Breeder Recommendations near NY - looking for allergy reassurance

I am pretty new to dog ownership but I have dog allergies and asthma that my friends' dogs always set off. Any fur on me would mean a runny nose, cough, red eyes, possible asthma attacks. Funny enough my cat allergies have always been minimal and I've had cats for decades. I recently got a standard poodle (male) and allergies was one of the reasons I wanted one. I did test myself when he was just a pup with my breeder (in Florida so not close to you) but I had no allergic reactions. However, after bringing him home I developed mild reactions on par with those that I get to cats (a daily claritin keeps me reaction free). So my standard poodle does not set me off severely like other dogs (GSDs, Milionis, Boxers, Bulldogs, etc.) have.

That said, all allergies are individual. You may be able to make this work. When you have a breeder in mind, talk to them about meeting any of the parents possible, previous litters, or later the pups. I would think any ethical breeder would have no issue with that. But note that in my sessions with the pups and dam I did not develop any allergic reactions. I held and played with the pups, petted the dam. It was only after bringing him home that I developed mild symptoms.

I am allergic to anything with hair or feathers. I have chronic asthma from my allergies and I also get contact dermititis. I have two toy poodles and I am allergic to them. Poodles will trigger allergic reasons, but often milder than other breeds.

I do not recommend getting a standard poodle with a child who has allergic asthma. The smaller, the better. I see no logic in miniatures being the less allergenic, as they are usually bigger than toys. I would get a toy if I were in your shoes.

Also, make arrangements with the breeder. That’s what I do. I tell them there is a slight chance I cannot tolerate the puppy and we agree on a set period of time to bring the puppy back, usually 2-3 weeks max (it’s not fair for the puppy, or the family to stretch it longer than that). That’s how long it takes me to know if I can live with a specific dog. The first few days I’m fine, then the allergies start, and then when it goes well, they gradually lessen to where it’s acceptable. I've had to give back a chihuahua that I just couldn‘t tolerate. That’s when I decided for a second toy poodle and I’m lucky it worked out.

Also, get a commercial grade air purifier and set it in your son’s room so he gets fresh air at night. No dogs in his room/bed. Even better if the dog isn’t allowed on the floor where the rooms are. Teach your son to wash his hands after touching the dog and to not touch his face and eyes.

If you live in a cold climate, have an air exchanger installed so you can get fresh air even during winter. If not, make sure to aerate the house as much as possible. A good air exchanger will replace 100% of the air in the house 3 times per day.

I hope it works out for you. Your son’s health is what matters and taking these steps will help you in your project of owning a dog. Last advice, prepare your son to the possibility that it doesn’t work, so he doesn’t have his heart broken if the puppy has to go.