Kids and Pets: Top 5 Kid-Friendly, Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds.

My son has been begging me to get him a pet for the longest time. He started asking for it around Christmas time last year, when we chanced upon a Korean family buying a pet hamster at eMart. (Oh yes, in Korea they sell pets at their discount stores.)

A few weeks later, he asked me if we can raise an iguana at home - an idea most likely inspired by watching Nat Geo Wild day in and day out. I vehemently disagreed, of course. Save for turtles, I really can't stand the sight of reptiles.

These days, he's been leaning towards more 'normal' pet choices, like a cat or a dog. And if you've been a long time follower of this blog, then you might recall that I used to have a dog - a Shih Tzu-Poodle named Stalin.

After Stalin passed away in 2012, it never occurred to me to get a new dog or a new pet. Losing Stalin had been very traumatic and emotionally devastating, and I thought I can never love another dog again the same way I loved my Stalin. However, it's a totally different story when your child earnestly begs you for a pet dog and wholeheartedly promises to care for it and attend to its needs. *sigh*

My husband has already agreed to Yue's idea, and now it's up to me to choose which dog to get. The Goody Pet has a comprehensive list of child-friendly dog breeds, which I have narrowed down to these hypoallergenic, asthma-friendly choices.

Poodle

Photo credit: Pup Home.

When it comes to hypoallergenic or non-shedding dogs, Poodles are at the top of the list. They come in three different sizes - toy, miniature, and standard. The latter make good family dogs, as they get along very well with children. Poodles are one of the most obedient and smartest dogs; they love to play, and enjoy physical activities. Poodles have hair - not fur - which do not shed, making them the perfect companion for dog-lovers with asthma and/or allergies.

Maltese

Photo credit: Spoiled Maltese.

One of the more popular breeds of lap dogs, Maltese are known for their straight and long white coat. Maltese dogs can weigh up to 7 pounds, and have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Extremely lovable and playful, Maltese also make good watchdogs as they bark at strangers and other dogs. Shedding is almost non-existent in this breed as they have no undercoat. They do, however, require regular grooming to keep their white coats clean and free of mats.

Bichon Frise

Photo credit: Dogster.

A Bichon Frise is a small breed of dog which traces its origins from Spain and Belgium. One of the sweetest and most affectionate breeds, Bichon Frise dogs are known for their cotton ball cloud of curly white hair which have minimal shedding. They are playful and energetic, and very amicable towards children. Like the Maltese, the Bichon Frise also requires regular grooming to keep their coat in good shape.

Yorkshire Terrier

Photo credit: Pinterest.

Yorkshire Terriers are tiny dogs with a big personality. Good-natured and playful, Yorkies - as they are often called - usually weigh less than 7 pounds and have a lifespan of approximately 14 to 16 years. The hallmark of this breed is its coat color - a lovely shade of tan with a dark steel blue hue. They don't have an undercoat and they hardly shed, but it does take a lot of work to keep their coat fine, silky, straight, and free of mats. Yorkies also make good guard dogs as they tend to bark excessively (sometimes a little too much) at strangers.

Shih Tzu

Photo credit: Vet Street.

Originally bred for for royalty in China, Shih Tzus are known for their warm and friendly personality which makes them one of the most popular toy breeds around the world. Playful and affectionate, Shih Tzus are friendly towards just about anybody - whether its kids or strangers or other dogs. Shih Tzus are also one of the few breed of dogs whose coat is made up of hair. They shed very lightly, but their coat needs to be combed daily to keep tangles at bay. Professional grooming is also recommended, especially during the hot summer months when their coat needs to be kept short.

So, which breed will we be getting? Honestly, I'm still undecided.
I guess we have to visit the pet shop soon so we can see the dogs in person. Hopefully, one adorable pup will steal my heart again, the way Stalin did when I first met him eleven years ago. :)