Morning everyone

If youve read my newbie post you will know I had a Lhasa Apso last year, we had him for just 3mths until my allergy got too much to bear.

Ive never had an allergic reaction to a dog before and growing up we always had retrievers and/or GSD and i was always fine.

The allergy centered on my eyes, they were itchy like nothing i'd ever had before, stringy horribe discharge and so swollen I couldnt sleep or drive.

Anyway....i'd like your opinion on this.....since Leo left us I have had the same problem with my eyes. This time the doctor said conjunctivitis and gave me drops that sorted me out in a matter of day.

I havent had a reaction to any other dog, various friends have cavi's, staffs, terriers, and mum had a lab/poodle cross.

Is it possible that I was just allergic to my Leo? do you think the reaction could have been unrelated to the dog at all and just coincidence?

I miss my pup like mad and am desparate to have a dog again,, but hubby is understandibly worried as having to rehome Leo broke all our hearts

Thanks for your thoughts!

Hi Mel,

I'm allergic to most dogs believe it or not. However, we have recently got a Bichon Frise (see pic).

These dogs are a non-shedding breed which means you won't have hair going everywhere. They have more like sheep fur then hair.

Bichon Frisés are often considered a "hypoallergenic" breed for people prone to dog allergies. These are dogs that are allergy friendly. A list can be found here:

Hypoallergenic dog breeds - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Also, i'd say visit the breeder and see if you can take it for a walk or have a trail period. I even found that at the breeder my allergy started because there was so many dogs/dander in the air.

Good Luck with it.

Darren

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Previously know as darrenwis

As darrenwis said, bichon frise are considered hypoallergenic ... but so are lhasa apsos. Like bichons, they don't shed so they are often considered if anyone in the house has dog allergies. My OH has dog allergies but our lhasas have never caused it (although when i drag him to training classes or dog shows then he usually looks miserable with big puffy eyes).

If you want another dog, pick a breed you like and then try to spend as much time as possible around them just to make sure you aren't going to have another reaction. I've never heard of anyone having a reaction to a lhasa but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Darren, I was pleased to see the Border Terrier on that list, although as Kimpossible says Lhasa's are considered 'good' for allergy sufferers, bit its useful to have a starting point if you like.

I hadnt thought of asking the breeder if i could do a trial period...do you think they would be receptive to that and what would happen with the cost? Could i suggest maybe paying 50% and then the rest once we were certain I had no reaction? What would happen to my 50% if i was allergic? Interesting and definately something to ponder.

Thanks again

As long as the breeder is 'caring' and wants the pup to go to a suitable home then they shouldnt have a problem with the trial.

Offer 50% before and 50% after. Make sure you get something signed etc but i think someone on here would be able to give you better advice on this as i have never done this.

Darren

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Previously know as darrenwis