For many dog lovers, the joy of pet ownership is often overshadowed by frustrating allergy symptoms. Sneezing, itching, and watery eyes can make living with a furry friend a challenge. While no dog breed is truly 100% hypoallergenic, certain breeds are known to produce significantly fewer allergens, making them a more suitable choice for individuals with sensitivities. Specifically, many seek out medium to large dogs that don’t shed, hoping to find a companion that fits both their lifestyle and their allergy needs. These breeds often have unique coat types that minimize the release of dander – the tiny flakes of skin that are a primary source of allergens. Unlike dogs with thick undercoats that shed profusely, these less-shedding varieties can drastically reduce the amount of allergenic material in your home.
The term “hypoallergenic” refers to a reduced likelihood of causing an allergic reaction, not an absence of allergens. Dog allergens are primarily found in dander, saliva, and urine, not just the hair itself. However, dogs that shed less release less dander into the environment. This guide is dedicated to exploring a variety of impressive dogs that don’t shed medium to large in size, offering detailed insights into their characteristics, grooming requirements, and temperaments. Our goal is to help you find the perfect canine companion that brings all the companionship and joy without the constant sniffles and discomfort. Understanding the nuances of each breed is crucial in making an informed decision, ensuring a harmonious home for both you and your new four-legged family member.
Understanding Hypoallergenic Traits in Dogs
All dogs produce allergens, but the amount and type can vary significantly between breeds. Hypoallergenic dogs are generally characterized by coats that shed minimally, thereby reducing the spread of dander – microscopic flakes of skin that carry allergenic proteins. These proteins are also present in a dog’s saliva and urine, meaning even a non-shedding dog isn’t entirely allergen-free. However, a low-shedding coat traps these allergens more effectively, preventing them from becoming airborne and triggering reactions. This makes breeds with specific coat types, such as those that are curly, wiry, or hairless, particularly appealing to allergy sufferers. Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, is still essential to manage any remaining dander and keep the coat healthy.
Top Medium to Large Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
If you’re looking for a substantial canine companion without the constant cleanup of shedding hair, several medium to large sized dogs that dont shed or shed minimally are excellent choices. These breeds offer the presence and robust nature of larger dogs combined with a coat that is more manageable for allergy sufferers.
1. Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is a remarkably elegant and intelligent breed, widely recognized for its distinctive curly coat that is virtually non-shedding. Originally bred as water retrievers, these dogs are highly active and thrive on mental and physical stimulation. They typically stand over 15 inches tall and can weigh between 45 to 70 pounds, fitting squarely into the medium to large category. Their intelligence makes them highly trainable and eager to please, excelling in obedience, agility, and various dog sports. Poodles are known for their playful yet dignified personalities, forming strong bonds with their families.
However, their low-shedding coat comes with significant grooming needs. To prevent matting and maintain their hypoallergenic qualities, Standard Poodles require regular brushing, ideally several times a week, and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. This consistent care is crucial for their skin and coat health.
White Standard Poodle walking through lush green grass
2. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a robust, intelligent, and spirited dog that fits comfortably in the medium-sized category, typically weighing between 30 to 50 pounds and standing 17.5 to 19.5 inches tall. Known for their distinctive wiry coat, bushy eyebrows, and beard, Standard Schnauzers shed very little, making them a good option for those with allergies. These dogs are natural protectors and form strong bonds with their families, often being playful and devoted companions. They require consistent training and early socialization to harness their strong will and energy.
Their wiry coat needs regular maintenance, including weekly brushing and hand-stripping or professional grooming every few months to maintain its texture and minimize shedding. Without proper grooming, the coat can become soft and shed more.
3. Giant Schnauzer
As the name suggests, the Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the Schnauzer breeds, a formidable and impressive dog that can weigh up to 85 pounds and stand over 27 inches tall. Despite their size, they possess the same low-shedding, wiry coat as their smaller relatives, making them excellent medium and large dogs that dont shed for allergy sufferers. Giant Schnauzers are intelligent, courageous, and highly energetic, originally bred for guarding and driving cattle. They require experienced owners who can provide consistent training, ample exercise, and mental stimulation.
Their dense, wiry coat demands regular grooming, including weekly brushing to prevent mats and professional hand-stripping or clipping every 6-8 weeks. Their affectionate nature, combined with their protective instincts, makes them loyal family guardians.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a lively and intelligent breed, renowned for its strong swimming abilities and distinctive, low-shedding coat. These dogs are medium-sized, typically weighing 35-60 pounds and standing 17-23 inches tall. Their curly or wavy single coat is considered hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed much, but it requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Originally bred to assist fishermen, they are highly energetic and require significant daily exercise, including walks, runs, and especially swimming, which they adore.
Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their playful, adventurous, and eager-to-please personalities, making them highly trainable. They thrive on companionship and are happiest when involved in family activities. Regular brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks are essential to keep their coat healthy and tidy.
Black and white Portuguese Water Dog wearing a red bandana near a body of water
5. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a popular crossbreed, a mix of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, originally bred to be a hypoallergenic guide dog. These friendly and intelligent dogs come in various sizes, with Standard Labradoodles fitting the medium to large criteria, weighing 50-75 pounds and standing 21-24 inches tall. Their coats can vary from wavy to curly, and while they are generally low-shedding, the degree can depend on their Poodle lineage. They are known for their amiable, outgoing, and affectionate nature, making them excellent family pets.
Labradoodles are highly trainable and energetic, requiring daily exercise and mental engagement. Their coat needs regular brushing, ideally a few times a week, to prevent mats and tangles, and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, especially for curlier coats.
6. Goldendoodle
Similar to the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle is another beloved “designer” breed, a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Standard Goldendoodles are medium to large, weighing 50-75 pounds and standing 20-24 inches tall. They inherit the Poodle’s low-shedding coat, which can range from wavy to curly, and the Golden Retriever’s friendly and gentle disposition. Goldendoodles are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and patient demeanor, making them wonderful companions for families with children and other pets.
Their active nature means they require regular exercise to stay happy and well-behaved. Grooming is crucial for Goldendoodles; their coats need frequent brushing to prevent matting, especially with the curlier varieties, and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is often necessary.
7. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian breed, originally bred as water retrievers and more recently known for their truffle-hunting abilities. These charming dogs are medium-sized, typically weighing 24-35 pounds and standing 16-19 inches tall. They possess a thick, woolly, curly coat that is low-shedding and hypoallergenic, providing excellent protection in cold water. Lagotti Romagnoli are intelligent, affectionate, and active dogs, forming strong bonds with their families.
They require consistent mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. Their unique coat demands specific grooming: it should be brushed weekly and trimmed every few months, often hand-stripped to maintain its waterproof qualities and prevent excessive matting.
8. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a distinctive and athletic breed, easily recognized by its “rat tail” and dense, crisp, liver-colored curls. These dogs are medium to large, weighing 55-68 pounds and standing 21-24 inches tall. Their unique coat is waterproof, low-shedding, and hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers who enjoy an active lifestyle. Originally bred for retrieving game from water, they are intelligent, energetic, and playful, requiring significant daily exercise.
Irish Water Spaniels are loyal and affectionate with their families but can be somewhat reserved with strangers. Their coat needs regular brushing, two to three times a week, to prevent matting and maintain its condition, along with professional trimming a few times a year.
9. Aussiedoodle
The Aussiedoodle is a vibrant crossbreed, a mix of an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. Standard Aussiedoodles are medium to large in size, often weighing 40-70 pounds and standing 18-23 inches tall. They inherit the intelligence and energy of both parent breeds, combined with the low-shedding coat of the Poodle, making them a great option for those seeking medium to large dogs that don t shed a lot. These dogs are highly intelligent, playful, and affectionate, but also require significant mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Their coats can vary in texture and shedding level, generally requiring regular brushing a few times a week to prevent tangles and mats, and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Aussiedoodles thrive in active households where they can be involved in various activities.
10. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a charming and medium-sized Irish breed, known for its silky, soft, wheat-colored coat that sheds minimally. They typically weigh 30-40 pounds and stand 17-19 inches tall. Wheatens are lively, friendly, and affectionate, often described as “wheaten greetings” due to their enthusiastic welcomes. They possess the typical terrier exuberance and require consistent training and plenty of exercise to keep them happy and well-behaved.
Their beautiful coat, while low-shedding, requires daily brushing to prevent matting, as well as professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to keep it in optimal condition. Without regular care, their soft fur can quickly become tangled and matted.
11. Schnoodle
A Schnoodle is a cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle, combining two low-shedding breeds to create an intelligent and playful companion. The size of a Schnoodle can vary greatly depending on the parent breeds (Miniature, Standard, or Giant Schnauzer crossed with Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle). A Standard Schnauzer/Poodle mix would fall into the medium to large category, weighing 40-75 pounds. Their coat can be wavy or curly, and is consistently low-shedding, making them highly suitable for allergy sufferers.
Schnoodles are known for their cheerful, affectionate, and intelligent personalities. They are often good with children and other pets, provided they are well-socialized. Their energy levels can vary, but generally, they require regular exercise and mental engagement. Grooming needs include frequent brushing and professional trimming every 6-8 weeks to manage their dense, often curly coat.
12. Xoloitzcuintli (Standard)
The Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless Dog, is an ancient and unique breed. While they come in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), the Standard Xoloitzcuintli fits the medium to large category, weighing 30-55 pounds and standing 18-23 inches tall. The most common variety is hairless, making them exceptionally hypoallergenic as they produce no dander from hair. Some Xolos have a very short, fine coat which is also low-shedding. These dogs are calm, intelligent, and loyal, forming deep bonds with their families.
Despite being hairless, their skin requires care, including moisturizing and sun protection. They are active dogs that benefit from regular exercise. The Xolo is a noble and watchful companion, often reserved with strangers but deeply affectionate with their loved ones.
13. Whoodle
A Whoodle is a delightful cross between a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle. These medium-sized dogs typically weigh 30-50 pounds and combine the friendly, spirited nature of the Wheaten with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. Whoodles are known for their playful, affectionate, and eager-to-please personalities, making them wonderful family companions. Their coats are generally soft, wavy, or curly, and shed very little.
They are energetic dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Regular grooming is essential for Whoodles, including frequent brushing to prevent tangles and mats in their soft coats, and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to keep them looking their best.
14. Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle is a charming and increasingly popular crossbreed, a mix of the gentle Bernese Mountain Dog and the intelligent Poodle. Standard Bernedoodles are large dogs, often weighing 70-90 pounds or more and standing 23-29 inches tall. They are celebrated for their calm, affectionate nature and their Poodle-inherited low-shedding coat, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers seeking a large, gentle giant. Bernedoodles are known to be wonderful family dogs, good with children and other pets, and possess a playful yet easygoing temperament.
Despite their size, they thrive on companionship and need regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Their coats, which can range from wavy to curly, require consistent grooming, including daily or every-other-day brushing to prevent matting, and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Large Bernedoodle dog relaxing in green grass with its tongue playfully out
15. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is an aristocratic and striking breed, famous for its long, flowing, silky coat and distinctive appearance. Despite their abundant hair, Afghan Hounds are considered low-shedding and are often included on lists of hypoallergenic breeds. These large dogs typically weigh 50-60 pounds and stand 25-27 inches tall. They are known for their dignified, independent, and sometimes aloof personality, but are also deeply affectionate with their families.
Afghan Hounds are sighthounds, built for speed and endurance, and require a secure area for running and regular exercise. Their luxurious coat demands significant grooming commitment, including daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats, and frequent bathing to keep it clean and healthy.
Graceful gray and tan Afghan Hound looking thoughtfully at the camera
16. Barbet
The Barbet is a cheerful and rustic French water dog, characterized by its shaggy, woolly, and curly coat that is low-shedding and hypoallergenic. These medium to large dogs typically weigh 35-65 pounds and stand 20-25 inches tall. Known for their jovial nature and love of water, Barbets are intelligent, friendly, and active companions. They thrive on human companionship and require regular mental and physical stimulation, especially activities involving water.
Their dense coat is designed to protect them from cold waters but also requires consistent grooming. Daily or every-other-day brushing is necessary to prevent matting, and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks helps maintain their coat’s health and appearance.
Close-up portrait of a curly red Barbet dog's face with a shaggy beard
17. Peruvian Inca Orchid (Medium/Large)
Like the Xoloitzcuintli, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is an ancient breed known for its hairless variety, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. This breed comes in three sizes, with the medium and large varieties fitting our criteria, weighing 17-55 pounds and standing 15-26 inches tall. They also come in a coated variety with a very short, sparse coat that is also low-shedding. Peruvian Inca Orchids are elegant, alert, and affectionate dogs, often reserved with strangers but deeply loyal to their families.
Their hairless skin requires protection from the sun and cold, as well as regular moisturizing. They are active and agile dogs that enjoy daily exercise. Their intelligence and sensitive nature make them wonderful, if rare, companions for the right owners.
Tips for Living With a Medium to Large Hypoallergenic Dog
Even with a low-shedding breed, managing allergies requires consistent effort. Here are key tips to ensure a harmonious environment:
Keep Up With Grooming
Regular grooming is paramount for any hypoallergenic dog. Despite minimal shedding, their coats can still trap dander and require care. Weekly brushing helps to remove loose hairs and dander before they can spread. Frequent bathing, typically every 4-6 weeks, using a specialized dander-reducing shampoo, can significantly reduce allergens. Many of these breeds also require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks for trimming or hand-stripping, which is crucial for maintaining coat health and hypoallergenic qualities. Budgeting for these grooming costs or learning to do it yourself is an important consideration.
Maintain a Clean House
A clean home environment is critical for allergy sufferers. Regularly vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum, dusting surfaces, and washing bedding (both yours and your dog’s) will help minimize accumulated dander. Using air purifiers with HEPA filters can also help remove airborne allergens, and ensuring good ventilation throughout your home can reduce allergen concentration. Consider using impermeable covers on mattresses and pillows to create an additional barrier against allergens.
Talk to Your Doctor
Before bringing any dog into your home, it’s wise to consult with your healthcare provider about your allergies. They can offer advice on managing symptoms, suggest appropriate medications (such as antihistamines or nasal sprays), or discuss other treatment options like allergy injections. Understanding your specific triggers and developing a personalized management plan with medical guidance is essential for a comfortable coexistence with your new companion. It’s also important to remember that allergens are present in a dog’s saliva and urine, so avoiding direct contact with these bodily fluids is also advisable for highly sensitive individuals.
Conclusion
Choosing a medium to large dog that doesn’t shed can be a life-changing decision for individuals with dog allergies, allowing them to experience the profound joy and companionship that only a canine friend can offer without the constant discomfort of allergic reactions. While no dog is entirely allergen-free, the breeds highlighted in this guide, such as the Standard Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Bernedoodle, offer excellent options due to their low-shedding coats and remarkable temperaments. Each of these breeds brings unique qualities, from the athletic prowess of the Irish Water Spaniel to the gentle nature of the Goldendoodle.
Ultimately, finding the perfect match involves not only considering their hypoallergenic qualities but also their exercise needs, grooming requirements, and personality to ensure they align with your lifestyle. Remember that diligent grooming and maintaining a clean home environment are crucial steps in managing allergies, even with these specialized breeds. By making an informed choice and committing to proper care, you can welcome a wonderful, low-shedding companion into your home, enriching your life with endless affection and loyalty. Explore the possibilities and embark on a fulfilling journey with a furry friend who truly fits your family.
