Need suggestions for someone I know...

**Tollers-n-Dobes** · 06-04-2007, 11:39 PM

Somebody I know is looking for a nice, medium sized (no larger than 35lbs), good family dog. Her husband had a Malamute in the past, but she doesn't want another as her daughter is allergic to dogs and especially nordic breeds. She also wants something pretty easy to train. She wants something active, but not bouncy and overly enthusiastic, loves kids, easy to train, willing to please, and a relatively easy first time dog overall (as besides the Mal, she has virtually no dog experience). She would prefer something that is considered hypoallergenic, or very minimal shedding I don't know a lot about most of the hypoallergenic breeds, so I was hoping some of you guys could help? I don't have any more information on what she's looking for besides what is said above.

**Giselle** · 06-05-2007, 12:52 AM

Whippet perhaps? I know a few people who are allergic to dogs but can tolerate the single layer coat of a Whippet/Greyhound.
There are also breeds whose fur is in an almost constant state of growth. Thus, they shed little. This would include breeds like the Poodle (duh

). For this family, I think a Mini Poodle wouldn't be a bad suggestion. A little small, but it fits every criteria. I also thought of a Bichon and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Not so sure about the Wheatens, but they're pretty "mellow" compared to other terriers. If they're willing to go smaller, I'd also recommend a Chinese Crested and a Maltese. I also thought of a Miniature Schnauzer, but I don't have much experience with them to give much of a suggestion temperament wise.

No matter their breed choice, however, they're going to need to meet the dog one on one. Her family will also have to commit to cleaning, brushing, and bathing frequently. Allergies vary, so they'll probably do best by meeting with breeders at a dog show or some other event.

**Freedom** · 06-05-2007, 08:22 AM

There are several breed selectors which may also help narrow down the search. I know several have been posted on here in other threads. (MY search skills need work; I couldn't find the threads!)

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

http://www.petnet.com.au/selectadog.asp

And I see someone mentioned bichons. While wonderful, loyal fun dogs, they are WHITE. I have to give Sugar a bath every other week. If you can't keep up, then you don't want a high maintenance dog.

Once a breed is decided, our friend should do a google search for breed rescue.

**theterrierman** · 06-06-2007, 07:13 PM

I enthusiastically second the Wheaten. However, make sure the one she gets has had a thorough screening for protein wasting disease, and make sure she feeds it a wheat-free diet. Wheatens are quite calm for terriers, but they are a little jumpy as youngsters. They're great with kids, too, and don't shed. They shouldn't be near as allergenic as most breeds, but there's no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, other than a hairless. Also, Havanese, Lowchen, Welsh Terriers, and Glen of Imaal Terriers are great choices (watch out for PRA). If she wants to rescue, then a shelter dog with a poodle-like coat (think backcross Cockapoo) would be a good choice.

**Tollers-n-Dobes** · 06-07-2007, 05:41 PM

Thanks you guys! Actually, I'm glad that you mentioned the Wheaten, as that was my suggestion to her aswell. They're an active family and are very outdoorsy people, so anything under 25lbs or so I don't think would be really good for them. They go on tons of long hikes, so they need a sturdy and active dog that can keep up.

I've already told her that getting a "hypoallergenic" breed will require a lot of maintenance and such, and I also mentioned going to a few shows and maybe visiting a few breeder's homes once they're set on a breed. She said she'd rather go through a breeder this time around, but isn't opposed to rescue as long as she can find a dog that suits the family's needs well.

**i_wub_da_shelter_dogs** · 06-11-2007, 05:49 PM

I have a jack russell terrier and most people think of an over hyper dog that is very hard to train but zippi is just the opposite she gets excited when she sees someone but the calms right down i think that she is one of the best dogs to have. Also a miniature collie is a nice breed they are a little bigger than 25 lbs but are so cute, mellow, happy, and easy to train and plz. Good Luck