What breed of dog should I get: we have a mildly allergic child and an established cat?

Question

I want to get a puppy for my daughter. She has a mild dog allergy, so we prefer a breed (bichon? border terriers? wheaten terrier? Others?) known to be better for allergy sufferers. We also have an existing cat. I understand some dog breeds will do well with a cat, if they are introduced when still a puppy. I understand other breeds simply do not get along with cats. We have a decent-sized house and a large, fenced yard. We do live in New England, so the dog will be indoors a lot in the winter. Help.

Answer 1

Bichon.

I have 5 cats, and 2 dogs.

The cats hate the dogs but when we looked after 2 bichons the cats didn't know what they were and just slept with them anyway. Quite funny actually.

And they don't smell bad, have wool not fur ;) so that's a bonus.

And are small inside dogs.

Answer 2

yorky

Answer 3

Any small size dog is going to be kind of hyper which the cat isn't going to like very well. You also want to get a dog which has very little hair and is a very clean dog. I prefer dobermans. I will never ever own any other type of dog. I have found that they are very careful and protective of little children. In fact experts have written  that they are very fond of children and I have seen it with my own eyes. My dobies have always been very gentle with my grandchildren and any other child that has come to the house. They are also very clean dogs and prefer to be very close at all times with their family. They are much more at ease when they can have their eyes on their loved ones at all times. Mine live inside but have free access to the outdoors when ever they need to go. They have very little hair so their is not as much risk of pet dander and they are easier to keep clean. They do not shed like other dogs and are not as prone to fleas. At least mine never have fleas but that could be do to the fact that I put garlic in their food. Dobermans are very smart and for some reason do not act like other dogs. They act more human and actually think things thru. At least mine do. My babies never leave my side and I wouldn't trade them for anything. SInce it is cold in the winter where you are if you were to get a dobie he or she would need a sweater in the winter when going outside. My house is not all that big. Its only a 2 bedroom and not much of a yard and I have 2 and they are just fine. I do take them out every night to run in the street to chase a laser light that they love for excercise. No cars drive on my street after 10 pm so it is very safe for them. I also take them for walks regularly. Dobies seem like really big threatening dogs but to the owners they are sweet gentle family members. WIth a dobie you can always be certain that no one will ever be able to harm your little girl. You also wont just have a pet you will have a 24 hour home security system. They also are very quick to learn and know if you allow someone inside it is alright, but they wont take their eyes off of you while any stranger is there. My dobies also are very gentle with my cats. My cat had kittens and both my boys were playing nannys to the little ones when the momma would go out. They also will stand guard at the fence when the cat goes out across the street and will bark as if telling the cat to get back inside. The other night my male cat was figthing with another cat so I let one of my male dobies out and my dobie ran after the other cat and chased it off then went and nudged our cat as if saying get your rear back inside. A pup when it grows up will actually look after your cat and protect it too.  

Answer 4

American Hairless Terrier

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images17/Ame...

Bichon Frise

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images15/Bic...

Border Terrier

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images14/Bor...

Cairn Terrier

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images7/Cair...

Chinese Crested

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images14/HAI...

Havanese

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images19/Hav...

Lagotto Romagnolo

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images21/Lag...

Lowchen (Little Lion Dog)

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images/Lowch...

Miniature Schnauzer

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images15/Min...

Mexican Hairless

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images17/Xol...

American Hairless Terrier

1. 7-16 inches tall

2. 5-16 pounds

3. must have long daily walk

4. lives 14-16 years

5. must prevent sunburn amd bathe 1-3 times a week (only for hairless breeds)

Bichon Frise

1. males:9-12 inches tall. females:9-11 inches tall

2. 7-12 pounds

3. must have daily walk

4. lives 15 or more years

5. bathed every month and groomed every 4 weeks by groomer

Border Terrier

1. males:13-16 inches tall. females:11-14 inches tall

2. males:13-16 pounds. females:11-14 pounds

3. must have long daily walk

4. lives 15 or more years

5. weekly brushing and 2 times a yer professional grooming

Cairn Terrier

1. males:10-13 inches tall. females:9-12 inches tall

2. males:14-18 pounds. females:13-17 pounds

3. must have daily walk

4. lives 12-15 years

5. brush several times a week and bathe once a month

Chinese Crested

1. 12 inches tall

2. not over 10 pounds

3. must have daily walk

4. lives 10-12 years

5. hairless need no brushing but do need a monthly bath and oil or cream on it. powder puffs need a daily brushing

Havanese

1. 8-11 inches tall

2. 7-13 pounds

3. must have daily walk

4. lives 14-15 years

5. must be combed twice a week unless coat is cut short, ears must be kept clean, must have weekly dental cleaning

Lagotto Romagnolo

1. males:17-19 inches tall. females:14-16 inches tall

2. males:28-35 pounds. females:5-6.5 pounds

3. must have long daily walk

4. lives 16 years or more

5. nothing :D maybe a weekly brushing just in case

Lowchen (Little Lion Dog)

1. 10-13 inches tall

2. 9-18 pounds

3. must have a daily walk

4. lives 12-14 years

5. rear must be clipped and fur must be brushed regularly.

Miniature Schnauzer

1. 12-14 inches tall

2. 10-15 pounds

3. must have daily, long, brisk walk

4. lives to 15 years

5. must be brushed daily with wire comb and must be clipped in spring and fall

Mexican Hairless

1. Toy: 9-14 inches

Miniature: Height 15-20 inches

2.Toy: Weight 5-15 pounds

Miniature: Weight 15-30 pounds

3. must have daily walk

4. lives 15-20 years

5. Hairless:bathe or lotion once or twice a month, if you have sunny weather it needs sunscreen, bathe the day after being at the park,

coated:bathe once a month, brush daily or weekly,  

Answer 5

None! Why torment your daughter with additional health issues.  Why torment the cat and set up the new dog for failure.  Why give yourself extra stress about it. It isn't worth it!

Answer 6

Hm. Have you considered a Samoyed? They are amazing dogs, I've heard. A friend of mine is severely allergic to dogs, and she told me that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog - besides the Samoyed. They simply do not make her react. I'd guess it would be the same for your children.

They are prime working dogs, have a lot of energy to burn. Breeders are more rare then your average poodle, so prices may be up there a bit to discourage puppy-millers from buying their dogs. New England would be a nice place for a snow dog like a Sammie to live. They are working dogs - they need exercise throughout the year. Sledding might be fun to take up with your child.

The question is not whether the dog will get along with the cat, but rather will the cat get along with the dog? If introduced at a young age, any dog can be friends with a cat. They have to be introduced properly and calmly so their is no reason for the cat or puppy to be scared. Check out Google for ways to introduce puppies to existing cats. My shelter gives out hand-outs, so the information can't be that hard to find.

I would advise you do some research on your breed of choice for a while before you decide to get one. Visit a shelter and see their puppies before you contact a breeder. Get a feel of everything. I'd say make the puppy a Christmas present. That way you'll know and have your home prepared for a puppy before you bring one in.

Good luck, I hope you find the perfect pup!