[SaLyn]

Please help, I have 2 weeks until I pick our puppy up!
I am allergic to some cats (and not necessarily the fluffiest ones) and have had dogs all my life. I have lived with german shepherds, blue cattle, rotweiler, kelpies, irish setters and labradors and haven't experienced any allergies. I recently went to visit a pomeranian puppy and put a deposit down. On the drive home my eyes were extremely itchy as if I had been near a cat! I know pomeranians have heaps of fur and they shed, but is their fur similar to a cat's, and is this the reason for my unusual outbreak?

[RubyPitbull]

Is it possible that the owner has cats in or around the house? You may want to ask.
Also, please be aware that our body chemistry changes every 7 years. You may very well have developed an allergy to dogs, especially if you know you are allergic to cats. If the owner doesn't have cats, it would be wise to discuss the problem with the owner and request a refund of your deposit before you get any more attached to the puppy. You are well within your legal rights to do so.

Maltese are the small dog of choice for people with an allergic reaction to dogs. They don't shed. They really are very cute and sweet little buggers! :)

Would you consider adopting one? There are so many small dogs in shelter and rescue situations that need homes with decent loving people. It is much cheaper than purchasing a puppy. You would be saving a life that might otherwise be snuffed out.

Here is a link to finding all the available malteses around the U.S. Just type in Dog, Maltese, and your zip code.

Petfinder.com: Adopt a pet and help an animal shelter rescue a puppy or kitten.

Please let us know how you are doing and what the outcome is.

[labman]

As usual, Ruby made some good points. If it wasn't a cat, it could have been something else in the owner's house or even something you ate. I would try exposing yourself to other Pomeranians away from the owners house.

If you decide you are allergic to the Pomeranians, you have several other choices in small dogs beside the Maltese, the toy Poodle, Yorkie, or a Bichon Friese. Most dog allergies are caused by the skin dander, not the hair.

I support adoption and suggest you also check American Kennel Club - Breed Rescue Rescues will do more to make sure you have the right dog than Pet finders or a shelter.

[RubyPitbull]

Yes, you are right labman, of course. I neglected to mention the skin dander aspect in allergies. I was pointing out another positive reason with a maltese, the non-shedding aspect. I should have been clearer. And, Salyn, you may want to look at the other breeds he has mentioned. They are all good breeds to have in the household if you have developed allergies. I just know so many people who adore their Maltese, my perspective was a bit clouded and limited on this one.

[labman]

Yeah, I tend to over emphasize Poodle because of their use as service dogs. Some day I need to dig up the picture of me doing a blind fold walk with a Poodle as my guide and post it.