Canvasback: No meds necessary with poodles for me. She will be our 4th poodle, but the first one that isn't essentially a lapdog. I really wanted a pointing dog, but the allergy issue kept me going back to where I felt safe. It's the hair versus fur thing I guess. Hair is not a problem; fur is. I have worked with a lovely English setter for the past 6-years and he's a wonderful family pet and a fully-finished hunting dog. But....generally by day two of being at work with him, I'm on antihistamines and ibuprofen to get through the day.

I'm hoping its as you mention, boy and dog go well together. Everything beyond that will be gravy.