If you are searching for a big cuddly dog that doesn’t give you a massive fur trouble or a need a gentle giant, but without the endless shedding. These sweet pooches and snuggle bugs will serve as a perfect family companion for the OCD suffering clean freaks. Now you can say goodbye to the fur-covered furniture and enjoy limitless couch cuddles with your trusty and loving pooches.
Now, no breed of dog is truly non-shedding, but some breeds shed less than others, making the lives of dog owners much easier and stress-free. Hypoallergenic dogs generally produce less dander, which is a common allergen that causes an allergic reaction in allergy sufferers.
Many people are allergic to proteins found in a dog’s saliva, urine, and dander, not the fur itself, but breeds that shed less are way better than the big dogs that shed piles of fur each day. All low-shedding dogs require regular grooming to remove loose hair and dander and maintain a healthy, long or short coat.
Let’s get to know them.
Big Friendly Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
1. Afghan Hound
This majestic long long-haired hunting and coursing hound hails from the unique cultural landscape of Afghanistan. British soldiers were so intrigued and in love with these hounds that they brought these pups back to their homeland as a living souvenir.
Purina states this unique dog, which was bred by the Bedouin people to hunt the elusive gazelle and small game in the rough and rocky terrain of Afghanistan, is a low-shedding breed despite its luscious, long coat.
The Afghan Hound needs a lot of maintenance, including frequent bathing and several hours of brushing each week. That might seem too extensive, but when compared to other dogs that shed profusely makes this aesthetic dog seems like a rare gem among many ordinary stones.
Did you know the Afghan hound is the most expensive ancient dog breed in the world? If you didn’t, then brace yourself for the impact because this pooch with piercing eyes, slim and slender physique, and silky fur is quite a boujie breed to own.
These undeniably striking and mystical ancient dogs can be traced back a thousand years, have been featured in art and literature, and were also used as war dogs. Hence, if you are keen about adopting this pooch, make sure to find a reputable breeder that doesn’t compromise on the health of this precious indigenous hound.
2. Barbet
This perfect example of a water dog breed has existed since the 16th century. These medium-sized hypoallergenic sporting dog breed is densely covered in a fuzzy and curly coat of hair, which also hangs over their eyes, giving this pooch a look of an oversized teddy.
A barbet is a sweet-natured, social bug that bonds well with families and individuals and makes a cool-tempered, loyal companion with a bright and cheery disposition.
Omlet says the hypoallergenic coat of a barbet is quite rustic and shaggy, giving a barbet a look of a cute, lively muppett that makes an excellent family pet. With little training and exercise, the eager-to-please barbet excels in a household where training is kept interesting with the addition of valuable treats that are awarded for their progress.
This less messy pooch has a sweeping tail and a strong and sturdy body. Moreover, underneath all that fuzziness lies an alert hunter and an exceptional swimmer. These pups are an extremely intelligent breed that is athletic and quick in locating, flushing, and retrieving birds.
Their well-built, muscular body helps them move through the water, and their webbed feet make them wonderful swimmers and talented agility competitors in their native country, France.
3. Briard
This gallant and romantic hero is also another muscular and dashing French breed, a complete heart wrapped in fur. The briard is a herder with a lovable and loyal spirit and can be identified from a distance by its peek-a-boo hairdo, which is naturally parted in the middle like a traditional, elegant protagonist of the 70s era.
According to the Continental Kennel Club, the Briard has a long, coarse coat that sheds very little when properly maintained. The briard is an athletic hero with a sturdy stance and nimble gait, a typical livestock guard dog with a lot of hair that only needs occasional brushing to prevent mats.
But don’t you ever underestimate this rough and shaggy-coated pooch that hardly sheds. As it is quite influential, so much so that the Great Napoleon and Thomas Jefferson stand among the list of fans of the briard.
This protective, noble, and highly trainable dog is a wonderful mix of beauty and brains. They take care of your children vigilantly, whom they see as their flock. Briards are always wary of strangers and are highly capable in their field of work.
But briards are not just popular dogs that can only herd sheep nicely, but are also highly energetic and tireless pooches, who love to work so much that they can be difficult to understand and manage for some laid-back owners.
4. Giant Schnauzer
The largest of the schnauzer’s the Giant Schnauzer, is a German breed that was developed by breeding standard schnauzers with the Great Dane. This ruffled pooch has a dense, wiry coat that sheds very little. But needs regular professional grooming, and can also be maintained with weekly brushing between appointments.
Orvis quotes that the Giant Schnauzer has minimal shedding compared to other large dog breeds. The schnauzer was originally bred to be a farm and home guardian, but nowadays has traded its role as a farm dog to play a part in police and military units.
The benefits of keeping this pooch are plenty, just like their ample size, which, compared to a miniature schnauzer, shows a huge difference of 65 pounds, making these pooches intimidating and powerful compared to their dainty and fragile mini versions.
Owners say that adopting these pooches is no small commitment because these pups can be a challenge, but their discerning intelligence, loyalty, and high protective energy make these pooches the ultimate guardians and life-long companions for their families. They are loving and friendly dogs that don’t shed, but will strive to keep you happy every moment you spend with them.
5. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel has a water-resistant coat that sheds minimally. This pooch is a playful and sprightly dog with a distinct rat tail. Hailing from the rich cultural land of the Irish people, this hardworking and brave pup is a force to be reckoned with in the sporting field and at home.
Originally bred to be a hunting dog, the IWS is renowned for its ability to retrieve game from water and is the oldest and rarest of the spaniel breeds.
This tallest of all spaniels and crisply curly-coated dog sheds minimally compared to other big dog breeds, and is another champion swimmer of the canine kingdom. The keen intelligence and affectionate nature, coupled with a friendly, alert, and eager-to-please temperament, make an Irish water spaniel a great companion dog.
The best part about this Irish hero is that it is also considered a hypoallergenic dog due to its low-shedding, water-resistant coat.
PetMD says the Irish Water Spaniel’s tightly curled coat requires frequent brushing and regular professional grooming to make it look its best. This outgoing pooch is a high-activity outdoor enthusiast and needs long walks in nature, play sessions with interactive and challenging games, and water-based activities.
6. Komondor
The Komondor is a large Hungarian dog that does not shed and has a unique corded coat that is also called dreadlocks. These cords of hair are so thick that they serve as an armor against vicious predators like wolves and also keep this dog warm in the extreme cold weather.
But the Komondor’s corded coat requires significant grooming to maintain its texture and prevent matting. Hand stripping their coats is required to reduce shedding in these gentle giants.
According to PDSA, the komondor is a quick, alert, and confident protector that attacks a predator when they least expect it. This non-shedding pooch needs regular exercise because of its high energy level and strong protective drive.
This hypoallergenic dog breed with a lot of dog hair is a large dog breed. This rare pooch is not easy to find, and only a few lucky dog enthusiasts get the honor to encounter this majestic flock guardian. The komondor looks like a big pile of woolly fluff, but underneath all the white cords lies an independent, strong, agile, and light-footed dog that moves with long strides.
This funny-looking guy makes an excellent companion for pet owners who are looking for a solid non-shedding breed to prevent allergic reactions. Now you might need a professional groomer to maintain this dog’s long hair. But you won’t have to face a big mountain of fur every other day, all thanks to this low-shedding dog breed.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
The last man standing in this big, friendly dog breeds that don’t shed list is the Portuguese water dog, which is an excellent swimmer and sea farer with an adorable teddy bear-like face, and is an extremely popular celebrity dog in America. This athletic, adventurous, and affectionate non-shedding large dog sheds very little and is also considered hypoallergenic.
The AKC states the Portuguese Water Dog’s waterproof coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting. This fluffy water enthusiast needs active pet parents because of its high energy level, but is a super smart and biddable dog with an ever-content and jolly nature.
This pooch was developed in the 13th century to be fishermen’s assistants, who helped in retrieving fish gear and prevented fish from escaping from the fishing nets along the coast of Portugal.
These happy pooches need plenty of attention and exercise, and remain their playful and spirited selves if provided with proper training and care from an early age.
Conclusion
Don’t want to mess with the stress of cleaning piles of dog fur? No worries, these low-shedding dogs will help you in keeping your house clean and your mind clearer. Just pick up one of these stylish curly-coated cuties or daring dreadlock guys from a local shelter and forget about buying a heavy-duty vacuum to handle all the dog hair.
Cancel your monthly subscription with Chiengora (dog wool) spinner, and get a Kerry blue terrier, wirehaired pointing griffon, or a black russian terrier from a reputable breeder today. Ditch the popular Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois and bring in the king of the terrier breeds, like the Airedale terrier or a soft-coated wheaten terrier, to keep your dog dander allergies at bay.
