My husband and I have been searching high and low for a great dog to add to our family. We have an 18 month old son. THe biggest problem is we both are severe allergies to most dogs and all cats. Bishon Frise seems to be one of the dogs that don't bother us, however hubby is not fond of getting a fluffy white dog. He wants a Rat Terrier, and I would too but how are they with allergy sufferers? Anyone have experience??

We are probably going to have to go with the American Hairless, but the looks of no hair sort of freaks me out a bit.

HELP!

Yes I know dear hubby is completely anti- fo fo HAHA. I have been calling oet stores all over to see if they have a rat terrier so I can play with it and see if he bothers us. Of course I would never buy from the store

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Terriers-2533/allergies.htm

I don't know that rat terriers are ok for people allergic to dogs.  We had a member on here (Shannon) who's son was very allergic to dogs.  He did react to their rattie but they managed ok....didn't let the rattie sleep with him, etc.  Bichon Frise (and similar dogs) seem to be easier for allergic people to live with simply because they get shampooed more often...therefore getting rid of the dander that causes the allergies.  Not sure if that is good for the dog though as it would dry their skin and hair too much.

I'd hate for you to get a rat terrier and have to re-home him.  JMO

I guess the only two chi's I ever petted, smelled funny. My mother in law's and a friend growing up. It kinda smelled like rotten peaches. Maybe they just needed a bath.LoL.

Ok, sorry I said Chihuahuas have a smell. I apologize if I offended any Chi owners, which apparently I did. I did say smell, not stink.

Hi,  I have horrible allergies to most dogs.  The only dog I never had a problem with was my Maltese (a fluffy white dog).  I got the Doctor to give me the allergy meds again when we adopted Sally as I wasn't sure if I would be allergic to her (I was to the beagle we had), but so far (and we've had her 3 months now) I haven't had to take them.  As long as I vaccume furniture where she likes to lay (anywhere next to me) and change the sheets frequently (as she likes to sleep under the covers) I seem to be ok.  Sally doesn't shed as much as the Beagle did, but she does leave little hairs where-ever she's been.

Carrie