For many dog lovers, the dream of having a canine companion is often hindered by frustrating pet allergies. While no dog is entirely “hypoallergenic,” many breeds are known for producing fewer allergens and, crucially, shedding very little. If you’re specifically looking for a manageable yet substantial furry friend, a medium sized dog that doesn’t shed could be your ideal match. These breeds offer the perfect balance of size, energy, and a low-maintenance coat for allergy sufferers, fitting comfortably into various homes and lifestyles.
This article delves into what makes certain dogs low-shedding and highlights some of the best medium-sized breeds for individuals or families seeking a non-shedding companion. We’ll explore their unique temperaments, grooming needs, and how they can bring joy without excessive dander.
What Makes a Dog “Non-Shedding” or “Hypoallergenic”?
The terms “non-shedding” and “hypoallergenic” are often used interchangeably, but it’s important to understand what they truly mean. All dogs produce allergens, primarily found in their dander (flakes of dead skin), saliva, and urine. There is no dog that is 100% allergen-free. However, some breeds are considered “hypoallergenic” because they shed very little hair or have hair that tends to trap dander rather than releasing it into the environment. This significantly reduces the amount of airborne allergens, making them more tolerable for people with allergies.
Dogs with coats that don’t shed much often have a single coat (no undercoat), a curly, wavy, or wire-haired texture. These types of coats require regular grooming—brushing and often professional trimming—to prevent matting and remove loose hairs and dander. Paradoxically, while they shed less naturally, their grooming needs might be higher. This routine grooming is key to managing allergens in the home.
Why Choose a Medium Sized Non-Shedding Dog?
Opting for a medium sized dog that doesn’t shed offers several distinct advantages:
- Manageable Size: Medium dogs are typically easier to handle than large breeds, both in terms of physical strength and space requirements. They are often robust enough for active families but can still live comfortably in apartments or smaller homes with adequate exercise.
- Versatile Energy Levels: Many medium non-shedding breeds offer a good balance of energy—they enjoy playtime and walks but aren’t typically as demanding as some larger working breeds, nor as fragile as some toy breeds.
- Ideal for Various Lifestyles: Whether you’re a single individual, a couple, or a family with children, a medium-sized dog often adapts well. They are often affectionate, intelligent, and eager to please, making them excellent companions.
- Reduced Allergen Distribution: While small non-shedding dogs also produce less dander, a medium dog presents a larger surface area, meaning careful grooming of a medium-sized, low-shedding dog can make a significant difference in allergen control compared to a larger shedding dog.
- Easier Grooming: Compared to giant breeds, grooming a medium-sized dog is less physically demanding and often more affordable if you opt for professional services.
Top Medium Sized Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
Here are some of the most beloved and suitable medium sized dog breeds that typically don’t shed much, making them excellent choices for allergy sufferers:
1. Miniature Poodle
Graceful Miniature Poodle with fluffy white fur walking in green grass
While Poodles come in three sizes—Toy, Miniature, and Standard—the Miniature Poodle often fits perfectly into the “medium” category for many owners. Standing 10-15 inches tall and weighing 10-15 pounds, they bridge the gap between small and true medium breeds. Miniature Poodles are renowned for their exceptional intelligence, making them highly trainable and quick learners. Their dense, curly coat is the hallmark of a non-shedding breed, effectively trapping loose hair and dander rather than releasing it into your home. This makes them a prime choice for individuals with allergies. Regular brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks are essential to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy and allergen-minimized. Despite their elegant appearance, they are playful, active dogs that enjoy mental stimulation and daily exercise.
2. Standard Schnauzer
Alert Standard Schnauzer with gray wire-haired coat standing in a grassy field
The Standard Schnauzer is a true medium-sized dog, typically weighing between 30-50 pounds and standing 17.5-19.5 inches tall. These robust and intelligent dogs are known for their distinctive wiry, dense coat, which sheds minimally. Originally bred as farm dogs, they possess a protective yet playful demeanor, making them excellent family guardians. Standard Schnauzers require consistent exercise, enjoying long walks, games of fetch, and even dog sports. Their coat needs regular brushing, especially around their beard and eyebrows, and hand-stripping or professional clipping every few months to maintain its texture and non-shedding qualities. Their low-shedding coat and medium build make them a top contender for those seeking a medium sized dog that doesn’t shed and offers a strong, loyal presence.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
Energetic Portuguese Water Dog with black curly coat and red bandana by water
The Portuguese Water Dog is a robust, athletic medium-sized breed, typically weighing 35-60 pounds and standing 17-23 inches tall. As their name suggests, they were historically employed by fishermen in Portugal to herd fish, retrieve lost gear, and act as couriers between boats. This background imbues them with high intelligence, a desire to work, and an undeniable love for water. Their thick, wavy or curly coat is virtually non-shedding, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. However, this coat requires consistent grooming, including daily brushing to prevent matting and regular trims every 6-8 weeks. Portuguese Water Dogs are friendly, loyal, and highly trainable, but their high energy levels demand plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, such as swimming, fetching, and engaging with puzzle toys. They are a fantastic choice for active families looking for a medium-sized, low-shedding companion.
4. Labradoodle (Medium Size)
Friendly brown Labradoodle walking through a sunlit park
The Labradoodle, a crossbreed of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, comes in various sizes, with medium variants (30-45 pounds) being highly sought after by those seeking a non-shedding dog. Originally bred as a hypoallergenic service dog, Labradoodles are celebrated for their intelligence, friendly disposition, and gentle nature. Their coats can vary from wavy to curly, and typically shed minimally, especially if they inherit more Poodle-like characteristics. Medium Labradoodles are highly adaptable and make wonderful family pets, known for their patience with children and other animals when properly socialized. They require moderate exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and well-behaved. Regular brushing, at least a few times a week, and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks are essential to prevent matting of their luscious coats.
5. Goldendoodle (Medium Size)
Affectionate Goldendoodle with a golden curly coat resting on a couch next to a person
Similar to the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, offering a delightful blend of their parents’ best traits. Medium Goldendoodles typically weigh between 30-45 pounds, making them an ideal medium sized dog that doesn’t shed for many households. They are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities, high intelligence, and unwavering loyalty. Goldendoodle coats range from wavy to curly, and most shed very little. They are excellent family dogs, renowned for their affectionate nature and eagerness to please. Regular grooming with a slicker brush is crucial to prevent matting and maintain their coat’s health and appearance. They thrive on human companionship and require moderate daily exercise and plenty of interaction to prevent boredom. For a comprehensive overview of low-shedding breeds across different sizes, you might want to explore the article on the type of dog that doesn’t shed.
6. Lagotto Romagnolo
Two brown Lagotto Romagnolo dogs with curly, woolly coats lying in dirt, looking intently
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian breed, originally bred as water retrievers and now renowned as skilled truffle hunters. These charming dogs are distinctly medium-sized, typically weighing 24-35 pounds and standing 16-19 inches tall. Their unique curly, woolly coat is dense and waterproof, offering protection from cold waters and, importantly, shedding very little. This makes them a fantastic choice for allergy sufferers. Lagotti are intelligent, keen, and affectionate dogs that are generally good with children and other pets, making them excellent family companions. Their coat requires regular brushing and occasional clipping to prevent matting and maintain its integrity. They are active dogs that need consistent mental and physical stimulation, thriving on activities that engage their keen sense of smell and desire to work.
7. Irish Water Spaniel
Distinguished brown Irish Water Spaniel in profile, showcasing its curly coat and distinctive topknot
The Irish Water Spaniel is a distinctive and athletic breed, often falling into the medium to large size category, with many individuals firmly within the medium range, typically weighing 55-68 pounds and standing 22-24 inches. Known for their unique “rat tail” and striking topknot, these dogs boast a dense, tight curl coat that is liver-colored and virtually non-shedding. Their coat, designed for water retrieval, requires regular grooming, including brushing and trimming, to prevent matting. Intelligent, friendly, and highly trainable, Irish Water Spaniels possess a high energy level and require ample exercise to stay happy and healthy. They excel in activities like swimming, retrieving, and agility. Their loyal and playful nature, combined with their low-shedding coat, makes them a wonderful option for active individuals or families seeking a vibrant, medium-to-large non-shedding dog.
8. Aussiedoodle (Medium Size)
Active Aussiedoodle dog with a mixed coat standing on a sandy beach
An Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard or Miniature Poodle. While they can vary in size, many Aussiedoodles fall into the medium range, inheriting a lower-shedding coat from their Poodle parent. These dogs are exceptionally smart and energetic, benefiting from the intelligence and drive of both parent breeds. They typically weigh between 25-50 pounds for the medium variants. Their coats can be wavy or curly and require consistent grooming to prevent tangles. Aussiedoodles thrive on activity and mental stimulation; without it, they can become bored and destructive. They make fantastic companions for active families who can provide them with plenty of exercise, training, and enrichment toys. Their combination of intelligence, affectionate nature, and low-shedding coat makes them a compelling choice for a medium sized dog that doesn’t shed. For those considering different sizes, an article on the best dog to get that doesn’t shed might offer broader perspective.
9. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Joyful Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier with a silky coat standing on a log in a forest
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a charming medium-sized Irish breed, weighing 30-40 pounds and standing 17-19 inches tall. As their name implies, they possess a silky, wavy coat that is incredibly soft to the touch and sheds minimally. Wheatens are known for their lively, spirited personalities and their famous “Wheaten Greetin'”—an enthusiastic jump and lick to welcome their loved ones. They are intelligent, affectionate, and generally good with children, making them excellent family pets. Being terriers, they maintain a high energy level throughout their lives and require ample daily exercise and mental engagement to keep them well-behaved. Their beautiful coat needs daily brushing to prevent matting and regular trimming to maintain its unique texture and keep allergens at bay.
10. Schnoodle (Medium Size)
Cute gray Schnoodle puppy with a curly coat looking curiously at the camera
The Schnoodle is a designer crossbreed that combines two excellent low-shedding breeds: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. This makes them a strong contender for a medium sized dog that doesn’t shed. Depending on the size of the Poodle and Schnauzer parents, Schnoodles can range from small to large, but many fall comfortably into the medium category, weighing between 20-50 pounds. Their coat can be curly or wavy and, due to their lineage, is consistently low-shedding. Schnoodles are known for their playful, intelligent, and affectionate temperaments. They are generally eager to please and make wonderful family companions. Like most Poodle mixes, they require regular brushing and professional grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. They thrive on companionship and enjoy moderate daily exercise.
11. Whoodle
Playful tan Whoodle puppy dragging a washcloth on a wooden floor
The Whoodle is a delightful crossbreed resulting from the pairing of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle. This combination often produces a friendly, intelligent dog that is firmly in the medium size range, typically weighing 20-50 pounds and standing 15-20 inches tall, and sheds very little. Whoodles inherit the affectionate nature and intelligence from both parent breeds, making them highly trainable and wonderful companions. Their coat is usually soft and wavy or curly, requiring regular brushing to prevent tangles and maintain its non-shedding qualities. Whoodles are energetic and thrive on interaction, requiring daily exercise and mental stimulation. They are known for being good with children and other pets, integrating well into active family environments.
12. Peruvian Inca Orchid (Medium Hairless/Coated)
Regal black Peruvian Inca Orchid dog with smooth skin standing in green grass
The Peruvian Inca Orchid, or PIO, is a rare and ancient breed that comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The medium variant typically weighs 18-26 pounds and stands 16-20 inches tall, making it a distinct medium sized dog that doesn’t shed. PIOs can be hairless or coated. The hairless variety is naturally low-allergen due to the absence of hair, while the coated variety has a very short, sparse coat that also minimizes shedding. These elegant dogs are known for their reserved yet protective nature with their families. They are intelligent and agile, requiring regular exercise and early socialization. For the hairless variety, skin care is important, including sun protection. For those interested in larger low-shedding companions, a look at the biggest dog breed that doesn’t shed might be insightful.
Grooming Essentials for Low-Shedding Medium Dogs
While these breeds shed less, “low-shedding” does not mean “low-maintenance” when it comes to grooming. In fact, many non-shedding breeds require more diligent grooming than shedding breeds to prevent matting and manage allergens effectively.
- Regular Brushing: Most non-shedding coats need brushing at least several times a week, if not daily. This removes loose hair and dander, distributes natural oils, and prevents painful mats from forming. Use appropriate tools like a slicker brush, pin brush, or de-shedding comb depending on your dog’s specific coat type.
- Professional Grooming: Many breeds on this list, especially those with curly or wavy coats, require professional trimming every 4-8 weeks. This keeps their coats at a manageable length and ensures proper hygiene. Learn to groom your dog at home, or budget for regular visits to a professional groomer.
- Bathing: Regular bathing every 4-6 weeks helps remove allergens from your dog’s coat. Use a gentle dog shampoo; some specialized shampoos, like Allerpet® Dog Dander Remover, can further reduce pet dander for sensitive individuals.
- Ear and Eye Care: Pay attention to ear cleaning (especially for floppy-eared breeds) and eye area cleaning to prevent tear stains or infections.
Living with a Low-Shedding Medium Dog: Allergy Management Tips
Even with a non-shedding dog, managing pet allergies involves a holistic approach.
- Maintain a Clean Home Environment:
- Vacuum Regularly: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter on carpets, rugs, and upholstery to capture dander.
- Dust Frequently: Dust surfaces with a damp cloth to pick up airborne allergens.
- Wash Bedding: Regularly wash your dog’s bedding and your own linens in hot water.
- Air Purifiers: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home, especially in bedrooms and living areas, to reduce airborne allergens.
- Ventilation: Keep your house well-ventilated by opening windows when possible or using an HVAC system with a good filtration system.
- Avoid Close Contact with Saliva and Urine: Allergens are also present in pet saliva and urine. Try to avoid letting your dog lick your face, and ensure thorough cleaning of any accidents. Wash your hands after petting your dog.
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: For individuals with significant allergies, it’s crucial to consult with an allergist or healthcare provider. They can recommend treatments such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, or allergy shots (immunotherapy) to help manage symptoms and prevent severe allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Choosing a medium sized dog that doesn’t shed can be a truly life-changing decision for individuals and families dealing with pet allergies. While no dog is entirely allergen-free, breeds like the Miniature Poodle, Standard Schnauzer, Portuguese Water Dog, and various Poodle mixes offer a wonderful balance of manageable size, delightful temperament, and a coat that minimizes allergen distribution. With consistent grooming and diligent home cleaning, you can enjoy the boundless love and companionship that these intelligent and affectionate dogs bring, without constant allergy symptoms. Remember to research each breed thoroughly to ensure their personality and needs align with your lifestyle, ensuring a happy and healthy life for both you and your new furry family member.
