If you’re dreaming of a loyal, furry companion but dread the sneezing, itching, or the endless clean-up from shedding fur, you’re not alone. For allergy sufferers or simply tidy homeowners, medium dog breeds that don’t shed much can offer the perfect balance of comfort and cleanliness. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds release far less dander and loose hair, making them far easier to live with, especially for those with sensitivities.
These low-shedding medium dogs don’t just benefit your health, they also help keep your living space noticeably cleaner. With less hair clinging to clothes, carpets, and furniture, they make daily upkeep much easier. Better still, these breeds often have endearing personalities, manageable exercise needs, and physical sizes that make them just right, not too big, not too small.
In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best medium-sized dog breeds that don’t shed much. Whether you’re looking for a cuddle buddy, an adventure partner, or a family pet, these dogs offer the best of both worlds: minimal mess and maximum love.
Medium Dog Breeds that Don’t Shed
1. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a standout among medium-sized breeds that don’t shed much, making it an excellent choice for allergy-conscious families. Originally bred to assist fishermen along Portugal’s coastlines, these spirited dogs are as intelligent as they are affectionate.
Their working background means they thrive on activity, attention, and mental stimulation. Though adaptable enough for apartment living, they truly shine in households that can meet their daily exercise needs, typically 30 to 60 minutes a day. Known for their energetic, friendly personalities, Porties are also quick learners, eager to please, and make loyal, doting companions.
Grooming
Despite their low-shedding nature, these loyal dogs’ curly or wavy coat requires consistent grooming to stay healthy and mat-free. Their hair grows continuously, much like human hair, so brushing several times a week and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is essential.
PetMD notes that the Portuguese Water Dog’s thick, curly, or wavy coat is susceptible to tangling, making routine grooming appointments essential. Their coat comes in black, black and white, or brown, with some sporting silver or white tips. Regular dental care is also recommended to avoid costly cleanings later on.
Fun Fact: Portuguese Water Dogs gained national fame when Bo and Sunny Obama served as beloved “First Dogs” in the White House.
2. Lagotto Romagnolo
Originally bred in Italy’s Romagna region to retrieve waterfowl, these curly-coated dogs have since gained fame as expert truffle hunters. Weighing up to 35 pounds and standing under 20 inches tall, the Lagotto is both compact and sturdy.
Their intelligence, affectionate demeanor, and moderate energy levels make them a great fit for households looking for a playful yet manageable dog. The AKC describes the Lagotto Romagnolo as loving, alert, and easygoing. Best of all, their tightly curled coat sheds minimally, making them an appealing choice for allergy-sensitive owners.
Grooming
Though these smart dogs are low-shedding, their dense, human hair-like curls require consistent grooming. The double coat is prone to matting, so regular brushing and trimming are essential. Most owners opt for a professional groom every few weeks to maintain their coat’s texture and appearance.
The curls also help insulate them in colder seasons and protect against forest debris during outdoor activities. Weekly ear checks are recommended to prevent buildup or infection.
Fun Fact: While they once hunted waterfowl, the Lagotto Romagnolo is now best known as Italy’s premier truffle-hunting dog, prized for its exceptional scenting ability.
3. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a cheerful, medium-sized breed that fits beautifully into households looking for a low-shedding dog with a lively personality. Named for their wheat-colored, silky coats, Wheatens are beloved for their upbeat nature and trademark “Wheaten greetin’”, an enthusiastic leap to welcome their humans.
Hills Pet describes Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers as lively and smart dogs. These terriers are affectionate and adaptable, but they also carry the classic terrier stubborn streak. Consistent training and daily exercise are key to keeping them well-behaved and mentally engaged.
Grooming
While their coats shed very little, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers require intensive grooming to prevent tangles and matting. Their single-layer coats come in two types, American and Irish, with the American coat being fuller and higher maintenance.
Regular brushing and combing are essential, sometimes needed daily or even multiple times a day. Frequent trims are also recommended to maintain their signature soft, flowing appearance. Unlike double-coated breeds, they lack an undercoat, so they don’t shed, but they do demand dedication.
Fun Fact: The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier’s “open” coat is unique in that it doesn’t shed like most dogs, but instead requires regular clipping and combing to stay mat-free.
4. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier has an elegant build, lively personality, and most notably, its non-shedding coat. Originally bred in Ireland for a variety of tasks, herding, guarding, and even hunting vermin, this breed brings both brains and brawn to the table. Compact and muscular, the Kerry Blue is a natural athlete capable of excelling in dog sports and agility.
They require consistent training and early socialization, particularly around other pets, as they may not mix well with cats. Purina points out that because of their independent temperament and strong hunting instincts, Kerry Blues are more suitable for families without young children or those with older teens.
Grooming
One of the Kerry Blue’s most distinguishing traits is its dense, wavy coat, which comes in a signature blue-grey color that develops gradually as puppies mature from black to silvery blue. This soft, silky coat doesn’t shed, making the breed a solid choice for allergy-sensitive households.
However, it does require daily brushing to prevent matting and collect debris, especially around the paws and ears. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks helps maintain their distinct appearance.
Fun Fact: The Kerry Blue Terrier’s unique coat color doesn’t appear at birth; puppies are born black and gradually fade to their iconic blue-grey shade over time.
5. Airedale Terrier
Known as the “King of Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is the largest of its group, and it has an athletic and confident personality. These medium-sized dogs, typically weighing 40 to 65 pounds and standing around 23 to 24 inches tall, are high-energy companions that thrive in active households.
Airedales are affectionate and loyal, making them devoted family members. Their versatile abilities have earned them a reputation as hunters, guardians, and athletes, but they also make excellent companions when given enough mental and physical stimulation.
Grooming
These affectionate dogs have a dense, wiry coat with a soft underlayer that sheds minimally, making them a strong candidate for allergy-sensitive homes. Weekly brushing helps maintain coat health and reduces stray hair around the house.
Matting should be gently separated with fingers and a comb when detected. For optimal coat condition, full grooming, including bathing and hand-stripping or clipping, should be done three to four times a year, either professionally or at home.
Fun Fact: Thanks to their strength, stamina, and sharp minds, Airedale Terriers have historically been used in a wide range of roles, from wartime messengers to loyal family dogs.
6. Boxer
The Boxer is a lively, affectionate breed that fits beautifully into active households. Known for their muscular build and square-shaped heads, Boxers are as playful as they are protective. Don’t let their tough exterior fool you, these dogs are gentle with children, loyal to their families, and full of clownish charm.
Originally bred as working dogs, they remain energetic and require plenty of daily exercise to keep their minds and bodies satisfied. Their alert, expressive faces and graceful, athletic movement make them a standout in both form and personality.
Grooming
Thanks to their short, tight-fitting coat, Boxers shed only moderately and are relatively low maintenance. Brushing a few times a week with a hound glove or rubber curry brush helps reduce loose hair and keeps their coat glossy.
Their coats come in fawn or brindle, often with white markings on the chest, paws, or face. Regular grooming also helps minimize allergens, making them more manageable for tidy homes.
Fun Fact: Boxers have a natural watchdog instinct and will confidently protect their families, but their silly, upbeat nature makes them one of the most fun-loving breeds around.
7. Barbet
Pronounced “bar-bay,” this French water dog has a long history of retrieving birds from lakes and marshes, aided by its thick, curly coat and agile build. Known for their cheerful and social personalities, Barbets are affectionate with family members and eager to please.
Their intelligence makes them quick learners, and their calm disposition helps them adapt well to different households, provided they receive regular mental and physical exercise.
Grooming
Barbets have a dense, woolly coat that requires regular professional grooming to prevent matting and maintain their natural curls. Owners should brush their Barbet two to three times a week using a slicker or pin brush, especially after swimming.
Grooming routines often include a full brush-out, a thorough combing to the skin, and a bath followed by blow-drying for trims. Most trims keep the coat 3 to 5 inches long, with the head and tail left fuller. Regular nail trimming, ear checks, and dental care are also essential to the breed’s health.
Fun Fact: The name “Barbet” comes from the French word barbe, meaning beard, a nod to the breed’s signature hairy chin.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect companion among medium dog breeds that don’t shed can be life-changing, especially for allergy sufferers or those seeking a tidier home. Breeds like the Portuguese Water Dog and Barbet prove that you don’t have to sacrifice personality or playfulness for low-maintenance coats. These hypoallergenic dog breeds not only limit the spread of dander and hair but also bring affection, intelligence, and versatility into your daily life.
While this list focuses on mid-sized options, other great choices include small hypoallergenic dogs like the Bichon Frise and Miniature Schnauzer, or large hypoallergenic dogs such as the Irish Water Spaniel. No matter the size, dogs that don’t shed offer a wonderful balance of comfort and cleanliness for modern households. With the right grooming routine and regular activity, these breeds make excellent, allergy-friendly companions for families, singles, and seniors alike.
