For many aspiring dog owners, the dream of a furry companion often comes with a significant caveat: shedding. The thought of pet hair on furniture, clothes, and floors can be a major deterrent, especially for those with allergies or a preference for a tidy home. But what if you could enjoy the warmth and companionship of a dog without the constant battle against shedding? The good news is, you can! This guide focuses specifically on finding the perfect medium sized house dogs that don’t shed, offering an ideal solution for those seeking a manageable pet for indoor living.
While no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic (meaning entirely free of allergens), many breeds are known for their low-shedding coats, which significantly reduce the amount of dander, hair, and saliva-borne allergens released into the environment. This makes them a fantastic choice for allergy sufferers and anyone who desires a cleaner living space. When you’re looking for dogs who don’t shed a lot, these medium-sized companions often strike the perfect balance between being large enough for robust play and small enough to comfortably live in apartments or homes without vast outdoor spaces.
Understanding “Medium-Sized House Dogs That Don’t Shed”
Before diving into specific breeds, it’s helpful to clarify what we mean by a “medium-sized house dog that doesn’t shed.” This specific combination of traits caters to a unique set of needs and preferences.
What Defines “Medium-Sized”?
Generally, a medium-sized dog weighs between 20 and 60 pounds and stands about 15 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. This size range offers several advantages for house living:
- Manageability: They’re not too small to be easily overlooked or injured, nor are they so large that they overwhelm smaller living spaces.
- Portability: Many medium dogs can still travel comfortably in a car or even on planes (though typically in cargo for this size), and they’re easier to handle on walks.
- Versatility: They’re robust enough for active families but can also adapt to a more relaxed indoor lifestyle with adequate exercise.
What Does “Doesn’t Shed” Really Mean?
The term “doesn’t shed” is a bit of a misnomer. All dogs shed to some extent, as hair growth is a natural cycle. However, “low-shedding” or “non-shedding” breeds typically have hair that grows continuously, similar to human hair, rather than shedding in cycles. This means:
- Less Dander: Hair that remains in the follicle means less dander (tiny flakes of skin) is released into the air and onto surfaces, which is the primary trigger for dog allergies.
- Cleaner Home: You’ll find significantly less dog hair around your house, on furniture, and on your clothes.
- Grooming Needs: While they don’t shed much, these coats often require regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent matting and keep them healthy.
What Makes a Dog a “House Dog”?
A “house dog” isn’t just about size; it’s about temperament and adaptability to indoor living. Ideal house dogs often possess traits like:
- Moderate Energy Levels: They enjoy playtime and walks but are content to relax indoors.
- Trainability: Intelligent and eager to please, making them easier to manage in a home environment.
- Good Temperament: Generally calm, affectionate, and good with family members, including children and other pets, provided they are well-socialized.
- Adaptability: They can thrive in various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, as long as their needs are met.
Finding the perfect blend of these characteristics ensures a harmonious living arrangement for both you and your canine companion.
Top Medium-Sized House Dogs That Don’t Shed
Here’s a curated list of exceptional medium-sized breeds perfect for homes where minimal shedding is a priority, many of which are also considered good family dogs that don’t shed.
1. Miniature Schnauzer
Salt and pepper Miniature Schnauzer wearing a pink harness in a parkThe Miniature Schnauzer, weighing 10-20 pounds and standing up to 14 inches tall, is a robust little dog with a lot of personality. Known for their distinctive bushy eyebrows and beard, these intelligent and spunky terriers have a wiry, low-shedding coat. They are highly adaptable, making them excellent house dogs that don’t require vast spaces, as long as they get their daily dose of exercise (around an hour). Their alert nature makes them good watchdogs, and their affectionate disposition ensures they bond strongly with their families. Regular grooming is essential to keep their unique coat in top condition.
2. Standard Schnauzer
Gray Standard Schnauzer standing in a field, a medium sized house dog that doesn't shedA true medium-sized breed, the Standard Schnauzer can weigh up to 45 pounds. They possess the same intelligent, spirited nature and wiry, low-shedding coat as their miniature counterparts, just in a larger package. These dogs are known for their loyalty and playful demeanor, thriving on mental and physical stimulation. They love long walks, games of fetch, and solving puzzle toys. Their adaptability and moderate exercise needs make them an excellent choice for active families looking for healthy dog breeds that don’t shed and fit comfortably into a home environment.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
Black and white Portuguese Water Dog wearing a red maple leaf bandana in front of waterOriginally bred as an aid to fishermen, the Portuguese Water Dog is a highly intelligent, active, and loyal companion. This medium-sized breed, typically weighing 35-60 pounds, boasts a thick, curly, single coat that is renowned for its low shedding. Their friendly and eager-to-please nature makes them highly trainable, and they excel in various dog sports. As house dogs, they require regular exercise – ideally including swimming, as they adore water – to keep them happy and healthy. Their robust build and affectionate personality make them wonderful additions to active families.
4. Medium Labradoodle
Brown standard Labradoodle walking in a parkA crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the medium Labradoodle offers the best of both worlds. While Labradoodles come in various sizes, the medium variant (typically 30-50 pounds) is an ideal size for home living. Their coat, which can range from wavy to curly, is low-shedding and often considered more allergy-friendly. Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and make excellent family pets. They are highly trainable and gentle, especially when well-socialized from an early age. Their moderate energy levels make them happy with daily walks and indoor play, solidifying their status as a popular medium sized house dog that doesn’t shed.
5. Medium Goldendoodle
Goldendoodle lying on a couch with a person sitting in the backgroundAnother beloved “doodle” breed, the medium Goldendoodle (a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle) shares many of the Labradoodle’s desirable traits. Weighing around 30-55 pounds, these dogs possess a friendly, outgoing nature and high intelligence. Their low-shedding coats, which can be golden, cream, or even red, require frequent grooming to prevent matting. As house dogs, they are adaptable and affectionate, thriving on companionship and moderate daily exercise. Their joyful disposition and minimal shedding make them a top choice for families seeking a medium sized fluffy dogs that don t shed companion.
6. Lagotto Romagnolo
Two Lagotto Romagnolo dogs lying in dirt staring at the cameraThe Lagotto Romagnolo, an ancient Italian breed originally bred as water retrievers and truffle hunters, is an excellent medium-sized option (typically 24-35 pounds). Their dense, curly, woolly coat is not only protective in chilly waters but also remarkably low-shedding. Lagotti Romagnoli are intelligent, eager to please, and possess a joyful nature. They are generally good with children and other pets, making them fantastic family dogs. While they love to work and explore, their exercise needs can be met with daily walks and engaging playtime, making them suitable for active households.
7. Irish Water Spaniel
Brown Irish Water Spaniel profileDistinctive for their “rat tail” and dense, liver-colored curly coat, the Irish Water Spaniel is a friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable medium-to-large breed (typically 45-68 pounds). Their coat is low-shedding and water-repellent, making them excellent retrievers and swimmers. As house dogs, they require consistent exercise to manage their high energy levels. With proper training and stimulation, they are devoted family members who thrive on interaction. Their spirited personality and unique appearance make them a standout choice among medium sized house dogs that don’t shed.
8. Medium Aussiedoodle
Standard Aussiedoodle dog standing on a beachA cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, the medium Aussiedoodle (typically 25-50 pounds) is a highly intelligent and energetic companion. While Aussiedoodles can come in various sizes, the medium variants are well-suited for active homes. Their wavy to curly coats are low-shedding, inheriting this desirable trait from the Poodle parent. Due to their intelligent and active parent breeds, Aussiedoodles require plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. They thrive in homes where they are part of the family’s activities and are great for those seeking a vibrant, low-shedding house dog.
9. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog on a log, a perfect medium sized house dog that doesn't shedThe Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a cheerful and exuberant medium-sized Irish breed (typically 30-40 pounds) known for its silky, soft coat that’s incredibly low-shedding. Wheatens are famously affectionate, earning them the nickname “wheatie greets” for their enthusiastic welcomes. They maintain a high energy level throughout their lives and require ample exercise and mental stimulation to be well-behaved house dogs. Their playful and devoted nature makes them excellent family companions, though their grooming needs are significant to keep their luscious coats tangle-free.
10. Medium Schnoodle
Gray Schnoodle close-upThe Schnoodle is a delightful crossbreed combining two low-shedding breeds: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. Medium Schnoodles typically weigh between 20-40 pounds, offering a fantastic option for indoor living. Their coat can be curly or wavy, but it is consistently low-shedding. Schnoodles are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, making them highly adaptable to various home environments. They are eager to please and relatively easy to train, thriving on companionship and moderate daily activity. This hybrid offers a wonderful blend of personality and a low-maintenance shedding coat.
11. Bedlington Terrier
White Bedlington Terrier running through snowOften described as a “lamb in dog’s clothing” due to their unique appearance, the Bedlington Terrier is a graceful and gentle medium-sized breed (typically 17-23 pounds). Their distinctive curly, woolly coat is low-shedding and requires regular grooming to maintain its characteristic texture. Bedlingtons are affectionate and loyal to their families, enjoying being close to their people. While they have a terrier’s zest for life and need daily exercise, they are generally calm indoors, making them suitable medium sized house dogs that don’t shed. However, they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
12. Medium Xoloitzcuintli
Black Mexican Hairless Dog standing in grassThe Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced “sho-lo-eets-kween-tli”), or Mexican Hairless Dog, is an ancient and unique breed. While they come in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), the miniature (13-22 pounds) and standard (30-55 pounds) varieties fit perfectly into our medium-sized category. They are most famous for being hairless, which inherently makes them very low-shedding and ideal for allergy sufferers. Some Xolos do have a very short, fine coat, which is also low-shedding. These dogs are calm, attentive, and loyal companions, thriving on human interaction. They are adaptable to apartment living and require moderate exercise.
13. Whoodle
Tan Whoodle puppy dragging a washclothThe Whoodle is a charming cross between a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle. This delightful hybrid often inherits the best traits from both parents: the Wheaten’s happy-go-lucky attitude and the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat. Whoodles typically fall into the medium size range (20-40 pounds), making them excellent house dogs. They are friendly, intelligent, and affectionate, eager to be part of family activities. Their moderate energy levels can be satisfied with daily walks and playtime, and while their soft, wavy coats are low-shedding, they do require regular grooming to prevent tangles.
14. Medium Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchid dog with a sparse, dark coatThe Peruvian Inca Orchid is a rare, elegant breed that comes in small, medium (25-45 pounds), and large sizes. Like the Xoloitzcuintli, they are primarily known for their hairless variety, making them exceptionally low-shedding. Coated versions exist with a short, smooth single coat that also sheds minimally. These dogs are typically alert, affectionate with their families, and can be reserved around strangers. They adapt well to indoor living, appreciating a warm place to cuddle. Their moderate exercise requirements make them suitable for a variety of homes, providing a unique and low-allergen companionship.
15. Barbet
Close-up of a curly red Barbet dog face, a happy medium sized house dog that doesn't shedThe Barbet, pronounced “bar-bay,” is a cheerful and friendly medium-to-large breed (35-65 pounds) with a shaggy, woolly coat. Originating from France, their name means “beard” in French, a nod to their characteristic hairy chin. This breed is known for its protective curly coat, which is low-shedding and water-resistant. Barbets are intelligent, active, and thrive on being part of the family. They love to swim and need regular exercise to keep them content. Their amiable nature and low-shedding qualities make them excellent house dogs for families who can provide consistent grooming and activity. For more options in this category, consider exploring medium sized fluffy dogs that don’t shed as well.
Beyond the Breed: Living with a Low-Shedding House Dog
Choosing a low-shedding, medium-sized breed is a great first step, but responsible pet ownership extends beyond just the breed. Here are crucial tips for ensuring a happy, healthy, and clean home with your new companion.
The Reality of “Hypoallergenic” (Revisited)
Remember, “hypoallergenic” simply means “less allergenic,” not “allergen-free.” Allergens come from dander (skin flakes), saliva, and urine, not just hair. While low-shedding breeds reduce dander dissemination, allergens are still present. Managing allergies effectively requires a multi-faceted approach, and consulting with your doctor for personalized advice is always recommended. If you’re interested in understanding the full spectrum, you might want to look into largest dog breed that doesn’t shed to see how shedding varies across sizes.
Essential Grooming for Non-Shedders
Paradoxically, dogs that don’t shed much often require more grooming. Their continuously growing hair can easily mat if not properly cared for.
- Regular Brushing: Brush your dog several times a week to prevent tangles and remove any loose hair and dander.
- Bathing: Bathe your dog every 4-6 weeks with a gentle, dog-specific shampoo to keep their coat clean and reduce dander.
- Professional Grooming: Many low-shedding breeds need regular trims from a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks to maintain coat health and manage length.
Maintaining a Clean Home Environment
Even with a low-shedding dog, maintaining a clean home is crucial for minimizing allergens.
- Vacuum Regularly: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter on carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
- Dust Frequently: Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to capture dust and dander.
- Wash Bedding: Regularly wash your dog’s bedding and your own linens in hot water.
- Air Purifiers: Consider using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers to reduce airborne allergens.
- Designated “Dog-Free” Zones: If allergies are severe, designate certain areas (like bedrooms) as dog-free zones.
Health & Wellness for Your House Dog
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Ensure your dog receives routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, parasite control, and wellness exams.
- Appropriate Diet: Feed a high-quality, balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and activity level to support skin and coat health.
- Mental Stimulation: Especially for intelligent breeds suited for indoor living, mental enrichment through training, puzzle toys, and interactive games is vital to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Considering Your Lifestyle
When choosing a medium sized house dog that doesn’t shed, match the dog’s energy and temperament to your family’s lifestyle. An active family can enjoy a spirited Portuguese Water Dog or Aussiedoodle, while a more relaxed household might prefer a Bedlington Terrier or a Goldendoodle with lower energy. Time commitment for grooming and exercise are key factors.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect furry companion doesn’t have to mean sacrificing a clean home or battling allergies. The array of medium sized house dogs that don’t shed offers fantastic options for individuals and families alike. From the playful Poodle mixes to the unique Xoloitzcuintli, these breeds provide intelligence, affection, and a significantly reduced shedding experience.
By understanding the nuances of “hypoallergenic” and committing to regular grooming and home maintenance, you can enjoy the immense joy and companionship that a dog brings, without the constant worry of pet hair. Embrace the possibility of a clean home and a happy, healthy, low-shedding dog by carefully selecting a breed that aligns with your lifestyle. Consult with breeders, rescue organizations, and veterinarians to ensure you make the best choice for your home and heart.
References
- American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Breed Information. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/
- The Kennel Club. (n.d.). Breed Information Centre. Retrieved from https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-information/
- Veterinary Medical Association (Various official statements on pet allergies and care).
