Well...my Luna is part Siamese (is this qualified as an "exotic shorthair"?), even though she looks and acts like she's 100%. She's very social, very opinionated, and very, very vocal!! I can't believe such a loud "meow" comes from such a tiny cat. She's got a very strong personality (I once saw a cartoon that said "I am Siamese if you please, I am Siamese if you don't please...Basically I am Siamese whether you like it or not"...that's Luna). But she can also be verysweet and loving and cuddly and has to be around people all the time--whether to cuddle on their laps or have them admie her from across the room. All in all, she's very good company!

As for the cat allergies, I wouldn't recommend a longhair cat because they tend to shed more than shorthair cats. Or, if your allergies ar really severe, you might want to consider Sphynx cats too (I don't believe shedding is a problem for them).

Or please consider a visit your local Animal Shelter or Animal Rescue for a look at the cats there. There are so many beautiful rescue/shelter kitties that need loving homes that there's really no need to go to a breeder. Both my kitties are rescue cats (one I got at the actual rescue and the other I adopted before she could be sent to one), and they're both the best cats in the world!