Tired of battling mountains of dog hair? Dreaming of canine companionship without the constant vacuuming? Believe it or not, owning a big dog doesn’t have to mean living in a fur-covered world. Discover 15 surprisingly low-shedding large breeds that offer all the love and loyalty of a big dog, without the shedding headaches. From gentle giants to playful protectors, these breeds prove that you can have a big, clean, and cuddly companion all in one. Prepare to be amazed, and maybe even find your next furry best friend!
I’m a huge fan of big dogs; the bigger, the better. My black Lab, one of the types of Labrador, is 85 pounds of pure goofiness and a total loverboy. However, one downfall is the bigger the dog, the more they shed — and that fur gets everywhere!
I use special dryer sheets because of the amount of dog hair that my dogs shed on a weekly basis, and I use my broom so much it should have its own name.
But what if I said you could have a big beast that didn’t — or at the very least shed very little? Get ready to put that vacuum away because, believe it or not, there are some giant dogs that don’t shed, and you can make them your own.
Whether you have allergies and need a hypoallergenic dog or can only deal with a little bit of dog hair at a time because you’re a neat freak, you have options.
Big Dogs that Don’t Shed
With so many dog breeds in the canine kingdom, who has time to go through them all to determine which big dogs don’t shed too much? We do! That’s why we’ve picked out our top 15.
1. Airedale Terrier
| WEIGHT | 50 to 70 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 23″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Wiry coat, strong dog with a tall stature |
If you love terriers and want the biggest one the canine kingdom has to offer, you’ll meet your match in the Airedale Terrier. This stunning dog is a mixture of black and tan with slightly longer hair that’s wiry and needs weekly brushing and occasional grooming by a professional.
As a bonus, the Airedale Terrier doesn’t have a lot of oil in its fur, so it has less dander, making it one of the hypoallergenic breeds for people with allergies.
The Airedale Terrier hails from England, where it was a ratting dog and a duck hunter. It has a strong independent streak, so these large dogs are cautious of strangers, but they are great family pets with wonderful personalities.
2. Afghan Hound
| WEIGHT | 50 to 60 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 25″ to 27″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Long, silky hair in a variety of colors, tall and lean dog |
An elegant beauty, the Afghan Hound is one of the hound dog breeds that tops our list of dogs that don’t shed much. It’s a dog that comes from Afghanistan, where it had two purposes. The Afghan Hound was used as a hunting dog, but it was also a companion dog for royalty — and it’s clear to see why.
It’s important that you groom your Afghan Hound regularly because its long hair can become tangled and matted otherwise.
These pups are very strong-willed, which can lead to problems in training, but they are intelligent. They just have a mind of their own. Afghan Hounds can be very affectionate dogs who love their owners.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
| WEIGHT | 35 to 60 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 17″ to 23″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Medium build, wavy or curly coat, black, brown, and white; sometimes, they have white markings |
All the way from Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog has been a fixture for fishermen for hundreds of years. It had a variety of tasks, from herding fish (yes, that’s a thing!) to delivering messages and fetching broken nets. These days, the Portuguese Water Dog is a great family pet and makes a wonderful companion with an incredibly loving nature.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a waterproof coat that’s designed to keep them from getting weighed down in the water. They only have a single coat, though it will need some regular grooming to prevent it from tangling.
While no dog is considered 100% hypoallergenic, Portuguese Water Dogs are a great option for those with allergies.
4. Belgian Malinois
| WEIGHT | 40 to 80 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 22″ to 26″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Lean and muscular, black carriage on face, double coat |
Often mistaken for the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois differs in that it has a short coat and doesn’t shed nearly as much, so your tile or hardwood floors won’t magically turn into carpet. Like the German Shepherd, though, the Belgian Malinois is a working dog and thus an energetic breed, and you will need to keep it busy.
The best thing about the Belgian Malinois is that with proper training, you have a strong, devoted pup that will be by your side for the rest of its life. When it comes to grooming needs, the Belgian Malinois needs frequent brushing just to make sure its undercoat — it has a double coat — is kept free of tangles.
Did you know there are four types of Belgian Malinois?
5. Black Russian Terrier
| WEIGHT | 80 to 130 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 26″ to 30″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Big and brawny build, brick-shaped head, docked tail |
If you thought this was a Giant Schnauzer, you are not alone, I promise. They do look quite similar, but this breed isn’t hypoallergenic. However, they are one of the large dog breeds that don’t shed much.
These large dogs have a thick undercoat that doesn’t get wet, so bathing can be a fun experience, and you’re better off sending them to a professional groomer.
These pups were bred by the Russian military, so they’re naturally a more tranquil animal that fares well in stressful situations. But be warned, it can be a very needy big dog, so it’s one to make sure you have enough time for.
6. Briard
| WEIGHT | 55 to 100 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 22″ to 27″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Coarse fur, long coat that’s water resistant and dirt resistant, tall stature with solid build |
A French dog, the Briard is another working dog that thrives on guarding flocks and herding sheep. These dogs are powerful and brave because they were bred to protect their flocks, but they are also incredibly loving and make excellent family pets.
The Briard is unique in that its coat is dirt resistant and water resistant, but it comes with a price. That is your hand brushing its coat fairly regularly, a few times a week for sure.
They have gorgeous faces that are hidden beneath the sheets of fur with peek-a-boo eyes that make them even cuter. A visit to the groomer every few months can keep their coats in top shape and reduce shedding.
7. Poodle
| WEIGHT | 40 to 70 pounds |
| HEIGHT | More than 15″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Curly coat, square build, muscular but lean |
Considered a hypoallergenic dog breed, Poodles have that iconic curly coat that looks gorgeous whether it’s cropped short or grown out. This breed comes in several sizes, ranging from the Toy Poodle to the Standard Poodle, which is the one we’re talking about when we mention bigger dogs that don’t shed.
Poodles can be very fluffy as their coats grow out, though they shed little. I recommend a professional groomer a few times a year to keep their coats in check.
The coats on these large dogs will tangle easily if left to grow out without any type of maintenance. The Standard Poodle can also develop a skin condition called atopic dermatitis if not properly cared for.
8. Barbet
| WEIGHT | 35 to 65 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 19″ to 25″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Shaggy and curly coat, with long fur, solid build with large head and long tail |
The Barbet is probably one of the oldest breeds on this list. The ancient breed was bred in France as a retriever of birds. This medium-sized dog is a water dog that loves to swim, so keep an eye on the breed around water unless you’re prepared with a towel to dry it off.
The Barbet is a thick and fluffy dog with a wooly coat that’s subject to tangling, like many long-haired dogs. Regular grooming will ensure their fur stays shiny and healthy as well as tangle-free.
The Barbet is a super friendly dog that has a very sweet disposition. It gets so attached to the people that it can sometimes result in separation anxiety.
9. Giant Schnauzer
| WEIGHT | 55 to 85 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 23.5″ to 27.5″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Dense wiry coat, prominent beard, and eyebrows, solid, nearly square build |
Many people love the look of the Giant Schnauzer, myself included. It’s such a dignified-looking dog, and its beard and eyebrows only add to its allure.
The Giant Schnauzer is said to be hypoallergenic and a non-shedder, but be warned its fur grows long, so it does need regular care. This includes brushing and a professional cut to keep it from getting unruly.
Personality-wise, this dog is a protective sort and can be a guard dog. It grows attached to its owners, especially children, and will guard them like it’s their job. These large dogs are playful as well and learn tricks and commands very quickly, thanks to their intelligence.
10. Goldendoodle
| WEIGHT | 50-plus pounds |
| HEIGHT | More than 21″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Curly coats, solid body that’s well balanced, can be in any combination of colors |
The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Poodle and one of the types of Golden Retriever. It’s got all of the features you love about both of the breeds, including the goofy, playful nature. The Goldendoodle is a very trainable dog, and the crossbreed actually makes a wonderful therapy dog and loves being around other dogs.
When it comes to the Goldendoodle coat, they do shed, but not nearly as much as a Golden Retriever would on its own. The Poodle passes off some of its hypoallergenic nature as well. Because it grows quickly, regular brushing and professional grooming can keep the Goldendoodle coat neat and manageable.
Bred with a Toy or Mini Poodle, the crossbreed will create a Mini Goldendoodle.
11. Irish Water Spaniel
| WEIGHT | 45 to 68 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 21″ to 24″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Tight curly coat, liver brown only, long, smooth tail, and well-proportioned body |
The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the water dog breeds as well as one of the largest types of spaniel dogs. It was originally bred in Ireland, where it serves as a hunting dog that retrieves, flushes, and points to multiple types of waterfowl.
Its coat is made up of tight curls that need regular brushing to keep it free of debris and tangles. The Irish Water Spaniel sheds very little.
In addition to being a working dog, it has a strong love for the water. It’s also an alert and intelligent dog breed, so it’s easy to train for commands around the home or in the field. The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful sort that is at home with its people but may be reserved towards strangers.
12. Bouvier des Flandres
| WEIGHT | 70 to 110 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 23.5″ to 27.5″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Barrel chest, prominent beard, and mustache, weatherproof coat |
The Bouvier des Flandres is a herding dog that originated in Flanders, Belgium, where it gets its name from. While they are working dogs, they also make great family pets because they are a docile and very well-tempered breed despite their size.
The Bouvier des Flandres is intelligent and quick to learn, making it easy to train.
One of the things you’ll immediately notice about the Bouvier des Flandres is that its fur is very long. While it’s natural to trim its hair, you shouldn’t touch its trademark beard and mustache. If you aren’t comfortable doing it at home, take it in for professional grooming.
13. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
| WEIGHT | 30 to 40 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 17″ to 19″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Muscular and sturdy build, coat is made of long, silky hair |
This farm dog comes from Ireland and is well known for its long beard. Where the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was once a workhorse, it is now a family dog, and it is happy to be around children and other dogs.
This breed doesn’t shed much, but it does have long, wavy fur that requires a bit of care.
One thing to remember about soft-coated wheaten terriers is that they are one of the terrier breeds, and that means they come with terrier tendencies such as stubbornness and a willingness to dig. However, this very smart dog trains easily, so dog owners will have a great time teaching it new tricks.
14. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
| WEIGHT | 35 to 70 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 20″ to 24″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Medium size dog, strong and muscular, wiry double coat in white and orange, white and brown, chestnut, or roan. |
This breed is one of the types of pointer dog breeds, a category of dogs that “points” to where hunters can find their targets. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has been around for more than 100 years, dating back to the late 1800s when it was developed in the Netherlands.
Today, it still retains its hunting capabilities and proves to be quick-witted and diligent in the fields. At home, it’s a loving dog that is happy to cuddle up on the couch.
The coat on the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is water-resistant and wiry but needs regular brushing. As far as grooming, you can get away with getting its fur professionally cut between three and four times a year.
15. Peruvian Inca Orchid
| WEIGHT | 26.5 to 55 pounds |
| HEIGHT | 19.75″ to 25.75″ |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | Slim build, no hair, smooth skin |
How can you ensure a dog is one of the non-shedding breeds? It’s easy when it has no fur to begin with. That’s the case with the Peruvian Inca Orchid, which is a Peruvian hairless dog that may have delicate peach fuzz on its face or head.
This means you’ll need to provide this hairless breed with some sort of protection when it’s outside so its skin doesn’t burn or freeze.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a sighthound and tends to have a copper, chocolate brown, or gray skin color. The Peruvian Inca Orchid has a whopper of a personality, too. It’s a lively dog that is affectionate with its people.
Tips for Reducing Shedding in Big Dog Breeds
While not all of these pups are non-shedding breeds, many are low-shedding dogs, meaning you won’t be cleaning up their dog fur and pet dander as much. But if you’re looking for tips on reducing shedding, you’ve come to the right place!
One of the best ways to reduce shedding is to keep your pup healthy. This means ensuring they stay up to date on shots and parasite prevention and eat quality food. Investing in a quality shampoo is ideal, as well. Don’t buy the cheap 99-cent dog shampoo and expect it to work wonders.
Keeping your home free of dog hair can be a challenging feat, but using an air purifier, one specifically formulated for homes with pets, can help. Consider it a boost to your vacuuming routine. Also, keep a lint roller on hand for your clothes to pick up short hair and long hair.
Regular brushing can help remove loose fur and keep it from finding its way under your bed to create the world’s scariest dust bunny. Use a pin brush or a slicker brush for longer-haired dogs to help with detangling and an undercoat rake for dogs that have double coats that may mat or knot at the base.
FAQs
What Is the Largest Breed of Hypoallergenic Dogs?
The largest of the hypoallergenic dog breeds include the Giant Schnauzer, the Airedale Terrier, and the Afghan Hound.
Are There German Shepherds That Don’t Shed?
Nope, sadly, there are no German Shepherds that don’t shed. However, with regular brushing and a good hygiene routine, you can minimize how much fur spreads around your home. A good alternative would be the Belgian Malinois, but beware, they aren’t exactly alike, though they do have striking similarities.
Which Dog Breed Is the Most Calm and Doesn’t Shed?
Large dog breeds tend to have a lot of energy, typically because they’re working dogs at heart. However, there are some dogs that don’t shed and are actually calmer than the rest on the list.
For example, on this list, we have the Black Russian Terrier and the Goldendoodle. Other calm, larger breeds that shed little or not at all are the Saluki and Basenji.
Conclusion
The idea of having a house free of dog fur as a dog owner is considered a pipe dream, but there are breeds that don’t shed or shed very little that can help minimize your cleaning duties.
These pups all have their benefits, and it’s important to make sure that their shedding habits aren’t the only reason you adopt one.
Make sure you compare their lifestyle to yours to ensure a good fit because a dog is a long-term commitment!
Ultimately, while no dog is truly “non-shedding,” these 15 breeds offer significantly reduced shedding compared to others. From the stately Standard Poodle to the playful Portuguese Water Dog, these larger breeds provide companionship without the constant battle against loose fur. Regular grooming is still essential for maintaining their coats and overall health, but the payoff is a cleaner home and less time spent vacuuming. Choosing one of these breeds allows you to enjoy the joys of a large canine companion without being overwhelmed by their shed.