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.

[jomii.co.uk]

In dogs, you could consider Schnauzers, short-haired terriers, greyhounds, poodles, Bichon Frises, Maltese, Basenji (cute) - they hardly shed. In cats, Abyssinians, Burmese, Tonkinese, Korat. Once they are in your house, vacuum carpets, curtains & upholstery often. Laminate floors are better, but downfall is that the pet could scratch them or slide to their oblivion! Clean out litter trays regularly (more so than advised). Restrict the pet from bedrooms where the asthmatic sleeps. Also, avoid wearing garments (i.e.: fluffy slippers) that pick up and carry dander around the house.

[andrewlee]

Devon and Cornish Rexes have virtually no fur, and are amongst the oddest looking cats you could find! They have been likened to ET! However they have a very sweet temperament, and make excellent companions.

[xyzzyplugh]

An asthmatic can't really have hardly any dog or cat; it's not the dog hairs which aggravate the illness, it's the dead cells etc that come off the animal especially dogs, that shake themselves a lot. Suggest a "Peruvian Hairless Dog"; "credited with strange, supernatural powers to cure diseases of the joints, such as rheumatism. experts also say that lengthy contact with the dog's unusually warm skin can relieve asthma as well."

[monarobabe]

My hubby is asthmatic (since childhood) & suffers with eczema too. We have had two beautiful 6 yr old Korats (brother & sister) from kittens. It did take about 6 months for his breathing & wheezy chest to de-sensitise, & I had to restrict the cats to downstairs only. The female likes to ride on your shoulder & if she gets onto my hubbys shoulder & grips with claws he still reacts with large lumps & bumps to any skin puncture. But he loves them & says the small discomfort he sometimes has is far outweighed by the joy of having two such wonderful creatures in the house.

Have a look at www.korats.org.uk

They are a very demanding breed & I recommend you should have two for company for each other. They will follow their favourite person around the house (sitting on my shoulders usually) getting involved, lovely temperament, very affectionate & they love to play, even now at 6 yrs old (you are never alone with Korats in the house). However, it's worth noting they're indoor cats & should not really be allowed outside to roam, as they are notorious for having no road sense & getting run over. Best if you can organise a safe enclosure in your garden, & they also enjoy being walked on a lead around the garden too - yes really, as long as you introduce "walkies" from around 6 months old. Hope this helps?