Are you dreaming of a loyal, furry friend who won’t leave a trail of hair behind? Look no further than these seven big friendly dog breeds that don’t shed. Perfect for families and individuals who adore large dogs but dread constant cleaning, these breeds offer all the companionship without the mess. From the gentle Giant Schnauzer to the stately Standard Poodle, these dogs are not only affectionate and great with children but also hypoallergenic, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. Dive into a world of love and companionship without the vacuum cleaner battles.
Let’s face it: most dogs are adorable, but the hair they leave behind? Not so much! If you’re tired of vacuuming every corner or battling an allergic reaction, these big friendly dogs are here to save the day.
From the sleek charm of short-coat breeds to the luscious beauty of long-coat wonders, these pups shed less and snuggle more.
Picture a fluffy dog that doesn’t leave you sneezing or a smooth-skinned companion who looks like they walked out of a dream. Add a touch of humor, energy, and a dash of “professional grooming” magic, and you’ve got the perfect pet! No need for constant lint rollers or chasing loose dog hair anymore.
Ready to meet your low-shed BFF? Let’s dive into the world of big, friendly, and fabulously low-maintenance pups you’ll fall in love with instantly!
7 Big Friendly Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
1. Portuguese Water Dog
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Life Span |
11–13 years |
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Origin |
Portugal |
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History |
Originally bred as a working water dog for fishermen, assisting in retrieving nets and carrying messages. |
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Coat Colors |
Black, white, brown, or a mix of these. |
The Portuguese Water Dog is an affectionate dog known for its tight curly coat and boundless energy. Weighing between 35–60 pounds and standing 17–23 inches tall, this water dog breed thrives in active households per AKC. These hypoallergenic dogs are an excellent choice for allergy sufferers due to their non-shedding coat, which requires frequent brushing to prevent tangles.
Living with a Portuguese Water Dog means embracing their extremely intelligent and playful nature. They need regular exercise to stay happy, and their adaptability makes them excellent family pets.
With proper care and attention, these dogs can be great companions for people who love outdoor adventures. They’re also fantastic swimmers with a coat designed to keep them water-resistant and warm.
2. Bouvier des Flandres
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Life Span |
10–12 years |
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Origin |
Belgium |
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History |
Originally bred as a farm dog to herd sheep and cattle while pulling carts. |
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Coat Colors |
Black, fawn, gray, brindle. |
The Bouvier des Flandres is a big dog breed with a thick coat and a heart of gold. Weighing 70–110 pounds and standing 23.5–27.5 inches tall according to PetMD, these large dog breeds are calm yet strong, making them ideal for families looking for a loyal, protective companion.
This breed has a low-shedding coat, but professional grooming is essential to prevent matting. With their affectionate nature, they form strong bonds with their families. Despite their size, Bouviers are surprisingly gentle, making them great family pets.
They thrive on regular exercise and enjoy being close to their humans. Their history as working dogs gives them a natural instinct to protect, making them excellent guard dogs and companions.
3. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
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Life Span |
12–15 years |
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Origin |
Ireland |
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History |
Developed as a versatile farm dog for guarding, hunting, and herding. |
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Coat Colors |
Wheaten (soft golden hue). |
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is such a delightful member of the terrier family, known for its lovely silky coat that doesn’t shed! Standing at a perfect height of 17–19 inches and weighing between 30–40 pounds notes WebMD, this breed is just the right size for families who want a lively yet easy-to-manage companion. Plus, their hypoallergenic properties make them a wonderful choice for those with allergies.
Living with a Wheaten Terrier is an absolute joy—they’re playful, friendly, and always eager to please. Their wavy coat requires frequent brushing to maintain its softness and prevent matting.
These excellent family dogs thrive in active households and enjoy playtime with other pets or kids. With the right care, they’re a lively addition to any home, always ready for fun and adventure.
4. Komondor
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Life Span |
10–12 years |
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Origin |
Hungary |
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History |
An ancient breed developed to guard flocks of sheep, prized for its protective instincts. |
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Coat Colors |
White |
The Komondor is a prominent dog breed characterized by its distinctive and unique appearance, attributed to its mop-like woolly coat. Weighing between 80 and 100 pounds and standing at a height of 25 to 27 inches, these low-shedding dogs provide a protective presence in any household. Their tightly curled coat minimizes pet dander; however, it necessitates professional grooming to maintain its condition.
Living with a Komondor is like having a gentle giant with a heart of gold. These big dogs are loyal and affectionate, thriving in homes with space to roam. Although calm indoors, they require regular exercise to stay happy.
Ideal for experienced dog owners, their watchful nature makes them excellent guard dogs. Komondors are simply incredibly loving companions once you earn their trust.
5. Standard Schnauzer
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Life Span |
13–16 years |
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Origin |
Germany |
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History |
Bred as a versatile farm dog for herding and pest control. |
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Coat Colors |
Salt and pepper, black. |
The Standard Schnauzer, a standout among schnauzer breeds, is a medium-sized, big dog personality wrapped in a smaller package. Standing 17–20 inches tall and weighing 30–50 pounds, they have a wiry coat that is non-shedding but needs occasional grooming. A slicker brush is a dog owner’s best friend here.
These lively and incredibly intelligent dogs are a joy to train. With a bold and affectionate temperament, they’re great family pets and excellent watchdogs.
Schnauzers thrive on regular exercise, bonding with their humans, and playing with other dogs. Living with one is never boring—they bring endless energy and love into a home. Plus, their low-shedding coat means less dog hair everywhere!
6. Irish Water Spaniel
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Life Span |
10–12 years |
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Origin |
Ireland |
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History |
Developed as a duck hunter and waterproof coat specialist for wet environments. |
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Coat Colors |
Solid liver (rich brown). |
The Irish Water Spaniel is the comedian of big dog breeds with its playful nature and curly coat. Weighing 55–65 pounds and standing 21–24 inches tall, these hypoallergenic dog breeds are perfect for people with allergies. Their tight curly coat is non-shedding, requiring weekly brushing and regular trims.
These hunting dogs love swimming and outdoor adventures, making them perfect for active families. With their cheerful disposition, they fit well in homes with other pets and dog owners who love a good laugh.
They’re affectionate, energetic, and thrive with regular exercise. Their waterproof coat not only looks stunning but keeps them warm during their favorite pastime—splashing in the water!
7. Barbet
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Life Span |
12–14 years |
|
Origin |
France |
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History |
Known as an ancient breed, originally bred as a waterfowl retriever. |
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Coat Colors |
Black, brown, gray, or fawn. |
The Barbet is a fluffy, medium-to-large breed that’s as lovable as beautiful. Weighing 37–62 pounds and standing 20–25.5 inches tall as mentioned by UKC, its woolly coat is hypoallergenic and low shedding. However, frequent brushing is needed to prevent tangling.
Barbets are incredibly loving, making them great companions for families who enjoy an active lifestyle. They’re playful, sociable, and get along well with other dogs. These excellent family pets love water and outdoor adventures, thriving with regular exercise and affection.
Living with a Barbet means having a partner in fun—they’re always ready to jump into action or snuggle by your side. Their hypoallergenic thanks to their coat makes them perfect for allergy sufferers.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect dog for your family can be a joy, especially when exploring dogs that don’t shed much. From the regal Komondor to the playful Irish Water Spaniel, these breeds bring charm, loyalty, and a hypoallergenic nature to their homes. They’re among the best dogs for allergy sufferers who want big, friendly companions.
While we’ve discussed some incredible non-shedding breeds, don’t overlook others like the elegant Afghan Hound, the sturdy Giant Schnauzer, or the versatile Airedale Terrier. Breeds like the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd, though not hypoallergenic, have a double coat that’s manageable with regular grooming. For smaller options, consider the Miniature Schnauzer, Toy Poodle, Scottish Terrier, or the nearly barkless dog, the Peruvian Inca Orchid.
Whatever your choice, remember that all dogs, from the Standard Poodle to the Black Russian Terrier, need love, care, and the right tools to reduce shedding and maintain their health. A happy pup makes a happy home!
In exploring the world of big friendly dog breeds that don’t shed, it becomes clear that these gentle giants offer the best of both worlds: their large, affectionate nature combined with minimal grooming concerns. Breeds like the Standard Poodle, Irish Water Spaniel, and Giant Schnauzer exemplify this desirable combination. These dogs not only provide companionship for families but also reduce the allergens typically associated with shedding. By choosing a non-shedding large breed, potential pet owners can enjoy the benefits of an amiable, low-maintenance furry friend that seamlessly fits into a household while minimizing the usual clean-up.