If you have an idea of other breeds that you are able to tolerate with your allergies, then my first step would be not to visit a shelter, but to look up breed-specific rescue programs in you area. These dogs need homes just as badly (and sometimes even worse) than those in shelters. Suprisingly enough, many of these full-bred dogs were actually "rescued" from death in a shelter, where there was no one to adopt them despite the fact that they were purebred dogs. Best of luck in your search!

This article talks about ways to test you reaction to various dogs, even though several breeds are low dander some people will react more to one breed that another so it is important the test before getting the dog

I'm with the first answer, check out the rescue people in your area that have breeds your interested in. The problem is not the dog but your allergy to them. So you need to to be the one tested, and the easiest test is a short run with the dog either in your home or at a neutral location without other pets. If you suffer a reaction then its not the dog for you. Since there are a million variables on why any particular dog might make you react, such as food they eat, their personal biology, shampoo and the environment they came from. Since there is really no such thing as a hypo allergic dog you just have to fine the one that fits you. Good luck

I would skip it entirely. There are no dogs that are completely hypoallergenic. Some people can have nasty reactions to even the saliva, which is pretty hard to stop. As a rule of thumb, I'd say no to hybrids and designer dogs. No one can guarantee what is in the mix. Puggles are basically Pugs and Beagles, two bad allergy dogs. Labradoodles/Goldendoodles shed terribly. I have a daughter who is a severe asthmatic. Personally she will never own a dog as she doesn't want to deal with the shots, meds and side effects. You can develop allergies too.

No. If you get a Poodle then mix it with a dog that sheds (eg. Labrador, Golden Retriever, Beagle etc.), the dog will still shed. Even Poodles shed to some degree. A lot of people are going to say that if you buy a xxxxxxoodle or xxxxxpoo that he won't shed but there is no guarantee about anything when getting a mixed breed, Poodle mix or not. I am going to tell you NEVER to fall for ANYTHING or ANYONE selling dogs that "DON'T SHED AT ALL" or "HYPO-ALLERGENIC" or "NO SHEDDING, GREAT FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS!" because all they are are scams trying to sell trusting people dogs that will SHED SHED SHED. If you go back in the Questions on YA in the dogs section, there will be a question asking why a 15 year old's "BOOGLE" (Beagle mix Poodle) sheds so much. Idiots. Don't be like them. You can get purebred dogs on but the best thing is is that they are either in shelters or foster homes so either way, you are still adopting one, it's just purebred.

Here are a few breeds that don't shed too much;
Maltese
Poodle
Shih-Tzu
Yorkshire Terrier
Kerryblue Terrier (Kerry Blue Terrier)
Airedale Terrier
Bichon Frise

I have two Maltese. Everyone says they shed "A LITTLE".

My dogs DO NOT shed. They are the only dog I can be near. They don't have the dander problem because they don't have the under coat that most dogs have. They don't smell like a dog either. Even when they are wet, they do not smell. And their fur does not feel like fur. It is more like human's hair. You have to feel one to see what I am talking about.

I have friends and family that are allergic to dogs and they can all rub their faces on my dogs and be fine. NO problem at all. AND as I stated above, I have NEVER seen one piece of fur from them shedding..They are also the only pure white dog there is…………………

LOOK them up and read about them. They are very docile and not hyper. My dogs have NEVER attempted chewing anything. They have their toys and never touch anything else. They are very social and gentle. They love all people and all animals. They think everything and everybody are their best friends. Whatever you do, they do. If you lay down and read, they are there. If you watch TV there they are……….Best breed you can have………………

EDIT NOTE: I become so upset when I read others answers that continue to say that Maltese shed. Ask any Maltese breeder or owner. THEY DO NOT SHED……………….

ALL dogs shed (all mammals shed) even Maltese.

The difference is that a short-haired dog will shed and you'll see the hair. A long-haired dog, like a Maltese will MATT.

That's why they require daily brushing and why you WILL see shed hair in the teeth of the brush.