Finding the perfect canine companion for your family often involves a balance of temperament, size, and care requirements. For many households, especially those with allergy sufferers or simply a desire for less clean-up, a low-shedding dog is a top priority. When you’re looking for a dog that fits comfortably into family life without being too small or overly large, and keeps pet hair to a minimum, medium-sized breeds that don’t shed are ideal. While no dog is entirely “hypoallergenic” or 100% shed-free, certain breeds produce significantly less dander and hair, making them excellent choices for sensitive individuals. This guide will explore some of the best medium-sized family dogs that don’t shed, helping you find a loving and low-maintenance addition to your home. Discover more about [medium dogs that don t shed a lot](https://dogcarestory.com/medium-dogs-that-don-t-shed-a-lot/) to further refine your search.
Understanding “Hypoallergenic” and Low-Shedding Coats
The term “hypoallergenic” is often misunderstood. It doesn’t mean a dog is free of allergens, but rather that it produces fewer allergens. Most dog allergies are triggered by dander (flakes of dead skin), saliva, and urine, not just the hair itself. However, dogs that shed less hair also tend to release less dander into the environment, making them more suitable for people with allergies. These breeds often have coats that are more like human hair or wool, which grows continuously and traps dander, requiring regular grooming rather than shedding. Knowing the [types of dogs that don t shed much](https://dogcarestory.com/types-of-dogs-that-don-t-shed-much/) can help manage expectations and care routines.
Top Medium-Sized Family Dogs That Don’t Shed
Several breeds strike an excellent balance between a manageable size, a family-friendly disposition, and a low-shedding coat. These dogs are intelligent, adaptable, and a joy to have around, minimizing the amount of pet hair in your home.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a robust and intelligent little dog, typically weighing between 10 and 20 pounds and standing up to 14 inches tall. Their distinctive wiry double coat sheds minimally, making them a fantastic choice for families seeking a low-shedding companion. These smart dogs adapt well to various living environments, from apartments to larger homes, provided they receive at least an hour of exercise daily. Miniature Schnauzers are known for their spirited personalities, loyalty, and affectionate nature, making them wonderful family pets that are eager to participate in family activities.
A salt and pepper miniature schnauzer wearing a pink harness in a park
Standard Schnauzer
Sharing many of the popular qualities of their smaller counterparts, the Standard Schnauzer offers a medium-sized package, weighing up to 45 pounds. These dogs possess the same dense, wiry, low-shedding coat and are highly intelligent, making them easily trainable. Standard Schnauzers are known for their playful and protective nature, making them excellent guard dogs and devoted family members. They thrive on activity, loving long walks, games of fetch, and engaging in challenging dog puzzle toys, ensuring they stay happy and well-behaved within the family unit.
Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to assist fishermen in Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog is a highly intelligent, energetic, and loyal medium-sized breed. Their thick, curly, waterproof coat sheds very little, making them a popular choice for families concerned about shedding. These dogs are renowned for their friendly disposition, trainability, and deep affection for their families. Portuguese Water Dogs are high-energy pups that require regular exercise, including swimming and engaging in water games, to keep them stimulated and healthy. Their robust nature and eagerness to please make them fantastic active family members.
A black and white Portuguese Water Dog wearing a red maple leaf bandana in front of water
Labradoodle
A beloved crossbreed resulting from a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle was initially bred to be a hypoallergenic service dog. These dogs are intelligent, friendly, and possess a low-shedding coat that varies from wavy to curly. Labradoodles are highly regarded as [best hypoallergenic dogs that don t shed](https://dogcarestory.com/best-hypoallergenic-dogs-that-don-t-shed/) and make excellent family pets due to their gentle demeanor and eagerness to please. They are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement, especially when socialized from a young age, ensuring they integrate seamlessly into family life.
Goldendoodle
Another popular “doodle” breed, the Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Like Labradoodles, these dogs are known for their minimal shedding, friendly nature, and high intelligence. Goldendoodles are affectionate and playful, making them wonderful companions for families. While they often have a golden coat, their appearance can vary widely in color and texture. Regular grooming with a slicker brush is essential to prevent matting and keep their beautiful low-shedding coats in top condition.
A Goldendoodle lying on a couch with a person sitting in the background
Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, often referred to as “truffle dogs,” were originally bred as water retrievers in Italy. Their curly, woolly coat is not only protective but also remarkably low-shedding. These intelligent and active dogs are generally good with children and other pets, making them excellent [medium sized dogs that don t shed and are calm](https://dogcarestory.com/medium-sized-dogs-that-don-t-shed-and-are-calm/) and a great fit for active families. Their agreeable temperament and eagerness to learn ensure they bond closely with their human companions.
Irish Water Spaniel
Friendly, highly intelligent, and easily trainable, the Irish Water Spaniel is a distinctive water dog breed known for its dense, curly, and naturally water-repellent coat. This beautiful liver-colored coat sheds minimally but requires regular grooming to prevent matting. With a high energy level, Irish Water Spaniels need ample exercise to stay happy and healthy, thriving in active family environments where they can engage in retrieving games, swimming, and outdoor adventures. Their playful nature and strong loyalty make them cherished family members.
Aussiedoodle
The Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard or Miniature Poodle, inheriting intelligence and energy from both parent breeds. This low-shedding dog is incredibly smart and active, making them well-suited for families who can provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Without sufficient engagement, Aussiedoodles can become bored and potentially destructive, so consistent exercise, training, and enrichment toys are crucial for their well-being and a harmonious family life.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized Irish breed aptly named for its incredibly soft, silky coat that sheds very little. Wheatens are known for their joyful “Wheaten Greetin'” where they jump up to welcome their loved ones. As terriers, they maintain a high energy level throughout their lives, requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation to channel their enthusiasm positively. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them wonderful, devoted companions for families willing to meet their activity needs.
A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog sitting on a log
Schnoodle
Combining the best traits of two low-shedding breeds, the Schnoodle is a cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle. Their coat can be curly or wavy, depending on their genetic inheritance, but it is consistently low-shedding. Schnoodles are known for their intelligence, playful spirit, and affectionate personalities, adapting well to various family dynamics. They are eager to please and relatively easy to train, making them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners and families seeking a charming, active companion.
Bedlington Terrier
Often described as “a lamb in dog’s clothing,” the Bedlington Terrier is a small to medium-sized breed recognized by its distinctive curly, woolly coat, topknot, and pom-pom ear tufts. This unique coat sheds minimally. Bedlington Terriers are deeply devoted to their families, enjoying close companionship. They can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, highlighting their need for human interaction. Their playful and gentle nature, combined with their striking appearance, makes them a memorable and loving family dog.
Whoodle
A Whoodle is the delightful result of crossing a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier with a Poodle. These friendly dogs inherit the intelligence and affectionate nature from both parent breeds, along with a minimal-shedding coat. Whoodles are playful, energetic, and thrive on being part of family activities. Their balanced temperament and low-shedding qualities make them an excellent choice for families seeking an active and loving medium-sized dog that won’t leave much hair around the house.
A tan Whoodle puppy dragging a washcloth
Barbet
The Barbet, pronounced “bar-bay,” is a cheerful and robust medium-to-large sized dog with a shaggy, woolly coat that is low-shedding. The name, derived from the French word “barbe” (beard), perfectly describes their characteristically hairy chin. Barbets are known for their love of water, thanks to their protective curly coats, and thrive on outdoor activities. They are intelligent, loyal, and good-natured, making them wonderful family dogs that enjoy participating in all aspects of family life, especially those involving water.
Close-up of a curly red Barbet dog face
Peruvian Inca Orchid (Medium Variety)
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an ancient and rare breed that comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard (medium to large). While often hairless, a coated variety with a short, smooth coat also exists, and both types are considered hypoallergenic due to their very minimal shedding. The medium-sized Peruvian Inca Orchid is known for its elegant appearance, alertness, and deep loyalty to its family. They are generally calm and affectionate with their loved ones, making them a unique and cherished family member for those seeking a low-allergen companion.
Tips for Living with Your Low-Shedding Family Dog
Bringing a low-shedding medium-sized dog into your family is a rewarding experience. To ensure a harmonious home and keep allergen levels as low as possible, consider these important tips:
Keep Up With Grooming
Even low-shedding dogs require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and minimize dander. Most breeds with non-shedding coats need brushing several times a week to prevent mats and tangles, and professional grooming every 4-8 weeks for trims. Regular bathing every four to six weeks can also help reduce dander. Investing in quality grooming tools or budgeting for professional grooming services is essential to maintain your dog’s coat and health.
Maintain a Clean Home
Despite owning a low-shedding dog, maintaining a clean home environment is crucial for allergy management. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and washing bedding can significantly reduce residual pet dander. Utilizing air purifiers and ensuring good ventilation throughout your home can also help filter out airborne allergens, contributing to a fresher, cleaner living space for everyone.
Consider Individual Allergies
It’s important to remember that individual reactions to dogs can vary greatly. Even with a low-shedding breed, some sensitive individuals may still experience allergic symptoms. Consulting with a healthcare provider or allergist can help you understand and manage your specific allergies, potentially through medication, nasal sprays, or injections. Avoiding close contact with a dog’s saliva or urine, which also contain allergens, is also recommended.
Choosing one of the [Best Medium Sized Family Dogs That Don T Shed](https://dogcarestory.com/medium-sized-dogs-that-don-t-shed-and-are-calm/) can open up the wonderful world of dog ownership to families who might otherwise struggle with allergies or excessive shedding. These intelligent, affectionate, and active breeds offer the joy of canine companionship with minimal hassle, proving that a furry friend can indeed be a perfect fit for nearly any home.
Written By: Nicole Zittritsch, LVT, BSc, MPH
