Bringing a dog into your home is a joyous occasion, but for families dealing with allergies, the search for the perfect canine companion can be challenging. The good news is that many wonderful medium-sized breeds offer the warmth and loyalty of a family pet without the constant battle against shedding fur and airborne allergens. While no dog is entirely “hypoallergenic,” as all dogs produce some level of dander, saliva, and urine that can trigger sensitivities, certain breeds are known for their low-shedding coats, making them a fantastic choice for allergy-prone households. This guide will introduce you to some of the best medium-sized family dogs that don’t shed, offering a blend of playful personalities, manageable sizes, and coats that keep allergens to a minimum.
Navigating the world of dog breeds when allergies are a concern requires understanding what truly makes a dog less likely to trigger a reaction. It’s often misunderstood that a dog’s hair itself is the primary allergen. In reality, it’s the dander (flakes of dead skin), saliva, and urine that carry the proteins responsible for allergic responses like coughing, itching, or wheezing. Breeds described as “hypoallergenic” or “low-shedding” typically have coats that trap shedding hair and dander, preventing it from dispersing into the environment. This means less dander settling on furniture, floors, and in the air, creating a more comfortable living space for everyone. For families, this translates to less cleaning and more quality time with their beloved pet. If you’re looking for best family dogs that dont shed a lot, these medium-sized companions offer an ideal balance.
Understanding Low-Shedding: A Family’s Best Friend
The concept of a “hypoallergenic dog” can be misleading, as no dog is 100% allergen-free. All dogs, regardless of breed, produce allergens through their skin, saliva, and urine. However, low-shedding breeds significantly reduce the amount of dander, hair, and saliva released into the home environment. These breeds often possess specific coat types, such as curly, wiry, or single coats, that trap loose hair and dander rather than releasing it into the air or onto surfaces. This characteristic makes them a more manageable option for families where allergies are a concern. Regular grooming plays a crucial role in maintaining these coats, further minimizing allergen spread and keeping the dog healthy and comfortable. For those prioritizing a clean home and reduced allergic reactions, opting for a medium-sized dog that naturally doesn’t shed much hair is a smart and compassionate choice for the entire family.
Our Top Picks: Medium-Sized Family Dogs That Don’t Shed
When seeking a medium-sized canine companion that won’t leave a trail of fur across your home, several breeds stand out for their low-shedding qualities and excellent family temperaments. These dogs offer a perfect balance of size, personality, and coat maintenance, making them ideal additions to active households. Let’s explore some of the most popular and suitable options.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent, friendly, and highly trainable medium-sized breed that makes an exceptional family pet. Originally bred to assist fishermen in Portugal, their thick, curly, single coat is practically non-shedding, which is a significant advantage for allergy sufferers. This breed is known for its boundless energy and love for water, making them ideal companions for active families who enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and playing fetch. They thrive on human companionship and need consistent exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. Their robust nature and eagerness to please ensure they integrate seamlessly into family life, often forming strong bonds with children and adapting well to various home environments, provided their exercise needs are met.
Black and white Portuguese Water Dog wearing a red maple leaf bandana in front of water
This breed’s dense, waterproof coat requires regular grooming, including brushing a few times a week and professional trimming every 6-8 weeks, to prevent matting and keep it in prime condition. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, excelling in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. With proper socialization from a young age, Portuguese Water Dogs become well-adjusted and confident companions, showcasing their playful spirit and affectionate nature. Their loyalty and protective instincts, combined with their low-shedding coat, make them a fantastic choice for families seeking an active and devoted canine member without the constant worry of excessive shedding.
Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a robust, intelligent, and highly adaptable breed, perfectly fitting the description of a medium-sized family dog that doesn’t shed. Standing up to 19.5 inches tall and weighing between 30 and 50 pounds, these dogs are known for their distinctive wiry, dense double coat and their spirited, yet loyal, personalities. They are often described as having the best qualities of their Miniature counterparts, but in a slightly larger, more substantial package. Standard Schnauzers are excellent watchdogs, alert and protective of their families, while also being affectionate and playful with those they love. Their energetic nature means they thrive on regular exercise, enjoying long walks, games of fetch, and engaging in various dog sports.
The Standard Schnauzer’s wiry coat is a key factor in its low-shedding reputation. While it doesn’t shed extensively, it does require consistent grooming to maintain its health and appearance. This typically involves weekly brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting, along with professional stripping or clipping every few months. This grooming routine is essential not only for their coat’s integrity but also for minimizing any potential allergens in the home. Their intelligence makes them highly trainable, but they also possess an independent streak, so consistent and positive reinforcement training is vital from a young age. With their protective instincts and deep devotion to their human family, Standard Schnauzers make exceptional companions for experienced dog owners looking for a medium-sized, low-shedding dog.
Gray Standard Schnauzer standing in a field
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a charming and lively medium-sized Irish breed known for its silky, soft, wheat-colored coat that sheds minimally. These dogs are often described as “wheaten greetings” due to their enthusiastic and joyful nature when meeting people. They are incredibly affectionate, playful, and form strong bonds with their families, making them excellent companions for children and other pets, provided they are properly socialized. Wheatens maintain a high energy level throughout their lives, requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Daily walks, playtime in a secure yard, and engaging activities are crucial for their well-being.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s unique coat, while low-shedding, does require diligent grooming to prevent matting. Daily brushing is often recommended, along with regular trims every 4-6 weeks to keep their soft fur manageable. Their enthusiastic personalities and moderate size make them a wonderful fit for families seeking an interactive and loving dog. They are intelligent and eager to please, responding well to positive reinforcement training. Their “never-ending puppy” demeanor, combined with their low-shedding coat, makes them a popular choice for families who want an energetic yet manageable companion that helps keep allergens at bay.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo, often called the “Italian Water Dog,” is a rustic and charming medium-sized breed originating from Italy. Known for its curly, woolly coat that protects it from chilly waters, this breed is an excellent choice for families seeking a low-shedding companion. Lagotti Romagnoli are intelligent, eager to please, and possess a gentle, affectionate nature, making them wonderful family dogs that get along well with children and other pets. Historically bred as water retrievers and more recently for truffle hunting, they are highly trainable and thrive on having a “job” to do, which translates to a need for both physical and mental engagement in a family setting.
Two Lagotto Romagnolo dogs lying in dirt staring at the camera
Their dense, non-shedding coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, including weekly brushing and periodic professional clipping or hand-stripping. This grooming routine is vital for maintaining their coat’s health and reducing any potential allergen buildup. Lagotti are active dogs that enjoy outdoor adventures and excel in dog sports such as agility and obedience. Their loyal and affectionate disposition, coupled with their minimal shedding, makes them a delightful addition to families who can provide them with consistent training, plenty of exercise, and ample companionship. For families seeking dogs that don t shed and are calm yet engaged, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a superb option.
Whoodle
The Whoodle is a delightful crossbreed resulting from the pairing of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle. This intelligent and affectionate dog inherits the best traits from both parent breeds, resulting in a friendly, playful, and low-shedding companion. Whoodles typically fall into the medium-sized category, making them suitable for various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, as long as their exercise needs are met. Their coat can range from wavy to curly, reflecting their Poodle heritage, and is known for shedding minimally, making them a great option for individuals with allergies.
Whoodles are highly sociable and thrive on being part of family activities. They are known for their cheerful disposition and their ability to get along well with children and other pets. Due to their intelligence, Whoodles are generally easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement. However, they are also energetic dogs that require daily exercise, such as walks, playtime, or trips to the dog park, to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Their beautiful, low-shedding coat necessitates regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its soft texture. This includes daily or every-other-day brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. With their loving nature and manageable shedding, Whoodles are quickly becoming a popular choice for families seeking an active and affectionate medium-sized companion.
Aussiedoodle
The Aussiedoodle is a vibrant and intelligent crossbreed, combining the sharp minds of the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. These dogs are renowned for their keen intelligence and high energy levels, making them a fantastic fit for active families. Aussiedoodles typically range from medium to large in size, with Standard Aussiedoodles fitting perfectly into the medium-sized category. Their coats can vary from wavy to curly and are generally low-shedding, inherited from their Poodle parent. This characteristic makes them a favorable choice for families concerned about pet allergens.
Aussiedoodles are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, thriving on human interaction and participating in family adventures. They are highly trainable and excel in various dog sports, including agility, obedience, and even disc dog competitions. However, their high intelligence and energy mean they require significant mental stimulation and physical exercise to prevent boredom and potential destructive behaviors. Daily vigorous activity, along with puzzle toys and training sessions, are essential for a happy and well-adjusted Aussiedoodle. Their beautiful, often multi-colored coats require regular grooming, including frequent brushing and professional trims, to keep them free of mats and looking their best. For families seeking an energetic, smart, and low-shedding companion, the Aussiedoodle offers an exciting and rewarding experience. If you’re looking for best indoor dogs that don t shed, an Aussiedoodle, with proper exercise, can certainly thrive indoors.
Standard Aussiedoodle dog standing on a beach
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle, a beloved crossbreed of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, was originally developed to be a hypoallergenic service dog. Today, they are cherished as intelligent, friendly, and exceptionally gentle family pets, making them a top choice for households seeking a medium-sized dog that doesn’t shed excessively. Labradoodles come in various sizes, with the standard size often falling into the medium to large range, providing a substantial yet manageable companion for many families. Their coats can be wavy, curly, or fleecy, and generally shed minimally, which is a significant relief for allergy sufferers.
Labradoodles are renowned for their eagerness to please and their affectionate nature, making them wonderful with children and other pets. They are highly trainable and respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement, especially when socialized from a young age. While they are adaptable to various living situations, their intelligent and energetic disposition means they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. Daily walks, playtime, and engaging activities are crucial to keep a Labradoodle happy and well-behaved. Their attractive coats require routine grooming, including regular brushing to prevent matting and periodic professional trims, to maintain their health and appearance. The Labradoodle’s blend of intelligence, gentle demeanor, and low-shedding coat makes it an outstanding family dog.
Brown Standard Labradoodle walking in a park
Goldendoodle
Similar to the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle is another popular “doodle dog,” a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. These charming dogs have gained immense popularity over the past few decades for their friendly nature, high intelligence, and low-shedding coats, making them ideal medium-sized family dogs that don’t shed. Goldendoodles can vary in size, but many fall within the medium range, offering a perfect fit for families. While they are often known for their beautiful golden coats, they can come in a wide array of colors and textures, all inheriting the Poodle’s tendency for minimal shedding.
Goldendoodles are incredibly affectionate and sociable, thriving on companionship and becoming devoted members of their families. Their gentle disposition makes them excellent with children and other animals, contributing to a harmonious household environment. Like their Poodle and Golden Retriever parents, they are highly intelligent and eager to learn, making them relatively easy to train with consistent positive reinforcement. However, they do require moderate daily exercise to expend their energy and keep them mentally stimulated. Their gorgeous coats demand frequent grooming, including regular brushing with a slicker brush to prevent matting and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. With their loving temperament, intelligence, and reduced shedding, Goldendoodles offer a joyful and manageable pet experience for many families.
Goldendoodle lying on a couch with a person sitting in the background
Standard Poodle
Often considered the epitome of a “hypoallergenic” dog, the Standard Poodle is an elegant, highly intelligent, and versatile breed that, despite its larger size, can certainly be considered a medium-sized family dog that doesn’t shed for many households. The largest of the three Poodle varieties, Standard Poodles typically stand over 15 inches at the shoulder and can weigh between 45 to 70 pounds. They are not only famous for their distinctive curly coats but also for their sharp minds and dignified yet playful demeanor. Originally bred for hunting, they are active and athletic dogs that require regular exercise and mental engagement.
The Standard Poodle’s dense, curly coat is a significant advantage for allergy sufferers as it traps shedding hair and dander, preventing its dispersion. However, this coat demands considerable grooming attention, including daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to keep it trimmed and healthy. Standard Poodles are exceptionally intelligent and highly trainable, excelling in obedience, agility, and various dog sports. They form strong bonds with their families and are known for being good with children, making them excellent companions for those who can meet their grooming and exercise needs. Their adaptable nature means they can thrive in diverse living environments, provided they receive sufficient attention and activity, making them a fantastic, low-shedding choice for active families.
Peruvian Inca Orchid (Medium)
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a unique and ancient dog breed that offers a low-shedding option for families, particularly its hairless variety. While this breed comes in small, medium, and large sizes, the medium-sized Peruvian Inca Orchid stands as an elegant and affectionate companion. Known for their graceful appearance and often hairless bodies (though coated varieties exist), these dogs are naturally hypoallergenic. They are the national dog of Peru and possess a gentle, loving temperament, making them well-suited for family life.
Medium-sized Peruvian Inca Orchids are typically alert, intelligent, and form strong bonds with their human companions. While the hairless variety requires special skin care, such as sunscreen and moisturizing, they eliminate the concern of shedding fur. The coated variety has a short, single coat that also sheds minimally. These dogs are generally calm indoors but enjoy regular walks and playtime outdoors. They thrive on companionship and can be reserved with strangers but are deeply loyal to their family. For families seeking a truly unique and low-shedding medium-sized dog with a fascinating history, the Peruvian Inca Orchid offers a wonderful and engaging experience.
Peruvian Inca Orchid dog
Beyond the Breed: Living with a Low-Shedding Family Dog
Choosing a low-shedding medium-sized dog is a fantastic first step towards an allergy-friendly home, but successful pet ownership for families with allergies involves ongoing commitment. Even with these breeds, maintaining a clean environment and consistent grooming practices are crucial to further minimize potential allergens.
Regular Grooming is Key
While these dogs don’t shed extensively, their unique coats require dedicated grooming. Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and to remove any loose hair and dander trapped within the coat. For many of these breeds, professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is also necessary for trimming and maintaining coat health. For instance, Poodles and “doodle” breeds often need regular clipping. Consistent grooming not only keeps your dog looking and feeling great but also plays a vital role in reducing the amount of dander released into your home, ensuring a cleaner, more allergen-friendly living space. Using specialized shampoos designed to reduce dander can further help in this effort.
Maintaining a Clean Home Environment
Even with a low-shedding dog, maintaining a clean home is paramount for allergy sufferers. Regularly vacuuming floors and furniture, especially with a HEPA-filter vacuum, can capture pet dander and other allergens. Dusting surfaces frequently with a damp cloth also helps to remove settled particles. Washing pet bedding, blankets, and your own bedding regularly in hot water can eliminate accumulated allergens. Furthermore, incorporating air purifiers with HEPA filters into your home can significantly reduce airborne allergens, creating a healthier environment for all family members. Good ventilation in your home is also beneficial.
Consulting with Healthcare Professionals
For family members with dog allergies, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or allergist. They can offer personalized advice on managing allergies, discuss potential treatment options such as medications, nasal sprays, or allergy shots, and help you develop a comprehensive plan for living comfortably with your new pet. Understanding and managing allergies effectively is key to ensuring that bringing a low-shedding family dog into your home is a joyful and sustainable experience for everyone.
Conclusion
Choosing a medium-sized family dog that doesn’t shed opens up a world of companionship and joy for households with allergy concerns. Breeds like the Portuguese Water Dog, Standard Schnauzer, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Lagotto Romagnolo, Whoodle, Aussiedoodle, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Standard Poodle, and the medium Peruvian Inca Orchid offer not only minimal shedding but also diverse personalities and temperaments that can fit seamlessly into various family dynamics. Remember that while these breeds significantly reduce allergen exposure, consistent grooming and a clean home environment are essential for optimal results. With careful consideration and a commitment to their care, your family can enjoy the unconditional love and playful spirit of a canine companion without the constant worry of allergies. Embrace the opportunity to welcome one of these wonderful dogs into your home and experience the unique bond they offer.
