Good pet for kids? About This Page:

[Jolin]

I know there's hypoallergic dog breeds out there.

I in fact have one of those, they don't shed,and don't produce dander

such as Bedlington Terriers- can be pricey but they're very swee, there's also that ugly hairless dog that looks like a rat

[Shadowfax]

We have two miniature schnauzers and they are supposed to by hypoallergenic dogs. Dave and I both have allergies to cats and dogs (mine are worse than his) and we have no problems with the schnauzers. Plus they are relatively small (about 15-18 pounds), spunky and fun loving little dogs!

[minemoz1]

Growing up we had a miniature schnauzer as my brother was allergic to everything. They didn't shed and he never had a problem with the dog. My neighbor had a bunny and I was allergic to it. I'm also allergic to cats but have one anyway. I built up some immunity to her and only have attacks once in a while-usually while giving her a bath or if I stay inside for a long period of time. Good luck with your choice.

[Tigger1221]

I googled hypoallergenic dogs, they gave the supposed reason they are hypoallerganic too:

AffenpinscherDoesn't shed[15]Airedale TerrierDoesn't shed[citation needed]American Hairless TerrierNo hair/No Dander[citation needed]BasenjiDoesn't shed[citation needed]Bedlington TerrierDoesn't shed[16]Bearded CollieHair pH same as human hair[citation needed]Bichon FriséRecommended by AKC for allergy sufferers, along with some other breeds[16]BologneseDoesn't shed[15]Cairn TerrierSheds little to no fur.[citation needed] However, among the worst breeds for excessive barking, which thus produces saliva and dander. [17]Chinese CrestedHas very little fur, doesn't shed much[16] but still produces saliva and dander[3]Coton de TulearDoesn't shed[15]Dandie Dinmont TerrierDoesn't shed[15]Doberman PinscherDense coat; doesn't shed[15]Fox Terrier (Wire)Sheds little to no hair.[citation needed] However, among the worst breeds for excessive barking, which thus produces saliva and dander.[17]GreyhoundShort hair, single coat[18]GoldendoodleCrossbred with poodle, if coat is inherited from the poodle parent it will not shed, if coat is from the Golden Retriever parent, it will shed[2]HavaneseDoesn't shed[15]Irish Water SpanielDoesn't shed[16]Italian GreyhoundShort hair, single coat[18]Kerry Blue TerrierSingle-coated, short hair, sheds less[16]MalteseDoesn't shed [16]Peruvian Inca OrchidNo hair[16]Poodles of all sizesDoesn't shed.[15]Due to extreme intelligence poodles need proper, consistent training to prevent excessive barking [17]Poodle hybridCrossbred -if coat is inherited from the poodle parent it will not shed,[15] if coat is from the other parent, it may shedPomeranianMinimal dander due to small size and can be easily washed in the sink[16]Portuguese Water DogDoesn't shed[16]PuliDoesn't shed[15]SamoyedNo dander[1]Schnauzers of all sizesShort hair, sheds less. [16] However, among the worst breeds for excessive barking, which thus produces saliva and dander. [17]Scottish TerrierDoesn't shed.[citation needed]Sealyham TerrierDoesn't shed. Produces less dander.[citation needed]Silky TerrierDoes not shed. Hair will come out when brushed or combed.[citation needed] However, among the worst breeds for excessive barking, which thus produces saliva and dander. [17]Soft Coated Wheaten TerrierDoesn't shed[15]Welsh TerrierDoesn't shed[citation needed]West Highland White TerrierSheds little to no hair.[citation needed] However, among the worst breeds for excessive barking, which thus produces saliva and dander. [17]Yorkshire TerrierHair has same pH as human hair.[citation needed] However, among the worst breeds for excessive barking, which thus produces saliva and dander. [17]XoloitzcuintliNo hair[16] but still produces saliva and dander[3]

[Tigger1221]

Sorry the above thread is a bit messy....

[Papa Mouse]

Very good Stonewall. I was about to make the same suggestion.

Here's another suggestion. Once you have decided which pet you can "safely" adopt, if they have a choice, let the children pick. While mom, or dad, shops take a tour of the pet store and let the children visit the pets which you will accept. Watch their expressions and interest in the pets. It might give you a clue. Also, some fertilizers are beneficial to your garden and/or yard. Cover with dirt to keep odors down and best effect.

[HiddenMickey]

My DH is allergic to dogs and cats. My kids would love to have one of each. I'd love a cat.

However, instead we've had lizards, hermit crabs, two sets of gerbils (2 and 3) and now a bunny rabbit. We've also cared for the preschool guinea pigs several times.

In terms of amount of hands on time for the kids, the guinea pig or rabbit (get a dwarf or dwarf mix) are the best. In terms of care, the gerbils are the easiest.

Let me know if you have any specific questions about any of these...

Pixies for your decisions.

[Irenaroo]

Don't get a hamster! My son begged me for one and it died just four months after we got her. So, I replaced it with a different hamster (this time a dwarf one) and that one only lived about one year. It was sad to bury two pets. Also, they bite and aren't easy to handle.

[Mares75]

Another vet tech chiming in. I'd go with a guinea pig or rat too. Both are very sociable. Like others said, hamsters, mice, and gerbils tend to bite. Plus with their small size, I think kids seem to have a harder time handling them. Rabbits are really more like small dogs than other small animals. Most people don't seem to realize what owning a rabbit is really like until they get one.

[tkm1005]

Thanks for all the info. We "tried out" hamsters and found they were not the pet for us and allergies were an issue. My youngest wants a guineau pig since they have one at school...but I think I will let her enjoy it at school for awhile before we try anything new.

[Eeyore Tattoo]

I had pet Rabbits & also a rat. Loved them. Rats are very smart & social. Rabbits are great too, snuggley & sweet. I also had a chicken, Loved her... she learned some tricks too..

[njsmama]

My mom is allergic to dogs, but her toy poodle doesn't bother her...her allergist recommended the breed due to low shedding and low dander. My Best friend has a hairless cat for the same reason....he's not real cute, but he sure is sweet, and he is the warmest darn critter...he is like having your own space heater.
I have had guinea pigs and rabbits too...they make nice pets, just not as responsive as cats or dogs.

[Melissa1214]

My niece and nephew have two tortises and two leopard geckos (along with 2 dogs and a cat). The dogs are really the only social animals. Have you thought about a hypoallergenic dog? My dd is allergic to dogs and has asthma, so we can't have a "normal" dog. We're looking to get something hypoallergenic when we have our own house.