Hi

I have a daughter desperate for a dog but not at all sure what breed to get.  My son has slight allergies with fur, so that needs to be taken ino account.  I run so does my husband several times a week so the dog would have to be up for this, as this would be a great way of exercising it.  We also have a cat and rabbit! Any ideas? live in Edinburgh

We have a Bichon Frise and he is excellent with children, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters.  He also loves to run too and he doesn't moult at all (but does need to go to the groomers for his hair cut every 10 weeks or so)  :-)

Go to a local dog show or two and talk to the exhibitors, they will know which dogs are best for allergies. Also get hold of some books to read about your shortlisted breeds.

Whichever breed you decide to have try to meet a few in their home to make sure that your son isn't allergic (take medication to be safe)  it would be awful for all concerned if you bought a puppy only to find that it made your son ill and you had to rehome (hopefully back to the breeder ;) )

If you do a search on this forum there are a few threads about low allergy dogs.  Then a visit to the Kennel Club website

http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/  will help you narrow it down. 
Then visit shows and breeders to make absolutelly sure :)

Hope this helps
Dill