10 Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (+5 That Barely Shed)

Hypoallergenic and non-shedding dogs seem to be hot commodities these days. If you’re shopping around for a new addition to the family, you may find these terms appealing. 

Hypoallergenic is a term used to describe something that causes fewer allergic reactions than others. 

For allergy sufferers, finding a hypoallergenic dog is a must. The last thing you want to do is end up with a dog you can’t live with in the same house.

Some people who don’t even have allergies are fans of low-shedding dogs. They’re low-maintenance, and you don’t have to clean up hair all the time.

While looking for a dog, you naturally look at how large he is, if you find him visually appealing and if he’s calm or aggressive. How much hair a dog sheds is a trait that is often overlooked. 

The World of Dog Hair

When it comes to the world of dog hair, however, there seems to be some confusion. First of all, there is no such thing as a dog who doesn’t shed at all. Every animal, for that matter, has to get rid of their dead skin cells somehow. This is just how it works.

Hair goes through its own life cycle. There are three stages to this cycle: The anagen phase, catagen phase, and the telogen phase. 

The hair is currently in the process of growing in the anagen phase. In the catagen phase, the hairs have stopped growing and are remaining in place. The hairs begin to fall out in the telogen phase so they can be replaced with new ones.

If you’re an allergy sufferer, or just want a low-shedding dog, you need to look for dogs who shed the least. Luckily, the frequency of how often a dog sheds fluctuates from breed to breed. 

There are dogs who shed so little that it looks as though they don’t shed at all. Then there are dogs who you’ll have to get the vacuum cleaner after every other day.

Since you’re here, you’re probably more interested in the low-shedding dogs. 

10 Large Dog that are Low-Shedding Breeds:

1. Standard Poodle
2. Giant Schnauzer
3. Irish Water Spaniel
4. Airedale Terrier
5. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
6. Komondor
7. Bouvier des Flandres
8. Portuguese Water Dog
9. Goldendoodle
10. Afghan Hound

Poodles are great pets to have if you want to avoid picking up lose hair all of the time.

1. Standard Poodle

First on the list is the Standard Poodle. The Standard Poodle is the largest of the Poodles with the other two being Miniature and Toy. 

The Standard Poodle is no stranger to a hypoallergenic dog list. Despite their curly hair that you think would be all over the place, they’re actually a very low-shedding dog breed.

If you’re becoming a dog owner for the first time, a Standard Poodle could be a solid option. This intelligent dog breed is easy to train, and they’re quite low-energy, so they won’t be tearing your house down.

2. Giant Schnauzer

Although the “giant” in their name is spot on, the Giant Schnauzer is a surprisingly low-shedding dog breed. These dogs resemble an enlarged version of a Shih Tzu.

Despite their ability to be a caring and loving companion, they are also known for their stubbornness. Due to this–and their giant size–if you’re a first-time dog owner this dog could end up owning you. Giant Schnauzers need a confident owner who is also able to show dominance.

3. Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniels have been around for ages and were originally hunting dogs. Some may not exactly classify these dogs as large, but, in my book, 70 pounds is a large dog.

As you could’ve probably guessed from their name, the Irish Water Spaniel loves to swim. If you fail to give them chances to do so they may become bored and restless. 

These dogs, however, are intelligent and fun. They’re also easier to train than most other dogs but require regular grooming.

4. Airedale Terrier

Next on the list is the Airedale Terrier. It’s hard to find a dog who enjoys playtime as much as this guy. 

Although they can be extremely friendly, if you’re looking for a dog who you want to bond with, the Airedale Terrier may not be your best option. Like the Giant Schnauzer, these dogs can be on the stubborn side. Aside from that, they’re fiercely independent, so they tend to do their own thing and not worry about others.

5. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Known for their wiry coats and their ability to be hunting dogs, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is another large dog breed that is low-shedding. 

If you want your “Supreme Gundog” to be happy and healthy, he’ll require exercise that is more than just a daily walk. It’s preferred that this exercise is off-leash or else he might be pulling you.

When it comes to maintenance, your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will require a weekly brushing. This prevents tangles and also removes the undercoat that gets stuck in his hair.

6. Komondor

The Komondor looks different than any other dog on this list. This large dog breed was developed in Hungary as a working dog, or more specifically, a watchdog for sheep. This is why their hair resembles that of a sheep–it made the sheep more comfortable.

Despite hair that makes you think of dreadlocks, the Komondor is actually a low-shedding dog breed. This low-maintenance breed doesn’t require regular brushing, however, coat care is needed to keep their cords clean.

If you’ve never owned a dog before, it would be wise to steer clear of the Komondor. If proper socialization training isn’t completed, the Komondor will become mightily aggressive. This could cause potential problems for you and your dog.

7. Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is a classic working dog who belongs to the herding group. It was developed to work on cattle ranches in places like France and Belgium. 

However, the Bouvier des Flandres is so much more than just farm equipment. You can see them today wearing police vests and some are even guide dogs for people.

Caring for this hypoallergenic dog isn’t strenuous. Though low-shedding, Bouvier’s need to have their coats brushed once or twice a week to prevent tangles and matting, according to the American Kennel Club.

8. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese water dog may be the most energetic dog on the list. These types of dogs are a favorite among pet owners. Perhaps the most famous Portuguese water dog is Bo, President Obama’s gift to his daughters.

In order for these dogs to be happy they have to have an active lifestyle. If you’re an avid hiker, backpacker, or biker, a Portuguese water dog may be for you. 

Since they made the list, they’re obviously a hypoallergenic dog, so they are a low-shedding breed. Despite this, they still require regular grooming.

9. Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is what it sounds like: A mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. 

The Goldendoodle is the best of both worlds. It possesses many of the same personality traits as a Golden Retriever: Playful, good-natured, and affectionate. However, when it comes to their coats, they get that from Poodles. 

Goldendoodles have the same coat as a Poodle. Thus, the Goldendoodle is a large, low-shedding dog.

10. Afghan Hound

If Steven Tyler were a dog, he’d be an Afghan Hound, but without the gentle personality these dogs possess. These refined and sophisticated dogs were originally developed in Afghanistan to be hunting dogs. Later, this breed would make its way to Europe at the end of the 19th century. 

These charming and graceful dogs are a low-shedding breed. However, they do require regular grooming.

Five Large Dog Breeds That Barely Shed

If you’re okay with a little dog hair or if you’re not worried about having an allergic reaction that will put you in a coma, these next five large dog breeds shed more than the ones above, but still not that much.

5 Large Dog Breeds that Barely Shed:

• Saluki
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Wheaten Terrier
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Basenji

Saluki, Persian Greyhound stands, turned his head in the autumn background, bright colors of autumn, in the background forest, trees, lake

1. Saluki

First up is the Saluki. As one of the oldest recorded dog breeds, Salukis were once considered to be a gift from Allah. They are known to be one of the fastest breeds of dogs in the world. Those are both something to brag about.

With perhaps the most unique appearance of any dog on this list, the low-shedding Saluki requires little maintenance. They’re tall and slender, can be extremely difficult to train, and are fiercely independent. 

Though they look and sound appealing, since they belonged to pharaohs, they’re not recommended for first-time dog owners. If they get off the leash one time you may never see them again.

2. Kerry Blue Terrier

One of the largest breeds of Terriers, this pup is known for his blue coat. Kerry, also called Irish Blue, was originally developed to be a farmhand. 

These dogs aren’t the most energetic but they aren’t lazy either. The Kerry Blue Terrier has two levels of activity: Going for a run outdoors or doing nothing at all. He’s the kind of dog you could take for a hike in the morning and then sit on the couch for the rest of the day.

This could be a great option if you want a low-shedding breed. As the American Kennel Club puts it, “Kerries do not shed, so their coat must be thoroughly brushed and combed once a week to avoid matting.”

3. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Perhaps the most extroverted on the list, originally developed as an Irish farm dog used for herding, is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. This guy is known for his comb-over hairstyle and his goatee.

The Wheaten has high energy levels that stay constant even into old age. These are the guys that are known for chasing after cars or rabbits. 

Though a low-shedding breed, his grooming frequency is rather often. This is to ensure that his fine hair does get any mats.

4. Lagotto Romagnolo

Developed in Renaissance Italy, the Lagotta Romagnolo was developed for one reason: To sniff out truffles.  They possess a waterproof curly coat and are affectionate and undemanding. 

Lagotto comes from the sporting breed. Thus, he requires more than the average amount of exercise if he is to be content. He also enjoys spending time with the family.

In terms of maintenance, you don’t have to do much with this pup. They are not only low-shedding but only need an occasional bath as well. 

5. Basenji

Basenjis hail from Africa. They also rank right up there with the Saluki as one of the oldest dog breeds recorded. 

Basenjis are extremely active. If they’re not allowed to get the exercise they need, their behavior becomes destructive. 

Basenjis have a very short coat that’s easy to take care of. They are also a low-shedding and low maintenance dog breed that generally only need an occasional bath.

Changed Your Mind?

If you’re tired of reading about larger dogs and have decided you’re going to get a smaller dog then this is the list for you:

• Yorkshire Terriers
• Labradoodle
• Bichon Frise
• Shih Tzu
• Maltese Terrier

1. Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkies were originally developed to hunt rodents. They also have the stubbornness of a Terrier and their hypoallergenic coat sheds very little.

2. Labradoodle

Once again, this is what it sounds like: A hybrid between a Labrador Retriever and a Miniature Poodle, hence their small size. These friendly canines make for a great family pet. 

3. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is another smaller dog that is a low-shedding breed. These pups are super easy to train and socialize, independent, and friendly.

4. Shih Tzu

Bred to resemble lions, the Shih Tzu is friendly and playful. This is a breed that is also hypoallergenic and sheds very little. 

5. Maltese Terrier

The Maltese Terrier is known for its stunning white coat. Being a Terrier, these pups are obviously on the feisty side. Despite this, they can flip sides and also be a loving and caring dog. 

Dogs that Love to Shed

If you’re looking for a larger dog that is low-shedding and didn’t see one on this list that you like, that’s perfectly okay. There are many more breeds out there who aren’t known for shedding profusely.

However, if the frequency of shedding is something you’re concerned about, here are some options you probably want to avoid:

• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever 
• Labrador Retriever
• Shetland Sheepdog

1. German Shepherd

Although the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, it is also one that constantly sheds. Normally, they shed their coats at least twice per year, but you will always find hair throughout the house.

2. Golden Retriever

Also one of the most popular breeds in the world, the Golden Retriever’s thick coat means a lot of grooming will be required. They are also constant shedders. A Golden Retriever will shed his coat moderately in the winter and summer, and even more in the spring and fall.

3. Labrador Retriever

This may come as a surprise since Labs have shorter hair. Don’t let that fool you. Labrador Retrievers shed more than the average dog. Labs have a double coat, like a Golden, that goes through a big seasonal shedding in warmer weather.

4. Shetland Sheepdog

If you come home with a Shetland Sheepdog, you better get used to having hair on your furniture and all over your clothes. Shetlands shed heavily twice a year and moderately the rest of the year.

Conclusion:

Knowing how much a dog sheds is just as important as understanding how big he and what his temperament is like. No one wants an aggressive dog and, if you’re reading this post, you don’t want a dog that sheds constantly. 

Even if you don’t have allergies, someone in your household might. This is when dog hair becomes a problem. 

Although it’s not the dog’s fault, some people just don’t want hair all over them. This is completely understandable. 

It’s important to remember that every dog sheds. How frequent depends on the breed.