For many dog lovers, the dream of a furry companion is often dampened by the reality of pet allergies. The good news is that living with allergies doesn’t mean you have to forgo the joy of dog ownership. While no dog is entirely allergen-free, many breeds are specifically known for producing fewer allergens due to their low-shedding coats. When you’re looking for a dog that combines an adorable appearance with a manageable size and minimal shedding, the options are surprisingly plentiful. This article delves into the world of cute medium sized dogs that don’t shed, offering insights into some of the best breeds for allergy sufferers seeking a charming and less dander-prone companion. If you’re exploring top dog breeds that don’t shed, you’ll find that many fall into this appealing medium-sized category.
Understanding “Hypoallergenic” and Shedding in Dogs
The term “hypoallergenic” is often misunderstood when it comes to dogs. It doesn’t mean a dog is 100% free of allergens, but rather that they are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. All dogs produce dander (tiny flakes of skin), saliva, and urine, all of which contain proteins that can cause allergies. However, dogs that shed minimally distribute fewer of these allergens into their environment. This is why low-shedding breeds are often referred to as hypoallergenic; their coats trap dander and hair, releasing less into the air and onto surfaces, making them a more suitable choice for individuals with sensitivities. These specific breeds require regular grooming to remove trapped dander and loose hairs, ensuring the allergens stay contained rather than becoming airborne.
Ultimately, the goal is to find dog breeds that don’t shed hair significantly, thereby reducing the amount of dander and other allergens released into your home. This distinction is crucial for managing allergy symptoms while still enjoying the companionship of a canine friend. It’s also important to remember that individual reactions can vary, so spending time with a specific breed before bringing one home is always recommended.
Top Cute Medium-Sized Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
If you’re searching for a delightful, medium-sized dog that won’t leave a carpet of fur in its wake, look no further. These breeds offer a fantastic combination of charm, intelligence, and low-shedding coats, making them ideal companions for many homes.
1. Miniature Poodle
The Poodle, in its various sizes, consistently ranks high on lists of hypoallergenic dogs. The Miniature Poodle, typically weighing between 10-15 pounds and standing 10-15 inches tall, perfectly fits the medium-sized criteria, offering both cuteness and a famously low-shedding coat. These intelligent and elegant dogs are renowned for their highly trainable nature and spirited personalities. Originally bred for hunting, Miniature Poodles are energetic and thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Their distinctive curly coat, while beautiful, requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but this effort is well worth it for their minimal shedding and charming demeanor.
white poodle walking through grass
Poodles are not only smart but also highly adaptable, making them suitable for various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, as long as they receive adequate exercise and attention. Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful family pets, and their playful spirit will keep you entertained. Regular brushing sessions are crucial to keep their dense curls tangle-free and to help contain any dander.
2. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a robust and lively breed that consistently wins hearts with its distinctive bearded face and bushy eyebrows. These adorable dogs typically weigh between 11-20 pounds and stand 12-14 inches tall, making them an ideal medium-sized choice. Their wiry double coat sheds very little, contributing to their hypoallergenic reputation. Miniature Schnauzers are known for their intelligence, alertness, and spirited personalities, often described as having a “big dog” attitude in a smaller package. They are excellent watchdogs and devoted family members who thrive on interaction.
salt and pepper miniature schnauzer wearing a pink harness in a park
Despite their sturdy appearance, Miniature Schnauzers are incredibly affectionate and enjoy being involved in family activities. They require daily exercise to burn off their energy and mental stimulation to keep their sharp minds engaged. Regular grooming, including brushing and occasional stripping or clipping, is necessary to maintain their coat’s health and minimize shedding. Their compact size and adaptable nature allow them to fit comfortably into various home environments.
3. Standard Schnauzer
Stepping up slightly in size from their miniature counterparts, Standard Schnauzers typically weigh between 30-50 pounds and stand 17.5-19.5 inches tall, firmly placing them in the medium-sized category. They share the same intelligent, spirited temperament and distinguished appearance as the Miniature Schnauzer, including the characteristic beard and eyebrows. Like all Schnauzer breeds, their wiry coat is low-shedding and considered hypoallergenic. Standard Schnauzers are loyal, protective, and highly intelligent dogs that excel in training and various dog sports. They possess a playful energy and thrive on having a job to do, making them excellent companions for active families.
These dogs are known for their robust health and engaging personalities. Their need for regular exercise and mental challenges means they do best with owners who can provide consistent training and activities like long walks, fetch, or puzzle toys. Their grooming needs are similar to the Miniature Schnauzer, involving regular brushing and professional grooming to maintain their coat’s texture and cleanliness.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a robust, intelligent, and famously low-shedding breed that makes an excellent medium-sized companion. Males typically weigh 42-60 pounds and stand 20-23 inches tall, with females being slightly smaller. Originally bred to assist fishermen in Portugal by retrieving lost tackle and herding fish into nets, these dogs are natural swimmers and possess a thick, curly, waterproof coat that barely sheds. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, excelling in obedience and agility. Portuguese Water Dogs are also known for their friendly and adventurous nature, thriving on an active lifestyle.
black and white portuguese water dog wearing a red maple leaf bandana in front of water
This breed is a high-energy pup that requires significant daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Activities like swimming, long walks, and engaging playtime are essential to prevent boredom and ensure they are well-behaved. Their curly coat needs regular grooming, including brushing and clipping, to prevent matting and keep it in good condition. The Portuguese Water Dog is a devoted family member, often forming strong bonds with their human companions.
5. Lagotto Romagnolo
Hailing from Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient breed known for its distinctive woolly, curly coat and exceptional truffle-hunting abilities. These medium-sized dogs typically weigh 24-35 pounds and stand 16-19 inches tall. Their unique coat is low-shedding and feels more like wool than fur, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. Lagottos are affectionate, intelligent, and keen dogs that are generally good with children and other pets, making them wonderful family dogs. Their heritage as water retrievers means they enjoy aquatic activities and possess a lively, eager-to-please temperament.
two lagotto romagnolo dogs lying in dirt staring at the camera
While their coat is low-shedding, it does require regular grooming to prevent matting. Brushing a few times a week and professional clipping every few months are usually sufficient. Lagottos are energetic and require daily exercise and mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or scent work, to keep them content. Their loyal and loving nature, combined with their charming appearance, makes them a truly delightful addition to any active family.
6. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a distinguished and charming medium-sized breed, immediately recognizable by its striking liver-colored, curly coat and “rat tail.” These elegant dogs typically weigh 55-68 pounds and stand 21-24 inches tall. Their thick, curly coat is inherently low-shedding and contributes to their hypoallergenic status. As their name suggests, Irish Water Spaniels are true water dogs, originally bred for retrieving game from water, and they possess an impressive athleticism and love for swimming. They are intelligent, friendly, and highly trainable, making them excellent companions for active individuals or families.
This breed has a high energy level and requires ample daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Long walks, runs, and especially swimming are ideal activities to satisfy their needs. While their coat is low-shedding, it does need regular grooming to prevent matting and keep it in pristine condition. Their loyal and playful nature, combined with their distinctive appearance, makes them a truly unique and engaging medium-sized, non-shedding option.
7. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an irresistible medium-sized Irish breed known for its silky, wheat-colored coat that is incredibly soft to the touch. These friendly and exuberant dogs typically weigh 30-40 pounds and stand 17-19 inches tall. As their name implies, their coat is soft and sheds very little, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers. Wheatens are full of personality – happy, outgoing, and affectionate, often described as having a “wheaten greeting” where they jump up to welcome their loved ones. They are intelligent and playful, maintaining a high energy level throughout their lives.
soft coated wheaten terrier dog on a log
To keep their beautiful coat free of mats and tangles, regular grooming, including daily brushing, is essential. They also benefit from professional grooming every few months. Wheatens require ample exercise and mental stimulation to be on their best behavior, thriving in environments where they can engage in active play and training. Their sweet disposition and joyous spirit make them fantastic family pets, offering boundless affection and a low-shedding solution. For those interested in long haired dog breeds that don’t shed, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an excellent example.
8. Schnoodle (Medium)
The Schnoodle is a delightful crossbreed that combines the best traits of two hypoallergenic breeds: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. While Schnoodles come in various sizes, the medium-sized varieties typically weigh between 20-40 pounds and stand 15-20 inches tall. Their coat can be curly or wavy, depending on which parent they favor, but it is consistently low-shedding and soft. Schnoodles inherit the intelligence of both parent breeds, making them highly trainable and eager to please. They are known for their friendly, playful, and affectionate temperaments, making them wonderful family companions.
Medium Schnoodles are active dogs that enjoy daily walks and playtime. They are adaptable and can thrive in various living situations as long as they receive enough exercise and attention. Their grooming needs are moderate, requiring regular brushing to prevent matting and occasional professional trimming. With their charming looks and amiable personalities, medium Schnoodles offer a fantastic option for those seeking a cute, low-shedding dog that’s a joy to have around.
9. Whoodle
A Whoodle is a charming and affectionate cross between a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle. This delightful mix results in a medium-sized dog, typically weighing 20-50 pounds and standing 15-20 inches tall, that inherits the low-shedding qualities of both parent breeds. Whoodles boast a soft, wavy to curly coat that is often described as feeling like silk. They are known for their intelligence, playful nature, and boundless affection, making them excellent family pets. Whoodles are social dogs who love to be involved in family activities and thrive on companionship.
These intelligent and energetic dogs require daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and well-behaved. They enjoy activities like playing fetch, going for walks, and participating in family outings. Their low-shedding coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and maintain its healthy appearance, along with professional grooming every few months. The Whoodle’s sweet disposition and allergy-friendly coat make them a highly sought-after companion.
10. Barbet (Medium)
The Barbet, pronounced “bar-bay,” is a cheerful and loving French water dog with a shaggy, woolly coat that is both protective and low-shedding. While some Barbets can lean towards the larger side of medium, they generally weigh between 35-65 pounds and stand 19-24 inches tall, fitting comfortably into the medium-sized category. Their name, derived from the French word barbe (beard), aptly describes their characteristically hairy chin. Barbets are known for their calm demeanor, intelligence, and eagerness to please, making them highly trainable. They thrive on human companionship and are generally good with children and other pets.
close-up of a curly red barbet dog face
Their dense, curly coat, which historically protected them from cold waters, requires regular grooming with a slicker or pin brush two to three times a week to prevent matting and keep it in good condition, especially after swimming. Barbets are active dogs who love to swim and need daily exercise to satisfy their energy levels. Their amiable personality and distinctive appearance make them a wonderfully unique and cute medium-sized dog that doesn’t shed much.
Essential Tips for Living with Your Low-Shedding Companion
Bringing home a low-shedding dog is a fantastic step toward managing allergies, but there are still important practices to adopt to ensure a comfortable environment for everyone. These tips focus on minimizing allergens and maintaining your dog’s health and happiness.
Regular Grooming is Key
Even though these breeds shed minimally, their coats still require consistent care. Regular grooming is crucial for several reasons: it removes loose hair and dander trapped in their coats, prevents matting, and keeps their skin healthy. Depending on the breed, this could mean daily brushing and professional grooming sessions every 4-8 weeks. Brushing helps distribute natural oils, keeping the coat healthy, and more importantly for allergy sufferers, it physically removes potential allergens before they can be dispersed into the home. Many hypoallergenic dogs also require regular trimming or hand-stripping to maintain their coat’s texture and cleanliness. Incorporating specialized dander-reducing shampoos during baths can further aid in minimizing allergens.
Maintain a Clean Home Environment
Living with a low-shedding dog, while reducing allergens, doesn’t eliminate the need for a clean home. Dander can still accumulate on surfaces, and allergens can be present in saliva and urine. Regular cleaning practices are essential:
- Vacuum frequently: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter on carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
- Dust regularly: Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to capture dust and dander.
- Wash bedding: Regularly wash your dog’s bedding and your own linens in hot water.
- Air purification: Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce airborne allergens.
- Good ventilation: Keep windows open when possible to circulate fresh air.
- Designated dog-free zones: Designate certain areas, like bedrooms, as dog-free zones to provide an allergen-free sanctuary.
These habits create a healthier living space for both you and your furry friend.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Managing pet allergies is a personal journey, and consulting with your healthcare provider or an allergist is always recommended. They can help confirm your allergies, suggest appropriate management strategies, and discuss options like medications, nasal sprays, or even allergy shots. While low-shedding dogs significantly reduce allergen exposure, it’s vital to have a comprehensive plan for allergy management. Additionally, avoid close contact with your dog’s saliva or urine, as these can also trigger allergic reactions for some individuals. Open communication with your doctor ensures you can enjoy the companionship of your cute medium-sized, low-shedding dog while keeping your allergies in check.
Bringing home one of these adorable, medium-sized, low-shedding dogs can truly transform the lives of allergy sufferers, offering the profound joy of pet ownership without constant allergic reactions. With proper care, consistent grooming, and a clean home environment, you can welcome a wonderful companion into your life and experience the unconditional love only a dog can provide.
WRITTEN BY
Nicole Zittritsch, LVT, BSc, MPH
Veterinarian Technician
