Top 10 Large Non-Shedding Dogs: Hypoallergenic Breeds to Consider

Are you looking for a large hypoallergenic dog that does not shed much? When you decide to bring a large dog to your household, there are a lot of things to consider. You must evaluate the size, disposition, and energy level of your new pup. You will also want to choose a breed that you find appealing and that will fit your lifestyle and that of your family.

However, while most dedicated and intelligent dog owners carefully evaluate these features when selecting a dog, they frequently overlook a few other critical considerations, such as the amount of hair the dog might shed. And for those with allergies, or who are very particular about the way their home looks, that can become a real problem down the line.

Up front, you should know that there is no such thing as a dog that does not shed. There are, however, a number of large breed dogs that shed a lot less than others. To begin here today we are going to take a closer look at some of them, in our top 10 large non-shedding dogs list.

Here are 10 large non shedding breeds you will love. 

Many people are more families with their smaller cousins – and their elaborate hairstyles – but the standard poodle can be an excellent choice for those looking for a large dog who sheds less, as well as one that is friendly, smart, and loyal.

Purebred standard poodles are the result of crossing poodles with Labrador retrievers, resulting in a pup who has all the lithe elegance of a poodle, but the smarts and sunny disposition of a retriever. They also have their energy though too, so make sure that you can meet a standard poodle’s greater exercise needs.

Given that they look like huge balls of fluff, you might be surprised to learn that Old English Sheepdogs do not actually shed a great deal when compared to many of their large dog peers.

These are lovable, slightly goofy pups who adore being the center of attention. They are also very smart – sometimes even devious if they are trying to get their own way – and will need lots of attention and stimulation to prevent them from becoming destructive. They will also need plenty of brushing, as, although they will not shed a lot of fur, it will become tangled and matted easily if not taken care of properly.

Airedale Terriers fall on the low end of the size spectrum when it comes to large dogs, and their sunny, playful disposition makes them a great choice for an active family. Their tight, curly coats are relatively easy to take care of, which is great news for those who do not want to devote a lot of time to dog grooming.

What you will need to be willing to devote plenty of time to, however, is keeping an Airedale Terrier amused and exercised. These pups are the opposite of couch potato dogs, and they retain their energy even as they age.

Given that they have a very smooth, short haired, shiny coat, the fact that a greyhound barely sheds at all should come as little surprise. These ancient dogs – their breed was first recorded being used as a loyal domestic companion all the way back in the Roman occupied Britain of the second century – require very little grooming, but they will benefit from having a coat when it’s cold outside to keep them warm!

Like most large breed dogs, greyhounds have a lot of energy, and they will need lots of exercise, as well as a high-quality dog food that provides plenty of protein to help keep their muscled physique in great shape.

The Portuguese Water Dog was relatively unknown until the Obamas introduced Bo to the world as the new White House Dog in 2008. These high energy pups – Bo was often seen playing football or basketball on the White House lawn – are great for active families and love to be part of outdoor activities.

Their short, tight fur means they will not shed much, but they will need regular grooming to keep it shiny and tangle free. Because their shiny coats can look shabby when dull, choosing a dog food with lots of fur friendly vitamin A and Omega 3 fatty acids will help as well.

Another pup on the lower end of the large dog spectrum, the naturally very curly haired Irish Water Spaniel will not shed a great deal, and despite all those tight curls his fur will be relatively easy to take care of.

These pups are called water dogs for a reason, though: they love to swim. They also like lots of attention, but their goofy, lovable nature makes that very easy to want to give.

The Belgian Malinois is an elegant, highly intelligent big dog who is often mistaken for his distant cousin, the German Shepherd. However, they are their own breed, and unlike German Shepherds they shed very little while also usually bigger a little smaller in stature, although they are every bit as smart.

A Belgian Malinois will not, however, make a good choice for a new, or novice pet parent. They need a firm hand and good training to be socialized properly, and while, when properly trained, they can be excellent family pets their guard dog nature will kick in naturally when there are strangers around.

Another dog with a lot of hair that you might be surprised won’t shed a lot is the Komondor. These are the dogs who often look a lot like a large mop on legs, as their fur is naturally a mass of white dreadlocks.

Their fur is actually deliberate. Looking for a big dog to help herd their sheep, European shepherds developed this friendly pup, whose coat they felt would scare sheep far less, as it looked a lot like their own! These pups are big and goofy but retain their guard dog instincts and will make very good family protection dogs too.

Although Afghan Hounds do not shed a lot, they certainly have a lot of hair. And if you think they look like diva dogs, the fact is that they really are, and will need plenty of grooming to keep that beautiful, almost wig like fur coat in great shape.

They will also need a lot of attention. They love to be at the center of everything – and hate to be excluded from fun – and they love to run, the reason they made such great hunting dogs in centuries past.

Schnauzers come in several sizes, but none of them shed a lot. The Giant Schnauzer, like his smaller peers, has a shiny, short coat that will need regular brushing to stay that way, and he will also need firm handling, otherwise his stubborn nature could lead to all kinds of trouble, making a Giant Schnauzer a poor choice for those with little experience with dogs.

As we mentioned earlier, there is no such thing as a dog that won’t shed at all, even the pups on our list will leave some fur around your home. However, no matter which dog breed you choose to welcome into your home, there are some simple, safe things you can do to reduce the amount that any dog sheds. Here are a few of the most effective.

Every pup, even a short haired, low-shed dog, should be brushed regularly. Doing so will remove any loose fur (so it does not get strewn around your home), but it will also help keep their fur shiny, tangle free and a good, but gentle, brushing is a bonding experience most dogs will love.

Most dogs do not need anywhere near as many baths as we take, but the occasional bath is called for, both to cut down on shedding and to help keep their coat and skin healthy. Make sure you make use of a hypoallergenic, tear free dog shampoo though, so that accidents with stingy soap don’t put your pup off baths for good.

Dogs of any kind will shed in their beds, and that fur will end up back on them as they sleep, to then be deposited across your nice clean house when they get up from their nap. Keeping their bedding as fur free as possible – making use of a simple lint brush can achieve this with relative ease – will help prevent this ‘shedding that really isn’t shedding’ problem.

The food that your pup eats can help keep his coat in great shape and reduce shedding too. There are certain vitamins and minerals that will help keep their coat healthy and shiny, and cut down on shedding, and so looking for a hypoallergenic dog food that includes them may be a great idea.

One choice of food we love for large shedding dogs is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, as the salmon it features as the primary protein is great for skin and coat while also being a lean choice with a great taste most dogs love.