Bringing a dog into your home can be one of life’s greatest joys, offering boundless companionship and affection. However, for individuals or families with allergies, the dream of pet ownership can often come with significant hurdles. While no dog is entirely “hypoallergenic,” many breeds produce fewer allergens and shed minimally, making them a much better fit for allergy sufferers. If you’re looking for a canine companion that’s not too small, not too large, and doesn’t leave a trail of fur, exploring the world of medium sized dogs that don’t shed much is an excellent place to start. These breeds offer a fantastic balance of manageable size, playful energy, and low-maintenance coats, allowing more people to experience the profound benefits of living with a dog.
Understanding “Hypoallergenic” and Shedding
The term “hypoallergenic” can be misleading because all dogs produce allergens. These allergens are found not just in their fur, but also in their skin (dander), saliva, and urine. Therefore, even dogs that shed very little can still trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. The key difference with so-called hypoallergenic breeds is their reduced shedding, which means fewer dander-laden hairs are released into the environment, potentially minimizing allergic responses such as coughing, itching, or wheezing. It’s about managing exposure rather than eliminating allergens entirely. These dogs often have hair-like coats that grow continuously, similar to human hair, rather than fur that sheds seasonally. This type of coat requires regular grooming, but it significantly reduces the amount of dander and hair scattered around your home.
Our Top Picks: Medium-Sized Dogs That Don’t Shed Much
When seeking a faithful companion in the mid-size range that won’t overwhelm your home with fur, several breeds stand out. These dogs offer the perfect blend of presence, playfulness, and a coat that’s much kinder to allergy sufferers.
Standard Poodle
The Poodle breed is renowned for its intelligence and its curly, non-shedding coat, making it a prime candidate for families seeking medium sized dogs that don’t shed much. While Miniature and Toy Poodles are smaller, the Standard Poodle fits perfectly into the medium-to-large category, often weighing between 45 and 70 pounds. Originally bred for hunting, these dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, excelling in various dog sports and activities. Their dense, curly coat requires consistent grooming to prevent tangles and matting, including regular brushing and professional clipping every 4-6 weeks. Despite their elegant appearance, Standard Poodles are active and playful, needing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
white poodle walking through grass
Standard Poodles are known for their lively and affectionate personalities, thriving on interaction with their families. They are remarkably versatile and adapt well to various living situations, provided their needs for exercise and companionship are met. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, eager to please, and highly responsive to positive reinforcement training. This breed’s combination of low-shedding qualities and impressive temperament makes them a favorite among those with allergies who desire a substantial, intelligent companion.
Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is an excellent example of a robust, medium-sized dog with a low-shedding coat. Standing about 17 to 20 inches tall and weighing 30 to 50 pounds, these dogs possess a distinctive wiry coat that sheds minimally. They are known for their keen intelligence, strong protective instincts, and spirited personalities. Standard Schnauzers require at least an hour of exercise daily to stay happy and well-behaved, enjoying activities like long walks, playtime, and engaging with puzzle toys. Their energetic nature means they thrive in active households where they can be involved in daily routines and adventures.
gray standard schnauzer standing in a field
Their double coat consists of a harsh, wiry outer layer and a soft undercoat, which needs regular brushing and professional grooming, including hand-stripping or clipping, to maintain its texture and minimize shedding. Beyond their practical benefits for allergy sufferers, Standard Schnauzers are deeply loyal and affectionate with their families, often displaying a playful streak that makes them wonderful companions. Their alert nature also makes them excellent watchdogs, always ready to protect their home and loved ones.
Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to assist fishermen, the Portuguese Water Dog is a highly intelligent and energetic medium-sized breed that doesn’t shed much. These athletic dogs typically weigh between 35 and 60 pounds and are instantly recognizable by their thick, curly, waterproof coats. Their non-shedding nature makes them a popular choice for individuals with allergies. Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their boundless energy and love for water, making activities like swimming and fetch with floating toys ideal for their exercise routine.
black and white portuguese water dog wearing a red maple leaf bandana in front of water
This breed is highly trainable and thrives on having a “job” to do, whether it’s learning complex tricks or participating in dog sports. They form strong bonds with their families and can be very affectionate, though their high energy levels mean they need consistent engagement and ample outdoor activity. Without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, they can become bored and potentially destructive. Regular grooming, including brushing and clipping, is essential to keep their distinctive coat healthy and free of mats.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo, an ancient Italian breed, is a charming and devoted companion known for its woolly, curly coat that sheds very little. Often weighing between 24 and 35 pounds, they are perfectly sized for the “medium” category. Originally bred as water retrievers and more recently specialized in truffle hunting, these dogs are intelligent, energetic, and eager to please. Their unique coat, designed to protect them from chilly waters, is dense and waterproof, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.
two lagotto romagnolo dogs lying in dirt staring at the camera
Lagotti Romagnoli are generally good with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs. They possess a keen sense of smell and a love for digging, which owners should be mindful of. Providing them with opportunities for mental stimulation and exercise, such as scent work or puzzle toys, is crucial to their well-being. Their affectionate nature and relatively low-shedding coat make them a delightful choice for those seeking a unique and engaging medium sized dog that doesn’t shed much.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a lively and affectionate medium-sized Irish breed. As their name suggests, they have an incredibly soft, silky coat that sheds minimally, making them a fantastic option for allergy sufferers. Wheatens typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds and are known for their joyful, spirited nature. True to their terrier heritage, they maintain a high energy level throughout their lives and require ample exercise and mental engagement to prevent boredom and ensure good behavior.
soft coated wheaten terrier dog on a log
Their distinctive wheat-colored coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats and regular trimming to keep it manageable. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their “Wheaten greetin’,” a joyful leap and lick that showcases their enthusiastic affection for people. They are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized, making them delightful family additions. For those seeking active, happy medium sized dogs that don’t shed much, the Wheaten Terrier offers a wonderful blend of charm and low-allergen qualities.
Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a designer breed that combines two popular low-shedding breeds: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals specifically seeking medium sized dogs that don’t shed much, as they inherit the best coat qualities from both parents. Schnoodles can vary in size depending on the Poodle parent (Miniature, Standard, or Toy) and Schnauzer parent (Miniature, Standard), but many fall into the medium category, weighing between 20 and 75 pounds. Their coat can be curly or wavy, but it is consistently low-shedding, requiring regular grooming to keep it healthy and mat-free.
Schnoodles are known for their intelligent, playful, and affectionate personalities. They are often described as “forever puppies” due to their youthful demeanor. This breed thrives on companionship and enjoys being an active part of family life. They are generally easy to train and eager to please, making them suitable for various dog sports and activities. The Schnoodle’s amiable temperament combined with its minimal shedding makes it a highly desirable companion for families and individuals alike.
Bedlington Terrier
Often likened to lambs in dog’s clothing due to their distinctive woolly coat and graceful appearance, the Bedlington Terrier is a unique medium-sized breed that sheds minimally. These elegant dogs typically weigh between 17 and 23 pounds, featuring a curly, lint-like coat that is soft to the touch. Their unique appearance, including a distinctive topknot and tasseled ears, sets them apart. Bedlington Terriers are affectionate and loyal companions, known for their playful yet gentle nature.
Bedlingtons are active dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, enjoying walks, runs, and playful romps. Their non-shedding coat needs consistent grooming, including regular brushing and professional clipping, to maintain its characteristic texture and prevent matting. They bond very closely with their families and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Their unique charm and low-shedding qualities make them a delightful choice for those seeking a distinctive and engaging medium sized dog that doesn’t shed much.
Whoodle
A Whoodle is a charming crossbreed resulting from the pairing of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle. This combination often produces medium-sized dogs that don’t shed much, inheriting the desirable coat characteristics from both low-shedding parent breeds. Whoodles typically range in size, often falling between 20 to 50 pounds, depending on the size of their Poodle parent. Their coats can be wavy or curly, soft to the touch, and require regular brushing and grooming to prevent tangles and maintain their healthy appearance.
Whoodles are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and playful demeanor, combining the Poodle’s smarts with the Wheaten’s happy-go-lucky attitude. They are eager to please and generally good with children and other pets, making them excellent family companions. Their moderate energy levels mean they enjoy daily walks and playtime. For families looking for an intelligent, friendly, and relatively low-maintenance (in terms of shedding) medium-sized companion, the Whoodle is a wonderful option.
Barbet
The Barbet, pronounced “bar-bay,” is a cheerful and robust medium-to-large sized dog known for its shaggy, woolly coat that sheds minimally. Originating from France, the name “Barbet” means “beard” in French, a nod to their characteristic facial hair. These dogs typically weigh between 35 and 65 pounds and are built for working, especially in water. Their dense, curly coat is protective and water-resistant, making them avid swimmers. This breed’s low-shedding quality makes them a good choice for allergy sufferers.
close-up of a curly red barbet dog face
Barbets are intelligent, friendly, and very loyal to their families. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation, thriving on activities that engage their minds and bodies. Their coat needs consistent grooming, including brushing two to three times a week, especially after swimming, to prevent matting. Their good-natured temperament and adaptability make them wonderful companions for active families seeking a medium sized dog that doesn’t shed much and loves the outdoors.
“Doodle” Breeds (Medium Varieties)
Many popular “doodle” breeds, which are Poodle mixes, also come in medium sizes and are known for their low-shedding qualities. These include:
- Medium Labradoodle: A cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the medium Labradoodle offers a friendly, intelligent, and often low-shedding companion. They are highly trainable and make excellent family pets.
- Medium Goldendoodle: Combining a Golden Retriever with a Poodle, medium Goldendoodles are renowned for their gentle nature and intelligence. Like Labradoodles, their coats are typically low-shedding and come in a wide range of colors.
- Medium Aussiedoodle: A mix of an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, medium Aussiedoodles are exceptionally smart and energetic. They require significant exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.
- Medium Bernedoodle: A cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, medium Bernedoodles offer a gentle and affectionate nature with a low-shedding coat. They are fantastic family dogs, provided they get enough exercise.
It’s important to remember that coat type can vary even within “doodle” breeds, and some may shed more than others depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant. However, responsible breeding often aims to produce the desirable low-shedding coats. These breeds often come in very large dog breeds pictures and names or even small dog breeds with pictures and price varieties, but focusing on their medium-sized options provides a great balance.
Living with a Medium-Sized, Low-Shedding Dog
Choosing one of the excellent medium sized dogs that don’t shed much is a fantastic first step, but successful pet ownership, especially for allergy sufferers, involves ongoing commitment. Ensuring a harmonious home requires attention to grooming, cleanliness, and personal health management. These practices are crucial not only for the dog’s well-being but also for maintaining a comfortable living environment for everyone. Understanding that no dog is truly allergen-free is important, and proactive steps will significantly help in managing any potential allergic reactions.
Keep Up With Grooming
Even low-shedding dogs require consistent grooming. Their hair-like coats grow continuously and can easily become matted without regular care. Ideally, these dogs should be brushed several times a week, with professional grooming appointments every four to six weeks for trimming and bathing. Regular bathing, perhaps every four to six weeks, using a specialized dog shampoo can help reduce dander and keep their coat healthy. Some hypoallergenic dog shampoos are specifically formulated to minimize allergens, further aiding in a cleaner home environment. Learning to groom your dog at home can also be a rewarding experience and help you stay on top of their coat care.
Maintain a Clean House
Minimizing allergens in your home extends beyond just grooming your dog. Regular cleaning is essential to keep dander and other allergens at bay. This includes frequent vacuuming, dusting surfaces, and washing bedding (both yours and your dog’s) to remove accumulated pet dander. Using air purifiers with HEPA filters can significantly reduce airborne allergens, creating a healthier indoor environment. Ensuring good ventilation throughout your home also helps to circulate fresh air and reduce allergen concentration. Implementing a consistent cleaning schedule can make a substantial difference in managing allergies. For more tips on keeping a tidy home with pets, you might consider articles on dogs that dont shed and are low maintenance.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you or a family member has dog allergies, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider or allergist. They can offer personalized advice on managing allergies, which might include medications, nasal sprays, or even allergy injections. It’s also wise to be mindful of avoiding close contact with your dog’s saliva or urine, as these can also contain potent allergens. While bringing home a medium sized dog that doesn’t shed much can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with allergies, professional medical guidance is the best way to ensure you can enjoy your pet companionship without constant allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Choosing a medium sized dog that doesn’t shed much can open up the wonderful world of canine companionship to individuals and families who previously thought pet ownership was out of reach due to allergies. Breeds like the Standard Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and various Poodle mixes offer a fantastic balance of size, temperament, and low-shedding coats. Remember that while no dog is 100% allergen-free, their minimal shedding significantly reduces allergen exposure. By committing to regular grooming, maintaining a clean home, and consulting with healthcare professionals about allergy management, you can create a loving and comfortable environment for both you and your furry friend. Embrace the joy of pet parenthood with a companion that truly fits your lifestyle and health needs.
