For many dog lovers, the joy of companionship can be overshadowed by the constant battle against pet hair and potential allergic reactions. While no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, certain breeds are known for their low-shedding coats, making them ideal for individuals seeking a cleaner home environment or those with sensitivities. When you’re looking for a canine friend, finding dogs that don’t shed much medium size offers a perfect balance: a substantial presence without the overwhelming shedding of larger, heavy-coated breeds, and robust enough for an active lifestyle, unlike many toy breeds.
This guide explores some of the best medium-sized dog breeds that are renowned for their minimal shedding. We’ll delve into their unique characteristics, grooming needs, and why they make wonderful additions to homes looking for a low-maintenance coat. Discover your next companion among these fantastic low-shedding medium breeds.
Understanding “Low-Shedding” vs. “Hypoallergenic”
The terms “low-shedding” and “hypoallergenic” are often used interchangeably, but it’s important to clarify their meaning, especially when discussing dogs that don’t shed much medium size.
The Truth About Shedding and Allergens
All dogs produce dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine, all of which contain proteins that trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. When a dog sheds less, they release fewer dander-laden hairs into the environment, which can significantly reduce the amount of allergens circulating in your home. This is why low-shedding dogs are often considered “hypoallergenic” – they simply distribute fewer allergens, rather than producing none at all. However, it’s crucial to remember that no dog is 100% allergen-free. Even hairless breeds still produce dander, saliva, and urine that can trigger a response.
Why Low-Shedding Medium Dogs are a Popular Choice
For those with mild allergies or simply a preference for a cleaner home, embracing a low-shedding dog can make a world of difference. Medium-sized dogs offer the advantage of being substantial enough for varied activities, yet still manageable in smaller living spaces. Their minimal shedding often translates to less dander being spread, potentially alleviating allergy symptoms and reducing the frequency of extensive cleaning. It’s about managing the environment to create a comfortable coexistence, and these breeds are key to achieving that balance. If you’re specifically looking for dogs that don't shed much medium size, you’re on the right track for a more allergy-friendly home.
Benefits of Low-Shedding Medium Dogs
Choosing a medium-sized dog that doesn’t shed much offers a range of advantages for various households. These benefits extend beyond just allergy relief, impacting daily life and home maintenance.
Manageable Size for Diverse Lifestyles
Medium-sized dogs strike an excellent balance between small lap dogs and large, imposing breeds. They are often robust enough to enjoy hikes and active play, yet generally comfortable living in apartments or smaller homes, provided they receive adequate exercise. Their size makes them easier to travel with, fit into a car, and manage on a leash compared to their larger counterparts. This adaptability is a significant draw for many potential owners, making them medium sized dogs that don t shed too much a versatile choice.
Reduced Dander and Allergens
As discussed, the primary appeal of low-shedding dogs is the reduction of allergens. Less shedding means less dander circulating in the air, on furniture, and clothing. This can significantly improve the quality of life for allergy sufferers, allowing them to enjoy the companionship of a dog without constant irritation. While regular grooming and home cleaning are still necessary, the effort is often less intensive with these breeds. For families with allergy concerns, exploring best family dogs that don't shed a lot in the medium size range is a smart decision.
Easier Home Maintenance
Beyond allergies, less shedding directly translates to less time spent vacuuming, dusting, and lint rolling. For many pet parents, the sheer volume of dog hair can be a major chore. A low-shedding breed helps maintain a cleaner living environment, freeing up time for more enjoyable activities with your furry friend. This practical benefit contributes greatly to the overall ease of pet ownership, making good family dog breeds that don't shed particularly attractive for busy households.
Top Medium-Sized Dogs That Don’t Shed Much
Here’s a detailed look at some of the most popular and suitable medium-sized dog breeds known for their low-shedding coats.
1. Poodle (Standard & Miniature)
Poodles are perhaps the most famous types of dogs who don’t shed much, and for good reason. They come in three sizes, with the Standard and Miniature Poodles fitting perfectly into the medium category. Standard Poodles, originally bred as water retrievers, are intelligent, active, and noble dogs, weighing between 45-70 pounds. Miniature Poodles, smaller versions of the breed, typically weigh 10-15 pounds, offering a more compact yet equally intelligent and agile companion. Both possess a dense, curly coat that sheds minimally, trapping loose hair and dander within its texture. This coat requires regular professional grooming and daily brushing to prevent matting. Poodles are highly trainable and make excellent family pets, adaptable to various living situations if their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met.
Standard Poodle walking through grass
2. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a sturdy, spirited terrier with a distinctive “whiskered” appearance. Weighing 10-20 pounds and standing 12-14 inches tall, they are at the smaller end of the medium size spectrum. Their wiry topcoat and soft undercoat shed very little, making them a great choice for those seeking medium sized dogs that don t shed too much. However, their coat does require regular hand-stripping or clipping every 5-8 weeks to maintain its texture and minimize shedding. Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent, outgoing, and playful, thriving on companionship and consistent training. They are known for their protective nature and make vigilant watchdogs.
Salt and pepper Miniature Schnauzer wearing a pink harness in a park
3. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is the original Schnauzer breed, a robust and loyal dog that perfectly embodies the dogs that don't shed much medium size description. They typically weigh 30-50 pounds and stand 17.5-19.5 inches tall. Like their miniature counterparts, they have a dense, wiry coat that sheds very little but requires regular grooming, including brushing several times a week and professional stripping or clipping every few months. Standard Schnauzers are highly intelligent, versatile, and energetic, requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They are protective of their families and can be excellent companions for active households.
Gray Standard Schnauzer standing in a field
4. Portuguese Water Dog
Originating from Portugal, this robust and intelligent breed was historically used to aid fishermen. Portuguese Water Dogs are truly dogs that don’t shed much medium size, weighing 35-60 pounds and standing 17-23 inches tall. They possess a thick, curly, or wavy single coat that is water-resistant and sheds minimally. This coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting. PWDs are highly energetic, intelligent, and trainable, excelling in dog sports and requiring significant daily exercise, especially swimming, which they adore. Their friendly and adventurous nature makes them wonderful companions for active families.
Black and white Portuguese Water Dog wearing a red maple leaf bandana in front of water
5. Labradoodle
A popular crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle was originally bred to be a hypoallergenic service dog. Their size varies, with many standard Labradoodles falling squarely into the medium (50-65 pounds) to large category, though some can be smaller. Their coat types can range from straight to wavy fleece or curly wool, with the fleece and wool coats being the most desirable for low shedding. Regular brushing and professional grooming are essential to prevent matting. Labradoodles are known for their friendly, intelligent, and eager-to-please nature, making them excellent family pets that are highly trainable, especially when socialized from an early age.
Brown Standard Labradoodle walking in a park
6. Goldendoodle
Similar to the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle is a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, known for its charming personality and low-shedding potential. Standard Goldendoodles typically weigh 50-75 pounds, making them a perfect example of dogs that don’t shed much medium size or medium-large. Their coat can be wavy or curly, and similar to Labradoodles, the curlier the coat, the less it tends to shed. Frequent grooming with a dog slicker brush is necessary to prevent tangles and mats. Goldendoodles are highly intelligent, friendly, and gentle, making them exceptional family companions. They thrive on human interaction and require moderate exercise and mental stimulation.
Goldendoodle lying on a couch with a person sitting in the background
7. Lagotto Romagnolo
Hailing from Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient breed known for its truffle-hunting prowess and its distinctive woolly coat. These delightful dogs are definitively medium-sized, typically weighing 24-35 pounds and standing 16-19 inches tall. Their thick, curly double coat is water-resistant and sheds very little, trapping loose hair within its coils. This coat needs regular brushing and professional trimming every few months to prevent matting. Lagotto Romagnolos are affectionate, intelligent, and energetic, making them excellent family dogs. They thrive on activity and mental challenges, enjoying activities like scent work, agility, and, of course, digging.
Two Lagotto Romagnolo dogs lying in dirt staring at the camera
8. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a unique and distinctive breed, known for its “rat tail” and dense, crisply curled coat. These athletic dogs fall into the medium-large category, weighing 45-68 pounds and standing 21-24 inches tall. Their waterproof coat sheds minimally, making them a great option for those seeking medium sized dogs that don t shed too much. However, the coat requires regular brushing and occasional professional trimming to keep it healthy and free of mats. Irish Water Spaniels are friendly, intelligent, and possess a playful, clownish nature. They are high-energy dogs that require significant daily exercise, especially activities involving water, as they are natural swimmers.
Brown Irish Water Spaniel profile
9. Aussiedoodle
A cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, the Aussiedoodle is a highly intelligent and energetic dogs that don’t shed much medium size contender. Their size can vary, with many standard Aussiedoodles weighing 40-70 pounds. Their coat can be wavy or curly, and generally, they shed very little. Regular brushing is crucial to prevent matting, especially with the wavier or curlier coats. Aussiedoodles inherit the smarts and athleticism from both parent breeds, making them highly trainable and eager to please. They require significant daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors, thriving in active households.
Standard Aussiedoodle dog standing on a beach
10. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a joyous and playful Irish breed, famous for its silky, soft wheat-colored coat. These charming dogs are firmly in the medium size range, typically weighing 30-40 pounds and standing 17-19 inches tall. Their single, wavy coat sheds minimally, making them a good fit for allergy sufferers. However, this beautiful coat requires diligent daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Wheatens are known for their enthusiastic greeting, often called the “Wheaten Greetin’,” and their happy-go-lucky disposition. They are energetic and require regular exercise and training to channel their terrier zest.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog on a log
11. Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a designer dog breed resulting from a cross between a Schnauzer (Miniature or Standard) and a Poodle (Miniature or Standard). This combination often results in a dogs that don’t shed much medium size companion, with their weight typically ranging from 20-75 pounds depending on the parentage. Their coat can be wavy or curly, and like their Poodle parent, is usually low-shedding. Regular brushing and professional grooming are essential to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. Schnoodles are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, inheriting the best qualities from both breeds. They are adaptable and can fit well into various family environments, provided they receive moderate exercise and mental engagement.
Gray Schnoodle close-up
12. Bedlington Terrier
Often described as looking like a lamb, the Bedlington Terrier is a distinctive and elegant breed. While often considered a smaller medium dog, they weigh 17-23 pounds and stand 15-17 inches tall, putting them on the cusp of medium size. Their unique curly, linty coat sheds very little, but requires regular clipping and brushing to prevent matting. Bedlington Terriers are affectionate, loyal, and possess a playful, sometimes mischievous, temperament. They are energetic dogs that enjoy walks and playtime, but are generally calm indoors after sufficient exercise. Their devotion to their families makes them prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
White Bedlington Terrier running through snow
13. Whoodle
The Whoodle is another charming “doodle” mix, combining the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier with a Poodle. This cross typically results in a dogs that don’t shed much medium size dog, usually weighing 20-50 pounds. Their coat is soft, wavy, or curly, and inherits the low-shedding qualities of both parent breeds. Consistent brushing is vital to prevent matting. Whoodles are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and playful energy. They are generally good with families and other pets, provided they are well-socialized. Like many active breeds, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.
Tan Whoodle puppy dragging a wash cloth
14. Bernedoodle (Mini/Standard Medium)
A cross between the calm Bernese Mountain Dog and the intelligent Poodle, the Bernedoodle offers a wonderful blend of traits. While Standard Bernedoodles can be quite large, many Miniature Bernedoodles or smaller Standard Bernedoodles fit into the medium category, typically weighing 40-70 pounds. Their coats vary from wavy to curly and are generally low-shedding, though some can shed more depending on their genetics. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat health. Bernedoodles are celebrated for their friendly, affectionate, and gentle demeanor, making them excellent family dogs, especially with children. They need moderate to high exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Large Bernedoodle dog lying in grass with his tongue out
15. Barbet
The Barbet, a shaggy French water dog, is a cheerful and intelligent breed. Their name, derived from the French word “barbe” (beard), perfectly describes their characteristically hairy chin. These delightful dogs are considered medium-large, typically weighing 35-65 pounds and standing 20-25 inches tall. Their dense, woolly, and curly coat is waterproof and sheds minimally, making them a great dogs that don’t shed much medium size option. This protective coat requires extensive grooming, including brushing two to three times a week to prevent matting, especially after swimming. Barbets are known for their outgoing personalities, love for water, and eagerness to please, making them wonderful companions for active families.
Close-up of a curly red Barbet dog face
16. Peruvian Inca Orchid (Medium Size)
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an ancient and rare breed known for its distinctive hairless or coated varieties. The medium-sized Peruvian Inca Orchid typically weighs 20-30 pounds and stands 15-20 inches tall. Both hairless and coated varieties are considered low-shedding, with the hairless variety shedding virtually nothing, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. The hairless variety requires special skin care to protect against sun and cold. Peruvian Inca Orchids are affectionate and loyal with their families but can be reserved with strangers. They are energetic and require daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Peruvian Inca Orchid dog
17. Xoloitzcuintli (Standard & Miniature)
Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient breed that comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Focusing on the standard size (30-55 pounds, 18-23 inches tall) and sometimes the miniature (15-30 pounds, 14-18 inches tall), these dogs are truly types of dogs who don’t shed much. They can be hairless or coated (with a short, smooth coat). Both varieties are considered hypoallergenic due to their lack of shedding. Hairless Xolos require skincare to protect against environmental elements, while coated Xolos need minimal grooming. Xolos are calm, loyal, and watchful, making them excellent companions for those who appreciate their unique qualities. They are energetic and benefit from regular exercise and mental engagement.
Living with a Low-Shedding Medium Dog: Essential Tips
While dogs that don’t shed much medium size can significantly reduce allergens and hair around your home, they still require dedicated care. Here are essential tips for living harmoniously with your low-shedding companion.
Grooming Essentials for Non-Shedding Coats
Even though these dogs shed less, their coats often require more frequent and specialized grooming to prevent matting, especially for breeds with curly or woolly hair.
- Regular Brushing: Most low-shedding breeds need to be brushed several times a week, or even daily, to remove loose hair that gets trapped in their coat and prevent tangles. Use appropriate tools like a slicker brush or a pin brush.
- Professional Grooming: Many breeds on this list, especially Poodles and Doodles, require professional grooming every 4-8 weeks for clipping and trimming. Budget for these regular appointments or learn to groom your dog at home.
- Bathing: Bathe your dog every 4-6 weeks using a gentle dog shampoo. For allergy sufferers, consider using specialized dander-reducing shampoos or wipes. Regular bathing helps remove allergens from their coat.
Maintaining an Allergen-Friendly Home
Even with a low-shedding dog, maintaining a clean environment is key to minimizing allergens.
- Frequent Cleaning: Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly, dust surfaces, and wash bedding (both yours and your dog’s) frequently.
- Air Purification: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your vacuum and HVAC system, and consider investing in stand-alone air purifiers for areas where your dog spends a lot of time.
- Designated Dog Zones: While companionship is great, designating certain areas as “dog-free zones” (like bedrooms) can help allergy sufferers find relief.
- Limit Furniture Access: Keep your dog off furniture if possible, or use washable covers that can be cleaned regularly.
Consulting Your Doctor and Veterinarian
Managing allergies and ensuring your dog’s health requires professional advice.
- Allergy Management: If you or a family member suffers from allergies, consult with your healthcare provider. They can help you develop a management plan, which may include medications, nasal sprays, or allergy shots.
- Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for your dog’s overall health. Your vet can also offer advice on specific grooming needs, skin conditions, or dietary considerations that might impact coat health and shedding.
- Early Socialization and Training: Regardless of shedding levels, all dogs benefit from early socialization and consistent training to become well-adjusted members of your family. This is especially true for active and intelligent medium breeds.
Bringing home a low-shedding medium-sized dog can indeed be a wonderful way to experience the joys of pet ownership, even for those with sensitivities. With proper care, grooming, and a mindful approach to home maintenance, these fantastic breeds can thrive in an allergen-managed environment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right canine companion is a significant decision, and for many, finding dogs that don’t shed much medium size offers the ideal solution. These breeds provide the perfect blend of a manageable size, an engaging personality, and a coat that minimizes shedding and allergen distribution. From the elegant Poodle to the adventurous Portuguese Water Dog, and the charming Goldendoodle, there’s a low-shedding medium dog to suit almost any lifestyle.
While no dog is completely free of allergens, understanding the concept of low-shedding coats and committing to a consistent grooming and home maintenance routine can dramatically improve the living experience for allergy sufferers and those who prefer a cleaner home. Remember that each breed has unique needs regarding exercise, training, and socialization. Always conduct thorough research and consider your family’s lifestyle before welcoming a new furry friend. By choosing one of these exceptional medium sized dogs that don't shed too much, you’re setting the stage for a wonderful, less hairy, and more allergy-friendly life together.
References
- PetMD. (n.d.). Hypoallergenic Dogs. Retrieved from [Original Source Link for PetMD, if available, or a general PetMD reference]
- American Kennel Club (AKC). (n.d.). Breed Information (various breeds). Retrieved from www.akc.org
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). (n.d.). Allergens: Pets. Retrieved from www.niehs.nih.gov
