Can anyone please tell me whether there are actual breeds that are non-allergenic? I have heard that Bishons and Yorkie-Poos are non-allergenic. Is this true, and if so, what other breeds are non-allergenic?
Thank - you. Carly

Hi, Carly,
I'm not sure whether there are specific 'non-allergenic' dogs, but I know that many people who suffer from dog allergies do so because of the fur, and shedding fur especially, so their allergies are not irritated by dogs who have usually wiry hair, and hair that doesn't shed. I have a friend who had this problem and she now lives happily and non sneezily with her Irish Terrier, Douglas!
regards
Emily

You need to know what the person is suffering from then you can make a desision based on the knowledge. If it turns out to be dog hair then don't expect a cross breed to always have the type of coat you are looking for, you would be better to look for a suitable breed. A lot of people suffer from the cast dead skin or dust caused by dogs or any other hairy pet in which case it would be better to stick to something like snakes or fish.

Carly I dont think there is non allergenic dogs , I think that if you are allergic to dogs then, dogs are out, as are cats ,as well and birds ,in fact most any animal its a shame. I feel so sorry for anyone that has an allergy to animals and miss out on the pleasure they give but health comes first best wishes mari

This is not quite right. People can be allergic to cat dander, dog dander etc. sep. they don't have to be allergic to all kinds of animals. Did you know that cat dander is the worst, for some reason it stays in the carpets etc for months, so nearly almost unavoidable if you have cats. I don't know why there dander is worse though!!

Have you had full allergy testing to all allergens?

Thanks to all who have replied on this question about allergies to dogs. I know that some asthmatic people swear by certain breeds, as my dd's teacher has done so. (Bischon Frise is what she has)....I just thought that maybe you all would know specifically of some other particular breeds. ...As for fish or snakes, no thanks! You can't cuddle up with those very well at all, and really who'd want to?! We've had a hamster before, which was okay, and we now have birds, but again, there's nothing like a dog or a cat for cuddy pets. I'll let you know if we decide on a certain breed, and how it works out. Thanks again. Carly

I'm quite allergic to cats, although I've got two I can't cuddle and stroke them without being affected-but I do all the same:-) I'm not at all allergic to dogs and I can bury my head in Thistle's neck with no problem. People say that black cats are more allergenic than others, and this seems to be the case with mine , although it could just be because my black cat is more 'fussy' than the grey tabby. I don't know whether this holds true for black dogs too.
Jane