Types of dogs for 6ry old with autism.

[Flip7]

Hi everyone,

Our 6ry old son has autism and ADHD he is very very active and absolutely adores all animals especially dogs.  We would love to get him a dog and our criteria is that the dog does not shed hair due to allergies in our family, the dog must love water as we live by the beach and fetch balls, we would prefer a female dog and especially great with kids.  A breed that is not prone to anxiety issues or a breed that is not prone to barking alot either.  Small enough to fit in our car but robust also to keep up with our son.  We need advice, we do like miniature bull terriers and the water dogs (Spanish / Italian).  We are after any advice possible as the dog has to be a perfect fit for our son.  Thank you Flip.

Edited April 24, 2018 by Flip7

[sandgrubber]

Standard poodle? I've met some with robust temperament.  

[RuralPug]

What sort of investigation has been dome into the severe allergies in the family? Is it dog HAIR they are allergic to or dog DANDER? Could this possibly be controlled by antibiotics - the reason I ask is that many people don't realise that the low shedding woolly breeds need a lot of thorough grooming at home PLUS visits to a professional groomer for coat care regularly (probably every 6 weeks). When speaking to breeders (always speak to several different breeders in the breed you decide upon) ask about grooming!

If the hair shedding is a real problem, avoid breeds with short spiky hair that hooks into everything. Unfortunately the Bull Terrier and Mini Bull Terrier definitely are in the high shedding short spiky hair category. However, if you like the terrier temperament a really robust little dog without short spiky hair and with a fairly easy care coat is the Australian Terrier - a fantastic little dog. There are probably other terriers that you might consider, such as the Border Terrier that are also suitable.

If the allergy is a major problem and a lot of grooming is not then I think you are best to stick with your choice of Lagotto (Italian Water Dog) this is the one that is easiest to source in Australia, there are very few breeders of the Spanish Water Dog here. The Portuguese Water Dog does have a few more breeders in Australia than the Spanish. Personally I have never been up close with a Portuguese or a Spanish so I cannot testify to their temperament, but all of the Lagottos that I have met have had awesome temperaments.

Most of the Standard Poodles that I have met have also had awesome temperaments, if that is not too large a dog for you, certainly one to consider. 
Unfortunately I have to say that the temperaments of Miniature Poodles can be a bit of a grab bag, no doubt there are good ones out there but I would want to see both parents at the very least plus I would want to know just how the breeder socialises their Miniature Poodles before I took one on to be companion for a child.
I would rule out the Toy Poodle as not being robust enough.

Good luck in your search and keep us informed - we would love to see how you go!

[Rascalmyshadow]

Have a look at airdales, they are very robust and tolerant dogs, easy to train (can be a bit stubborn) nice size, their coat is easier to maintain than poodles and most of the other curly breeds, all the ones I have met/groomed loved the beach.

 

A smaller standard poodle could be suitable as long as you can put in lots of time to groom, train and exercise them. They are very very intelligent and their coat

is high maintenance especially if you plan on taking them swimming, unless you have them clipped shorts all over every 6-8 weeks.

 

 

 

[Dogsfevr]

First off don’t get stuck on sex ,when it comes to selecting the right dog to suit your son sex shouldn’t be a factor .

We have placed puppies into homes with kids with the same issues and some wanted the pretty dog that was not the right fit for there.needs and not prepared to listen so they got no pup others where very happy to listen to us the breeders advice in selecting the pup/ pups that is the best fit before leaving us ,

The best breed is the one that will benefit your son .

So are you wanting a dog that is settling,calm or you wanting a dog that is over the top .

If the dog is meant to also help encourage a behaviour with your son the right breed and pup is very important.

Ball chasing is no guarantee,some dogs thrive doing it others get no pleasure from fetching a ball .

Swimming is certainly hit and miss although some non shedding breeds can have a higher passion for water .

Portuguese water dog is one ,sadly I have yet to come across a friendly lagotto but that doesn’t mean there not out there just seek your breeder out .

Std Schnauzers love water and thrive watching over there people but require dedicated puppy training .

Std Poodles love water and great with jobs ,if in Victoria  there is one breeder I would talk with whose dogs are working dogs .

There are other breeds that don’t shed that would be just as suitable 

[juice]

Bull Terrires hardly shed at all , robust and tough , some swim . The mini is a bit more manic than the standard . They need very strong leaders and boundaries and socialising . 

 

Edited April 24, 2018 by juice

[Kazm]

I may be biased but a mini schnauzer might fit. They don’t shed hair, very loyal and very intuitive. They love spending time with the family. Small and very robust. I have always owned these and bred quite a few. Those that get the chance love the beach, both sand and water. My little girl is 6 and loves playing ball. The only thing is some can be a bit yappy. But not all and maybe that comes down to training. They also need grooming about every 8 weeks or so but they really do require brushing at least once a week as they are prone to getting knots but if you spend 5 minutes once  a week it’s really not a problem. They are highly intelligent and personally I love them and wouldn’t be without. Good luck with your choice.

[sandgrubber]

Btw, standard poodles have a reputation that comes from the show ring and fancy coifs.   They don't have to be cosmeticized, and can make good gun dogs...ie, a poodle need not be an embarrassment to a teenage boy.

http://www.gundogmag.com/breeds/gun-dog-breeds-standard-poodle/

[karen15]

That was a good read sandgrubber

[mita]

https://www.guidedogs.org.au/autism-assistance-dogs  You need expert selection & training of dogs to get the best benefits for a child with autism, as well as the best welfare for the dog.   There's a section of Guide Dogs which does exactly this, Autism-assistance Dogs.   Consider looking into it.     

[JacAbik9]

I'm probably going to get crucified for suggesting it, but check out Tamaruke Labradoodles and Taloodles therapy and assistance dogs. I've met and worked with some of their dogs and I've been very impressed. They actually changed my mind about Poodle mixes! 

[DogsAndTheMob]

Markable are ANKC breeders of curly coated retrievers, who breed dogs for use as assistance dogs. They say they have two adult dogs available for placement as assistance dogs.

 

I don’t know if it was one of their dogs, but I recently saw a curly coated retriever working as an assistance dog for a young adult with a disability. It was in a very crowded supermarket and the dog seemed to be very “grounding” for the young woman. The dog didn’t look entirely comfortable with the crowds - who could blame it? - but coped well and gave the young woman something to focus on while her father got the groceries.

[sandgrubber]

4 hours ago, JacAbik9 said:

I'm probably going to get crucified for suggesting it, but check out Tamaruke Labradoodles and Taloodles therapy and assistance dogs. I've met and worked with some of their dogs and I've been very impressed. They actually changed my mind about Poodle mixes! 

I've been surprised with how much more tolerant this forum has gotten.  I keep expecting flames for statements that challenge strictly purebred thinking, and have gotten no guff.

[Diva]

6 hours ago, sandgrubber said:

I've been surprised with how much more tolerant this forum has gotten.  I keep expecting flames for statements that challenge strictly purebred thinking, and have gotten no guff.

It is largely a forum of pet people now. Most of the breed experts have moved on (no offence intended to any remaining).

[JacAbik9]

On 4/27/2018 at 2:05 PM, sandgrubber said:

I've been surprised with how much more tolerant this forum has gotten.  I keep expecting flames for statements that challenge strictly purebred thinking, and have gotten no guff.

I'm always hesitant in general to talk about 'doodles' with other crazy dog people, so I'm quite relieved! 

[juice]

I just can’t be arsed anymore , I’m surrounded by the crazy neurotic mongrels  in my neighbourhood .

[Dogsfevr]

I don t suggest doodles because I groom too many fruitcakes each week and board many more 

[WoofnHoof]

I second the suggestion of going with an organisation that trains both dog and owners for this particular specialisation, you need specialist guidance to ensure that the match is good and works well for both child and dog. Chances are there is funding available if you choose an accredited organisation as well. 

 

Problem with Labradoodles (aside from the dumb name) is they don’t breed to type, some are nice and reflect what is claimed re temperament, coat etc and some don’t, and the breeders appear to have largely given up (those few that were actually trying) trying to set the type because, you know, genetics is hard. 

[sandgrubber]

These guys look like a great match...and are MDBA as well.  

 

Note: labradoodles aren't all first generation crosses.  Some breeders have been working on the breed for many decades to get consistent lines...and are well past third generation.  The Australian cobber dog is the product od such breeding.

 

http://www.ridgydidgecobberdogs.com/the-breed/characteristics/