number 7) and may be acceptable for individuals with asthma or allergies. "

http://www.westieclubamerica.com/breed/faq.html

10/20/2009 8:57:54 PM

Westies are known to have skin problems, particularly dry skin. Dry skin=extra dander being released by the animal. Extra dander means extra allergy potential. And since you can't wash a Westie very often, you can't wash away said dander on a regular basis.

Of course a club made up of breeders would love to claim their breed is hypo-allergenic. Means they can sell their dogs to a targeted market.

ie, I'd like to see what the AMA basis is, since the AKC doesn't agree with them.

[Edited on October 20, 2009 at 9:03 PM. Reason : http://www.akc.org/about/faq_allergies.cfm]

10/20/2009 9:02:28 PM

I'm pretty sure that the members that make up the Westie Club of America are more devoted to the safety and well being of the animal than selling as many as possible, and would want to present the most accurate information available. Also, I feel like the AMA is a more respected organization than the AKC. While it is true that westies are prone to skin problems, it is very easy to control with specially formulated food (Hill's Science Diet sensitive skin comes to mind)

[Edited on October 20, 2009 at 9:25 PM. Reason : spelling]

10/20/2009 9:23:31 PM