If you want a "hypoallergenic dog" you might try a Labradoodle (no really :-). A guy in Australia crossed a Poodle and a Labrador in an attempt to create a guide dog for a blind woman that was allergic to dogs. Supposedly has the temperment of a Labrador and the hypoallerginality (?) of a Poodle. Also VERY cute like a Lab with curly hair so I'm sure your wife will love them. More info here:
http://www.labradoodle-dogs.com/