My poodle does not shed. BUT...she requires a lot of grooming.

This might help you http://dogtime.com/best-dog-breeds-allergy-sufferers-list.html
Whatever you do, don't get the dog we have - a Japanese Spitz/American Eskimo dog I think they are called in the US. We wade through a sea of long white hair and I am constantly vacuuming. She is worth it though.

The low dander stuff is true. You will usually see it in dogs with "hair" as opposed to fur.

You would want to get a poodle or poodle mix, really, any curly haired water dog. That being said, I have yet to see a poodle who actually liked swimming.

Because the dogs have hair, there isn't as much dander. See the below link.

http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/hypoallergenic-dogs.html

Good luck with your search. I wouldn't reccommend a small dog for a child, as small children don't always know their own strength with a small dog.

Shitzu's are good dogs for people who have allergies.

So are some of the smaller terrier breeds, Maltese and poodles.

There are indeed "hypoallergenic" dogs...here's a link with the list of breeds http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-Breed-Center/Hypoallergenic.aspx

Normally, mixes of these breeds are also hypoallergenic. If you are wanting a calmer dog, I'd personally go with something that is NOT a puppy (at least 2 years old). I used to work in rescue & know that you can get a rescued hypoallergenic dog by searching on www.petfinder.com ...put in a breed that would work for you, as well as your city & boom, you've got yourself a list of hypoallergenic dogs.

If you go with a rescue that uses foster homes, they will know if the dog is house trained, okay with kids, general behaviors & issues as well.

Feel free to IM me if you need any additional information. From what I've seen, the Poodle mixes are pretty popular & there are usually many in need of a good home. Personally, the pure bred poodle tends to be slightly snippy for my liking but when they are mixed with things like the lab or golden, they are a completely different animal.

We have a shih-poo-a mix between a shitzu and a poodle. Absolutely no shedding-he is a really sweet, calm dog.
Also have an ocherese which is a combo of pekingnese, poodle, and maltese ( I think-I also forget which 3). He is also supposed to be a nonshedding dog-however he does shed some. He is not as calm as our shihpoo-he's kind of spastic, in fact.

Wasn't there a big deal (in the US) about the Obama's getting a dog cause one of the daughters was allergic? I think they got a Portuguese Water Dog or something like that. I don't know anything about grooming them though. We've got a beagle mix and she sheds like crazy, stay away from those!

The biggest thing to consider, more so than allergies (while very important) is your lifestyle. If you haven't had a dog since you were a kid, it's easy to forget how much work they can be. I have a three year old english setter who is the love of my life (yes, before FDH). But, we run three miles most mornings, walk 2 - 3 miles in the evenings, he goes to doggie daycare once a week, regular trips to the dog park, and pretty much any other ridiculous indulgence that you can imagine a childless woman would provide for her furbaby. In reality, the spoiling has only gotten worse since I moved in with FDH and his children because, unlike the real children, my pup doesn't talk back, complain about my cooking, butt into a conversation, roll his eyes and he I don't have to deal with the bitch that gave birth to him. But, he is an unbelievably awesome dog. Very well-behaved, sweet and loving. In large part because of the attention, care and exercise, exercise, exercise he gets. A tired dog is a good dog. Even a small dog needs exercise - some more so than big dogs, think of a jack russell terrier versus a st. bernard. One's a high strung bundle of nerves and fur, the other is basically a breathing, drooling rug.

I am a big fan of dogs, no question. But for a first time pet for your daughter, and a re-entry into pet ownership for you just make sure that you've done your homework. I don't mean to sound preachy, but it always breaks my heart when I see posts on craigslist for dogs looking to be rehomed or animals sitting in a shelter because someone didn't realize how much work a dog really is. Just be honest with yourself. The fact that you're asking here makes me think that you're not going to just jump into something. If you do feel that a dog is the way to go, there's a ton of info available online, but also try contacting some of the local vet clinics. Maybe you have a friend with a dog that can give you the name of his or her vet. The staff there would be familiar not only with breed characteristics, but also make you aware of any potential issues that a certain type of dog is known for and might be able to recommend some breeds based on your life style. They also might be able to steer you towards a well-run rescue (unfortunately they are not all created equal) where you might be able to get the right type of dog in a non-puppy version, which often means past the chewing stage and possibly housebroken - two of the most trying things for a dog owner.

Sorry for the novel. Good luck with your search. If you don't think a dog is ultimately for you, I second the PPs suggestions as far as something like a hamster or guinea pig.

You can never guarantee you'll get a low energy dogs...the only ones that seem pretty consistently low energy are the GIANT breeds, and they are shedders. I've heard poodles don't shed much but every poodle I've met is extremely high maintenance personality wise. Labradoodles too but if you cross anything with a lab they might be hyper. I LOVE my dog but they are tons of work. Lots of care, lots of work, lots of exercise. If you neglect the exercise part they become terrors. You have to plan your whole life around them. No just going out of town or on trips (gotta find dog friendly places or a dog sitter), no spending an entire day away from the house (gotta make sure they go potty), plus they need tons of attention. I wouldn't trade having a dog for anything in the world, but it's a serious commitment and I feel really strongly that when you adopt a pet, you give them a home FOREVER. Nothing infuriates me more than people who have pets that come and go like a new hairstyle.

I would honestly go for the hamster for a first pet. Or another small furry rodent. Chinchillas are ADORABLE. I love guinea pigs too. The only real work is food, water, and keeping the cage clean. They are fun to play with and cute.

Portuguese Water Dogs are wonderful.

How about...a PARAKEET! They can sit on your finger & everything!

I've been wanting one of those for AGES but I fear my dog would try to catch it when it is out flying...*sniff*

Generally anything mixed with a poodle is low shed and hypoallergenic. However.... Do YOU want a dog? Cause YOU will be the one taking care of it and training it. If you aren't too find of that idea, get what was mentioned above, a hamster.

I'd start her on something small and fluffy that lives in a cage. After that, look in a shelter or rescue in your area. They run evaluations, training, and do "personality profiles" on the dogs. Older dogs are low-energy and generally in need, unfortunately most people want "super cute little puppies" and the older dogs get over looked. I adopted one of my dogs, Bear, from a rescue. He's a big golden-retriever-Newfoundland mix, and he's probably the best-behaved dog I've ever had. He'd been in the rescue for over a year, because no one wanted an older dog. He was 11 when I adopted him, he's 14 now, and still doing awesome.