Choosing a family dog involves many considerations, from temperament to size and activity levels. For many households, especially those with allergy sufferers, one of the most crucial factors is shedding. While no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic or completely non-shedding, many breeds produce significantly less dander and shed minimally, making them ideal companions for sensitive individuals. When you’re looking for a new furry family member, finding a medium size dog that doesn’t shed offers the perfect balance—large enough for active play but manageable in a typical home environment. This guide explores some of the best medium-sized, low-shedding breeds that are also known for their wonderful family-friendly dispositions.
These breeds offer the joy of canine companionship without the constant battle against dog hair, and their moderate size makes them adaptable to various living situations, from suburban homes to more spacious apartments. They are often intelligent, trainable, and possess temperaments that blend seamlessly into family life, providing endless love and entertainment.
Understanding “Non-Shedding” in Dogs
The term “non-shedding” is often used loosely when referring to certain dog breeds, but it’s important to understand what it truly implies. All dogs, regardless of breed, produce dander, which consists of tiny flakes of skin that are shed along with hair. It is primarily this dander, along with proteins found in a dog’s saliva and urine, that triggers allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, not just the hair itself. Therefore, even dogs labeled “hypoallergenic” or “non-shedding” still produce allergens.
However, breeds that shed minimally typically release less dander into their environment. Their hair often grows continuously, similar to human hair, and gets trapped in their coat rather than falling out frequently. This means less airborne dander and fewer allergens spread around the home. While these dogs require regular grooming—often brushing and professional trims—to prevent matting and keep their coats healthy, this routine maintenance helps to manage and contain the allergens. For families navigating allergies, these breeds can make the dream of dog ownership a joyful reality.
Top Medium-Sized Family Dogs That Don’t Shed
When searching for a canine companion that fits a family lifestyle and keeps shedding to a minimum, several medium-sized breeds stand out. These dogs not only offer a manageable size but also boast temperaments that make them excellent additions to households with children and other pets. Their intelligence, trainability, and affectionate natures ensure they quickly become cherished members of the family.
1. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a robust and intelligent breed that perfectly embodies the “medium-sized, non-shedding” ideal. Standing between 17.5 to 19.5 inches tall and weighing 30 to 50 pounds, they are substantial enough for active families but compact enough for comfortable living. Known for their distinctive wiry coat and charming bearded snout, Standard Schnauzers are low-shedders, making them a great choice for those seeking minimal hair around the house. Their dense, harsh coat requires regular stripping or clipping to maintain its texture and appearance, which also helps to keep dander under control.
Temperament-wise, these dogs are renowned for their loyalty, protective instincts, and lively personalities. They are intelligent and highly trainable, eager to please their owners, and excel in various dog sports and activities. Standard Schnauzers make excellent watchdogs, alert to strangers but generally friendly once introduced. With proper socialization from a young age, they integrate wonderfully into family life, forming strong bonds with all members. They thrive on human companionship and require a good amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and ensure they are well-behaved. Their playful nature makes them great companions for active children, as long as interactions are supervised and respectful.
A gray Standard Schnauzer standing alert in a lush green field
2. Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to assist fishermen, the Portuguese Water Dog is a highly intelligent, energetic, and extremely friendly breed that is also famously low-shedding. Their single, thick, curly or wavy coat is designed to protect them in water and sheds very little, making them an excellent choice for families concerned about allergies. These dogs typically weigh between 35 to 60 pounds and stand 17 to 23 inches tall, placing them firmly in the medium-sized category. Regular grooming, including brushing several times a week and professional clipping every 6-8 weeks, is essential to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy.
Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their lively and adventurous spirit. They are incredibly eager to please, which makes them highly trainable, often excelling in obedience, agility, and even dock diving. Their friendly and outgoing nature means they typically get along well with children and other pets, provided they are properly socialized. As their name suggests, they have an innate love for water and swimming, and active families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find them to be enthusiastic companions. These dogs require substantial daily exercise, both physical and mental, to stay happy and prevent destructive behaviors. They thrive on being an integral part of family activities and are happiest when engaged with their human companions.
3. Labradoodle (Medium Size)
The Labradoodle, a crossbreed of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, was originally developed to be a hypoallergenic service dog. Medium-sized Labradoodles typically weigh between 30 and 45 pounds and stand 18 to 20 inches tall, offering a manageable size for many families. Their coats vary from wavy to curly, and while not all Labradoodles are guaranteed to be low-shedding, those with more Poodle-like coats shed minimally, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers. Their non-shedding qualities often require consistent grooming to prevent matting, including regular brushing and professional trims.
Labradoodles are widely celebrated for their intelligent, friendly, and gentle disposition, making them truly excellent family pets. They inherit the intelligence of the Poodle and the easygoing nature of the Labrador, resulting in a highly trainable and affectionate dog. They are known for being patient and playful with children and generally get along well with other animals, especially when socialized from a young age. This breed thrives on companionship and loves to be involved in all family activities. They require a moderate amount of exercise, including daily walks and playtime, to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Their adaptability and eagerness to learn make them a joy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement.
A brown standard Labradoodle walking gracefully through a park
4. Goldendoodle (Medium Size)
Another beloved “doodle” breed, the Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, combining the best traits of both. Medium-sized Goldendoodles usually weigh 30 to 45 pounds and stand 17 to 20 inches tall, providing a perfect medium stature. Like Labradoodles, their coats can vary, but many possess the low-shedding, wavy to curly coat that is highly desirable for those with allergies. While some may shed lightly, dedicated grooming—regular brushing and professional clipping—is crucial to maintaining their coat and minimizing any potential dander release.
Goldendoodles are renowned for their incredibly friendly, outgoing, and tolerant nature. They are highly intelligent, making them easy to train dogs that don’t shed and excellent candidates for obedience training and various canine sports. Their gentle demeanor and playful spirit make them fantastic companions for children of all ages, and they typically get along well with other pets. Goldendoodles thrive on social interaction and are happiest when they are part of the family’s daily life. They require a good amount of exercise to channel their energy, enjoying walks, runs, and games of fetch. Their affectionate personality and eagerness to please ensure they quickly become a cherished and integral part of the family.
A Goldendoodle lying comfortably on a couch with a person sitting in the background
5. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian breed originally used as a water retriever and now celebrated for its truffle-hunting abilities. This delightful breed is medium-sized, typically weighing 24 to 35 pounds and standing 16 to 19 inches tall. Their most distinctive feature is their dense, woolly, curly coat, which is virtually non-shedding. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals with allergies, as their unique coat traps loose hair and dander. However, this coat requires consistent grooming, including regular brushing and occasional professional clipping, to prevent matting and keep it in good condition.
Lagotto Romagnolos are known for their affectionate, cheerful, and intelligent personalities. They are often described as easygoing and make wonderful family pets due to their good nature with children and other animals, especially when socialized early. Their intelligence means they are highly trainable and enjoy having a “job” to do, whether it’s learning tricks, participating in agility, or even sniffing games. They possess a moderate energy level and enjoy daily walks, playtime in a secure yard, and mental challenges. Being part of the family is paramount to a Lagotto, and they thrive on interaction and love. Their charming disposition and relatively low shedding make them a fantastic choice for families seeking a loving and active companion.
Two Lagotto Romagnolo dogs with curly coats lying in dirt, staring intently at the camera
6. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a charming medium-sized Irish breed known for its silky, flowing coat that feels incredibly soft to the touch. Weighing between 30 to 40 pounds and standing 17 to 19 inches tall, Wheatens are energetic and playful companions that shed minimally. Their distinctive coat, which typically matures to a wheaten (wheat-colored) shade, requires consistent grooming to prevent matting. Daily brushing is recommended, along with professional trims every few months to keep their coat healthy and tidy, ensuring that loose hair and dander are managed effectively.
Wheatens possess a joyous and outgoing personality, often greeting people with their characteristic “Wheaten Greetin’,” which involves jumping up to lick faces. They are known for being affectionate, playful, and loyal to their families. With their high energy levels, they thrive in active households that can provide plenty of exercise, such as daily walks, games in the yard, and trips to the dog park. Their intelligence makes them trainable, though their terrier stubbornness can sometimes emerge, requiring patient and consistent training methods. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized, making them delightful and lively additions to family life. They love being involved in family activities and providing endless entertainment with their spirited antics.
7. Whoodle
The Whoodle is a delightful hybrid dog resulting from a cross between a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle. This medium-sized “doodle” typically weighs between 20 to 50 pounds and stands 18 to 20 inches tall, inheriting many desirable traits from both parent breeds. Whoodles are celebrated for their low-shedding coats, which can range from wavy to curly and often have the characteristic softness of the Wheaten. Their minimal shedding makes them an attractive option for families managing allergies, though their coat does require regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats, including daily brushing and professional trims every 6-8 weeks.
Whoodles are known for their friendly, intelligent, and affectionate nature. They often combine the playful enthusiasm of the Wheaten with the cleverness of the Poodle, making them highly trainable and eager to please. This breed forms strong bonds with its human family members and thrives on companionship, enjoying being an active participant in household life. Whoodles are generally good with children and other pets, provided they receive early socialization and positive exposure. They possess a moderate to high energy level, requiring daily exercise to keep them happy and well-behaved. Walks, playtime, and mental challenges are essential for these intelligent and spirited dogs. Their charming personality and manageable size make the Whoodle a wonderful choice for families looking for a loving, low-shedding companion.
A tan Whoodle puppy curiously dragging a washcloth across a floor
Essential Tips for Living with a Low-Shedding Dog
Even with a low-shedding dog, managing allergens and maintaining a clean environment requires consistent effort. These practices are crucial for families, especially those with allergy sufferers, to ensure a harmonious and healthy living situation.
Keep Up With Grooming
Regular grooming is paramount for low-shedding breeds. Their coats, while not shedding much, tend to grow continuously and can easily mat if not properly maintained. Weekly brushing is often recommended to remove loose hairs that get caught in the coat, distribute natural oils, and prevent tangles. Many of these breeds also require professional grooming appointments every 6-8 weeks for clipping and trimming. This not only keeps their coat healthy and tidy but also helps to minimize the amount of dander released into the home. Regular bathing, ideally every four to six weeks, using a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo, can further reduce allergens on the dog’s coat and skin.
Maintain a Clean House
A clean home environment significantly contributes to managing allergies. Even low-shedding dogs produce some dander, which can accumulate on surfaces. Regular vacuuming, especially using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, is essential for carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Dusting surfaces frequently with a damp cloth helps to capture airborne allergens. Washing bedding—both human and pet bedding—in hot water weekly can also drastically reduce the presence of dander. Additionally, using air purifiers with HEPA filters in living areas and bedrooms can help to remove microscopic allergens from the air, creating a cleaner breathing environment. Good ventilation, by opening windows when weather permits, also helps to refresh the air.
Talk to Your Doctor
For individuals with dog allergies, consulting with a healthcare provider or allergist is a critical step. While a low-shedding dog can greatly reduce allergen exposure, it may not eliminate it entirely. A doctor can offer personalized advice, discuss allergy management strategies, and recommend treatments such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, or allergy shots (immunotherapy) if needed. It’s also wise to avoid direct contact with a dog’s saliva and urine, as these can also contain potent allergens. Creating designated “allergy-free zones” in the home, such as a bedroom where the dog is not allowed, can provide a sanctuary for allergy sufferers.
Conclusion
Bringing a medium-sized family dog that doesn’t shed into your home can be a truly rewarding experience, especially for families seeking to minimize allergens. Breeds like the Standard Schnauzer, Portuguese Water Dog, and the various Poodle mixes such as the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle, offer the perfect blend of manageable size, friendly temperaments, and low-shedding coats. These dogs enrich family life with their intelligence, loyalty, and playful spirit, providing companionship without the constant worry of excessive dog hair. By understanding what “low-shedding” truly means and committing to consistent grooming and home cleanliness, families with allergy concerns can joyfully welcome a furry friend into their lives. The bond formed with a canine companion is invaluable, and with these wonderful breeds, that joy is accessible to almost everyone. For more detailed information on various breeds, be sure to explore a list of dogs that don’t shed on our website.
