Hi all.

For a while now I've wanted to get a Maltipoo puppy.

I was completely unaware, until today, that this would be a bad idea.

I've never had a puppy before and had no idea that these bad practices of breeding even happened. So after reading your frank words to another lady about not buying one of these, please can somebody help me pick a more suitable choice.

I have 2 children, one with mild asthma (but he's desperate for a doggie) and I am home most of the day to look after him/ her.

I was hoping for a small dog that has a mild temprement that likes lots of attention and doesn't loose lots of hair, but is still fluffy.

I don't need you to tell me about why I shouldn't get a Maltipoo I have been convinced that it is a bad idea, I'm just looking for some guidance.

Thank you

A friend who is a dog groomer, so sees a lot of these designer crossbreeds, can never understand why people don't just buy a bichon frise or a poodle if they are looking for a low shedding breed. As your son has mild asthma I would recommend you look at breeders listed on the main Champdogs website and arrange to visit one or two (ideally when they don't have a litter, so no temptation) to see how he reacts in their homes with their dogs. Far better to find out if he is affected before bringing a puppy into your home.

Miniature or Toy poodle. Everything you've listed they tick the boxes. Not sure what the "malti" part would have even bought to the party :)

> As your son has mild asthma I would recommend you look at breeders listed on the main Champdogs website and arrange to visit one or two (ideally when they don't have a litter, so no temptation) to see how he reacts in their homes with their dogs. Far better to find out if he is affected before bringing a puppy into your home.

ABSOLUTELY!!    Far too often a puppy is returned because of 'allergies'.    For the record, my husband reacted violently to cats and dogs (and others) when given a 'grid test'.   He's asthmatic.   But in all the years he's lived with our hounds, has never had an asthmatic reaction to them.   It's thundery weather and beer, and mushrooms that sets him off.   Coupled also with stress.

well done gemward for doing your homework. You have read some great advice and looking at some purebred breeds Is more likely to suit you and your family better as well as avoiding some of the pitifalls that  you have read about. There are still things to learn about puppy being even when looking at purebred pups, all is not always well in that camp either but with  advice and research I am sure you can find the ideal pup for your family. A couple of good suggestions regarding breeds have been made and well worth investigating. also maybe attending a couple of dog shows would be helpful where they are showing purebred dogs. I am sure people will be able to help point you I the right direction there. Any breed you choose you will need to know that the breeder has done all the correct health testing on both parents not just vet checks and also see pups and mum in their home. taking you son and seeing how he racts will be very important even if its not on the first meeting . It shard to pull children away if its not suitable . Both the breeds mentioned will need grooming and although you can learn how to do that yourself most peole take to a professional groomer every few weeks. Your other option of course is rescue either a specific breed rescue or a general rescue , it is worth thinking about, although some people with children are worried about  a dog previous baggage it is a very young pup

Thank you so much everyone. This is great advice. I will look into a miniature poodle.

I was thinking of getting a puppy in the spring next year. Would breeders normally let you come and visit so far in advance?

Is there any other breeds I should look at?

Thank you guys so much.

Gemma

I have always found breeders happy to have a chat or email long before they have pups on the ground especially if you want to get an idea about the breed. I usually ring but not everyone agrees it depends on the person. If yo are thinking next spring a great place to go is discover dogs in October at the excel. There you will be vbale to chat to people about there breed and see different ones not mentioned. A great day out for you and the kids .starting  looking and learning now absoultly what you should be doing. Done forget the dog shows , you have Richmond and Windsor coming up and there are plenty of others  to go and see different brees. Just remember unlike discover dogs where the public are encouraged to come and chat, at shows people are their for a different reasons so pick you time to chat carefully. not when they aer going in the ring for example

Love to see people putting such thought into bringing a pup into their home, and being so thoughtful and open

Any good breeder would be more than pleased for you to be in touch this early, it's the best way to do things really. Good luck!

I think you are looking at exactly the right time you can do your homework, meet and speak to some breeders and get yourself on breeders waiting lists. As I previously said, a bichon frise is another breed to consider.

Hi Gemma

Always good to plan ahead as you are doing. Have you looked at any of the terriers? A border terrier has been a smashing extra family member for our cousins.He is great with the children and has a great character too....

Would a border terrier be ok for my son with asthma?

I've never really tried him to check, I've always just avoided him being around animals.

I feel like he's missing out by not having a pet. A

I would second the idea of visiting particular breeds with your son to gauge his reaction.

In 1997 I sold one of my breed (a double coated breed that moults the undercoat heavily twice a year).

The lady who visited was dog allergic, but having visited relatives in Norway much to her surprise found she was unaffected by the Elkhounds the relatives kept and hunted with, despite the hair.

On her return she visited one of our breeders for several hours, still no reaction to dogs in various coat stages.

When she visited me I also had two Border Terriers staying and still no reaction to them, yet she could not go near a Labrador, ~Rottweiler or Spaniel.

Often it isn't' the hair people are allergic to but the dander(skin particles) and oils,which a thick coat will protect from.

Border Terriers are probably one of the more sociable Terrier breeds.