My husband and I would like a small dog that will not aggravate my (adult) son's ashma which is generally not severe. He is only slightly affected by our two cats but cannot breathe in a friend's house who has a boxer dog and a cat. As a young child he came up in a very red rash if licked by a dog.

A family who desperately wanted one of my very hairy pups found out that one of their sons had a reaction after their first visit here.  He had been bitten as a toddler and had avoided dogs ever since and so did not know that he had a problem.  His eyes became swollen and red and his breathing was wheezy as they were leaving.  They found a product called Petal Cleanse which is sprayed onto the dog.  He has no problem at all, and the family now have 2 of my hairy dogs!!  It might be worth investigating before you get any dogs at all? :)

Hi,  Just happen to notice your note about allergies.  I am quite allergic to cats and seem to be a little allergic to larger/malting dogs e.g labs.  We have a mini schnauzer who is clipped and bathed at the groomers every two months and I bath her once in between.  I am certainly not at all allergic to her.  My daughter is allergic to some animal hair such as rabbits, but she too is absolutely fine with our dog.  I think mini schnauzers are referred to as 'hypo allergenic' by some folks in the USA. 

Obviously, it would be best to get your son to meet and handle a dog before you go ahead and take it further.  But if you want to know anymore about this breed I am sure Champdogs will be able to help.