Have a few questions about a few breeds

[black and brindle]

labradoodle? The f1 crosses are uncertain as to what they'll be like but an Australian labradoodle that's been bred true can give you a low shedding dog with lab and poodle qualities. Plus they are very cute.

[Giselle]

labradoodle? The f1 crosses are uncertain as to what they'll be like but an Australian labradoodle that's been bred true can give you a low shedding dog with lab and poodle qualities. Plus they are very cute.

NO NO NO!! Allow me to step on my rant box for a moment...

A "Labradoodle" is not a breed. I'm sure as we all know from basic biology that whenever you mix two pure parents, you will very rarely end up with a perfect 50/50 descendant. Therefore, a "labradoodle" will rarely inherit all the positive traits of both breeds. You are correct, however, that "F1" crosses are always uncertain. However, there is no such thing as an "Australian Labradoodle". Furthermore, it takes MANY generations to create a true breed. A true breed is not created in the only 30 or so years that "labradoodles" have been in existence.

Labradoodles were originally created for blind people suffering from allergies. However, it is worthy to note that this experiment was a failure. I simply cannot comprehend how a common backyard breeder can have success at creating "perfect labradoodles" while a controlled experiment could not...

The Guide Dog Association had minimal success, as they too never recognize the mutated gene that would go on to develop the allergy friendly Labradoodle as it is seen today.

-laa.org

What mutated gene is this? I would LOVE to see the research behind this reasoning. Allergies are caused mostly by pet dander, saliva, and urine. The reason Poodles and similar breeds are recommended for allergy sufferers is because Poodles shed their skin every few weeks whereas high-shedding breeds shed their skin every 3-4 days (i.e. Labradors). Now, you explain to me how that leads to a magical non-shedding breed?

If one is looking for a curly-coated retriever-type dog, why not try the Curly-Coated Retriever? It just blows my mind sometimes!

[Suki Wingy]

Well said again, Sophie! I think their success rate was arounhd 30%.

[lady_bug_mistress]

http://dogbreedinfo.com/bichonfrise.htm maybe this will help? i have known a few people with allergies, et they all swear by their Bichon Frise...course any good dog owner is going to swear by their own breed of dog lol. but if you dont mind some grooming, maybe you'll like this breed? they are very sweet, smart, et energetic et enjoyable for everyone to be around (including children). But ultimately, the choice is yours. i'm glad to see you are looking up information instead of just going out et getting a dog. too many times people see a dog on a movie et don't realize the pro's et con's of that breed, then end up with a dog thats just not right for their lifestyle. Good luck with your decision et have fun with your new best friend!

[dab_20]

I do not know much about the breeds that you listed, but a Poodle sounds like a great match to me! I have a toy poodle. I am allergic to dogs, and I don't seem to have allergies around her... though it depends on the person. A toy or miniature poodle may interest you. Toys are 5-10 lbs and Mini's are around 20. They are an extremely smart breed and are usually very easy to train. They do need to be brushed daily and clipped every month or so. Poodles are very playful, but don't require a bunch of exercise. Many websites say they don't need a daily walk but ALL breeds of dogs need a daily walk to be happy. My toy poodle only needs a half hour walk a day plus outside playtime and she's content.

[Pam]

Another vote for a poodle here. *raises hand *
You have three sizes and a variety of colors to choose from. Dab_20 has just about summed them up. You do need to make a commitment to grooming as it is definitely not optional. I find doing my own grooming to be very rewarding and it's not hard to learn.

[love2bichons]

I am a delighted owner of handsome Bichon Frises! My husband and daughter are both allergy sufferers with shedding animals. No problem with the bichons. Alex and Nicky are our babies. They are very intellegent, agile,entertaining, loveable pets. They are known as "Curley Lap Dogs." The only problem with Bichons, are they are sensitive and get their feelings hurt so you have to study Bichons so you and they will be happy. They can not be left alone for long periods of time on a daily basis. Have you looked around on the AKC official web site? We studied for several months with the info they give with the different breeds. It helped us to make the proper choice making us all a happy family. Training is very important for socializing and for well behaved pets. We are so happy with our boys!!!! We wished we could have a Bichon Farm!