My family recently adopted a 4-year-old Barbet, a rare breed of a French Water Dog. The dog came from breeders amongst a family of 8 other Barbets. We found another 1-year-old dog at the pound said to be a Barbet, but we are not sure if that is true. If anyone is open, we can send you photos of our younger Barbet and if someone can give us answers, that would be great. (The dog is smaller than our older Barbet, a female, and has shorter fur that is not at all frizzy like our male Barbet and has brown in the fur.)

I am allergic to dogs, horses and cats – all to varying degrees. I am much better with a Poodle than a Lab, etc. So, my wife and I bought a Portuguese Water Dog (Rio) because they have hair that must be cut, not fur that sheds. Supposedly, PWD’s are good for people with allergies like mine. Well, turns out I am a bit allergic to the pooch. After an hour or two, my breathing is less than optimal when I am around Rio. My arms broke out a bit after petting him, but that seems better right now in that I am not breaking out (maybe I am getting used to him). Does anyone have any suggestions? What if we brush him more, could that reduce dander? Is there a good shampoo out there?

I have a PWD and his skin is really dry and flakes when you pet him. It doesn’t seem to bother him too much but he does itch a lot and its not fleas. What can I do to help him with this problem besides brushing him? Keep in mind Portie’s have hair not fur. Is their cream? Home remedies? Conditoner?

thanks
Wow thanks everyone. Lots of great ideas. I can’t decide who should get best answer. Dog people are the nicest. haha

which out of these two breeds would be best for someone with a dog allergy?

Many sites state that Basenji’s are fine for allergic people but then the kennle club (uk) site says that it’s not suitable for people with allergies

the portuguese water dog is good for people with allergies though and there is no site anywhere that says anything other than that it’s fine for people with allergies even though it does shed a bit like all animals with fur do.

so do Basenjis shed more than PWDs?

Tell me what you think!
For those of you that don’t know a Portuguese Water Dog has hair like we do, not fur so unless Obama’s daughter is alergic to human hair she will be fine. I have a Porchie and they’re great dogs!