10 Large Dog Breeds That Don't Shed
We know how frustrating it can get to be ready to leave the house only to realize your clothes are covered in dog hair and you have to spend an extra five minutes lint-rolling it all off.
Dog dander can not only be nuisance at times, but can also be the deal breaker in households that have someone who is allergic to dogs.
We’re here to tell you that dog dander doesn’t have to be the deal breaker. There are large non-shedding dogs out there that would make great additions to your household.
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While all dogs do shed to some extent, there are plenty of big dogs that don't shed or shed at a hardly noticeable rate.
If you already own a dog that sheds at a high rate, the best thing you can do to help reduce the amount of shedding is to brush your dog regularly. It's recommended that you get a specific brush or comb depending on your dog’s hair type for the best possible results.
Big dogs that don't shed a lot, or large hypoallergenic dogs, are not necessarily relatively low maintenance, however. A handful of these dogs may require more effort to grooming and maintaining their coat while others may have more energy and need lots of exercise and experienced dog owners.
Nonetheless, living with a large-sized pooch can make your life noticeably better. And best of all, you won’t have to sacrifice the capability of living with a dog because of your allergies.
If you’re looking to add a big dog that doesn't shed to the family, here are ten great dog breeds that have slow-growing and predictable coats and can be suitable for your household.
Belgian Malinois: Belgian Malinois typically stand two-feet tall and weigh around 40-60 pounds with some weighing up to 80 pounds. While they share some similar characteristics with German Shepherds such as their brave demeanor and well-muscled body, Belgian Malinois have the opposite trait when it comes to shedding. They have a short and straight hypoallergenic coat, making their shedding minimal. Belgian Malinois also don’t drool much, making them a viable option for people with allergies. This breed however is not recommended for first-time dog owners, as they require a firm leader who will provide lots of training and exercise.
Bouvier de Flandres: The Bouvier de Flandres is a calm and protective dog that stands slightly above two-feet tall and can weigh 70-100 pounds. They were originally bred as farm dogs and to herd cattle but were used as message carriers and cart dogs during World War I. This breed sheds at a low rate but requires a lot of grooming. They have a thick, long coat that must be trimmed multiple times per year to keep it healthy. Due to their coat’s thickness, it can sometimes be difficult to completely rinse after a bath.
Giant Schnauzer: While the Giant Schnauzers stand taller (above two feet) and weigh more (55-85 pounds) than most other schnauzers, they are all low shedding. They also share the similarities of being intelligent and protective. Giant Schnauzers can quickly become your most devoted companion and are considered to be exceptional guard dogs. This breed will need stripping and brushing every now and then due to their dense, weather-resistant double coat. They also require a moderate amount of exercise each day. Giant Schnauzers can sometimes become territorial if they are not socialized properly as a puppy.
Irish Water Spaniel: Standing at almost exactly two feet, the Irish Water Spaniel typically weighs 45-65 pounds and has a curly-haired waterproof coat and webbed feet. Hence the name, this a big dog that doesn't shed, loves to be in the water, and is an affectionate and playful with others. To keep its curls from matting, it is recommended that Irish Water Spaniels be brushed at least once a week. While they are mostly low-maintenance and easily trainable, they will require daily attention and exercise to match their energetic and silly demeanor.
Komondor: Reaching up to almost two and half feet in height, Komondors typically weigh a minimum of 80-100 pounds. This is a great option if you're looking for a big dog that doesn't shed because the Komondor has a dense, protective corded coat and keeps the shedding to a minimum. While the Komondor’s coat doesn’t require frequent brushing, they will need recurrent baths and do take a substantial time to dry off completely because of their cords. The Komondor originated as a Hungarian livestock guard dog and is a very loyal companion. They can be territorial at times however and will need a capable trainer to help socialize with others.
Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless): The Peruvian Inca Orchid can be as small as 10 inches or as tall as two feet and weigh anywhere from 10-55 pounds. They also can be hairless or coated, with the hairless suggested for those who have allergies. The breed is very low maintenance for grooming but does require lots of exercise as they are full of energy. Peruvian Inca Orchids are smart, agile and alert and are loyal and protective of their family. Take precaution with large PIOs as other small pets may been seen as prey.
Poodle (standard): Like the Peruvian Inca Orchid, the Poodle also comes in three different varieties based on size. The Standard Poodle, the largest of the three, usually stands about a foot and a half tall and can weigh anywhere from 40-70 pounds. They are well known for their curly coats and are very light shedders. The Poodle is not only one of the smartest dogs of all breeds, but also one of the healthiest. The Standard Poodle is athletic and will need consistent exercise. They will however need more frequent grooming and brushing to keep their coat from matting.
Portuguese Water Dogs: Portuguese Water Dogs stand just under two feet tall and weigh 40-60 pounds. They have medium-sized bodies that are covered in curly hair and rarely shed. Their coats are waterproof but require regular and extensive grooming. This breed makes a smart companion that is easy to train but will need ample exercise as they are very energetic and eager. Portuguese Water Dogs were originally bred to be an all-around fisherman’s helper and as their name suggests they are proficient in the water.
Spanish Water Dog: Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog, the Spanish Water Dog is skilled in the water and has a curly, low maintenance coat. They stand under two feet tall and weigh around 30-50 pounds. One of the most important principles for a well-groomed Spanish Water Dog is that the coat should be the same length all over and never to be brushed. They have a high level of energy and should get moderate exercise each day. Spanish Water dogs also make great companions for exercise in long durations such as hiking or running.
Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo): The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced “show-low-eats-queen-tlee”), or Xolo for short, has a body type similar to the Hairless Peruvian Inca Orchid and comes in three different variants. They have hairless coats that are smooth and tough and are great for people who are allergic to dogs. The Standard Xolos stand close to two feet tall and weigh in the range of 30-55 pounds. This breed is of Mexican decent and is over 3,000-years old, once owned the moniker ‘the ancient Aztec dog of the gods.’ They are very friendly and loving companions and don’t require much brushing or grooming. Xolos are usually restful around the house but will need lots of physical activity.
There are plenty of big dog breeds that don't shed that would make a great addition to your household. While the ten mentioned above are all unique in their own way, they all are light shedders that people who have allergies can live with.
Keep in mind that as we mentioned earlier, there is no true “hypoallergenic dog” as every dog no matter the breed sheds to some extent. Dogs will shed in response to the amount of daylight and the change in seasons. Stress, surgery and illnesses can also cause them to shed at a higher rate.
While you won’t have to worry about shedding and dander with the ten dogs mentioned above, you will have to incorporate a higher level of grooming or exercising for your pup depending on the breed.
Shedding and dander do not have to be the deal breaker. As pointed out above, there are numerous large dog breeds that can fit your lifestyle if you are allergic. They originate from different backgrounds, have different coats – from cords, to curls, to hairless – and require different degrees of grooming and exercise.
Once you have read and understood more about the breeds highlighted above, you’ll be well-equipped to make a decision on which furry friend you may want to bring into the family. It's a decision we know you'll be happy with as dogs improve our lives in more ways than we know.
While all big dogs that don't shed need to be cared for in different ways, one key factor that applies to all these dogs that will help keep shedding at a minimum is an Orthopedic Dog bed.
Our Bully Beds orthopedic dog bed is made from non-hazardous foam that's designed for large breed dogs. They provide orthopedic joint and hip support to reduce discomfort and stress within your dog, which can aid shedding.
It also comes complete with a washable and removable microfiber cover that you can easily throw in the wash rid of your house of unwanted dog hair.
So, put the lint-roller away and don’t worry about being late because your clothes are covered with dog hair or engulfed in dog dander. There are big dogs that don't shed out there that are perfect for your home and ready to bring you joy.
