Asthma-friendly pets?

[ReverendMat]

Our family is very keen on getting a cat or a dog but one of us is asthmatic. Can anybody recommend any breeds of cats or dogs that are relatively 'asthma-friendly'? Many thanks.

[incitatus]

poodles dont shed at all......or there are those bald cats from austin powers...

[ReverendMat]

Thanks Incitatus. But a poodle? Oh dear, looks like no dog for us!! The Dr Evil cat idea would have gotten you three stars alone, but the revelation about poodles soured it somewhat!! hehe.

[parkhead]

A cross bred of a labrador and poodle ( a labradoodle if you will!) was specially bred for use as a guide dog for the blind asthmatic as it didn't shed hair. It looked more like a labrador than a poodle I seem to remember.

[WendyW]

Often you are OK with shorthaired cats ... so why not "borrow" a friends for a couple of hours and see how you go on. I am fine with our cat so I'll keep my fingers crossed for you..

[wildwood]

Incitatus wasn't kidding. There is a hairless breed of Spyhnx cat, well almost hairless anyway.

[xyzzyplugh]

"Peruvian Hairless Dog"

[rinkytink]

If you caught the old eposode of Friends on E4 last night you would have seen an example of a Sphinx cat. They are pretty cool - nice temperament etc (a mate used to have one) but I believe that they are very expensive to buy. And they look like E.T. !!

[muffy]

Hi, My other half is allergic to everything except our Bedlington Terrier. They do not shed as they are wooly, and have an excellent temprement with children as they are tough and like to play.

[Ponder013]

Pet allergy's are usually caused by the 'dander' or dandruff! and not the hair of the pet. you should try to to get yourself allergy tested, as you may not be allergic to animals at all. also, for some reason cat's dander is much more likely to cause an allergic reaction than Dog's dander. if you really want to get a dog - get one, usually extra attention with the vacuum cleaner will solve the problem... good luck